US Says It Will Not Block Maria Corina Machado's Return to Venezuela

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Washington : The United States has said it will not prevent Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado from returning home, but warned that conditions must first be in place to ensure she is not arrested.

US Deputy Assistant Secretary for South America Luis Mendez told Congress that Washington had made its position clear to Venezuela's interim authorities. He said the US was working to ensure Machado could return safely.

Machado left Venezuela last December to receive her Nobel Peace Prize in Norway and has not returned since. Her reported attempts to go back after the June 24 earthquakes were unsuccessful, with diplomatic pressure cited as a factor.

Interim President Delcy Rodriguez, who took power after the US removal of Nicolas Maduro in January, has announced plans to begin talks with opposition parties next month.

Pic Credit: AFP