He Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS), Luis Almagrolaunched harsh criticism of the administration of Nicolás Maduro, after the actions it has taken in recent days against the opponents in Venezuela.
Almagro posted through his account on X, a message in which He also questioned the transparency of the next presidential electionsa point that was agreed with the opposition in the Barbados Agreement.
“The actions of the Venezuelan dictatorship, including the disqualification of the primary winner and leader in the polls, María Corina Machado, speak for themselves about the transparency of the electoral process”, he stated.
In the same way, he pointed out that part of the “way of working” of the Maduro regime is based on the “political persecution, violation of political rights of citizens and failure to comply with agreements”.
Almagro’s statements originate after the various arrests that have occurred in Venezuela, after Nicolás Maduro stated during the month of January that in 2023 his security forces managed to dismantle four assassination attempts against him planned from the United States and Colombia. .
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**Interview with Luis Almagro, Secretary General of the Organization of American States**
**Interviewer**: Thank you for joining us today, Mr. Almagro. You’ve recently made headlines by affirming your commitment to the fight against dictatorships in the Americas. Can you elaborate on what that commitment looks like in practical terms?
**Luis Almagro**: Thank you for having me. My commitment is unwavering. We are actively working to promote democracy and human rights across the region. This includes supporting civil society, implementing diplomatic interventions, and using the tools available through the Organization of American States to hold leaders accountable for abuses of power.
**Interviewer**: Your approach seems quite aggressive in terms of diplomatic relations. How do you balance the need for dialogue with regimes against the necessity of standing up for democratic values?
**Luis Almagro**: It is indeed a delicate balance. Dialogue is essential, as it can lead to positive changes; however, we cannot compromise on fundamental principles. When faced with regimes that suppress freedom and violate human rights, we must be firm. Our initiatives, such as appointing special advisors focused on the “Responsibility to Protect” (R2P) mechanisms, aim to ensure that we are prepared to act decisively when necessary.
**Interviewer**: Some critics argue that your stance may provoke further repression in these countries. How do you respond to those concerns?
**Luis Almagro**: I understand those fears, and they stem from a genuine concern for the well-being of people living under oppressive regimes. However, inaction can lead to greater suffering and entrenchment of dictatorial power. By standing firm and consistent in our message, we aim to empower local movements for democracy and provide support for those facing repression.
**Interviewer**: looking forward, what do you believe is the most significant challenge for democracy in the Americas today?
**Luis Almagro**: The most significant challenge remains the resilience of authoritarian regimes and the erosion of democratic institutions. This requires a collective response—not just from governments but from civil societies, international organizations, and citizens. Together, we need to foster a culture that respects democratic values and human rights across the entire continent.
**Interviewer**: Thank you, Mr. Almagro, for your insights and for your dedication to these critical issues.
**Luis Almagro**: Thank you for having me. It’s vital that we keep the conversation going.