International Religious Freedom Report for 2017
International Religious Freedom Report for 2017 Click here to read the full report in English. Click here to read the report on Venezuela (PDF file). Read More»
U.S. Announcements in Response to May 20 Venezuelan Elections
Statement from President Donald J. Trump on the Maduro Regime in Venezuela (May 21, 2018) Executive Order Prohibiting Certain Additional Transactions with Respect to Venezuela (May 21, 2018) Statement from Vice President Mike Pence on Venezuela’s Elections (May 21, 2018) Statement by Secretary Pompeo on Unfair, Unfree Vote in Venezuela (May 21, 2018) U.S. Agency for International Development Administrator Mark Green on Venezuelan Sham Elections (May 22, 2018) Read More»
U.S. Assistance to Vulnerable Venezuelans
American Citizen Services to offer passport renewal and notary appointments in Margarita Island on Friday, May 4th, 2018
The American Citizen Services Unit of the U.S. Embassy in Caracas will travel to Margarita Island on Friday, May 4th, 2018, to provide services to U.S. citizens living in the city and surrounding areas. U.S. citizens may take advantage of this opportunity to: Renew a U.S. passport Notarize a document that will be used in the ... Read More»
Venezuela 2017 Human Rights Report
Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2017 Preface We are a nation founded on the belief that every person is endowed with inalienable rights. Promoting and defending these rights is central to who we are as a country. The 2017 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices (The Human Rights Reports) document the status of human rights ... Read More»
Transit Visa Interviews
Public Affairs Office Media Unit Tel: 907- 8550; Fax: 907- 8243 ve.usembassy.gov TRANSIT VISA INTERVIEWS Thousands of travelers are affected by airline suspensions between Venezuela and Panama. In order to facilitate travel through the United States, the U.S. Embassy in Caracas advises stranded travelers that emergency transit visa interview appointments are available. The Department of State ... Read More»
U.S. Humanitarian Funding to Colombia to Help Displaced Venezuelans
March 20, 2018 Statement By Heather Nauert, Spokesperson: United States Assisting Venezuelans in Need Click here for the full statement: https://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2018/03/279413.htm ### March 20, 2018 Press Release: Ambassador Nikki Haley on U.S. Humanitarian Funding to Colombia to Help Displaced Venezuelans Click here for the full statement: https://usun.state.gov/remarks/8344 #### March 20, 2018 Statement by Administrator Mark Green on U.S. ... Read More»
Treasury Sanctions Four Current or Former Venezuelan Officials Associated with Economic Mismanagement and Corruption
U.S. Department of the Treasury Office of Public Affairs Press Release: MARCH 19, 2018 Treasury Sanctions Four Current or Former Venezuelan Officials Associated with Economic Mismanagement and Corruption MARCH 19, 2018 Washington – Today the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated four current or former Venezuelan government officials pursuant to ... Read More»
American Citizen Services to offer passport renewal and notary appointments in Maracaibo on March 19 and 20, 2018
The American Citizen Services Unit of the U.S. Embassy in Caracas will travel to Maracaibo on Monday, March 19th and Tuesday 20th, 2018, to provide services to U.S. citizens living in the city and surrounding areas. U.S. citizens may take advantage of this opportunity to: Renew a U.S. passport Notarize a document that will be ... Read More»
Secretary Tillerson and the U.S. Engagement in the Western Hemisphere
Remarks Rex W. Tillerson Secretary of State University of Texas at Austin Austin, Texas February 1, 2018 SECRETARY TILLERSON: Thank you, thank you so much. And thank you, Greg, for that very kind, warm introduction, inviting me back home today. And I want to thank those at the Clements Center of National Security and the ... Read More»
Secretary Tillerson to Travel to Austin, Mexico City, Bariloche, Buenos Aires, Lima, Bogotá, and Kingston
U.S. Department of State Office of the Spokesperson For Immediate Release Statement By Heather Nauert, Spokesperson January 26, 2018 Secretary Tillerson to Travel to Austin, Mexico City, Bariloche, Buenos Aires, Lima, Bogotá, and Kingston U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson will travel to Austin, Texas, and then to Mexico City, Mexico; Bariloche and Buenos Aires, ... Read More»
Venezuela’s Snap Presidential Elections (January 24, 2018)
