The United States insisted that the Venezuelan people will decide the course of the political transition in the country. This was stated by the spokesperson for the State Department, Thomas Pigott, when explaining the scope of the three-phase plan proposed by the Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, to accompany the stability and national recovery.
In an interview given to the Esta Semana program, by journalist Ilia Calderón in Univision, Pigott addressed Secretary Rubio’s projection of the beginning of a democratic transition and the option for Delcy Rodríguez to hand over power.
The official avoided commenting on this last scenario and emphasized that the White House manages a long-term strategy. “We envision a recoverystability and a transition towards a stable partner with whom we can work on so many issues we face together.
Pigott stressed that the determination of the political future It is only up to Venezuelans, and reaffirmed that the US administration will act according to its national security interests. “Ultimately, it is up to the Venezuelan people to determine their path forward.”
Destination of resources and role of the opposition
The spokesperson maintained that US diplomacy seeks to avoid diversion of state resources. “We want to ensure that Venezuela’s immense wealth reaches the Venezuelan people and not those who try to use it.” for their own purposes,” he said.
When evaluating the role of the opposition leader María Corina Machado in said scenario, the spokesperson reiterated that citizens will define the leadership. “That depends fundamentally, once again, of the Venezuelan people,” he responded.
Pigott explained that the strategy contemplates the return of political leaders exiled due to persecution as part of a reconciliation process.
“Part of this process is to see the return to Venezuela of those who opposed the Maduro regime, to see the return of those who were expelled from Venezuela for political reasons,” he clarified.
