Blinken speaks with Guaidó confirming his support for restoring democracy in Venezuela

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken held a telephone conversation on Monday with Venezuelan interim President Juan Guaidó, to whom he confirmed his support for the restoration of democracy in Venezuela.

“I spoke with Guaido to reiterate U.S. support for the Venezuelan people as they seek to restore freedom, democracy, and prosperity to their country,” Blinken posted on his Twitter. 

“We remain committed to the success of Venezuelan-led negotiations as the best path for a peaceful return to democracy,” he added. 

I spoke with @jguaido to reiterate U.S. support for the Venezuelan people as they seek to restore freedom, democracy, and prosperity to their country. We remain committed to the success of Venezuelan-led negotiations as the best path for a peaceful return to democracy.

— Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) May 3, 2022

State Department spokesman Ned Price said in a statement that during the call Blinken stressed "the importance of a peaceful restoration of democracy in Venezuela, free and fair elections, and respect for the rights and freedoms of all Venezuelans."

In addition, Blinken assured that the United States is committed to negotiations between the regime of Nicolás Maduro and the Unitary Platform as an alternative to "resolve the humanitarian crisis in Venezuela."

The Secretary of State also reaffirmed U.S. support for the democratically elected National Assembly in 2015 and Guaidó as interim president of Venezuela.

The United States remains steadfast in our commitment to the Venezuelan people and their democratic aspirations. @SecBlinken spoke with interim President @jguaido about the importance of negotiations to restore to Venezuelans the democracy they deserve. https://t.co/bdqtUvfZO4

— Ned Price (@StateDeptSpox) May 3, 2022