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🇻🇪 Venezuela /Disasters & Emergencies

María Corina Machado announces return to Venezuela to support earthquake victims

From El Nacional · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • Opposition leader María Corina Machado announced her return to Venezuela to support those affected by a devastating earthquake.
  • The earthquake has caused over 1,400 deaths and more than 3,000 injuries, with Machado emphasizing the need for unity and support.
  • Machado's planned return route via Curacao was reportedly blocked by the U.S., which feared it could escalate tensions with Venezuelan security forces.

Opposition leader María Corina Machado announced she will return to Venezuela to stand with citizens amid the tragedy of a powerful double earthquake that has claimed over 1,400 lives and injured more than 3,000 people.

The time has come. It is my duty to accompany the people. We need to be together, to hug each other to cry and mourn together.

— María Corina MachadoMachado announced her return to Venezuela to support earthquake victims.

Speaking to Fox News, Machado stated, "The time has come. It is my duty to accompany the people. We need to be together, to hug each other to cry and mourn together." She expressed prayers for strength for the Venezuelan people during this difficult time, emphasizing that the absolute priority is saving lives and comforting those affected.

Machado confirmed her imminent return, stating, "Very soon I will be in Venezuela, with the Venezuelan people." Her plans to re-enter the country are reportedly being reactivated by the catastrophe, with a focus on positioning herself on the ground during the humanitarian emergency.

Now the absolute priority is to save lives and, certainly, to console and help those who have been affected.

— María Corina MachadoMachado outlined the immediate needs following the earthquake.

However, a Bloomberg report indicated that Machado's plan to enter via Curacao, with private security, was halted. The U.S. administration reportedly warned island authorities and Machado's team that it did not support the operation. Washington's concern was that her arrival without a valid passport or authorization from Delcy Rodríguez could provoke a confrontation with state security forces, further complicating international rescue efforts.

Very soon I will be in Venezuela, with the Venezuelan people.

— María Corina MachadoMachado confirmed her return to the country.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by El Nacional in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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