World · 1 d ago
Washington urges Venezuela to follow a phased path to elections
The three phases
- Stabilization
- Economic recovery and political reconciliation
- Democratic transition
Secretary of State Marco Rubio met Venezuelan Foreign Minister Oliver Blanco on Monday and reaffirmed President Donald Trump's three-phase plan for the country.
Opposition leader Maria Corina Machado returned to Venezuela last week to organize a movement ahead of elections. She said the sequence set out by Rubio makes clear that presidential elections will be held in 2027.
What we know
- Rodriguez promises elections
- Machado points to 2027
Not yet
- An official election date
Interim President Delcy Rodriguez, who took over after US forces seized Nicolas Maduro nearly a year ago, said elections would be held but gave no date.
Proven reserves in the 17 oilfields
65 billion barrels
A September deal gives Washington a stake in about one-fifth of Venezuela's oil resources, with 100-year rights over 17 oilfields. Machado said the agreement does not reflect the transparency Venezuelans want.
