Rubio Meets Venezuelan Opposition Leaders González Urrutia and Machado, Recognizes González as Rightful President

Jan 23, 2025, 12:55 AM

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio held a video conference with Venezuelan opposition leaders Edmundo González Urrutia and María Corina Machado, less than 24 hours after being sworn into office. Rubio reaffirmed U.S. support for the restoration of democracy in Venezuela and the unconditional and immediate release of all political prisoners. He praised the courage of the Venezuelan people in the face of repression by President Nicolás Maduro and his associates. The meeting underscored the importance of Venezuela's situation to U.S. foreign policy, with Rubio recognizing González Urrutia as the 'rightful president' of Venezuela. Machado and González Urrutia expressed their gratitude for Rubio's support and emphasized the determination of Venezuelans to achieve freedom and return to democracy, highlighting the crucial role of the transition to democracy for regional stability and security.