Venezuela's 2015 National Assembly Maintains U.S. Recognition Amid Asset Defense Efforts

The National Assembly elected in Venezuela in 2015 continues to hold recognition from the United States as the country's legitimate legislative body. Representatives from this assembly state that this position has been maintained despite subsequent political changes, including events following a military intervention in Caracas in January and the recognition of Delcy Rodríguez as interim president.

During its term, the opposition-controlled Parliament took on the responsibility of representing Venezuelan state interests abroad. A primary focus was the protection of strategic assets such as Citgo, the nation's international gold reserves held at the Bank of England, and establishing a relationship with the United States based on state interests. Dinorah Figuera, who presided over the 2015 National Assembly, emphasized the significant responsibility of safeguarding these valuable national assets.

“

One of the objectives given to us with that recognition was the protection of Venezuela's assets abroad, and we had the great responsibility of protecting Citgo, the gold of international reserves in the Bank of England, and of course establishing a relationship with the United States from the perspective of state interests.

Figuera noted that even as the political landscape in Venezuela evolved, the work undertaken by that Parliament in managing and preserving national assets overseas remains relevant. She acknowledged a shift in the country's status after January 3rd, with Delcy Rodríguez's recognition as interim president, but stressed that the prudent and responsible handling of these assets by the previous parliamentary body continues to hold validity.

In the current political climate, the situation surrounding Citgo has become a point of convergence between the 2015 National Assembly and the Parliament led by Jorge Rodríguez. This issue is part of the agreements outlined in an addendum to the Barbados Accord, signed in October 2023 between Rodríguez, representing the ruling party, and opposition leader Gerardo Blyde. According to the publication Exclusivas Económicas, the administration of Donald Trump is encouraging both legislative structures, despite their political differences, to collaborate on a joint legal strategy to defend Citgo against ongoing judicial processes in Delaware and New York.

“

Although there was a turn of events in the country after January 3rd and the status changed because Delcy Rodríguez is now recognized as interim president, but not the recognition of the prudent and very responsible work done in managing these assets that Venezuela possesses.