Statement of Support for Venezuelan Democracy August 3, 2020 For Immediate Release The United States applauds the statement made by 27 valiant Venezuelan political parties on August 2 regarding Venezuela’s democracy.  In the statement, they demanded political prisoners in Venezuela be released and showed that currently, there are no conditions for any free and fair elections in Venezuela under Maduro.  …

07/28/2020 ICE HSI Orlando, HSI Guatemala seize aircraft, cocaine   Up: After offloading the cocaine, the narco traffickers attempted to bury the drugs. Total- 2,107 kgs. | Down: GIII jet scuttled by narco traffickers in Guatemala.   ORLANDO – U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) seized 2,107 kilograms of cocaine and …

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the Spokesperson For Immediate Release  STATEMENT BY SECRETARY MICHAEL R. POMPEO July 28, 2020 Public Designation of Former Officials of the Illegitimate Maduro Regime  Due to Involvement in Significant Corruption    Today, I am announcing the designation of former Venezuelan Minister of Electric Power and President of Corpoelec, Luis Alfredo Motta Dominguez, and former Venezuelan …

U.S. Sanctions Moron Brothers for their Role in Regime Corruption   PRESS STATEMENT MICHAEL R. POMPEO, SECRETARY OF STATE JULY 23, 2020   The United States is sanctioning brothers Santiago Jose Moron Hernandez and Ricardo Jose Moron Hernandez for their sustained support of corruption by the illegitimate Maduro regime.  By enabling an illicit gold scheme and other blatant public corruption, these two …

The State Department Takes Action and Calls for Information to Bring Venezuelan National Maikel Jose Moreno Perez to Justice   PRESS STATEMENT MICHAEL R. POMPEO, SECRETARY OF STATE JULY 21, 2020   Today, I am announcing a reward under the Transnational Organized Crime Program of up to $5 million for information leading to the arrest and/or conviction of Venezuelan National, Maikel Jose Moreno Perez for participating in transnational …

Statement by the President on Venezuelan Independence Day   Office of the Press Secretary FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 5, 2020   Today, on the 209th anniversary of the Venezuelan Declaration of Independence, the United States reaffirms our solidarity with the people of Venezuela. The Venezuelan people are suffering under an illegitimate and tyrannical regime intent …

Venezuela’s National Day   PRESS STATEMENT MICHAEL R. POMPEO, SECRETARY OF STATE JULY 3, 2020 On behalf of the people of the United States, I extend our enduring support to the people of Venezuela, interim President Juan Guaido, and the democratically elected National Assembly as you commemorate the 209th anniversary of your independence on July 5. Venezuela was the first Spanish …

CONDEMNATION OF MADURO’S LATEST STEP TO DISMANTLE VENEZUELA’S DEMOCRACY July 2, 2020 For immediate release We condemn the latest act of Maduro’s puppet Elections Committee (CNE) to lay the groundwork for the Maduro regime to illegitimately remain in power without the consent of the Venezuelan people.  The people of Venezuela want real change.  The recent …

International Day in Support of Victims of Torture PRESS STATEMENT MORGAN ORTAGUS, DEPARTMENT SPOKESPERSON JUNE 26, 2020 On the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, we honor and support victims and survivors throughout the world. We observe this day on the anniversary of the date on which the UN Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or …

Treasury Targets Sanctions Evasion Network Supporting Corrupt Venezuelan Actors June 18, 2020   Washington – Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated three individuals and eight foreign entities, and identified two vessels as blocked property for their activities in or associated with a network attempting to evade United States …

The United States Condemns Maduro’s Latest Step to Rig the Next Venezuelan Election PRESS STATEMENT MICHAEL R. POMPEO, SECRETARY OF STATE JUNE 15, 2020 Free elections are the path out of Venezuela’s deep political crisis.  Unfortunately, on June 12, the Maduro regime-controlled Supreme Court continued to manipulate the Venezuelan Constitution by illegally naming a new, regime-aligned National Electoral Council (CNE). Venezuelans …

