US Lawmaker Salazar Criticizes Venezuelan Official, Urges Facilitation of International Rescue Aid

U.S. Representative María Elvira Salazar has sharply criticized Venezuelan official Diosdado Cabello, demanding that Venezuelan authorities cease obstructing international rescue efforts following recent earthquakes. Salazar specifically cited an incident where Cabello allegedly prevented a U.S. rescuer from reaching victims, suggesting a misplaced focus on filming over humanitarian aid.

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This video of Diosdado Cabello, who did not allow this team to continue towards where the victims were because they needed to finish filming a video. That shows where his intentions are, and that is very worrying for the White House.

"This video of Diosdado Cabello, who did not allow this team to continue towards where the victims were because they needed to finish filming a video. That shows where his intentions are, and that is very worrying for the White House," Salazar stated in a social media video. She emphasized that the priority must be facilitating the unimpeded entry and distribution of international assistance.

Salazar drew a stark contrast between Venezuela's actions and the response in El Salvador, led by President Bukele. "You know, I heard that Bukele is directing his own team's operations via satellite or Zoom, while Delcy is missing. How is it possible that the president of El Salvador is more effective than the interim president?" she questioned, urging clarity on the intentions of Venezuelan interim government officials like Delcy Rodríguez.

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All is a great disaster, but the great challenge here is to tell Delcy that she cannot stop the aid coming from the United States, regardless of the source.

Reiterating her call for unrestricted humanitarian operations, Salazar sent a clear message in English: "Diosdado, Delcy, we have to send a very clear message and I am doing it right now in English: Delcy's interim government cannot stop any aid coming from the United States or the international community. She cannot do that because it will be a very big stain on her page."

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How is it possible that the president of El Salvador is more effective than the interim president?

The U.S. State Department previously described the exchange between the rescuer and Cabello as an "unfortunate misunderstanding" that was quickly resolved, allowing both parties to continue their work. Salazar's statements add to the growing international scrutiny of Venezuela's handling of the crisis and its cooperation with foreign aid.

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Diosdado, Delcy, we have to send a very clear message and I am doing it right now in English: Delcy's interim government cannot stop any aid coming from the United States or the international community. She cannot do that because it will be a very big stain on her page.