2024-08-04 17:09:30 UTC (Reuters) – Supporters of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro staged a rally in Caracas on Sunday as the government sought to rebuild ties with the United States. The event comes amid signs of a thaw in relations between the two countries, which have been at odds for years. Meanwhile, opposition leader Juan Guaido, who is under U.S. sanctions, is now under investigation in Venezuela. The Maduro government has accused Guaido of treason and has asked INTERPOL to issue a red notice for his arrest. Guaido has denied the charges and accused Maduro of trying to distract from Venezuela’s economic troubles. The U.S. has not yet responded to the request for a red notice. Venezuela’s opposition has been weakened by defections and infighting, while Maduro has consolidated his power. The country’s economic crisis has led to mass emigration, with an estimated 7.7 million Venezuelans having left the country since 2015. The U.S. has provided humanitarian aid to Venezuelans, but relations between the two countries have been strained. The Trump administration imposed sanctions on Venezuela in 2017, and the Biden administration has maintained them. However, there have been signs of a potential rapprochement, with the two countries holding talks in recent months. The rally on Sunday was seen as a show of support for Maduro, who has faced criticism for his handling of the economy and human rights abuses. The opposition has accused Maduro of rigging elections and using state resources to stay in power. The U.S. has called for free and fair elections in Venezuela, but it is unclear whether any progress will be made. The situation in Venezuela remains fluid, with Maduro consolidating his power and the opposition struggling to gain traction. The U.S. is likely to continue providing humanitarian aid, but the prospect of normalized relations remains uncertain. The rally on Sunday was a clear sign of Maduro’s continued grip on power, but the future of Venezuela remains uncertain.
