The Biden administration is expected to continue taking a hardline approach against Venezuela, NBC News reports.
According to the outlet, the U.S. will continue to recognize opposition leader Juan Guaidó as the legitimate president of Venezuela over dictator Nicolás Maduro. Former President Donald Trump opted to do the same, which was a move that was popular among many Venezuelans in the U.S.
“I certainly don't expect this administration to be engaging directly with Maduro,” State Department spokesperson Ned Price told reporters during a Wednesday press briefing.
When asked whether that position could change, Prince said, “we certainly don't expect any contact with Maduro anytime soon.”
Last month, Secretary of State Antony Blinken told Senators that Biden would look for ways to “more effectively target” sanctions on Venezuela. He said the administration would also look at providing more humanitarian aid to the country.
Trump imposed more sanctions against Venezuela and kept a hardline approach. According to NBC News, some Maduro allies and analysts think negotiations would be more likely to happen with a Biden administration.
But Price continued to take a hardline approach calling Maduro a dictator who caused a humanitarian crisis thanks to his repression, corruption, and mismanagement. He said the U.S. will continue to view Guaidó as the legitimate president, despite a move by the European Union to call him a “privileged interlocutor.”
Guaidó was ousted as head of Venezuela’s parliament after the country held a legislative election in December. The election was widely regarded as fraudulent. Maduro claims Guaidó is a puppet of the U.S. Many countries still recognize Guaidó over Maduro.
Marisa Herman ✉
Marisa Herman, a Newsmax senior reporter, focuses on major and investigative stories. A University of Florida graduate, she has more than a decade of experience as a reporter for newspapers, magazines, and websites.
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