STATEMENT BY SECRETARY MICHAEL R. POMPEO   June 2, 2020 The United States Targets Maritime Entities for Supporting Illegitimate Maduro Regime in the Venezuela Oil Trade   Today the United States imposed sanctions against four companies for operating in the oil sector of the Venezuelan economy.  These companies are transporting oil that was effectively stolen …

May 19, 2020 WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is designating China-based Shanghai Saint Logistics Limited for acting as a general sales agent (GSA) for or on behalf of Iranian airline Mahan Air. This is the seventh designation of a GSA to Mahan Air since 2018. …

Issued on: May 6, 2020 Today, President Donald J. Trump announced his intent to nominate the following individual to a key position in his Administration:: James Broward Story, of South Carolina, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. James Broward Story, a career member …

  OFFICE OF FOREIGN ASSETS CONTROL Venezuela Sanctions Regulations 31 C.F.R. Part 591 GENERAL LICENSE NO. 8F   Authorizing Transactions Involving Petróleos de Venezuela, S.A. (PdVSA) Necessary for the Limited Maintenance of Essential Operations in Venezuela or the Wind Down of Operations in Venezuela for Certain Entities (a) Except as provided in paragraphs (c) and …

DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY WASHINGTON, D.C.   OFFICE OF FOREIGN ASSETS CONTROL   Fact Sheet: Provision of Humanitarian Assistance and Trade to Combat COVID-19   April 16, 2020 The United States is committed to ensuring that humanitarian assistance continues to reach atrisk populations through legitimate and transparent channels as countries across the globe fight the …

Office of the Press Secretary FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 13, 2020 PAN AMERICAN DAY AND PAN AMERICAN WEEK, 2020 – – – – – – – BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA A PROCLAMATION   This year marks 130 years since the spirit of cooperation, hope, and progress brought together the nations …

PRESS RELEASES Treasury Underscores Commitment to Global Flow of Humanitarian Aid in Face of COVID-19 Pandemic   April 9, 2020   WASHINGTON—The U.S. Department of the Treasury stands with governments and citizens around the world in the global war against the COVID-19 global pandemic. The United States is committed to ensuring the international flow of …

PRESS STATEMENT MICHAEL R. POMPEO, SECRETARY OF STATE MARCH 31, 2020 On March 31, the United States proposed a pathway to resolving Venezuela’s crisis by means of a peaceful, democratic transition.  This framework calls for the establishment of broadly acceptable transitional government to administer free and fair presidential elections and a pathway to lifting Venezuela-related U.S. sanctions.  It builds on the …

FACT SHEET OFFICE OF THE SPOKESPERSON MARCH 31, 2020 Full return of all members of the National Assembly (AN); Supreme Court (TSJ) lifts order of contempt and restores all powers to the AN, including immunities for deputies; National Constituent Assembly (ANC) is dissolved. The U.S. lifts sanctions imposed on ANC members due to their membership in the ANC. All …

February 18, 2020 Washington – The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) today designated Rosneft Trading S.A., the Swiss-incorporated, Russian-controlled oil brokerage firm pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13850, as amended, for operating in the oil sector of the Venezuelan economy. OFAC also designated the chairman of the board of directors …

PRESS STATEMENT MICHAEL R. POMPEO, SECRETARY OF STATE FEBRUARY 18, 2020 On February 18, the United States took action to halt the former Maduro regime’s theft of Venezuela’s assets and continued usurpation of democracy by sanctioning Rosneft Trading S.A., a Swiss-incorporated, Russian-owned oil brokerage firm, for operating in Venezuela’s oil sector. Additionally, Rosneft Trading board …

PRESS STATEMENT MORGAN ORTAGUS, DEPARTMENT SPOKESPERSON FEBRUARY 15, 2020 The United States strongly condemns the detention of Juan Jose Marquez, uncle of interim President Juan Guaido, and demands his immediate release. The preposterous charges that have been put forward further exemplify the increasing desperation of Maduro and his corrupt associates. Manufacturing evidence to justify arbitrary, …

