Machado denounces the US for excluding her from Venezuela negotiations; opposition leader has not returned to her country for months

Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado accused the United States of excluding her from negotiations involving the government of Delcy Rodríguez and a faction of the opposition taking place this week in Caracas. In an interview with The New York Times, Machado criticized the U.S. for leaving her out of the talks and also denounced Alejandro Betancourt, a businessman linked to energy contracts with the Trump administration, as responsible for the suffering of Venezuelans. She stated she would return to Venezuela before expectations to mobilize supporters ahead of future elections. Machado has been unable to return to her country for months and claimed the U.S. had not invited her to participate in the ongoing discussions. The State Department countered that her party had been invited and that she could enter Venezuela whenever she wished. Machado questioned the role of Betancourt, who benefits from energy contracts and was associated with an agreement under the Trump administration to manage around a fifth of Venezuela’s oil reserves. She described him as "one of the main causes of the suffering endured by our people" and said he would not be a viable business partner in a potential government led by her. Despite her criticisms, Machado affirmed she would respect the energy agreements signed if they comply with Venezuelan law. She emphasized that Venezuela requires "security, stability, and legitimacy" to attract new investments. Regarding Rodríguez, whose government faces allegations of human rights violations, Machado argued that those responsible should answer to justice and proposed establishing an independent truth commission to collect testimony from victims and provide reparations. She stressed that the public demands justice, which is "absolutely legitimate." The interview followed former U.S. President Donald Trump ruling out Machado as a successor to Nicolás Maduro, captured by U.S. forces on January 3, and instead supporting the continuation of Chavismo under Rodríguez. Machado, who won the 2023 opposition primaries and backed the candidacy of Edmundo González Urrutia in the 2024 presidential elections, asserted she remained convinced that the U.S. seeks a democratic transition. Former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, declared themselves not guilty of new torture charges filed against them in a U.S. court. Both appeared before a New York court, where they face accusations of conspiracy to commit acts of torture against detainees in Venezuela, including U.S. citizens. Prosecutors allege that Maduro and Flores participated in actions aimed at suppressing and punishing the opposition, silencing dissent, and preserving power. Among the alleged abuses are simulated drownings, electric shocks, rapes, and beatings against individuals detained in Venezuela, causing severe physical and mental suffering. Maduro and Flores remain detained in Brooklyn, New York, following their capture on January 3 during a U.S. military operation in Caracas. They already faced charges related to drug trafficking and possession of firearms, for which they also claimed innocence. During their initial appearance in court, Maduro referred to himself as a "prisoner of war" and dismissed the charges as false. The new charges significantly expand the legal case against them. The U.S. Justice Department alleges that during Maduro’s presidency, which lasted from 2013 to 2026, he used political repression to maintain power. Prosecutors argue that the alleged torture was intended to intimidate, harass, and neutralize opponents, even through kidnappings. The charges include specific instances such as the alleged torture of an American citizen accused of plotting to assassinate Maduro, involving electric shocks, asphyxiation, beatings, and forced injections leading to seizures. Maduro and Flores are scheduled to face trial in New York starting June 1, 2027. Their lawyers requested a delay in the proceedings, and the trial is now set to begin on June 14, 2027. A hearing is planned for December 17 to address motions from the defense seeking dismissal of the case. Meanwhile, Venezuela has initiated a third round of dialogue aimed at achieving a political transition, led by Jorge Rodríguez, head negotiator for the government and president of the National Assembly, and Dinorah Figuera, representing the opposition. These talks began in August with U.S. backing, eight months after Maduro’s capture. Discussions focus on political processes, election organization, participation of parties, and selection of members of the Supreme Court of Justice. Agreements so far include the renewal of the Supreme Court, which critics say favors Chavismo, and cooperation to recover frozen gold reserves in London. Authorities in Venezuela have released some political prisoners and unfrozen censored news portals, though hundreds remain incarcerated. Delcy Rodríguez, acting president of Venezuela, pledged to hold elections, although no date was specified. Meanwhile, Machado’s party demands an electoral calendar and the removal of political restrictions preventing her from competing in the 2024 presidential elections.