The US asked Maduro to recognize the “real result” of June 28

||AP/EFE Agencies

**In addition, the Executive of that country urged the government and the opposition to begin conversations for a “peaceful transition”**

The United States yesterday called on Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro to recognize “the real result” of the Venezuelan elections, after examining records and documents compiled by the opposition that are “almost impossible to falsify” and show that his opponent Edmundo Gonzalez had obtained the majority of the votes.

“The numbers speak for themselves,” said Mark Wells, acting assistant secretary of state for Western Hemisphere affairs at the State Department. “The real outcome of the election is clear and the world can see it. Edmundo Gonzalez won the majority of the votes.”

White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said the United States is working closely with regional and international partners in the wake of the Venezuelan election.

“This is a very important moment for democracy in our hemisphere,” Jean-Pierre said at a press conference.

He explained that the opposition and civil society have published more than 80% of the tally sheets received at the polling stations, which indicate that “González received the most votes by an insurmountable margin.” Independent observers, pre-election and exit polls, and quick counts corroborated the results, Jean-Pierre said.

“The will of the people must be respected,” he said before urging the parties to begin a peaceful and respectful dialogue that will lead to a “more democratic, prosperous and secure” Venezuela.

Wells, for his part, said the United States continues to work with other countries to promote transparency and ensure that people’s votes are counted.

The official urged Maduro to release political prisoners and categorically condemned political violence.

He also praised the negotiations being carried out by Colombia, Mexico and Brazil, but refused to offer details or say whether the United States is also currently in talks with Maduro.

“We urge the Venezuelan parties to begin talks on a peaceful transition to restore democratic norms,” he said, stressing that the United States, Brazil, Chile and Colombia have all called for transparency and disclosure of voting records.