WASHINGTON – Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado has said Venezuela has the potential to transform from what she described as a "criminal hub" into a key security partner for the United States and the Western Hemisphere if political change takes place in the country.
Speaking during an interview with conservative political commentator Dinesh D'Souza, Machado praised U.S. President Donald Trump's policy toward Venezuela and argued that current developments present a historic opportunity.
"What President Trump did on January 3 was impeccable. Now we can turn it into an absolutely historic event by transforming Venezuela from a criminal hub into a space of security for the United States and the hemisphere," Machado said.
Her remarks come amid continuing debate over Venezuela's political future and the role the United States could play in a potential democratic transition.
Machado has consistently accused the government of President Nicolás Maduro of allowing criminal organizations to operate within Venezuela and has advocated for stronger international cooperation to combat organized crime, drug trafficking and corruption.
The opposition leader's latest comments also reflect her longstanding position that a democratic transition in Venezuela would not only benefit Venezuelans but would also contribute to regional stability and security.
No immediate response to Machado's remarks had been issued by the Venezuelan government.