During this storm in Venezuela, US remains in strong support of Guaido. 

 

The U.S. government has clarified that it recognizes opposition leader Juan Guaidó as Venezuela’s “interim president” and is collaborating with him to “restore democracy,” in response to speculation about a potential imminent end to key support for the Venezuelan leader.

Last week, sources consulted by the ‘Financial Times’ and CNN anticipated that the Joe Biden Administration was already preparing the withdrawal of recognition of Guaidó, who in January 2019 proclaimed himself ‘president in charge’ of Venezuela asserting his leadership of the National Assembly elected at the end of 2015.

The United States recognized this Assembly as the only legitimate institution of Venezuela and was the first country to endorse the passage of Guaidó, but the lack of progress and the alleged internal divisions within the Venezuelan opposition have weakened his figure.

In recent months, in addition, the US Government has maintained contacts with the Executive of Nicolás Maduro, with high-level visits and relaxation of some sanctions included.

The Biden Administration, however, “recognizes interim President Guaidó”, as confirmed to Europa Press by a spokesman for the US State Department who has not alluded to possible timetables for the end of this explicit support.

Washington, explained this source, works “closely” with the cabinet of the opposition and with the Unitary Platform, which brings together the main parties, to “move towards a negotiated solution that leads to the restoration of democracy in Venezuela.”

Guaidó, speaking to CNN after the dissemination of the alleged plans of the United States, said he had the support of the United States until there are “free and fair” elections in Venezuela. “The opinion of two leaders is the opinion of two leaders,” he said, questioning government sources.

OPPOSITION PRIMARIES

The debate over the symbolic recognition of the United States to Guaidó also comes at a time when the Venezuelan opposition has begun to move to prepare the next great electoral appointment, the presidential elections of 2024.

The opposition aspires to attend again united, after a primary process to choose a common candidate who can challenge Chavismo with options. Guaidó has not revealed if he will run and three of the main parties – A New Era, Democratic Action and Justice First – would now be in favor of removing him as leader, according to sources cited by ‘The Wall Street Journal’ after a meeting held in Panama.

“We are very close to reaching the consensus that the internal government experiment has not worked and we need a new structure,” explained one of the sources consulted by the US newspaper.