Press Statement Heather Nauert Department Spokesperson Washington, DC January 24, 2018 The United States strongly rejects the call by Venezuela’s illegitimate Constituent Assembly for snap presidential elections before April 30. This vote would be neither free nor fair. It would only deepen, not help resolve, national tensions. It would not reflect the will of the ... Read More»
U.S. Embassy Rejects Unfounded Allegations Regarding the Death of Mr. Tomas Lucena
Press Statement Public Affairs Office Media Unit Caracas. January 19, 2018 U.S. Embassy Rejects Unfounded Allegations Regarding the Death of Mr. Tomas Lucena January 19, 2018, Caracas. The Embassy of the United States of America in Venezuela emphatically rejects President Maduro’s unfounded public assertions on January 11 that the United States was involved in the ... Read More»
American Citizen Services to offer passport renewal / notary appointments in Valencia on January 29, 2018
The American Citizen Services Unit of the U.S. Embassy in Caracas will travel to Valencia on Monday, January 29, 2018, to provide services to U.S. citizens living in the city and surrounding areas. U.S. citizens may take advantage of this opportunity to: Renew a U.S. passport Notarize a document that will be used in the ... Read More»
U.S. Embassy Reopens Appointments for First-Time Business and Tourist Visa Applicants
Press Release Public Affairs Section Press Section Caracas, Venezuela January 10, 2018 U.S. Embassy Reopens Appointments for First-Time Business and Tourist Visa Applicants The U.S. Embassy in Caracas will resume scheduling new appointments for first-time business or tourist (B-1/B-2) visa applicants on January 17, 2018. First-time applicants for a B-1/B-2 visa may pay the application ... Read More»
American Citizen Services to offer passport renewal in Maracaibo (week of January 15th, 2018)
The American Citizen Services Unit of the U.S. Embassy in Caracas will travel to Maracaibo the week of January 15th, 2018, to provide services to U.S. citizens living in the city and surrounding areas. U.S. citizens may take advantage of this opportunity to: · Renew a U.S. passport Appointments will be limited and preference will be ... Read More»
Treasury Sanctions Four Venezuelan Government Officials Associated with Corruption and Oppression
U.S. Department of the Treasury Office of Public Affairs Press Release: January 5, 2018 Contact: Treasury Public Affairs, (202) 622-2960 Treasury Sanctions Four Venezuelan Government Officials Associated with Corruption and Oppression Washington – Today, acting pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13692, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated four ... Read More»
U.S. Chargé d’Affaires presses Holt case in first meeting with Venezuelan Foreign Minister
US Embassy – Venezuela Press Release Public Affairs Section Press Section U.S. Chargé d’Affaires presses Holt case in first meeting with Venezuelan Foreign Minister December 28, 2017 The Honorable Todd Robinson, Chargé d’Affaires, e.p., met with Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza on December 28, 2017. During their frank 20 minute meeting, Chargé Robinson called on the ... Read More»
Illegitimate Constituent Assembly Undermining Democracy in Venezuela
Press Statement Heather Nauert Washington, DC December 22, 2017 The United States condemns the illegitimate Constituent Assembly’s continued attacks on Venezuelan democracy. On December 20, it passed a decree to effectively ban certain political opposition parties from participating in the 2018 presidential election. The Venezuelan people deserve better. The U.S. calls for respect for the ... Read More»
Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act Implementation (December 21, 2017)
U.S. Department of State Office of the Spokesperson For Immediate Release Statement by Secretary Tillerson Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act Implementation December 21, 2017 Today, alongside the President and the Department of the Treasury, the Department of State took action against persons who have committed serious human rights abuse and engaged in corruption around ... Read More»
Todd Robinson, Chargé d’Affaires, e.p. arrives in Venezuela (December 18, 2017)
Boletín de Prensa Oficina Informativa y Cultural Sección de Prensa Caracas, December 18, 2017 Todd Robinson, Chargé d’Affaires, e.p. arrives in Venezuela The Honorable Todd Robinson arrived in Venezuela today and assumed the post of Chargé d’Affaires, e.p. at the U.S. Embassy in Caracas. Mr. Robinson is a professional diplomat with personal rank of Minister ... Read More»
