Rosa María Payá, a prominent Cuban dissident and leader of the Cuba Decide movement, known for her advocacy of human rights on the island, met with Edmundo González Urrutia in Madrid this Tuesday. González was recently recognized by the United States as the president-elect of Venezuela following the July 28 elections.
Payá, a staunch critic of the Cuban regime and its influence across Latin America, used this meeting to reaffirm her support for democracy in Venezuela. "It's time for Spain and the entire European Union to acknowledge the President chosen by Venezuelans," Payá declared in a message on social media.
During the meeting, the activist also expressed her solidarity with the Venezuelan opposition, especially highlighting her support for María Corina Machado and the Venezuelan people. "Know that free Cubans stand with María Corina and the brave Venezuelan people until the end," she added.
Highlighting Cuba's Interference
A critical point of their discussion was Payá's denunciation of the Cuban regime's interference in Venezuela's internal affairs, which she claims has been "essential in the collapse of democracy" in the South American nation. She emphasized that Cubans who cherish freedom bear the responsibility to support Venezuelans in their battle to regain democracy and sovereignty.
The meeting between Payá and González Urrutia takes place at a pivotal moment, following the official recognition by the U.S. of González as "president-elect" of Venezuela. This designation underscores Washington's stance on the legitimacy of the electoral results, despite allegations of fraud and Nicolás Maduro's proclamation as re-elected by the National Electoral Council (CNE).
International Support and Commitment
Although the United States had acknowledged González as the election winner on August 1, this Tuesday's statement marks the first formal announcement granting him the title of "president-elect." This designation occurs amid growing international opposition to Maduro's re-election and a political crisis that has intensified global pressure from democratic governments and organizations.
Currently in exile in Spain since September due to political persecution by Maduro's regime, González Urrutia expressed gratitude for the international support and reiterated his dedication to restoring democracy in Venezuela. On social media, he stated, "We deeply appreciate the recognition of the sovereign will of all Venezuelans. This gesture honors our people's desire for change."
The encounter between Rosa María Payá and Edmundo González follows a previous dialogue in September between Payá and María Corina Machado, another key figure in the Venezuelan opposition. During that live-streamed conversation, they discussed the significance of freedom in Venezuela and its impact on the broader region.