In an exclusive interview with The Floridian's Publisher Javier Manjarres, Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart (R-Fla.) commented on the current relationship between the U.S. and Venezuela, declaring that Venezuela has to "transition towards democracy."
It has been nearly three months since the U.S. military operation that led to the capture of Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores. Since then, the Venezuelan regime has sworn in Maduro’s vice president, Delcy Rodriguez, established reforms for the nation’s oil industry, and pledged to restore diplomatic relations with the U.S.
During the interview, Diaz-Balart was questioned over the Rodriguez administration. Despite Maduro being taken from the country, Venezuela is still "dealing with the entire government," Manjarres pointed out. “How does that play?”
“The administration has been very clear that this is the first part of the transitional period,” Rep. Diaz-Balart affirmed. He credited the Trump administration for its role in pushing the Venezuelan government to take the necessary steps during its transitional period.
“Now, it has to end with a transition towards democracy. You can’t have, ultimately, real investment and real economic opportunities unless you have reestablished the rule of law…and the administration is very clear about that," he commented.
Rep. Diaz-Balart commented on the Trump administration assisting the Venezuelan government in conducting a democratic election, saying, “The interesting thing is that Venezuela doesn’t need help; they need freedom. Because they have limitless wealth that has been squandered and stolen, right, by the regime in Venezuela." “I think it’s potentially helpful to have international supervision. And folks who actually care about democracy have a record of doing that, and so that’s got to come," he added.
The Florida Republican concluded by praising the Trump administration’s efforts in the South American country.
“What the U.S. did, the U.S. military did, and the leadership present in Trump is frankly remarkable. That’s a very important, hugely important first step. There are two more steps that have to take place.”
