On Monday, a delegation of Cuban-American lawmakers convened with Venezuelan opposition leader Edmundo González Urrutia in Washington, D.C. The discussions focused on critical issues such as human rights, the political climate in Venezuela, and González's forthcoming inauguration as the president of the South American nation.
Among the participants were representatives Mario Díaz-Balart, María Elvira Salazar, and Carlos Giménez, who reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the Venezuelan cause. González emphasized the necessity of maintaining international pressure to achieve significant change in Venezuela.
Venezuelan opposition figure María Corina Machado responded to the meeting via social media, expressing her support and highlighting the crucial role of these lawmakers in aiding Venezuela's struggle. "This meeting of the President-elect of Venezuela with four great friends, U.S. Congressmen, is very important. You, @MaElviraSalazar, @michaelgwaltz, @RepCarlos, and @MarioDB, have been genuine allies of the Venezuelan people and our fight for Freedom. Thank you!" she wrote.
International Solidarity Against Maduro's Regime
Machado's comments underline the significance of the alliance between Venezuelan opposition leaders and U.S. officials in their efforts to restore democracy in Venezuela. The mentioned lawmakers are known for their critical stance against Nicolás Maduro's regime and other authoritarian governments in Latin America. They have supported international sanctions and humanitarian aid initiatives for Venezuela.
Recognized by the U.S., the European Union, and other nations as the president-elect of Venezuela, González Urrutia has embarked on a global tour across Latin America and the United States to gather support for democratic restoration in his homeland.
González's International Diplomatic Tour
The tour launched in Buenos Aires, Argentina, where González was welcomed by President Javier Milei. Both leaders appeared together on the balcony of the Casa Rosada, greeting a crowd of Venezuelans rallying in the Plaza de Mayo.
In Montevideo, Uruguay, González met with President Luis Lacalle Pou, discussing strategies to amplify international pressure on Maduro's regime and encourage a democratic transition in Venezuela.
On Tuesday, González held a meeting at the White House with U.S. President Joe Biden. Describing the meeting as "fruitful and cordial," González indicated that the discussions centered on joint efforts to reestablish democracy in Venezuela. Biden reiterated his dedication to supporting the democratic aspirations of the Venezuelan populace and stressed the importance of honoring the popular will as reflected in transparent electoral processes.
Bipartisan Support for Venezuelan Democracy
Additionally, González has engaged with the team of President-elect Donald Trump, ensuring bipartisan support in the U.S. for a democratic transition in Venezuela. González is expected to continue his tour, visiting countries such as Panama and the Dominican Republic before returning to Venezuela by January 10 to assume the presidency.
However, the Maduro regime has issued arrest warrants against him and offered a bounty for his capture, adding tension to his planned return.
Key Questions About the Venezuelan Opposition's Efforts
What was the purpose of Edmundo González Urrutia's meeting with U.S. lawmakers?
The meeting aimed to discuss crucial issues such as human rights and the political situation in Venezuela, as well as to gather support for González's upcoming presidency and efforts to restore democracy in Venezuela.
How did María Corina Machado react to the meeting?
María Corina Machado expressed her support for the meeting on social media, emphasizing the importance of the U.S. lawmakers' support for Venezuela's fight for freedom and democracy.
What are the next steps in González's international tour?
González plans to continue his tour by visiting Panama and the Dominican Republic before returning to Venezuela on January 10 to assume the presidency, despite threats from the Maduro regime.