Venezuelan Foreign Minister Critiques Blinken's Backing of Opposition Leaders
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Caracas, Dec 31 (NationPress) Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Gil has voiced his disapproval towards US Secretary of State Antony Blinken for endorsing 'the worst opposition' in South America.
The Foreign Minister made these comments on social media on Monday after Blinken expressed support for two Venezuelan opposition leaders.
Gil pointed out that Washington has consistently failed in its attempts to 'combat' Venezuela over the last four years, asserting that this instance will be 'no different'.
He emphasized that the Venezuelan populace and government will triumph over the challenges posed by the US and will construct a sovereign and independent nation.
Local media reported that Blinken had pledged to 'commit to a peaceful restoration of democracy' in Venezuela during a phone call with Venezuelan opposition figures on Monday.
The US Secretary of State praised the 'resilience' of Venezuela's democratic opposition during discussions with Venezuelan Opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez and Opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, as noted by the State Department on Monday.
In a statement released by US State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller after the conversation, Gonzalez was acknowledged as Venezuela's 'President-elect'.
The statement highlighted that Blinken 'commended the democratic opposition's resilience' and recognized the Venezuelan people's commitment to democracy amid oppression and challenges.
He reiterated that the US aligns with the international community in condemning Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's 'anti-democratic actions'.
'Secretary Blinken reaffirmed the United States' commitment to supporting the will of the Venezuelan people as expressed at the ballot box, the peaceful restoration of democracy in Venezuela, and the release of all unjustly detained political prisoners,' Miller added.
This phone call occurred amidst escalating political tensions in Venezuela as Maduro prepares for his swearing-in ceremony on January 10 for the 2025-2031 presidential term.
The Opposition claims victory in the July 28 election, while Venezuela's Supreme Court declared Maduro the victor.
The Biden administration's acknowledgment of Gonzalez as President-elect has further amplified international pressure on Maduro's regime.
