Kamlager-Dove Statement on Venezuela's Agreement for Free and Fair Elections

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37) issued the following statement on the agreement reached between the Venezuela Unitary Platform and the Maduro regime to promote free and competitive elections in 2024 and release American prisoners:

“I welcome the U.S.-brokered agreement reached between Maduro and the Unitary Platform Party as an important first step to supporting freer and fairer elections and alleviating the humanitarian crisis in Venezuela. Diplomatic breakthroughs like this allow for real steps to improve conditions for the Venezuelan people, and I commend the State Department for their tireless efforts.

“I am especially heartened to see the release of wrongfully detained Americans as one of the conditions of U.S. sanctions relief and support the Administration’s prerogative to swiftly reimpose sanctions if the Venezuelans do not follow through on their commitment in a timely manner as agreed to. This is an important window of opportunity for the country, and I urge the Venezuelan government to honor the deal.

"The issue of wrongfully detained Americans is a personal one for me and the people of CA-37. Eyvin Hernandez, an LA County public defender and my constituent, has been unjustly held in Venezuela for over a year, and bringing him home is a priority for me in the bilateral relationship. I will continue to monitor the implementation of the agreement over the next few months and work with my Foreign Affairs Committee colleagues to advance a resolution to Venezuela’s political and humanitarian crisis.”
 

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