US says it will not block Machado's return to Venezuela but warns of arrest risk

The United States has stated that it will not obstruct the return of Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado to her country, while simultaneously expressing concerns about her potential arrest and backing a rival opposition faction.

US position

During a congressional hearing, US Deputy Assistant Secretary for South America Luis Méndez and Narcotics Bureau head Cartwright Weiland both affirmed that the US government will not block Machado's return. "The policy of the State Department is clear: we are not going to impede the return of María Corina," Méndez said Source: euronewses. Weiland added that "she is a Venezuelan citizen and has the right to return" Source: elnacionalve, infobae.

Caveats and risks

However, officials stressed the need for diplomatic efforts to ensure Machado is not arrested upon arrival. Weiland noted that a proposed amnesty law "as drafted, still prevents María Corina from entering Venezuela without risk of arrest" Source: infobae. Méndez indicated there is still "work" to do before she can return safely Source: euronewses.

Political context

The US stance comes amid a "reconciliation process" between the interim government of Delcy Rodríguez and a faction of the opposition led by Dinorah Figuera, which controls the 2015 National Assembly. The US has welcomed this dialogue, effectively sidelining Machado. According to The Wall Street Journal, the Trump administration previously blocked Machado's return after the June 24 earthquakes to avoid political instability Source: elnacionalve.