Readout For Immediate Release Thursday, February 6, 2020 Office of Press Relations Telephone: +1.202.712.4320 | Email: press@usaid.gov The following is attributable to Acting Spokesperson Pooja Jhunjhunwala: On February 6, 2020, United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Administrator Mark Green met with the Interim President of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, the Honorable Juan Guaidó, …

READOUT OFFICE OF THE SPOKESPERSON FEBRUARY 6, 2020 The following is attributable to Spokesperson Morgan Ortagus: Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo met today with Interim President Juan Guaido of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela and underscored our unwavering support for his democratic leadership. The two discussed Interim President Guaido’s successful international trip and his …

U.S. Capitol Washington, D.C. 9:06 P.M. EST THE PRESIDENT: Thank you very much. Thank you. Thank you very much. Madam Speaker, Mr. Vice President, members of Congress, the First Lady of the United States — (applause) — and my fellow citizens: Three years ago, we launched the great American comeback. Tonight, I stand before you …

FACT SHEET BUREAU OF POPULATION, REFUGEES, AND MIGRATION FEBRUARY 4, 2020 Since 2017, the United States has provided over $656 million in aid to the Venezuela crisis, of which nearly $473 million is humanitarian assistance for the close to 4.8 million Venezuelans who have been forced to flee their country and those facing acute humanitarian needs inside Venezuela.  The Department of …

REMARKS MICHAEL R. POMPEO, SECRETARY OF STATE GENERAL SANTANDER POLICE ACADEMY BOGOTA, COLOMBIA JANUARY 20, 2020 INTERIM PRESIDENT GUAIDO: (In Spanish.) SECRETARY POMPEO: President Guaido, thank you for being here today. And thank you for joining a huge group of countries today who’s working on fighting terrorism all around the world, including in Venezuela. A …

January 13, 2020 Washington – Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated seven Venezuelan government officials who, on behalf of former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, led a failed attempt to illegitimately seize control of the National Assembly and block interim President Juan Guaidó and other deputies from participating …

Supporting the Venezuelan People PRESS STATEMENT MICHAEL R. POMPEO, SECRETARY OF STATE JANUARY 9, 2020 Venezuela’s political crisis has led to the flight of more than 4.8 million people, the collapse of a once prosperous country’s educational, economic, industrial, and healthcare systems, and the abuse of human rights and fundamental freedoms. A swift negotiated transition …

PRESS STATEMENT MICHAEL R. POMPEO, SECRETARY OF STATE JANUARY 5, 2020 On behalf of the United States, I congratulate Juan Guaido on his re-election as president of the Venezuelan National Assembly and condemn the failed efforts of the former Maduro regime to negate the will of the democratically elected National Assembly. For months corrupt regime …

PRESS STATEMENT MICHAEL R. POMPEO, SECRETARY OF STATE JANUARY 2, 2020 The Department is publicly designating Leopoldo Cintra Frias, Minister of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Cuba (MINFAR), under Section 7031(c) of the FY 2019 Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, due to his involvement, by command responsibility, in gross violations …

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE VENEZUELA AFFAIRS UNIT PUBLIC AFFAIRS SECTION Notice of Funding Opportunity Funding Opportunity Title: Venezuela Affairs Unit, PAS Annual Program Statement Deadline for Applications: Rolling CFDA Number: 19.040 – Public Diplomacy Programs Maximum for Each Award: $50,000 A. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION The Venezuela Affairs Unit (VAU) Public Affairs Section (PAS) is pleased to …

December 13, 2019 WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT’s) Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) today announced that the Venezuelan regime does not comply with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) safety standards under the International Aviation Safety Assessment (IASA) program and has been assigned a Category 2 rating. A Category 2 IASA rating means the country either lacks laws or regulations necessary to oversee air …

