WILLEMSTAD – Reports circulating in regional media have attributed remarks to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio warning that the United States will not tolerate efforts by senior figures from Venezuela's former ruling establishment to obstruct what Washington describes as a genuine democratic transition.
According to the reports, Rubio said the United States has been clear from the outset that it supports "a real democratic transition" in Venezuela and would not allow remnants of the previous government, including Diosdado Cabello, to stand in the way of that process.
If confirmed, the reported remarks would represent another strong political warning from Washington that individuals associated with the former Maduro administration should not retain influence capable of undermining Venezuela's institutional transition.
The comments come amid continued political uncertainty in Venezuela following the removal of former president Nicolás Maduro and the establishment of a transitional government. U.S. officials have repeatedly stated that their objective is a democratic transition culminating in free and fair elections, while emphasizing that stabilization and institutional reforms remain priorities.
As of publication, however, Curaçao Chronicle has not been able to independently verify the specific wording attributed to Rubio, and no official transcript or statement containing the quoted remarks has been located through the U.S. Department of State or other official U.S. government channels.
The State Department has consistently maintained that it supports a democratic transition in Venezuela and has warned against actions that could hinder political reform.
Should the reported comments be officially confirmed, they would signal that Washington intends to maintain pressure on influential figures from the former ruling structure as Venezuela continues its political transition.