The United States called for political talks to resume between Venezuela’s government and the country’s opposition, saying the extradition of a close ally of President Nicolás Maduro to the U.S. is a matter separate from the negotiations.
By VOA – Nike Ching
Oct 18, 2021
Venezuela is said to be high on the agenda as U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken heads to Ecuador and Colombia this week, his first visit to South America as the top U.S. diplomat.
Maduro’s government announced last weekend it would halt the talks after Alex Saab, a Colombian businessman accused of money laundering on behalf of Venezuela’s government, had been extradited to the United States from Cape Verde to face charges.
On Monday, a senior State Department official said the Maduro regime could demonstrate its seriousness about forging a better future for the Venezuelan people and alleviating the humanitarian crisis “by returning to the table” to continue talks with the Unitary Platform, an opposition political alliance.
“If (the) Maduro regime was serious about its stated concerns of the Venezuelan people, they would actually sit down with their fellow countrymen and work towards solutions. And if they make progress in that regard, the United States will welcome it,” Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs Brian Nichols said during a call briefing.
On Tuesday, Blinken will meet in Quito with Ecuadorian President Guillermo Lasso and Foreign Minister Mauricio Montalvo to continue discussions on democratic governance and issues such as counternarcotics and migration.
On Wednesday, Blinken will deliver a speech on the importance of democracy. The State Department said the top U.S. diplomat will showcase “how inclusive and responsive democratic institutions” can implement economic policies that emphasize “inclusive growth and environmental protection.”
In Bogota, the top U.S. diplomat will meet with Colombian President Iván Duque and Vice President and Foreign Minister Marta Lucía Ramírez to advocate for “strong democratic governments” in the region. Later this week, Blinken will open the U.S.-Colombia High-Level Dialogue.
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