The State Department has denied reports that the Biden administration offered Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro amnesty in exchange for stepping down from power. Reports from the Wall Street Journal claimed that secret meetings were held in Doha, Qatar in June and September between the U.S. and Venezuela to discuss this alleged offer. However, a spokesperson for the State Department stated that no offers have been made to Maduro since the election.
Details about the reported meetings between the U.S. and Venezuela have been scarce, though it was mentioned that discussions also involved sanctions relief and amnesty agreements for Maduro’s top officers facing judicial indictments. Despite the lack of confirmation from the U.S., these discussions were disclosed by Maduro on social media. The Wall Street Journal report suggested that an amnesty proposal was floated as a way to incentivize Maduro to step down before his term ended, but Maduro was reportedly unwilling to discuss arrangements that would require him to leave office.
Despite international calls for Maduro to step aside following the national election, he has refused to relinquish power. Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that consultations have been held with partners and allies worldwide, with evidence indicating that opposition leader Edmundo González won the most votes in the election. The UN General Assembly has offered to mediate the election results to address the growing unrest in Venezuela, but Maduro’s regime has arrested thousands of protesters and maintained military loyalty.
Maduro’s position on leaving office remains unchanged, despite pressure from both the international community and the Venezuelan people. The White House National Security Council denied claims of offering amnesty to Maduro and emphasized that it is Maduro’s responsibility to recognize the election results. The Biden administration is considering various options to incentivize and pressure Maduro, but he has shown no willingness to engage in discussions where he would have to leave office.
As calls for Maduro to step down continue and evidence supports the victory of the opposition leader in the election, Maduro’s regime remains in power through arrests, military loyalty, and influence on the Supreme Court. The possibility of mediation by the UN General Assembly offers a potential path towards resolving the election dispute and addressing the ongoing unrest in Venezuela. Despite these challenges, the Biden administration remains committed to finding a peaceful resolution to the situation in Venezuela.
