Duval Times

Senators Marco Rubio, Ben Cardin, and Bill Cassidy have issued a bipartisan statement regarding the situation in Venezuela. They expressed deep concerns about the upcoming presidential elections in light of the ongoing repression of opposition leader Maria Corina Machado by the criminal regime of Maduro.

According to the senators, "El régimen de Maduro ha ignorado el Acuerdo de Barbados y le ha demostrado al mundo que no se detendrá ante nada para socavar a su oponente, María Corina Machado. Machado se enfrenta a un narco-régimen que se aferra al poder reprimiendo y censurando al pueblo de Venezuela. Cualquier ataque contra la integridad de Machado, incluida una detención arbitraria, debe recibir una respuesta internacional."

Furthermore, they highlighted their concerns about the upcoming elections, stating, "Que no quepa duda, las próximas elecciones no serán libres, justas y democráticas. Tanto la Administración Biden como la comunidad internacional deben responsabilizar a Maduro por esto." The senators also called for the U.S. to uphold the parameters set forth in the Barbados Agreement and consider individual sanctions against those responsible for repressive acts against political candidates and campaign members in Venezuela.

In the face of the Maduro regime's efforts to maintain its illegitimate grip on power, Rubio, Cardin, and Cassidy emphasized the need for swift international action to hold the regime accountable.