Venezuelan opposition leader Edmundo González Urrutia, recognized by several countries as the president-elect following the country's disputed elections in July, met with U.S. President Joe Biden on Monday. He described the encounter as "long and fruitful."
The talks come amid ongoing tensions as Nicolás Maduro prepares to claim a third term on January 10 despite not presenting supporting documentation. The regime issued a $100,000 reward for information leading to González's arrest as he has anticipated his willingness to return to Venezuela ahead of the date.
Speaking to journalists after the meeting, González thanked the U.S. government for its support in what he called the fight for Venezuela's democratic recovery. "We appreciate the commitment from the Biden administration toward a peaceful and orderly transition in Venezuela," he said.
González Urrutia added that his team remains in contact with representatives of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, who is set to take office on January 20. However, González did not confirm plans for a formal meeting with Trump as of yet.
The White House confirmed the discussions focused on "shared efforts to restore democracy in Venezuela." Both leaders expressed concerns over what they called the "unacceptable and indiscriminate repression" by the Maduro regime against peaceful protesters, pro-democracy activists, and civil society. The Biden administration formally recognized González as Venezuela's president-elect last year, rejecting the Maduro-friendly electoral authority's proclamation.
González's visit to Washington follows meetings with South American leaders during a regional tour. Over the weekend, he met Argentine President Javier Milei in Buenos Aires and Uruguayan President Luis Lacalle Pou in Montevideo. González praised the "accompaniment" of these countries in his push for international support against Maduro's administration.
Back in Venezuela, the political crisis continues to escalate. Posters featuring the image of Venezuelan opposition leader, labeled with "Se busca" ("Wanted"), have appeared on walls and digital screens at Simón Bolívar International Airport near Caracas. The Venezuelan regime offers a $100,000 reward for information leading to his arrest.
González has been in exile in Spain since September. He fled Venezuela after facing charges like conspiracy and forgery after publishing documents he claims prove electoral fraud in the July 28 vote, which Maduro claims to have won but hasn't backed with documentation. The opposition has contested the results, presenting documents they say show González as the rightful victor, an outcome supported by the U.S. Venezuela's National Electoral Council (CNE), which declared Maduro the winner, has yet to release detailed election data.
Meanwhile, opposition leader María Corina Machado called for nationwide and international demonstrations on January 9, aiming to rally support against Maduro's administration.
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