US says it won’t prevent Machado’s return to Venezuela

The United States said it will not stand in the way of Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado returning to her country, while stressing that conditions must be in place to ensure she can do so safely.

Speaking at a congressional hearing on Wednesday, US Deputy Assistant Secretary for South America Luis Mendez said Washington’s position was clear and that it would not obstruct Machado’s return to Venezuela.

However, he added that further diplomatic efforts were needed to reduce the risk of her being detained on arrival.

“We’re not going to obstruct Maria Corina from returning," Mendez said, adding that the priority was to ensure she could return without facing arrest.

Machado has remained outside Venezuela since travelling to Norway last December to receive the Nobel Peace Prize. She has not returned to Caracas since then.

According to US officials, Machado has attempted to return on several occasions following the twin earthquakes that struck Venezuela on 24 June. Those efforts were unsuccessful amid diplomatic tensions surrounding the country’s political situation.

During the hearing, Mendez confirmed that the United States had raised the issue directly with Venezuela’s interim authorities.

Responding to questions from lawmakers, he said Washington had made its position clear that Machado should be allowed to return.

Venezuela is currently led by interim President Delcy Rodriguez, who took office after the removal of former president Nicolas Maduro in January. Both figures are associated with the country’s ruling political movement.

Earlier this week, Rodriguez announced that her administration intends to begin discussions with members of opposition parties from August, a move that could signal a new phase of political engagement following months of instability.

The United States has continued to call for conditions that allow political figures to participate freely and safely, while developments in Venezuela remain under close international scrutiny.