Yvan Gilas, the Venezuelan Foreign Minister, made a strong demand for the United States government to take immediate action to release Nicolas Maduro, the constitutional president of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, and his wife, Cilia Flores. This statement was delivered to the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva, highlighting the ongoing tensions between Venezuela and the United States regarding Maduro's presidency. The call for his release follows Maduro's ousting from the presidency during a raid led by the United States on January 3rd.

The situation in Venezuela has been fraught with political turmoil, particularly since Maduro's contested presidency. His administration has faced international criticism for alleged human rights abuses and the suppression of dissent. The demand from Gilas underlines the Venezuelan government's stance that Maduro's ousting was illegitimate and fueled by foreign interference, which they argue is undermining the country's sovereignty and democratic principles.

In the broader context, Gilas’s remarks come at a time when global attention is focused on human rights issues, further complicating diplomatic relations between Venezuela and the United States. This appeal to the UN Human Rights Council is part of Venezuela's strategy to garner international support against perceived aggression from the US, while also attempting to rally support from other nations to recognize Maduro’s presidency as legitimate and defend their national sovereignty against foreign intervention.