WASHINGTON — Brian A. Nichols, top representative of the United States Government for Latin American affairs, visited Spain to expose the priorities of the Joe Biden Administration in Latin America, highlighting the democratic deficiencies that persist in regimes such as that of Cuba, Nicaragua and Venezuela.
In particular, he made reference to Venezuela, highlighting the disqualification of opponents and the increase in repression by the regime, ensuring that this political panorama does not offer much hope that free elections will be held in the Caribbean country.
However, Nichols believes that there is still “margin” for Nicolás Maduro’s regime to change course.
During an event at Casa de América, Nichols advocated for holding “inclusive and competitive” elections in Venezuela, although he stressed that this depends on Maduro and his close circle.
The risk”
The assistant secretary of state for the Western Hemisphere explained that Washington took a “risk” by relaxing part of the sanctions against Venezuela. He also emphasized that the temporary permit for certain activities expires on April 18, the date on which the US Government reserves the right to reimpose all sanctions.
Nichols highlighted that the hope of a democratic path was what led to the Barbados Agreement, signed in October by leaders of Chavismo and the opposition. However, to date, Maduro’s representatives have failed to live up to commitments, especially regarding the lifting of María Corina Machado’s disqualification and the alleged inability of her successor, Corina Yoris, to register for elections. presidential.
The United States expresses serious concerns about the recent arrests of opponents and activists in Venezuela. Nichols also mentioned Spain’s calls on behalf of activist Rocío San Miguel, requesting her immediate release.
Likewise, he considers the public criticism of the Colombian president, Gustavo Petro, regarding the repression against the opposition in Venezuela important, given Petro’s significant influence in the region.
Spain’s commitment
Regarding the possibility of Spain promoting the “relaxation” of sanctions against Venezuela, it was a topic of discussion at the international level. The US Deputy Secretary of State, Brian A. Nichols, highlighted the independence of the decisions in this regard and the importance of close contact to act in coordination between both sides of the Atlantic.
Nichols praised Spain’s commitment to democracy globally, especially in Latin America, highlighting its influence during the presidency of the EU Council in the second half of 2023. In addition, he applauded Spanish cooperation in areas such as economic development, defense of the environment, the fight against corruption and fair immigration policies.
Regarding migration, Spain offered to receive part of the migrants seeking to register in the centers that the US planned to open in Central America to facilitate legal migration. Nichols urged migrants to use these legal channels rather than undertake dangerous journeys, while warning that US authorities would be firm at the border in the face of an overwhelming flow of arrivals.
Dictatorships of Cuba and Nicaragua
In relation to Cuba, Nichols considered that the country was at a crucial moment with an increase in social protests. He highlighted the value and commitment of Cuban citizens to human rights and fundamental freedoms, supporting a policy that is “tough” with the regime but “soft” with the people.
Regarding Nicaragua, Nichols criticized the repressive and undemocratic behavior of the Ortega regime, which seeks to silence civil society and unjustly imprison hundreds of people. He thanked the offer of Spanish nationality to the prisoners exiled from Nicaragua as a gesture of humanity and solidarity.
Nichols thanked Spain for its role in mobilizing the EU for democracy, as seen in Guatemala after last year’s elections. He stated that he hopes that the entire Western Hemisphere will be consolidated as a bastion of democracy, and highlighted the importance of recovering stability in Haiti, supporting the institutional restoration and the pending international mission, with the economic support offered by the Spanish government.
Source: DLA Editorial with information from Europa Press
