Duval Times

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Ahead of tomorrow’s Organization of American States (OAS) meeting regarding the results of the 2024 Venezuelan Presidential election, Senator Rick Scott spoke with Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado and issued a statement demanding the Biden-Harris administration recognize Edmundo González as the legitimate president-elect of Venezuela.

Senator Scott criticized the current situation in Venezuela, attributing it to what he described as the Biden-Harris administration's failed appeasement policies toward Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. He stated that since the announcement of a deal between the Biden-Harris administration and Maduro, he has pressured the White House to support freedom and democracy in Venezuela. Despite these efforts, he claimed that both the United States and the people of Venezuela have been let down by the administration.

“Since Sunday’s elections, Senator Scott has contacted the White House repeatedly to schedule a call with President Biden,” read part of his statement. “Today again called the White House and urged action to support the Venezuelan people.”

Senator Rick Scott remarked, “I just spoke to María Corina Machado to offer my full support for her and Edmundo González’s fight for freedom and democracy in Venezuela. At tomorrow’s OAS special meeting to address the results of the Venezuelan presidential election, the Biden-Harris administration must do the right thing and join other freedom-loving countries in recognizing Edmundo González as the legitimate President-elect of Venezuela."

Scott further alleged that "since the Biden-Harris failed deal with dictator Nicolas Maduro, U.S. adversaries like Russia, China, Cuba, and Iran are active in Venezuela at Maduro’s invitation." He added that "Maduro’s massive fraud is a clear result of this failed appeasement," pointing out an arrest warrant issued by Maduro for María Corina Machado, Edmundo González, and other opposition leaders.

"It’s clear Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro has stolen another election from the Venezuelan people," Scott continued. "We know that Edmundo González won this election and if the United States is going to lead supporting democracy in Venezuela, he must be immediately recognized as president-elect by the Biden-Harris administration.”

Senator Scott listed his previous actions aimed at pressuring for sanctions against Maduro:

- Calls on Biden-Harris Admin to Reimpose Sanctions on Maduro Ahead of Venezuelan Elections

- Reported Biden-Maduro Deal Disastrous for Freedom & Democracy in Venezuela

- Urges POTUS: Recognize María Corina Machado; Don't Trust Maduro to Uphold His Election Agreement

- Introduces Reauthorization to Preserve Sanctions Against Maduro Regime

- Calls for Passage of Resolution Recognizing María Corina Machado as Official Presidential Opposition Candidate

- Leads Rally Supporting Opposition Presidential Candidate María Corina Machado

- Urges Immediate Action on Venezuela

- Demands Designation of Tren de Aragua as Transnational Criminal Organization

- Demands Reimposition of Sanctions Against Maduro Regime

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