National Security Strategy Fact Sheet (December 18, 2017)
PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP ANNOUNCES A NATIONAL SECURITY STRATEGY TO ADVANCE AMERICA’S INTERESTS “Our government’s first duty is to its people, to our citizens — to serve their needs, to ensure their safety, to preserve their rights, and to defend their values.” – President Donald J. Trump A NEW NATIONAL SECURITY STRATEGY FOR A NEW ... Read More»
Venezuela: Humanitarian Aid for the Venezuelan People (December 15, 2017)
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the Spokesperson For Immediate Release STATEMENT BY HEATHER NAUERT, SPOKESPERSON December 15, 2017 Venezuela: Humanitarian Aid for the Venezuelan People The United States stands with the Venezuelan people, and supports their efforts to resolve the economic, political, and humanitarian crises facing their country. We remain deeply concerned that the ... Read More»
Prolonged Detention of Joshua Holt (December 14, 2017)
Press Statement Heather Nauert Department Spokesperson Washington, DC December 14, 2017 Prolonged Detention of Joshua Holt On December 12, U.S. citizen Joshua Holt was charged after more than 17 months of detention. U.S. Embassy personnel were not permitted to observe Mr. Holt’s court hearing on December 12. The United States remains extremely concerned for Mr. ... Read More»
Venezuela’s Undemocratic Electoral Process (December 11, 2017)
The United States condemns President Maduro’s threat to ban opposition parties from participating in next year’s presidential elections. The Venezuelan people deserve the right to express their views and consent to governance through a free and fair democratic process that is open to all candidates. A presidential election cannot be legitimate if candidates and parties ... Read More»
Treasury Sanctions Ten Venezuelan Government Officials (November 9, 2017)
Treasury Sanctions Ten Venezuelan Government Officials 11/9/2017 Washington – Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated ten current or former Venezuelan government officials pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13692. These individuals are associated with undermining electoral processes, media censorship, or corruption in government-administered food programs in Venezuela. This designation ... Read More»
Message for U.S. Citizens: Notice Regarding Social Security Services (September 29, 2017)
Message for U.S. Citizens NOTICE REGARDING SOCIAL SECURITY SERVICES (Sept 29, 2017) The Social Security Administration (SSA) has consolidated its overseas operations into several regional offices that provide a full range of SSA services for U.S. citizens residing outside of the United States. Effective October 1, 2017, individuals residing in Caracas, Venezuela who require social ... Read More»
Security Message for U.S. Citizens: Increased Restrictions on U.S. Diplomat Movement Policy (September 25, 2017)
The U.S. Embassy in Caracas informs all U.S. citizens in Venezuela that the policy regarding the movements of U.S. citizen diplomats and their family members in Caracas and elsewhere in Venezuela has been updated. As always, the Embassy encourages all U.S. citizens living in and traveling through Venezuela to remain vigilant at all times and ... Read More»
Security Message for U.S. Citizens in Caracas: Ongoing Demonstration in Chacao Area (September 25, 2017)
The Embassy has received reports that Opposition supporters have blocked Francisco de Miranda and Elice Streets in the Chacao district of Caracas. The Chacao police are at the scene and the Embassy has received reports that the police have already deployed tear gas and non-lethal ammunition against the demonstrators. The situation is ongoing and U.S. diplomats have ... Read More»
Security Message for U.S. Citizens in Caracas: Possible Gathering at U.S. Embassy August 28
United States Embassy Caracas, Venezuela Security Message for U.S. Citizens in Caracas: Possible Gathering at U.S. Embassy August 28 (Aug 28, 2017) The U.S. Embassy has received reports that a group of opposition supporters are planning to march from Plaza Alfredo Sadel towards the U.S. Embassy Monday, August 28, at an undetermined time. The ... Read More»
Statement by the Press Secretary on New Financial Sanctions on Venezuela (August 25, 2017)
Statement by the Press Secretary on New Financial Sanctions on Venezuela August 25, 2017. President Donald J. Trump has signed an Executive Order imposing strong, new financial sanctions on the dictatorship in Venezuela. The Maduro dictatorship continues to deprive the Venezuelan people of food and medicine, imprison the democratically-elected opposition, and violently suppress freedom of ... Read More»
