Washington, Feb 2 (NationPress) Venezuelan opposition figure Maria Corina Machado asserted that the shift away from the Maduro regime is inevitable, contending that ongoing U.S. pressure is instigating changes within Venezuela even as the opposition strives for a democratic transition of power.

During her appearance on CBS News’ Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan, Machado expressed skepticism about Washington reducing its pressure on Caracas, despite U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio's comments indicating that the United States does not plan to pursue military action or retain a military presence in Venezuela apart from a potential embassy reopening.

“I do not think that the pressure is being taken away,” Machado emphasized. “In fact, every action taken by Delcy Rodriguez is in compliance with directives from the United States, and significant moves are being made.”

Machado highlighted the gratitude Venezuelans feel towards the American people, crediting President Trump, Rubio, and U.S. legislators for their robust support at a pivotal juncture. She noted that the message from Washington had been clearly received and was already yielding noticeable results.

“We are witnessing the effects of the regime's actions and the increasing resolve among the Venezuelan populace,” she stated.

In response to a question about whether she or her faction has engaged with Rodriguez, whom she referred to as leading the current regime, Machado confirmed there have been no direct discussions. The opposition had proposed negotiating a transition after what she termed a landslide electoral victory, but the proposal was declined.

“Instead, they opted to unleash a wave of severe and brutal repression,” she asserted, referencing thousands of political prisoners and lamenting the regime's unwillingness to cease repression until early January.

“Ultimately, they may realize, perhaps soon, that the transition is irrevocable,” Machado added.

Machado remarked that conversations with Rubio clarified that Washington and the Venezuelan opposition share the same objective: a democratic transition followed by elections. She described the current power structure as a criminal organization linked to Russia, Iran, China, Cuba, and extremist groups such as Hezbollah and Hamas.

“This is a process of dismantling this structure in the most orderly and controlled manner possible in the short term,” she explained, stating that the ultimate goal must be an electoral process that establishes legitimate institutions, including a president.

She cautioned that Venezuelans’ patience is running thin, noting that more than 1,000 political prisoners were detained at the start of January, with over 700 still incarcerated.

“Not a single military or political prisoner has been released,” she lamented, highlighting detainees held for decades and families maintaining constant vigils. “This was unimaginable before January 3rd,” she said, noting that while public confidence has increased, momentum must be preserved.

Regarding recent legislation permitting privatization of the oil sector, Machado dismissed the legitimacy of the current National Assembly. “Anything that comes from that National Assembly lacks legality,” she stated, asserting that it is not recognized by the Venezuelan populace or the U.S. government.

However, she acknowledged that the proposed changes align with the desires of Venezuelans for the future. “We do not want socialism,” she asserted, emphasizing the necessity for private property, adherence to the rule of law, and long-term guarantees for investors.

Machado argued that reviving the economy will also necessitate the return of skilled Venezuelans who have fled. “Almost a third of our population” has departed, she noted, contending that professionals will not return while regime-affiliated figures remain in power.

Commenting on U.S. actions to relax some sanctions and lift air travel restrictions, Machado stated that these moves serve as signals reinforcing the inevitability of change. “No American or Venezuelan citizen will return to a nation still under the control of the Maduro regime and the cartel,” she asserted.

When asked about her safety in returning to Venezuela, Machado noted that conditions have evolved swiftly. “At this moment, I don’t believe they would dare to kill me due to the presence and pressure of the United States,” she remarked.

Machado expressed her intention to become president “when the time is right,” but stressed that leadership must be determined through elections. “This is a spiritual and existential battle for Venezuela,” she declared, encapsulating the aspirations of millions in the diaspora who wish to return.