Their first meeting in New York focused on economic stabilization and steps toward free and fair elections
The Daily Journal.- U.S. President Donald Trump and Venezuela’s acting President Delcy Rodríguez held their first bilateral meeting on Tuesday in New York, on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio described the meeting as “brief but important.” He said the discussions focused on restructuring Venezuela’s debt and laying the groundwork for a political transition.
Rubio told reporters that “there is a lot that needs to be fixed for Venezuela to succeed.” He added that debt restructuring is key to achieving that goal and explained that Washington “wants to be helpful in that regard.”
Wall Street analysts and the Atlantic Council estimate Venezuela’s total debt at between $150 billion and $240 billion.
“We don’t just want free and fair elections; we want a lasting republic. What would threaten a lasting republic in Venezuela is if someone gets elected and inherits an absolute economic and social catastrophe,” Rubio said.
Free elections and the return of Venezuelans
The secretary of state emphasized that Washington seeks two objectives at once. The first involves helping rebuild Venezuela’s economy and restoring stability. The second focuses on rebuilding the institutions necessary to hold free and fair elections. Rubio specifically mentioned the need to restore political parties, independent media outlets, and credible electoral authorities.
Regarding María Corina Machado, Rubio praised her “courage” in her efforts to return to Venezuela. However, he stressed that the issue extends beyond any single individual.
“It’s not just María Corina, a very courageous woman; there are other people who are also outside the country,” he said.
Rubio also recalled that eight million Venezuelans have emigrated and noted that U.S. policy aims to create conditions that would allow them to return home.
With information from news agencies.
