María Corina Machado, leader of the Venezuelan opposition, highlighted the importance of acting promptly regarding the situation in Venezuela and its impact on peace in Colombia. She emphasized that the existence of a dictatorial and criminal system in Venezuela destabilizes the region, turning the territory into a sanctuary for groups that disrupt the stability of both countries.
Regarding her nomination as a presidential candidate for the 2024 elections, Machado considered it a significant civic event that united various citizen forces in the opposition. She noted that the call to publish the electoral records has been dismissed by the regime, which highlights the need for concrete actions and the limited effectiveness of mediation by some governments.
Machado stressed that the stance of Presidents Petro and Lula to try to maintain some neutrality to dialogue with the Venezuelan regime may be understandable, although she emphasized that Maduro will not relinquish power unless compelled by international community pressure. In this context, she pointed out the importance of recognizing the regime's weakness and the need to act accordingly to achieve effective change in Venezuela.
The governments of Colombia, Brazil, and Mexico have sought to mediate in the Venezuelan crisis; however, none have recognized Nicolás Maduro's reelection or supported Edmundo González Urrutia. All advocate for transparency in the electoral process and call for opening channels of dialogue between the involved parties. Yet, Machado warns that it is crucial for concrete actions to follow these words to achieve significant progress in the country's situation.