STATEMENT | María Corina Machado’s Return to Venezuela Today, after nearly a year in exile and multiple attempts to return to her country that were blocked by the regime, María Corina Machado, leader of Venezuela’s democratic forces, is finally back in Venezuela. This moment represents a fundamental step in the political change process our country is undergoing. We wish to express our special gratitude to President Donald Trump, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and the United States Government for their commitment and leadership. The actions taken on January 3 opened a path that now makes it possible to move toward a democratic transition and the holding, in the near future, of free, fair, and verifiable presidential elections. We also wish to express our gratitude to the broad bipartisan coalition in the United States Congress and to allied governments that have supported the restoration of democracy in Venezuela. María Corina Machado’s return is intended to actively contribute to ensuring that this process moves forward in a stable, peaceful, and secure manner. She returns to stand alongside Venezuelans in their aspirations, demands, and legitimate yearnings for freedom, democracy, and justice, as well as to help build the political and institutional conditions necessary for a successful transition. She also returns to help build and promote a broad and inclusive national agreement that will enable the different sectors of Venezuelan society to develop a new, shared vision for the country. This agreement must transcend political differences, foster understanding and reconciliation, and lay the foundations for a common future grounded in democracy, respect for human rights, peaceful coexistence, and prosperity. Her presence in Venezuela also sends a message of confidence and commitment to our international allies. We seek to convey the certainty that Venezuela’s democratic forces are prepared to assume the responsibilities of this new stage, contribute to the country’s stability, and work in coordination with our partners to ensure an orderly and sustainable transition, with guarantees for all sectors of society. We are convinced that her return strengthens the prospects for consolidating political change, advancing toward the full restoration of democratic institutions, and ensuring that Venezuelans can finally freely choose their own future. International Office María Corina Machado