US Denies Offering Maduro Amnesty Deal

The U.S. State Department has refuted a Wall Street Journal report alleging that the Biden administration proposed amnesty to Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in exchange for his resignation. The report cited unnamed sources claiming that secret discussions took place in Doha, Qatar, regarding potential amnesty for Maduro and his associates facing drug-related charges. However, the U.S. government has not confirmed these claims, and the State Department emphasized that no specific offers of amnesty have been made since the July 28 election. Following the election, which has been marred by allegations of fraud, Maduro has resisted calls to step down, despite widespread international consensus that opposition leader Edmundo González won the vote. Secretary of State Antony Blinken reiterated this view, stating that consultations with global partners have not supported Maduro's claims of electoral victory. The U.S. continues to explore various strategies to pressure Maduro into acknowledging the election results, placing the onus on him and Venezuela's electoral authorities. The situation in Venezuela remains tense, with Maduro's regime reportedly arresting thousands of protesters and maintaining military support. The UN General Assembly has offered to mediate the electoral dispute, but Maduro's stance on relinquishing power remains firm. As international pressure mounts, the Venezuelan president's refusal to engage in discussions about leaving office underscores the ongoing political crisis in the country.