November 5, 2019 Washington – Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) identified five current officials of the Government of Venezuela pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13884, which blocks the property and interests in property of the Government of Venezuela and those who have acted or purported to have acted …

For Immediate Release Monday, October 21, 2019 Office of Press Relations Telephone: +1.202.712.4320 | Email: press@usaid.gov Today, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) launched the BetterTogether, JuntosEsMejor, Challenge. With this new partnership, USAID and IDB will provide $13.5 million to crowdsource, fund, and scale innovative solutions that support Venezuelans …

Ambassador Kelly Craft Permanent Representative U.S. Mission to the United Nations New York, NY October 17, 2019 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Today’s election of the former Maduro regime in Venezuela to the UN Human Rights Council is an embarrassment to the United Nations and a tragedy for the people of Venezuela. I am personally aggrieved that …

Remarks For Immediate Release Tuesday, October 8, 2019 Office of Press Relations Telephone: +1.202.712.4320 | Email: press@usaid.gov ASSISTANT ADMINISTRATOR BARSA: Good morning, everyone. My name is John Barsa. I’m the Assistant Administrator for USAID’s Bureau for Latin America and the Caribbean. I’d like to welcome you all here today. We are here to witness the signing …

  IMMIGRATION    Issued on: September 25, 2019 There remains a political and humanitarian crisis in Venezuela due to the continued failure of Nicolas Maduro, Maduro regime officials, and others to support the rule of law.  Given the importance to the United States of fostering the functioning of constitutional government and democratic institutions in Venezuela, I have …

The White house  Office of the Press Secretary September 25, 2019 Today, President Donald J. Trump and other United States officials hosted leaders from Western Hemisphere countries to discuss the need for a democratic transition in Venezuela to resolve the prolonged political, economic, and humanitarian crisis caused by Nicolas Maduro and his regime. The United …

Tuesday, September 24, 2019 Office of Press Relations Telephone: +1.202.712.4320 | Email: press@usaid.gov   Today, United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Administrator Mark Green, while standing alongside Venezuelan lawmakers, human-rights activists, and the Venezuelan Ambassador to the United States, Carlos Vecchio, announced $52 million in development assistance to help Venezuela’s Interim President Juan Guaido, …

PRESS RELEASES September 24, 2019   Washington – Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated four entities that operate in the oil sector of the Venezuelan economy pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13850.  Additionally, OFAC identified four vessels that transport oil and other petroleum products from Venezuela to Cuba …

PRESS STATEMENT MORGAN ORTAGUS, DEPARTMENT SPOKESPERSON SEPTEMBER 17, 2019 The suspension of the Norway-sponsored talks between Venezuela’s interim government and the former Maduro regime reflects the refusal of the regime to negotiate in good faith. Once again, the regime sees negotiations as a delaying tactic and has subverted good-faith efforts to find a peaceful political …

PRESS STATEMENT MICHAEL R. POMPEO, SECRETARY OF STATE SEPTEMBER 17, 2019 On September 17, the United States designated three individuals and 16 entities connected with Nicolás Maduro’s associate Alex Saab and his business partner Alvaro Pulido. This action increases pressure on Saab and Pulido, who were designated on July 25, 2019, for their looting of …

PRESS STATEMENT MICHAEL R. POMPEO, SECRETARY OF STATE SEPTEMBER 11, 2019 The United States joins the Interim Government of Venezuela and ten other countries in invoking the Inter-American Treaty of Reciprocal Assistance (TIAR). This Venezuelan-led request is proof of the region’s support for the Venezuelan people and recognition of the increasingly destabilizing influence that the …

PRESS STATEMENT MORGAN ORTAGUS, DEPARTMENT SPOKESPERSON SEPTEMBER 4, 2019 United States Announces Additional Humanitarian Assistance in Response to Venezuelan Regional Crisis Deputy Secretary John Sullivan and United States Agency for International Development Administrator Mark Green announced September 4 in Cúcuta, Colombia more than $120 million in additional U.S. humanitarian assistance to address the largest external …

