Rubio Reaffirms U.S. Support for Venezuelan Democracy, Recognizes González Urrutia as Rightful President

Jan 23, 2025, 12:28 AM

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio held a video conference with Venezuelan opposition leaders María Corina Machado and Edmundo González Urrutia, less than 24 hours after assuming his role. Rubio reaffirmed U.S. support for the restoration of democracy in Venezuela and the unconditional release of all political prisoners. The meeting underscores the importance of Venezuela's situation to U.S. foreign policy, with Rubio expressing admiration for the Venezuelan people and their democratic spirit. The U.S. recognizes González Urrutia as the rightful president of Venezuela following the disputed elections on July 28, which Rubio referred to as the '28J triumph'.