Security Message for U.S. Citizens: Nationwide Military Exercises Scheduled for August 26-27
United States Embassy Caracas, Venezuela Security Message for U.S. Citizens: Nationwide Military Exercises Scheduled for August 26-27 (August 24, 2017) The U.S. Embassy in Caracas advises U.S. citizens to be aware that exercises by the Venezuelan military are scheduled throughout the country the weekend of August 26-27 in apparent reaction to recent U.S. Government comments on Venezuela. ... Read More»
Press Statement: Assumption of Legislative Powers in Venezuela
Press Statement Heather Nauert Department Spokesperson Washington, DC August 18, 2017 The United States strongly condemns the assumption of legislative powers by the illegitimate Constituent Assembly. This power grab is designed to supplant the democratically-elected National Assembly with an authoritarian committee operating above the law. In our view, the democratically-elected National Assembly is the only ... Read More»
VENEZUELA 2016 International Religious Freedom Report
VENEZUELA 2016 INTERNATIONAL RELIGIOUS FREEDOM REPORT Executive Summary The constitution provides for freedom of religion on the condition its practice does not violate public morality, decency, or public order. The Directorate of Justice and Religion (DJR), an office in the Ministry of Interior, Justice, and Peace (MOI), is charged with maintaining a registry of ... Read More»
Security Message for U.S. Citizens in Caracas: Possible Gathering at U.S. Embassy August 15 (Aug 14, 2017)
United States Embassy Caracas, Venezuela Security Message for U.S. Citizens in Caracas: Possible Gathering at U.S. Embassy August 15 (Aug 14, 2017) The U.S. Embassy has received reports on social media that opposition supporters are planning to gather outside the U.S. Embassy tomorrow Tuesday, August 15, at an undetermined time. The U.S. Embassy will be operating ... Read More»
Security Message for U.S. Citizens: Government March Scheduled for August 14 (Aug 14, 2017)
United States Embassy Caracas, Venezuela Security Message for U.S. Citizens in Caracas: Government March Scheduled for August 14 (Aug 14, 2017) The Embassy has received reports that a pro-government march been scheduled for Monday, August 14th beginning at 9:00 a.m. Possible gathering points include Avenida Libertador and CANTV headquarters, converging on the presidential palace, Palacio Miraflores. U.S. Embassy ... Read More»
Statement by the Press Secretary on Venezuela (Aug. 11, 2017)
THE WHITE HOUSE Office of the Press Secretary FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 11, 2017 Statement by the Press Secretary on Venezuela Today, Nicolas Maduro requested a phone call with President Donald J. Trump. Since the start of this Administration, President Trump has asked that Maduro respect Venezuela’s constitution, hold free and fair elections, release political ... Read More»
Security Message for U.S. Citizens: Opposition March Scheduled for August 12 (Aug 11, 2017)
United States Embassy Caracas, Venezuela Security Message for U.S. Citizens: Opposition March Scheduled for August 12 (Aug 11, 2017) The Embassy has received reports that an opposition march has been scheduled for Saturday, August 12th beginning at 11:00 a.m. in various locations throughout Caracas, including Chacao, El Hatillo, Parque Cristal, and Plaza de las Américas in ... Read More»
Treasury Sanctions Eight Individuals Involved in Venezuela’s Illegitimate Constituent Assembly
Treasury Sanctions Eight Individuals Involved in Venezuela’s Illegitimate Constituent Assembly 8/9/2017 Washington – Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated eight individuals involved in organizing or otherwise supporting the creation of Venezuela’s Constituent Assembly (Asamblea Constituyente or AC) and participating in anti-democratic actions pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13692. The ... Read More»
Venezuela’s Illegitimate National Constituent Assembly (August 3, 2017)
Press Statement Heather Nauert Department Spokesperson Washington, DC August 3, 2017 The United States considers the Venezuelan National Constituent Assembly the illegitimate product of a flawed process designed by the Maduro dictatorship to further its assault on democracy. The process was rigged from the start, from the irregular manner in which the election was ... Read More»
Treasury Sanctions the President of Venezuela (July 31, 2017)
