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Peru expressed its support for the democratic transition in Venezuela and defended the military operation by the United States that culminated in the capture of Nicolás Maduro. The interim president José Jerí stated in an exclusive interview with CNN en Español that the U.S. action was “a necessary measure” and called for clear timelines to restore constitutional order.
“Initially fully in agreement with what has been done, it was a necessary measure that, while it is true, temporarily breaks international law, there are things that must be done,” said Jerí during the conversation with journalist Andrés Oppenheimer.
The leader added that his government fully supports the democratic transition in the oil-rich country: “We fully support the democratic transition, and it should be the Venezuelans themselves who choose their authorities (...). Mechanisms should be established to set deadlines, because it is not just a problem of Venezuela, it is a continental problem.”
For Jerí, the restoration of institutional stability in Venezuela is key to regional stability: “The dictatorship that existed in Venezuela and that still has its remnants has caused migration to all the other countries (...). It is time for Venezuelans to legitimately decide about their country once again.”
The Peruvian president also emphasized that the international community must act in a coordinated manner regarding the transition process: “We must put it on the agenda (...). We do need to have a common understanding among all the countries that are affected by the consequences of the dictatorship that has existed in Venezuela,” he stated.
Jerí reaffirms his support for Edmundo González Urrutia
The support expressed by Jerí on CNN aligns with his recent public statements. On January 3, following Maduro's capture, he wrote on his X account (previously Twitter):
"Venezuela begins a new era of democracy and freedom. May internal order be restored soon with its legitimate president and those who fought for this moment."
Days later, the Presidency of Peru announced that Jerí had a phone conversation with the elected president Edmundo González Urrutia, during which he expressed his “strong support for the transition process towards democratic institutions in his country, concluding with respect for the Venezuelan people's will, as expressed in July 2024.”
Jerí, who assumed the interim presidency of Peru in October 2025 following the dismissal of Dina Boluarte, will remain in office until July 2026. During his administration, he has emphasized strengthening relations with the democratic governments of the region and promoting cooperation in addressing the migratory and security challenges associated with the Venezuelan crisis.
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