U.S. says Maduro lost Venezuelan election, calls for talks, transition

[former9thward]

Source: Washington Post

CARACAS — The United States on Thursday said opposition candidate Edmundo González defeated President Nicolás Maduro in Venezuela’s presidential election and called for negotiations to ensure a peaceful transition of power.

Maduro claims that he won Sunday’s vote. The opposition, meanwhile, says that the government’s own records, as well as independent exit polls, indicate that González won twice as many as votes.

“Given the overwhelming evidence, it is clear to the United States and, most importantly, to the Venezuelan people that Edmundo González Urrutia won the most votes in Venezuela’s July 28 presidential election,” Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement Thursday evening.

In his statement, Blinken did not say the United States was recognizing González as Venezuela’s president.

Read more: https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2024/08/01/venezuela-election-maduro-us/

[catsudon]

1. it's now officially US's position

Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Thursday said that the United States officially recognizes opposition candidate Edmundo González as the real winner of the Venezuelan presidential election, instead of incumbent Nicolas Maduro.

“Given the overwhelming evidence, it is clear to the United States and, most importantly, to the Venezuelan people that Edmundo González Urrutia won the most votes in Venezuela’s July 28 presidential election," Blinken said in a statement reported by the Associated Press.

https://apnews.com/article/venezuela-election-brazil-mexico-colombia-diplomacy-fa5780b54ffd166b4e20513d5b457512

[bahboo]

2. well...this bears watching....

[mahatmakanejeeves]

3. U.S. recognizes Venezuelan opposition leader as winner of contested election

WORLD

U.S. recognizes Venezuelan opposition leader as winner of contested election

AUGUST 1, 2024 • 9:37 PM ET
Carrie Kahn

CARACAS, Venezuela — U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Thursday that the opposition was the clear winner in Venezuela’s recent presidential election and not the current authoritarian leader.

Washington's backing comes as regional leaders are urging President Nicolas Maduro to show proof of his self-proclaimed victory.

Blinken says the evidence is overwhelming that opposition candidate Edmundo González Urrutia won Sunday’s race. He blasted Venezuela’s electoral council for conducting a deeply flawed election that clearly did not reflect the will of the voters.

Blinken said it was “time for the Venezuelan parties to begin discussions on a respectful, peaceful transition in accordance with Venezuelan electoral law and the wishes of the Venezuelan people.”

{snip}

[EX500rider]

4. Now you've done, riled up our resident tankies, stand by for some "Proletarians of all countries, unite!" type stuff

[BaronChocula]

5. Joe Biden is a friggin' beast N/T