Thanks, Rick Rozoff.

Assessing the Results of Venezuela’s Presidential Election

Press Statement

Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

August 1, 2024

…it is clear to the United States and, most importantly, to the Venezuelan people that Edmundo González Urrutia won the most votes in Venezuela’s July 28 presidential election.

 …security forces should not become an instrument of political violence used against citizens exercising their democratic rights. (That is, in Venezuela, but not in the U.S.)

We congratulate Edmundo González Urrutia on his successful campaign.  Now is the time for the Venezuelan parties to begin discussions on a respectful, peaceful ***transition*** in accordance with Venezuelan electoral law and the wishes of the Venezuelan people.  We fully support the process of re-establishing democratic norms in Venezuela and stand ready to consider ***ways to bolster it jointly with our international partners [which is to say NATO].***