Venezuela's Maduro denies second call with Trump, reiterates call for peaceful relations

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro said on Thursday that he has not held a second phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump, clarifying that the only conversation between the two leaders took place on November 21 and lasted about 10 minutes.

Speaking in a live interview, Maduro said the call was conducted in a respectful and cordial atmosphere but added that subsequent actions taken by the United States were not friendly. He reiterated his desire to maintain peaceful relations with the American people, stressing that he does not want any form of military confrontation or war between the two countries. 

The comments came as Maduro delivered a New Year's address broadcast on Wednesday, in which he said Venezuela is facing challenges "in the best possible condition." He cited growth in the country's real economy as evidence that Venezuela is overcoming external attacks and blockades.

Maduro also said that amid what he described as recent imperialist threats, national unity and public identification with the country have strengthened. He called on Venezuelans to remain united to collectively resist imperialism.