Rubio Meets Venezuela Chief on Election Plan
The Secretary of State urged quick progress on voting reforms and the release of political prisoners during Monday's talks in Washington.
By Eric Coleman ·
Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Venezuelan Foreign Minister Oliver Blanco at the State Department on Monday. The discussion focused on accelerating preparations for national elections that may occur in 2027. This meeting marks the most recent high level contact between the two governments.
The two officials reached a blueprint for electoral reform two weeks prior to this meeting. The plan aims to establish free and fair voting processes. The State Department issued a written readout stating that the leaders discussed institutional reforms that lay the groundwork for credible elections. Rubio also pressed Blanco to secure the release of Venezuela's remaining political prisoners.
Neither Rubio nor Blanco spoke to reporters as they posed for photographs before entering the meeting room. The State Department described the session as a review of progress in Venezuelan led reconciliation talks. The administration views these reforms as essential for stabilizing the country's political future.
Rubio stated last week that the Trump administration would closely monitor events in Venezuela. He said the goal is to help build a sustainable election architecture. This framework is intended to give all political parties confidence in the final vote. The administration ousted then President Nicolás Maduro in a military operation in January.
Venezuela's interim government is led by acting President Delcy Rodríguez. She took office after the U.S. military raid that captured Maduro. He is currently in the United States facing drug trafficking charges, which he denies. Rubio has previously met with speakers of the current and former Venezuelan parliaments.
The Secretary of State also met with opposition leader María Corina Machado. Machado returned to Venezuela last month. Other senior U.S. officials have engaged with the Venezuelan leadership recently. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent met with Blanco on Monday to discuss economic recovery and energy production.
Energy Secretary Chris Wright traveled to Caracas in August to finalize a major oil deal. He met with Rodríguez and other senior officials. The President met with Rodríguez on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in September. These contacts reflect a coordinated effort to engage the new Venezuelan leadership.
Source: KSAT-TV