Treasury Sanctions the President of Venezuela 7/31/2017 Washington – Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated the President of Venezuela, Nicolas Maduro Moros, pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13692, which authorizes sanctions against current or former officials of the Government of Venezuela and others undermining democracy in Venezuela. ... Read More»
Fact Sheet on Cuba Policy
President Donald J. Trump is changing the policy of the United States toward Cuba to achieve four objectives: Enhance compliance with United States law—in particular the provisions that govern the embargo of Cuba and the ban on tourism; Hold the Cuban regime accountable for oppression and human rights abuses ignored under the Obama policy; Further ... Read More»
World Press Freedom Day
The United States has a strong track record of advocating for and protecting press freedom. The U.S. Department of State offers development programs and exchanges for media professionals, supports the free flow of information and ideas on the internet, and provides the tools and resources needed to keep journalists safe. Read More»
New information regarding visa payments
Effective January 5, 2017, fees for all consular services must be paid in U.S. dollars. The U.S. Embassy no longer accepts Venezuelan bolivars for consular services. Non-immigrant visa fees must be paid online by credit card in U.S. dollars. Read More»
Check out Our New Site!
Yes, we have a brand new website! Have a look around! The new-look website has seven sections representing broad topics that may be of interest to you. The sections are broken down further into sub-categories to assist you in finding specific information. Read More»
Important new information for all Non-immigrant Visa applicants in Venezuela
As of May 18, 2016, the U.S. Embassy in Caracas is no longer able to provide new appointments for first-time business or tourist (B-1/B-2) visa applicants. If you are a first-time applicant for a business or tourist (B-1/B-2) visa, you should not try to pay the application fee and should not try to make an ... Read More»
Remarks by Michael J. Fitzpatrick at the OAS meeting to discuss the situation in Venezuela
As Delivered Thank you Mr. Chairman, good afternoon to one and all, esteemed ministers, Secretary General, permanent representatives and delegates: Muy buenas tardes a todas y a todos. First, let me extend a special welcome to the foreign ministers who have joined us today. Sra. Ministra, Delcy Rodriguez, bienvenidos como siempre; que gusto verlo de ... Read More»
Release Venezuelan Prisoners of Conscience
Mark C. Toner Deputy Department Spokesperson Washington, DC This week’s Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) hearings painted a distressing picture of the conditions for prisoners of conscience in Venezuela, including inhumane treatment at the hands of prison officials. We reiterate our call for the release of those imprisoned for their political beliefs. The Venezuelan Government unfortunately continues to block ... Read More»
President Barack Obama Addresses the Cuban People
Among many things, President Obama said: “In his most famous poem [“Cultivo Una Rosa Blanca”), Jose Marti made this offering of friendship and peace to both his friends and his enemies. Today, as the President of the United States of America, I offer the Cuban people a greeting of friendship and peace.“ Read More»
Remarks by President Obama regarding Venezuela during historic speech in Cuba
During his speech in Havana, with his Cuban counterpart President Raul Castro, President Barack Obama responded to questions on various issues of bilateral and regional interest. Of Venezuela, he said, “I believe that the whole region has an interest in a country that is addressing its economic challenges, is responsive to the aspirations of its ... Read More»
Remarks from Susan Rice on Venezuela
In a speech at the Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center in Washington, DC on March 17, US National Security Adviser Susan Rice spoke at great length about the United States relationship with partner countries in the Americas, our hopes for the future and how to meet the challenges ahead. About our relationship with Venezuela, she ... Read More»
President Obama on CNN en Español (extract on Venezuela)
U.S. has no interest in seeing Venezuela fail Extract from interview by CNN en Español on March 14, 2016. Full interview: http://cnnespanol.cnn.com/2016/03/14/obama-no-nos-hacemos-ilusiones-de-que-el-regimen-de-los-castro-cambie-de-la-noche-a-la-manana/ Read More»
International Women’s Day
