Venezuelan opposition leader Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia, who fled Venezuela after a controversial election and police crackdown, plans to meet US President Joe Biden. He made the announcement in Argentina, where he met with President Javier Milei. Gonzalez Urrutia will travel to the US on Sunday, but the exact timing of his meeting with Biden is unclear.
Preparing for Talks with the US
“We are planning a conversation with President Biden and we are waiting for details regarding the new authorities,” Gonzalez Urrutia said in Buenos Aires. He was referring to Donald Trump, the incoming US President, who will take office on January 20.
Regional Tour to Build Support
Gonzalez Urrutia began his regional tour in Argentina to gather support for the Venezuelan opposition. He met Milei and appeared with him on a balcony of the Casa Rosada. Hundreds of Venezuelans gathered below and chanted, “Venezuela, you are not alone!”
Milei Supports the Opposition
“Argentina will not be complicit in silence in the face of the injustices and abuses of the Maduro regime,” Milei said. His statement showed Argentina’s support for the Venezuelan opposition.
Maduro’s Third Term
The visit came just days before President Nicolas Maduro is set to begin his third term. The United States, the European Union, and many other countries claim the July 28 elections were manipulated. Some countries, however, recognize Gonzalez Urrutia as the rightful winner, while others, like Russia, back Maduro.
Life in Exile
Gonzalez Urrutia has been living in Madrid since fleeing Venezuela in September. The Venezuelan government has offered a $100,000 reward for his capture. After the election, protests erupted, resulting in 28 deaths, 200 injuries, and over 2,400 arrests.
Upcoming Travels and January 10 Plans
Gonzalez Urrutia will travel to Panama on Wednesday and the Dominican Republic the following day. He plans to return to Caracas on January 10 to be sworn in as president. It is still unclear how the Maduro government will react.
Tensions Between Argentina and Venezuela
The visit occurred amid rising tensions between Argentina and Venezuela. The arrest of an Argentine police officer in Venezuela has worsened relations. Argentina had also refused to recognize Maduro’s election victory, further straining ties.
Meeting with Uruguay’s Leaders
After Argentina, Gonzalez Urrutia went to Montevideo. There, he met with Uruguayan President Luis Lacalle Pou and Foreign Minister Omar Paganini. He presented them with a copy of the electoral records that the Venezuelan opposition claims proves their victory.
