U.S. State Department: Venezuelan People Will Define Democratic Transition

The United States maintains that the Venezuelan people alone will decide the path of their nation's political transition, emphasizing a long-term strategy for the country's recovery and stability. Thomas Pigott, spokesperson for the State Department, reiterated this stance, outlining the U.S. objective to foster a stable partner capable of addressing shared global challenges.

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In the last instance, it corresponds to the Venezuelan people to determine their path forward.

Speaking on Univision's "Esta Semana," Pigott addressed Secretary of State Marco Rubio's three-phase plan, designed to support Venezuela's stability and national recovery. While avoiding specific commentary on potential power transitions, Pigott stressed that the ultimate determination of Venezuela's future rests with its citizens. The U.S. administration's actions will align with its national security interests.

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We visualize a recovery, stability and a transition towards a stable partner with whom we can work on so many issues that we face together.

A key focus of U.S. diplomacy is ensuring Venezuela's vast resources benefit its people, rather than being exploited for private gain. Regarding the role of opposition leader María Corina Machado, Pigott affirmed that leadership choices are fundamentally up to the Venezuelan people.

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We want to ensure that Venezuela's immense wealth reaches the Venezuelan people and not those who try to use it for their own ends.

The U.S. strategy also includes facilitating the return of exiled political figures as part of a reconciliation process. Pigott clarified that this involves welcoming back individuals who opposed the Maduro regime and were forced out of Venezuela due to political persecution. This initiative is seen as integral to the broader process of national healing and reintegration.

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That depends fundamentally, once again, on the Venezuelan people.