Representative Carlos Gimenez hosted Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaidó in Miami to support President Trump’s cancellation of a Biden-era oil deal with Maduro. The gathering criticized Maduro’s regime and highlighted the challenges faced by Latin American countries under dictatorship. Both leaders emphasized the importance of promoting democracy and freedom in the region, aligning U.S. interests with the support of oppressed citizens.
In Miami, Representative Carlos Gimenez, the only Cuban-born member of Congress, hosted Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaidó, expressing strong support for President Trump’s recent cancellation of a Biden-era oil deal with the Maduro regime. During the gathering, Gimenez criticized Maduro and the previous administration for their dealings with the dictatorship, stating, “This is personal to me.” This event highlighted the unity among U.S. lawmakers in opposing dictatorial regimes in Latin America, particularly in Venezuela, Cuba, and Nicaragua.
Trump’s cancellation of the oil deal with Chevron was a significant move, aimed at reversing concessions made by the Biden administration to Maduro. He criticized the previous administration’s negotiations, asserting that the deal did not cater to the existing electoral conditions in Venezuela. Trump emphasized that the Venezuelan dictator’s lack of cooperation with U.S. immigration authorities was also unacceptable.
Amid concerns about crime linked to Venezuelan groups in the U.S., Gimenez differentiated between innocent Venezuelan refugees and criminals. He expressed his commitment to supporting those fleeing oppression, drawing parallels with his own family’s escape from Cuba. Gimenez assured that supporters of freedom in Washington would continue to advocate for those suffering under repressive regimes.
Guaidó, addressing the gathering in Spanish, echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the need for a stable democratic Latin America. He expressed confidence in Trump’s stance against authoritarianism while condemning despots across Central America. His remarks reinforced the urgency of international efforts to confront the challenges posed by dictatorial regimes in the region, including a call to action against the Government of Nicaragua.
Ultimately, Gimenez expressed optimism for future changes in policies towards Latin American states. He indicated that transforming “enemy states” into allies aligns with U.S. interests, especially given geographical proximity. He underscored the importance of standing for democracy and freedom in the hemisphere, reinforcing his belief in the leadership of Secretary of State Marco Rubio and his intentions to address these matters in the region.
The meeting in Miami highlighted the united front among U.S. lawmakers in opposition to the Maduro regime, emphasizing the need for a robust response to dictatorial governance in Latin America. With Trump’s cancellation of the oil deal seen as a pivotal action against concessions made to authoritarian regimes, both Gimenez and Guaidó expressed their commitment to supporting freedom and democracy in their home countries. The ongoing collaboration among U.S. leaders aims to confront the threats posed by these dictatorships while fostering positive relations in the region.
Original Source: www.foxnews.com