Venezuelan acting President Delcy Rodriguez addressed the United Nations General Assembly, stating that her country will hold elections and transition to a full democracy. She emphasized that the timing of the vote will be decided by Venezuelans. Rodriguez assumed what she termed "historic responsibility" for guiding Venezuela from uncertainty and conflict towards a democratic system recognized by its citizens and the international community.
Rodriguez mentioned that Venezuela has started a democratic transition process, which will be transparent, inclusive, and verifiable. The process involves a political dialogue with sectors of the opposition, allowing everyone to compete on an equal footing. Her remarks come amid reports that Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado was denied entry into the country three times while attempting to return from exile.
Rodriguez expressed gratitude to US President Donald Trump for resuming diplomatic engagement and cooperation with Caracas. She stated that Venezuela aims to rebuild ties with the United States, neighboring countries, and the international community based on cooperation, mutual respect, and equality. The Venezuelan government is seeking a "rebirth" after facing significant challenges, including the "strangulation of its internal political life and heightened confrontation with the United States."
The country recently experienced twin earthquakes on June 24, which caused widespread destruction, resulting in over 6,500 deaths and significant material losses. Rodriguez's comments follow the US military's capture and detention of former President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores in January. The Trump administration transferred them to a US naval vessel before flying them to New York for indictment.
The US military actions drew scrutiny from legal experts, who raised concerns about potential violations of international law. Trump defended the transition in Venezuela, stating that the US had removed the country from a "very powerful, very nasty dictatorship" under which many people had been imprisoned. The situation in Venezuela has been closely watched by the international community.
Rodriguez's address to the UNGA marks her first appearance at the assembly. She emphasized Venezuela's commitment to democracy and cooperation with the international community. The country's transition to democracy will be closely monitored by global leaders and organizations.
The international community has been following Venezuela's developments closely, with many countries and organizations calling for a peaceful and democratic resolution to the country's challenges. The country's path forward will likely have significant implications for the region and the global community.
Key points
- Venezuela will hold elections and transition to a full democracy.
- The country's transition process will be transparent, inclusive, and verifiable.
- Rodriguez thanked Trump for resuming diplomatic engagement and cooperation with Caracas.
