US News: A significant step has been taken towards restoring formal diplomatic relations between the United States and Venezuela after a gap of nearly seven years. Senior US diplomat Laura Dogu arrived in Caracas, the Venezuelan capital, on Saturday. Her arrival signals a thawing of the frozen relations between the two countries.
Message from the Embassy
Upon her arrival in Caracas, Laura Dogu confirmed her presence via the official ‘X’ account of the US Embassy in Venezuela. She wrote that she and her team were ready to begin work. Photos of her disembarking from the plane at Maiquetía International Airport were also shared with the message.
Changed Atmosphere After Regime Change
Dogu’s visit comes approximately a month after the military operation that led to the removal of long-serving President Nicolás Maduro from power in Venezuela. This political change is believed to have reopened the path for dialogue between the two countries.
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Background of the Rift in Relations
Relations between the US and Venezuela completely broke down in February 2019. At that time, the US recognized opposition leader Juan Guaidó as the interim president of Venezuela. In response, the Maduro government ordered US diplomats to leave the country, after which both countries closed their respective embassies.
Venezuela’s Welcome Message
Venezuelan Foreign Minister Iván Gil welcomed Laura Dogu’s arrival. He said that the visit reflects a shared desire to resolve differences between the two countries through dialogue. According to Gil, the US and Venezuela have agreed to move forward with relations based on mutual respect and international law.
Release of Prisoners and Further Demands
US officials have stated that Venezuela recently released all American citizens who were imprisoned in the country. However, the US has also made it clear that it will continue to demand the release of all political prisoners in the future.
Laura Dogu is an experienced diplomat
Laura Dogu has previously served as the US ambassador to Honduras and Nicaragua. She currently also serves as the foreign policy advisor to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the US military.
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Hope for a new chapter
Experts believe that Dogu’s visit to Caracas signals a major shift in US-Venezuela relations. It is being seen as the beginning of a new chapter after a long period of tension between the two countries.
