The Daily Journal — U.S. President Donald Trump said Friday that Venezuela is still “not ready” to hold elections. However, he acknowledged that the country has made “significant progress” toward that goal.
“Regarding elections in Venezuela, they’re not really ready yet, but we’ve made a lot of progress,” Trump told reporters from the Oval Office at the White House. He also praised Acting President Delcy Rodríguez, saying that “she has done a fantastic job.”
Trump made the remarks as the United States continues overseeing Venezuela’s interim government following the capture of Nicolás Maduro on January 3. Washington has stated that its objective is to support a democratic transition in the country, although it has not set a specific electoral timetable.
Trump insisted that Venezuela would be ready to hold elections “at some point” and said his administration “is going to stay on top of it.” He also highlighted what he described as the benefits that both U.S. companies and the Venezuelan people are receiving from the country’s oil sector.
Meanwhile, Venezuela’s ruling-party-controlled National Assembly and a group of opposition leaders announced last week that they will begin talks on August 1 aimed at promoting democracy in the country. Washington has expressed its support for the dialogue.
Opposition leader María Corina Machado, who has announced her intention to return to Venezuela and seek the presidency, will not participate in the talks.
With information from EFE.
