U.S. President Joe Biden welcomed Venezuelan opposition leader Edmundo González to the White House on Monday. Gonzalez is on a tour of Latin American countries and the United States ahead of his presentation in Venezuela next Friday, January 10, where he will assume the presidency of the country.
"I had a long meeting with President Biden. His commitment to a peaceful and orderly transition in Venezuela remains intact," González wrote on the social media platform X after the meeting.
"During 45 minutes, we were able to delve into the positive impact that the expansion of democracy starting from Venezuela will have for the region," he added.
For her part, opposition leader María Corina Machado emphasized that the meeting "represents the acknowledgment of the popular sovereignty expressed through the votes of millions of Venezuelans on July 28, 2024, and the epic struggle of a people who chose to be free."
Machado also thanked the U.S. president for receiving González in the Oval Office and emphasized that it is a "strong testimony of support for the Venezuelans who are going through decisive hours for the democracy of our nation and the Americas."
González's visit to Washington included a meeting with the Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS) Luis Almagro.
The senior official stated that he reiterated to the Venezuelan opposition leader "our commitment to the defense of democracy and the full effectiveness of Human Rights in Venezuela."
"Respecting the sovereign will of the Venezuelan people is an ethical and political imperative that we will continue to fight for. From the General Secretariat of the OAS, we reiterate the importance of the report from the electoral observation mission of the Carter Center, its conclusions that declare the winner of the presidential elections, and the presentation of the voting records as evidence before the Permanent Council—elements that have not been disputed," he mentioned on his X account.
González, currently exiled in Spain, has been on an international tour seeking support for his cause.
Before his meeting with Biden, he visited Argentina, where he was welcomed by President Javier Milei at the Casa Rosada. From the presidential balcony, both greeted a crowd of Venezuelans who showed their support for González.
The same happened in Montevideo, where he was received by the Uruguayan president Luis Lacalle Pou and supported by Venezuelans residing in the South American country.
In Venezuela, the political situation is tense. The Parliament, controlled by the ruling party, has supported the request to imprison González if he returns to the country, accusing him of usurpation of functions, treason to the homeland, and money laundering.
Despite these threats, González has expressed his intention to return to Venezuela on January 10 to assume the presidency.
Opposition leader María Corina Machado has called on Venezuelans to demonstrate on January 9, a day before the scheduled presidential inauguration, in support of González and in protest against the government of Nicolás Maduro.
Machado believes that mobilization is crucial for restoring democracy in the country.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Political Situation in Venezuela and Edmundo González's Visit to the United States
Why is the meeting between Joe Biden and Edmundo González relevant?
The meeting between Joe Biden and Edmundo González is significant because it symbolizes the support of the United States for the Venezuelan opposition and for democratic transition in Venezuela. This encounter reinforces the international recognition of González as the elected president, in contrast to the regime of Nicolás Maduro, which has been accused of electoral fraud.
What does the recognition of Edmundo González as the elected president of Venezuela mean?
The recognition of Edmundo González as the elected president of Venezuela implies that several countries and international organizations consider his victory in the elections of July 28, 2024, to be legitimate, despite allegations of fraud by the Maduro regime. This recognition puts pressure on the current government to accept a peaceful transition.
What is María Corina Machado's stance on the current situation in Venezuela?
María Corina Machado believes that Maduro's regime is in its final phase and has called for demonstrations in support of Edmundo González and in protest against the current government. Machado has been a critical voice against the regime and advocates for a democratic transition in Venezuela.
What actions is Edmundo González taking before his return to Venezuela?
Edmundo González is embarking on an international tour to solidify support in Latin America and the United States before his return to Venezuela on January 10, 2025. This tour aims to strengthen his position as the elected president and promote democracy in his country.
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