The senior official of the United States Department of State, Michael Kozak, affirmed this Thursday that his country is actively supporting Venezuela’s transition “from a criminal enabler to a responsible partner,” during his testimony before the Subcommittee on Western Hemisphere Affairs of the House of Representatives.
In the hearing titled “Latin America after the fall of Maduro,” Kozak presented a positive assessment of the progress made under the interim government of Delcy Rodríguez after the capture of Nicolás Maduro in January.
Kozak highlighted that the United States is implementing a three-phase approach to the stabilization and democratic transition of Venezuela. “Phase one of stabilization has already been reached,” he said.
Regarding political reconciliation, the official indicated: “We see progress in Venezuela’s political reconciliation. The interim government approved an amnesty law and released hundreds of political prisoners, including unjustly detained Americans. Opposition figures in exile are reentering public life and civil society is being rebuilt. These steps are essential to create the conditions for a transition to a democratically elected government.”
In economic and transparency matters, Kozak highlighted that the US is helping to safeguard the Venezuelan government’s funds from the sale of oil and other resources “so that they benefit the Venezuelan people.” In addition, he mentioned the approval of a “significant hydrocarbon reform” by the interim government and the expansion of general licenses from the Treasury that have boosted US trade commitment.
The diplomat announced that on March 30, operations at the United States Embassy in Caracas resumed, “marking a new chapter in our diplomatic presence.”
Regarding future elections, Kozak avoided giving specific dates. He explained that the focus is on creating the necessary conditions for credible elections: purification of the Electoral Registry, appointment of a new National Electoral Council (CNE) and Electoral Chamber of the Supreme Court, presence of international observers and an agreement between the opposition and Chavismo.
He stated before the United States Congress that Washington hopes that the Venezuelan leader Maria Corina Machado can return to Venezuela and participate freely in the electoral process.
“We want clear milestones on the path to democracy,” he stressed. Kozak also linked progress in Venezuela to direct benefits for the United States, such as reducing the flow of drugs and decreasing irregular migration.