Press Statement John Kerry Secretary of State Washington, DC On International Women’s Day, we celebrate the world’s women—past, present, and future—and recognize their many contributions and reflect on what more needs to be done to empower over half of the world’s population. We remember the extraordinary achievements of women throughout history, and we applaud the ... Read More»
Letter from President Obama: Continuation of the National Emergency with Respect to Venezuela
Section 202(d) of the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1622(d)) provides for the automatic termination of a national emergency unless, within 90 days prior to the anniversary date of its declaration, the President publishes in the FederalRegister and transmits to the Congress a notice stating that the emergency is to continue in effect beyond the anniversary date. ... Read More»
Venezuela: Inclusion of All Parties a Key to Solving Challenges
Press Statement Mark C. Toner Deputy Department Spokesperson Washington, DC The United States remains concerned about actions taken by the Venezuelan administration to silence its opponents, which have led to a climate of intimidation and repression. Dozens of leaders from Venezuelan society have been imprisoned for their political beliefs. These include: Leopoldo Lopez, who will ... Read More»
Remarks by Interim U.S. Permanent Representative Michael J. Fitzpatrick Marking Human Rights Day
So, too, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid bin Ra’ad Al Hussein. In his November 12 address to the UN Human Rights Council, he raised serious concerns about the independence of the judiciary in Venezuela, the impartiality of judges and prosecutors, and the pressures they face in handling cases of political prisoners. He reiterated ... Read More»
International Human Rights Day 2015
Press Statement John Kerry Secretary of State Washington, DC The Universal Declaration of Human Rights was forged in the aftermath of World War II to protect freedom and prevent future atrocities. As we commemorate it today, we recall President Franklin Roosevelt’s 1941 Four Freedoms address, which inspired the Universal Declaration, and which the United Nations ... Read More»
Venezuelan Legislative Elections
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the Spokesperson STATEMENT BY SECRETARY KERRY The United States congratulates the people of Venezuela for making their voices heard in a peaceful and democratic way on Election Day. We urge Venezuelan electoral authorities to continue to tabulate and publish voting results in a timely and transparent fashion. Venezuelan voters ... Read More»
Condemn Killing of Opposition Member in Venezuela
John Kirby Department Spokesperson Washington, DC We condemn the attack and killing of Luis Manuel Diaz at a political rally November 25 in Altagracia de Orituco, Venezuela. This was the deadliest of several recent attacks and acts of intimidation aimed at opposition candidates. We call on the Government of Venezuela to protect all political candidates ... Read More»
Engel statement on OAS efforts to ensure free and fair legislative elections in Venezuela
WASHINGTON, DC—Representative Eliot L. Engel, the Ranking Member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, today released the following statement praising Organization of American States (OAS) Secretary General Luis Almagro for his recent letter to the head of Venezuela’s National Electoral Council Tibisay Lucena urging her to level the playing field to make the country’s ... Read More»
Statement by the U.S. Delegation to the HRC on the Venezuelan President’s Address
The Venezuelan president’s address today was a transparent attempt to use the UN Human Rights Council to shift attention away from his government’s own actions to restrict fundamental freedoms of peaceful assembly, association, and expression, particularly just before important national elections. This is an affront to a Council whose sole purpose is to protect and ... Read More»
Statement by John Kirby: Lack of Judicial Independence in Venezuela
One of the prosecutors in Mr. Leopoldo Lopez’s case stated recently that he was pressured to pursue the case based on illegitimate charges and false evidence. If true, these statements highlight the lack of judicial independence and adherence to due process of law in Venezuela. We call on the Venezuelan government to respect the rights ... Read More»
Chief of Mission of the US Embassy Visits Barquisimeto
