The United States (US) Secretary of State Marco Rubio has declared that Nicolás Maduro is “not the legitimate President of Venezuela.
In a strongly worded statement issued on Sunday, July 27, Rubio said the Donald Trump administration continues to support efforts to restore democracy in the South American nation.
Further, he has indicated that Maduro leads an “illegitimate regime” and accused him of running a narco-terrorist network.
The remarks come on the anniversary of the disputed 2023 election.
“One year since dictator Nicolás Maduro defied the will of the Venezuelan people by baselessly declaring himself the winner, the United States remains firm in its unwavering support to Venezuela’s restoration of democratic order and justice,
“Maduro is not the President of Venezuela and his regime is not the legitimate government,” said Rubio.
US Accuses Maduro of Leading Cartels
According to the Secretary of State, Maduro heads the Cartel de Los Soles, which Washington designates as a narco-terrorist organization.
The cartel is allegedly responsible for smuggling large quantities of drugs into the United States and Europe.
He said Venezuela’s institutions have been corrupted to support the cartel’s operations, and that the regime continues to manipulate elections to stay in power.
“Maduro, currently indicted by our nation, has corrupted Venezuela’s institutions to assist the cartel’s criminal narco-trafficking scheme into the United States,” the statement added.
The US has maintained sanctions against top Venezuelan officials and has called for fresh, transparent elections in the country. It also noted concern about the timing of new local elections in Venezuela.
“For years, Maduro and his cronies have manipulated Venezuela’s electoral system to maintain their illegitimate grip on power.”
“By scheduling the municipal elections on the eve of the anniversary of the stolen July 28 presidential election, the regime once again aims to deploy the military and police to suppress the will of the Venezuelan people.”
The U.S. has long supported opposition leader Juan Guaidó and other democratic actors in Venezuela, while pushing for an end to political repression and humanitarian suffering.
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Rubio Sends Warning
Additionally, Rubio pledged continued US engagement and warned of consequences for those aiding the Maduro regime.
“The United States will continue working with our partners to hold accountable the corrupt, criminal and illegitimate Maduro regime.”
“Those who steal elections and use force to grasp power undermine America’s national security interests,” he said.
Meanwhile, Caracas has denied all US accusations and insists that Maduro remains the democratically elected head of state.
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