Central Louisiana News

U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Dick Durbin (D-IL), and Tim Kaine (D-VA) recently met with five Latin American ambassadors to discuss the ongoing electoral crisis in Venezuela. The meeting included Brazilian Ambassador Maria Luiza Ribeiro Viotti, Chilean Ambassador Juan Gabriel Valdés, Colombian Ambassador Daniel García-Peña Jaramillo, Guatemalan Ambassador Hugo Beteta, and Panamanian Ambassador José Miguel Alemán.

The discussions focused on the aftermath of the July 28 election in Venezuela, where President Nicolás Maduro claimed victory despite refusing to release ballot data and detailed election observer reports that indicated a clear win for opposition candidate Edmundo González.

Senator Cassidy remarked, “A month and a half after the fraudulent election in Venezuela, the Maduro regime refuses to accept that they lost. They have imprisoned 2,500 people and forced President-Elect Edmundo Gonzalez into exile.” He emphasized the goal of restoring democracy in Venezuela through productive conversations with regional ambassadors.

Senator Durbin highlighted the role of credible monitors in documenting an overwhelming win for González. “Ten million Venezuelans peacefully voted... Despite this sweeping and clear opposition victory, the Maduro regime has refused to release results,” he said. Durbin stressed the importance of standing firm against Maduro's actions to prevent further autocracy in Latin America.

Senator Kaine underscored the humanitarian implications of Maduro’s refusal to acknowledge González's victory. “Despite overwhelming evidence that Edmundo González Urrutia won... Maduro and his regime refuse to acknowledge the will of the Venezuelan people,” he stated. Kaine affirmed his commitment to working with various stakeholders to support a peaceful transfer of power in Venezuela.

Following these events, Senator Cassidy delivered a speech on the U.S. Senate floor condemning what he described as another stolen election by Nicolás Maduro’s regime. He also joined other legislators in releasing a joint statement denouncing Maduro's claim of victory. Furthermore, Cassidy introduced a resolution recognizing Edmundo González Urrutia as President-elect and announced plans for legislation aimed at supporting democratic transition in Venezuela.

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