Lee McClenny, Head of Mission of the Embassy of the United States visited the State of Lara to strengthen ties with leaders of political, business, academic and sporting sectors, as well as community and cultural leaders of the state to further strengthen the existing bilateral relations between the United States and Venezuela, especially in this ... Read More»
Colombia-Venezuela Border Dispute
Press Statement John Kirby Department Spokesperson Washington, DC August 29, 2015 The Department of State notes its continuing concern about the situation along the border between Venezuela and Colombia. The Department supports efforts by Colombia and Venezuela to resolve the dispute diplomatically, and welcomes initiatives to address the situation in appropriate multilateral fora. We stand ... Read More»
OneBeat 2015: Groundbreaking Cultural Exchange Program Returns
Groundbreaking Cultural Exchange Program Returns for 4th Annual Residency and Tour, Promotes Global Collaboration, New West Coast Partners “A United Nations of Music … world music in its truest sense.”-The New York Times The same producers who invited such accomplished musical storytellers as Just a Band’s Blinky Bill Sellanga; Russian beatbox and YouTube sensation Mitya ... Read More»
Embassy receives two baseballs signed by the Giants and the Royals
In recognition of our embassy’s sports programming, particularly the success of the Baseball and Friendship program, the Embassy of the United States in Caracas was among the few fortunate ones to receive two baseballs signed by the 2014 World Series players. The Major League Baseball (MLB) presented us with baseballs signed by the San Francisco ... Read More»
Facts about Puerto Rico
Q: Are persons born in Puerto Rico U.S. citizens? A: Yes, all persons born in Puerto Rico are U.S. citizens. In 1917, the U.S. Congress passed the Jones Act which extended U.S. citizenship to persons born on the island. Q: Is Puerto Rico a U.S. State? A: Puerto Rico has been a Commonwealth of the United ... Read More»
Deputy Secretary of State Antony Blinken at the 2014 Human Rights Defender Award Ceremony
DEPUTY SECRETARY BLINKEN: Well, thank you all very, very much. And if you’ll allow me, I just want to start before we get to our honorees with a few words about the good friend who just introduced me, Tom Malinowski. I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Tom, working with Tom, for more than a couple ... Read More»
Winners of the 2014 Human Rights Awards
The U.S. Department of State is pleased to announce the winners of the 2014 Human Rights Awards: Michael Honigstein and Michael Ervin are the recipients of the Human Rights and Democracy Achievement Award; and Azimjon Askarov of Kyrgyzstan and Foro Penal, a Venezuelan non-governmental organization, are the recipients of the Human Rights Defender Award. The ... Read More»
Remarks from COM Lee McClenny at the U.S. Embassy Independence Day Reception
Good afternoon. It’s a pleasure to welcome you to our celebration of the 239th birthday of the United States of America. Thank you for joining us. We are glad to have you here. After a few years of low-profile observances, we decided it was time to do something that was bigger, more casual, less formal, ... Read More»
Venezuela’s Independence Day
Press Statement John Kerry Secretary of State Washington, DC On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I send my best wishes to the people of Venezuela as you celebrate 204 years of independence on July 5. Today we reflect on the strong ties of friendship, family, culture, sport, and commerce that ... Read More»
Re-establishment of diplomatic relations with Cuba
THE PRESIDENT: Good morning, everybody. Please have a seat. More than 54 years ago, at the height of the Cold War, the United States closed its embassy in Havana. Today, I can announce that the United States has agreed to formally re-establish diplomatic relations with the Republic of Cuba, and re-open embassies in our respective ... Read More»
LGBT Pride Month
President Obama has proclaimed June 2015 to be LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered) Pride month. We, the U.S. Embassy community, are committed to advancing human rights for all, including LGBT individuals. Fostering of a culture of inclusion, respect, and dignity by working to promote acceptance of LBGT people around the world is a top ... Read More»
Comments on Deteriorating Health of Political Prisoners in Venezuela
Marie Harf State Department Senior Advisor for Strategic Communications Washington, DC We are deeply troubled by reports that Mayor Daniel Ceballos’ health is deteriorating. We remain concerned for the well-being of Daniel Ceballos, Leopoldo Lopez, and the other political prisoners currently in detention in Venezuela. We call upon the government to ensure their welfare. We join the international ... Read More»
