Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado has expressed concern over the United States' approach to the country's crisis, alleging that Washington has been excluded from key negotiations in Caracas and is instead backing oil deals with business leaders tied to corruption allegations.
During an interview with The New York Times in Panama, where he currently resides in exile, Machado expressed sharp disapproval towards Alejandro Betancourt, a businessman who secured a significant energy agreement with the Trump administration to manage oil fields holding approximately one-fifth of Venezuela's confirmed oil reserves.
A Venezuelan opposition leader has criticized presidential candidate Luisa Ortega's ally, Betancourt, accusing him of being a key figure in the country's current suffering. The opposition leader described the alleged corruption as obscene, claiming it has harmed the Venezuelan people. He stated that he would not consider Betancourt a viable partner for negotiations if he were to lead a democratic government. This criticism comes as Washington engages in diplomatic efforts with the current government, led by Delcy Rodríguez, and other opposition sectors to determine the future direction of Venezuela.
The Venezuelan opposition leader, María Corina Machado, claimed that the United States excluded her from recent talks in Caracas, citing her leadership role and participation in the country's electoral process. However, the US State Department countered that Machado's party had indeed been invited to participate. A US official stated that Machado retains the right to enter Venezuela at her discretion.
María Corina Machado, a Venezuelan opposition leader and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, has publicly criticized the United States for excluding her from recent negotiations in Caracas. The talks, facilitated by the government of Delcy Rodríguez and an opposition sector, took place this week.
The leader, who emerged victorious in opposition primaries in 2023 and has been a key proponent of Edmundo González Urrutia's presidential candidacy in 2024, stated that she intends to return to Venezuela ahead of schedule in order to mobilize her supporters in preparation for upcoming elections.
The official expressed support for attracting foreign investments in Venezuela, provided that any agreements comply with national legislation. He emphasized that contracts signed with foreign companies will be respected if they adhere to Venezuelan law. A key deal with North American Blue Energy Partners, led by Betancourt, involves concessions to operate 17 oil fields with approximately 65 billion barrels of proven reserves.
The parent company has divested 35% of its equity to the Office of Strategic Capital within the Department of War, enabling the State Department to acquire 20% of the production at market value.
Venezuelan authorities have raised concerns over alleged price gouging in government contracts for power plants, with Betancourt's dealings being scrutinized in various countries through judicial investigations. To attract further investments, Machado emphasized the need for Venezuela to establish a secure, stable, and legitimate environment. He also proposed the establishment of an independent truth commission to document human rights abuses and provide reparations to victims, while ensuring those responsible face justice.
The politician's comments underscore a significant divergence between her own ambitions and the approach taken by Trump's administration, which had initially expressed support for maintaining continuity under Rodriguez following the hypothetical capture of Nicolas Maduro by US forces on January 3. Notwithstanding this stance, Machado reiterated her conviction that the US is actively pursuing a democratic transition in the region.
