U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio held a meeting with Venezuelan Foreign Minister Oliver Blanco at the Department of State today. During the discussions, Secretary Rubio reiterated the administration’s three-phase framework for Venezuela—stabilization, economic recovery and political reconciliation, followed by a democratic transition. The officials reviewed progress in Venezuela-led reconciliation talks, particularly institutional reforms intended to pave the way for free, fair, and credible elections. Secretary Rubio also pressed for the continued release of the country’s remaining political prisoners.