Commemorating World Press Freedom Day
Statement by Secretary Kerry On May 3rd, we honored journalists who defend democratic ideals through their commitment to discovering and telling the truth. In doing so, we also paid tribute journalism itself, a profession to that is essential to good governance and the functioning of democracy. This is a critically important time to acknowledge the ... Read More»
FACT SHEET: U.S. Participation in the 7th Summit of the Americas
At the 7th Summit of the Americas in Panama City, Panama, President Obama highlighted the commitment of the United States to upholding the essential role independent civil society and the private sector play in contributing to a shared democratic agenda that benefits all of the people of the Americas. The 2015 Summit of the Americas ... Read More»
FACT SHEET: U.S.-CARICOM Summit – Deepening Energy Cooperation
Today, President Obama met with Caribbean leaders in a U.S.-CARICOM Summit in Kingston, Jamaica. President Obama reaffirmed the importance of our relationship with the region, and the United States’ commitment to partner with Caribbean countries to advance economic development, security, and good governance. Leaders discussed a broad range of issues, from our important trade and ... Read More»
Remarks by Interim U.S. Permanent Representative to the OAS, to Receive the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Venezuela
Remarks by Michael J. Fitzpatrick, Interim U.S. Permanent Representative to the Organization of American States, at the Special Meeting of the Permanent Council to Receive the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Venezuela, March 19, 2015 Thank you Madam Chair, good morning to one and all, esteemed ministers, Secretary General, permanent representatives and delegates, This session ... Read More»
Venezuelan Government Detains Key Opposition Figure
Press Statement Jen Psaki Department Spokesperson Washington, DC February 20, 2015 The United States condemns the detention of Caracas Metropolitan Mayor Antonio Ledezma by Venezuelan security forces, as well as the systematic intimidation of other leading opposition figures. These actions appear to be a clear attempt by the Venezuelan government to divert attention from the ... Read More»
Response to Venezuelan Government Accusations about U.S. Involvement in a Coup
Press Statement Jen Psaki Department Spokesperson Washington, DC February 19, 2015 The allegations made by the Venezuelan government that the United States is involved in coup plotting and destabilization are baseless and false. The United States does not support political transitions by non-constitutional means. Consistent with the principles enshrined in the Inter-American Democratic Charter, the ... Read More»
Refusing accusations against Vice-president Biden
Extract from the Daily Press Briefing on February 2, 2015 Jen Psaki Spokesperson Daily Press Briefing Washington, DC QUESTION: Venezuela. MS. PSAKI: Venezuela, mm-hmm. QUESTION: Yesterday, President Maduro said on national television that the United States is plotting to overthrow him; mentioned specifically a meeting with Vice President Biden last week with different prime ministers and heads of ... Read More»
An Exciting Night with Magallanes
As part of the Embassy’s baseball diplomacy outreach, U.S. Chief of Mission Lee McClenny attended a very close game between the Navegantes del Magallanes and the Caribes de Anzoategui. During his visit, he met Venezuelan baseball stars, their trainers and managers, and enjoyed discussing the U.S. and Venezuelan shared passion for baseball with several media ... Read More»
Visiting Baseball Legends
Fulfilling his promise to return to the Baseball Museum after an initial visit in September of this year, U.S. Chief of Mission Lee McClenny returned for a second visit to see the museum’s fully renovated Hall of Fame and marvel at the collection of baseball legends in the newly-remodeled space. During his visit, Mr. McClenny ... Read More»
3.5 Million Insects: U.S. Chief of Mission visits MIZA
During a recent trip to Maracay, U.S. Chief of Mission Lee McClenny got a glimpse of the incredible collection of 3.5 million insects currently on display at the Francisco Fernández Yépez Museum of the Agricultural Zoological Institute (MIZA). Mr. McClenny was impressed with MIZA’s dedication to tropical biodiversity and its ongoing commitment to sustainable ecology ... Read More»
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