"The president of Venezuela, Nicolas Maduro, accused US media outlets of manufacturing 'virtual realities' about Venezuela to impose a 'colonial government' on his country while leading a meeting with members of his cabinet to assess the management carried out during 2025 and define the issues to be addressed for the upcoming 2026-2031 period. During his remarks at the Miraflores Palace in Caracas on Friday, the head of state devoted a segment to questioning the coverage by US media on Venezuela, urging them to broaden their view of the reality of his country. "It is important that US media do not allow themselves to be carried away by so many lobbies and open their ears, open their eyes so they can see a deep Venezuela that wants peace," Maduro said. He also reiterated his position regarding what he considers attempts to impose external models of government on Venezuela, referring to the tense relations with the US since August, when the government of Donald Trump deployed military assets in the Caribbean Sea near Venezuela under an operation against drug trafficking and organised crime, which has also resulted in the seizure of three vessels carrying Venezuelan oil, arguing that they are part of a clandestine fleet. "It is impossible that from sectors of power in the United States they fabricate a virtual reality and impose on Venezuela a model of colonial and enslaving domination to steal its natural resources. That is impossible," Maduro said in his characteristic English. He further stated that Venezuela remains fully willing to engage in international dialogue, provided it is based on mutual respect and recognition of sovereignty. "There will always be a president here who represents his people to extend a hand and seek paths of peace, cooperation and prosperity. It had to be said and it was said," said Maduro. On the other hand, the leader levelled accusations against sectors of the opposition abroad, accusing them of alleged misappropriation of funds. "Those who make decisions in the United States, how much money has the opposition stolen in 25 years? The Venezuelan right wing from the United States itself. 10 billion dollars," Maduro asserted. Finally, the Venezuelan president told his ministers that what the United States wants from Venezuela is not 'Maduro' but its gold, oil and natural wealth."