EU calls for inclusion of opposition leader Machado in Venezuelaآ’s transition

BRUSSELS, Jan 5 (KUNA) -- The European Commission on Monday called for the inclusion of Venezuelan opposition leader and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Maria Corina Machado in the countryآ’s transitional phase, following the U.S. arrest of President Nicolas Maduro.
EU Commission spokesperson Anitta Hipper told reporters that "the next steps are about launching a dialogue aimed at a democratic transition, which must include Edmundo Gonzalez (whom the Venezuelan opposition considers the winner of the 2024 presidential election) and Maria Corina Machado." Hipper reaffirmed the blocآ’s support for an inclusive political process in Venezuela, based on dialogue and broad participation by all key parties, in order to ensure a peaceful democratic transition that meets the aspirations of the Venezuelan people.
US President Donald Trump had said at a press conference on Saturday, following the arrest of Venezuelan President Maduro, "I think it will be very difficult for her to be the leader. She does not have support or respect within the country," adding, "She is a very nice woman, but she is not respected." (end) arn.mt