After unofficial information that advanced it, and after an alleged denial from the State DepartmentFinally, Laura Dogu herself confirmed this Wednesday that she is leaving the position of chargé d’affaires of the United States Embassy in Venezuela, after completing a mission of approximately three months.
Dogu, who took over as chargé d’affaires in Caracas at a key moment in bilateral relations, announced her return to Washington to take up her previous position as foreign policy advisor to the head of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the United States.
In a statement released through the networks of the US Embassy, the diplomat expressed her gratitude to President Donald Trump and Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, for the trust placed in her to lead the implementation of Washington’s plan in Venezuela and represent the United States in this period.
“My temporary assignment in Caracas is coming to an end, and I will return to my previous position,” Dogu said. She added that she feels “deeply grateful” for the opportunity to contribute to the construction of a solid relationship between both countries.
The official also announced that John Barrett will soon take over as the new chargé d’affaires of the Embassy in Caracas.
“The team in Caracas will continue to advance the three-phase plan of the president and the secretary during this new stage of relations between the United States and Venezuela, for the benefit of the American people and the Venezuelan people,” he stressed.
Dogu’s departure occurs in a context of reactivation of diplomatic relations between Washington and Caracas, after years of tensions marked by sanctions, political and immigration crisis in Venezuela.
His management coincided with efforts by the Trump administration to promote a process of political transition and economic stabilization in the country.
So far, neither the Embassy nor the State Department have offered additional details about the exact date of Barrett’s arrival or the adjustments that the change in diplomatic representation will entail.
