Venezuelan Opposition Leader Edmundo Gonzalez Set to Discuss…

Venezuelan opposition leader Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia plans to meet with U.S. President Joe Biden following his visit to Argentina. He aims to build support against Nicolas Maduro, who is set to begin another term amid accusations of electoral fraud. Gonzalez’s international tour includes visits to several Latin American countries, highlighting the ongoing political crisis in Venezuela.

Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia, a Venezuelan opposition leader who fled his country following a contested election and a severe police crackdown, announced plans to meet with U.S. President Joe Biden. In Buenos Aires, where he recently conferred with Argentine President Javier Milei, Gonzalez indicated he would be traveling to the United States soon, although the exact timing of his discussion with President Biden remains uncertain.

Gonzalez expressed the importance of his upcoming conversations, noting, “We are planning a conversation with President Biden,” while referencing potential changes in leadership with the transition to President-elect Donald Trump, scheduled for January 20. This visit to the U.S. is part of Gonzalez’s broader efforts to garner international support for what the Venezuelan opposition claims to be the rightful president-elect.

Accompanied by President Milei, Gonzalez engaged with supporters who rallied beneath the Casa Rosada, demonstrating solidarity with Venezuela. This event occurred just before Nicolas Maduro’s inauguration for a third presidential term amid allegations of election fraud, while multiple nations, including the United States and the European Union, criticized the election outcomes.

Gonzalez has lived in exile in Madrid since fleeing Venezuela in September; his arrival in Buenos Aires was discreet due to safety concerns, including a $100,000 bounty issued by the Maduro government for his capture. Protests erupted post-election, leading to significant violence and casualties.

His itinerary includes visits to Uruguay, Panama, and the Dominican Republic, with plans to be sworn in as president in Caracas on January 10, pending the Maduro regime’s response. His visit to Argentina occurs amid heightened tensions due to the arrest of an Argentine police officer in Venezuela under dubious terrorism charges.

The political situation in Venezuela has been fraught with conflict following a disputed election that saw Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia emerge as the opposition’s candidate. Many countries, including the U.S., have expressed concerns about electoral integrity, deeming the elections manipulated. As tensions escalate within Venezuela, Gonzalez’s international engagements aim to strengthen support for his claim as the legitimate leader, while he navigates the complexities of Venezuelan politics and international diplomacy.

In conclusion, Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia’s upcoming visit to the United States and intended conversation with President Biden underscore his efforts to rally international backing for his presidency claims. Despite the political turmoil in Venezuela and a violent crackdown following the recent election, Gonzalez remains determined to assert his position and mobilize support across Latin America, while grappling with risks associated with his opposition to Maduro’s regime.

Original Source: www.voanews.com