U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken held a significant call today with President-elect Edmundo González Urrutia and María Corina Machado, prominent leaders of Venezuela’s democratic opposition. The call reaffirmed the United States’ strong commitment to supporting the democratic will of the Venezuelan people, following the recent elections that saw González Urrutia elected as the new president of Venezuela.
Support for Democratic Restoration and Political Prisoners
In his conversation, Secretary Blinken reiterated the U.S. government’s support for the peaceful restoration of democracy in Venezuela, emphasizing the importance of free and fair elections and the need for a political transition that reflects the aspirations of the Venezuelan people. Blinken also underscored the United States’ continued advocacy for the release of all unjustly detained political prisoners, many of whom have been held under the regime of Nicolás Maduro.
Secretary Blinken praised both González Urrutia and Machado for their leadership and steadfast commitment to democratic principles in the face of intense repression and adversity. He emphasized that the Venezuelan opposition, alongside the broader international community, is united in its determination to secure a democratic future for Venezuela, free from authoritarian control.
Condemnation of Maduro’s Anti-Democratic Actions
The Secretary also took the opportunity to reaffirm the United States’ condemnation of the Maduro regime’s anti-democratic actions, including its efforts to undermine Venezuela’s electoral process and suppress political opposition. “The United States stands firmly with the people of Venezuela in their struggle for democracy,” said Blinken, highlighting that the U.S. will continue to work with regional and global partners to support Venezuela’s democratic transition.
The call comes amid ongoing challenges facing Venezuela, where President Nicolás Maduro has faced widespread international criticism for his government’s erosion of democratic institutions and its violent crackdown on opposition figures and protests. The U.S. has been a vocal critic of the Maduro regime, imposing a range of economic sanctions aimed at pressuring the government to restore democratic norms.
U.S. Stands in Solidarity with the Venezuelan People
Secretary Blinken commended the resilience of Venezuela’s democratic opposition, led by figures such as María Corina Machado, who has long been an advocate for democratic reform in the country. He also acknowledged the courage and determination of the Venezuelan people, whose unwavering commitment to democracy has been tested by years of political, economic, and social turmoil.
The call underscores the United States’ continued support for Venezuela’s democratic forces and its broader strategy of championing human rights and the rule of law across Latin America. The U.S. has consistently called for a peaceful, negotiated resolution to the crisis in Venezuela, with a focus on restoring democratic governance, ensuring free and fair elections, and ending the authoritarian practices of the Maduro regime.
A Path Forward for Venezuela
As the political landscape in Venezuela evolves following the elections, the U.S. government has pledged to remain engaged with the newly elected leadership of González Urrutia and the Venezuelan opposition. Secretary Blinken emphasized that the United States stands ready to assist in the peaceful transition of power, with a clear focus on supporting the restoration of democratic governance, the rule of law, and the protection of human rights.
In conclusion, today’s call between Secretary Blinken, President-elect González Urrutia, and María Corina Machado serves as a reaffirmation of the U.S. government’s commitment to a free and democratic Venezuela. With the international community’s backing and the resilience of the Venezuelan people, hopes for a peaceful and democratic future for Venezuela remain strong.