The private television channel Venevision transmitted statements by opposition leader María Corina Machado after a meeting with US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, for the first time in years, this Wednesday (28).
The episode signals the return of voices opposing the Chavista regime to news programming after years of persecution.
During interviews given after the meeting with Rubio, Machado called for a “real transition” in Venezuela that does not leave any “regime sector” in power.
Machado left the meeting stating that these are “decisive hours and days” for the future of his country and assured that his political movement has the support of the head of American diplomacy, whom he described as “one of the people who best understands the hemisphere.”
“We are willing and working to facilitate a real transition. This is not a Russian-style transition, where the mafias remain in power,” she told reporters when asked if she would be willing to enter a transition government with the interim leader, Chavista Delcy Rodríguez.
The opposition leader expressed to Rubio her intention to return to Venezuela as soon as possible and stated that she is working to achieve this objective, although she did not rule out going through other countries first, a plan that, according to her, is constantly changing.
Chavismo reaction
The Interior Minister, Chavista Diosdado Cabello, reacted to the repercussion of Machado’s statements within Venezuela, saying that his maneuvering strategies are running out.
According to the regime’s ally, the opponent seeks to provoke an “international commotion” to return to the news and defend “some relevance”.
Cabello’s statements were made during the program With the Gavel Givingpresented by him on state television.
In a direct reference to Machado’s appearance on the Venevision channel, the Chavista stated that “without appearing, his image is diluted.”
“Listen to me, Venevision, without media stridency your figure is diluted. Without headlines, it simply disappears,” Cabello emphasized.
