US Senate proposes law to recognize Edmundo González as winner in Venezuela

• The proposal comes from a Democratic senator, but he hopes to have the support of Republican senators | Photo: EFE

Ben Cardin, chairman of the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee, announced that he will introduce a bill to recognize Edmundo González Urrutia as the winner of the Venezuelan elections and sanction the government of Nicolás Maduro.

“The United States must take the lead in imposing consequences on Maduro for his fraudulent activities and arbitrary detentions, and work together for a prosperous post-Maduro Venezuela,” the senator said in a statement released on September 20.

Cardin, who is a member of the Democratic Party, said he hopes to work with Republicans to advance this project and “promote a free Venezuela where democracy thrives and human rights are respected.”

Photo: EFE

What does Ben Cardin propose?

The proposed legislation, dubbed the Ley Verdad (Truth Law), proposes recognizing González Urrutia, who has been exiled in Spain since September 8, as the winner of the Venezuelan presidential elections of July 28.

It also calls for new sanctions “against regime officials involved in the repression.” It also calls for sanctions against Russian, Chinese, Iranian and Cuban entities that “provide security support to Maduro.”

Photo: EFE

It also proposes the “forgiveness of sanctions” for those officials who distance themselves from the government and “promote a democratic transition.” It also includes measures to increase humanitarian assistance in Venezuela.

Cardin recently spoke by phone with opposition leader María Corina Machado, to whom he conveyed the “unwavering support” of the U.S. Congressmen for the Venezuelan people.

Recognitions for Edmundo González

The Biden administration in the United States has recognized González Urrutia as the winner of the elections, while demanding that the Venezuelan electoral body publish all voting records.

On September 11th, the Congress of Spain approved the recognition of Edmundo González as “elected and legitimate president of Venezuela.”

The decision was approved with 177 votes in favor, 164 against and one abstention.

Spanish Parliament | Photo: EFE

The parliamentarians voted for a proposition of the Popular Party (PP) to urge the Spanish government to recognise González. The decision is not binding and has symbolic value.

For its part, the European Parliament On September 19, the European Parliament recognized Edmundo González as the legitimate and democratically elected president of Venezuela, in a non-binding text that was approved with the yes of the European People’s Party, the ultraconservatives and the right.

The resolution, approved with 309 votes in favor, 201 against and 12 abstentions, also recognizes Maria Corina Machado as leader of the democratic forces in Venezuela.

With information from EFE

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