Blinken: Maduro is sending a message that he opposes free elections

Secretary of The State of the United States, by Antony Blinkensaid Thursday that the disqualification of former Venezuelan opposition congresswoman María Corina Machado “certainly sends the opposite message” to free and fair elections in Venezuela.

At a press conference during the visit Guyana, Blinken condemned that this step Venezuela will disqualify Machado running for elected office for 15 years is “deeply unfortunate”.

“The focus of countries throughout the region is to go back Venezuela on the democratic path, and that starts with preparations for free and fair elections next year. That’s the goal and that’s the clear desire of people all over Venezuela,” he emphasized.

“We are determined to continue with international cooperation and coordination put pressure on the regime to commit to free and fair elections in 2024,” he added.

In this sense, he defended that sanctions against Venezuela they seek to “help respond to the desire of the Venezuelan people to restore democracy.”

Asked if EThe US is considering an exchange of American prisoners with Venezuela of businessman Alex Saab, insisted that they were “committed” to the release of the arbitrarily detained, but did not want to “go into details”.

“It is one of my main priorities as secretary state ensure the safety and well-being of Americans abroad, especially those who are arbitrarily detained, used as political pawns,” he said.