Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged patience on Wednesday regarding US efforts to rehabilitate Venezuela’s oil industry and restore democratic governance to the country. His comments were made during a hearing of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, marking his first appearance before lawmakers since the Trump administration’s recent operation resulting in the capture of Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro.
Rubio, a staunch advocate for democracy and human rights, emphasized the complexity of the situation in Venezuela and the need for a strategic and patient approach. He highlighted the challenges faced by the country’s oil industry, which has been crippled by years of mismanagement and corruption under Maduro’s regime.
“The situation in Venezuela is complex and requires a multi-faceted approach,” Rubio stated. “The collapse of the oil industry has had a devastating impact on the country’s economy, and we must proceed with caution as we work towards rebuilding it.”
Venezuela, once a prosperous and oil-rich nation, has been in a state of political and economic turmoil for years. The authoritarian rule of Maduro has led to widespread corruption, inflation, and shortages of basic necessities, causing millions of citizens to flee the country in search of a better life.
Rubio acknowledged the need for immediate humanitarian aid to the Venezuelan people but stressed that the long-term goal is to restore democratic governance and stability to the country.
“Our ultimate goal is to see Venezuela return to democratic rule and for the Venezuelan people to have a government that represents their interests and respects their rights,” he stated.
The recent operation to capture Maduro has brought renewed hope for the Venezuelan people and the possibility of a new government. However, Rubio cautioned against rushing into any actions that could jeopardize the success of the operation.
“This is a delicate and sensitive situation, and we must take a measured approach to ensure the safety of all involved,” he said. “We must also be mindful of the potential consequences our actions could have on the Venezuelan people and their aspirations for a free and democratic country.”
Rubio also addressed concerns about potential US military intervention in Venezuela, assuring that the administration’s focus is on supporting the Venezuelan people and their efforts for democracy, not on military action.
“The US is committed to supporting the Venezuelan people and their pursuit of democracy, but we must do so in a responsible and strategic way,” he stated.
In addition to the efforts to rehabilitate the oil industry, Rubio also stressed the importance of continuing to apply pressure on Maduro’s regime through sanctions and diplomatic measures.
“We must continue to hold Maduro and his cronies accountable for their actions and the suffering they have caused to the Venezuelan people,” he said. “We will not waiver in our efforts to bring about a peaceful and democratic transition in Venezuela.”
In conclusion, Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged patience and a strategic approach in the US efforts to rehabilitate Venezuela’s oil industry and support the country’s return to democratic governance. He emphasized the complexity of the situation and the need for caution to ensure the safety and well-being of the Venezuelan people. The US remains committed to supporting the people of Venezuela and their pursuit of a better future.