PRESS STATEMENT MICHAEL R. POMPEO, SECRETARY OF STATE AUGUST 28, 2019 The Department of State announces the opening of the Venezuela Affairs Unit (VAU), under the leadership of Charge d’Affaires James Story. The VAU is the interim diplomatic office of the U.S. Government to Venezuela, located at the U.S. Embassy in Bogota‎, Colombia, and has …

AUGUST 06, 2019 Washington—Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) issued guidance highlighting the United States’ commitment to the unfettered flow of humanitarian aid to the Venezuelan people. OFAC maintains several authorizations that permit humanitarian-related transactions, enabling continued support to the people of Venezuela and ensuring that legitimate humanitarian …

“The people of Venezuela are standing for freedom and democracy, and the United States of America is standing right by their side.” President Donald J. Trump ISOLATING MADURO AND HIS CRONIES: President Donald J. Trump is taking action to isolate the illegitimate Maduro regime from the global financial system. The President signed an executive order …

Yesterday, President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order “Blocking Property of the Government of Venezuela.” This Executive Order blocks all property and interests in property of the Government of Venezuela that are within the jurisdiction of the United States. It also authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Secretary of State, …

PRESS STATEMENT MICHAEL R. POMPEO, SECRETARY OF STATE AUGUST 6, 2019 On August 5, the President of the United States signed an Executive Order blocking all property and interests in property of the Government of Venezuela that are in the United States, that hereafter come within the United States, or that are or hereafter come …

Fact Sheet For Immediate Release Monday, August 5, 2019 Office of Press Relations A SPIRALING HUMANITARIAN CRISIS: While the illegitimate former Maduro regime continues to deny the scale of the crisis – as well as its role in causing it – independent international organizations report dire, irrefutable findings from inside Venezuela. The July 2019 United Nations (U.N.) Human Rights report confirms that Nicolás …

AUGUST 05, 2019 By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.) (IEEPA), the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.), section 212(f) of the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952 …

PRESS STATEMENT MICHAEL R. POMPEO, SECRETARY OF STATE AUGUST 2, 2019 The United States is publicly designating Rafael Enrique Bastardo Mendoza, Commander of Venezuela’s police special forces (the FAES), and Ivan Rafael Hernandez Dala, Commander of military counter intelligence (the DGCIM), for their involvement in gross violations of human rights. The security and intelligence organizations …

PRESS RELEASE JULY 25, 2019 Alex Saab bribed stepsons of Nicolás Maduro and exploited no-bid contracts to loot hundreds of millions of dollars from starving Venezuelans Washington – Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned Colombian national Alex Nain Saab Moran (Saab), a profiteer orchestrating a vast corruption …

JULY 19, 2019 Washington – Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated four officials of the General Directorate of Military Counterintelligence (DGCIM). The DGCIM, including these officials, has been accused of systemic human rights abuses and repressing dissent and was sanctioned on July 11, 2019 pursuant to Executive …

Readout For Immediate Release Friday, July 19, 2019 The following is attributable to Spokesperson Tom Babington: On July 19, 2019, U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Administrator Mark Green met with His Excellency Carlos Vecchio, Venezuelan Ambassador to the United States, and Venezuelan human rights activist Lilian Tintori. The Administrator reiterated the U.S. Government’s support …

07/03/2019 06:10 PM EDT On behalf of the people of the United States of America, I congratulate interim President Juan Guaido, the National Assembly, and the people of Venezuela as you celebrate the anniversary of your independence. Once again, the Venezuelan people are besieged by dictatorship, undesired foreign presence, and profiteers.  As in the time of …

June 30, 2019 Maduro Dictatorship Tortures Opponent to Death The United States condemns the killing and torture of Capitan de Corbeta Rafael Acosta Arévalo, a Venezuelan Naval Officer, who died while in the custody of Maduro’s thugs and their Cuban advisers. We express deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. This is not the …

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 …

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 …

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.“

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 …

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 …

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/ 

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 …

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.  …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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, …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …