Venezuela’s Delcy Rodriguez promises elections at UN, gives no date

Venezuela's acting president, addressing the United Nations General Assembly for the first time since taking power, pledged elections at the "appropriate time" and stated that the nation's citizens will decide when that moment arrives. "I want to make this clear before this General Assembly: Elections will take place in Venezuela," Delcy Rodriguez declared.

She further revealed that her government has initiated a "political dialogue with opposition sectors to establish a process based on equal conditions for all." Rodriguez assured the UN that once elections occur, the country's institutions will be prepared to ensure an inclusive and transparent process. She assumed her role after a surprise U.S. military raid in January that captured then-president Nicolás Maduro and extradited him to the United States to face drug trafficking charges.

This marks the first visit to the United States by a Venezuelan head of state since 2018, when Maduro himself traveled to New York to attend the U.N. General Assembly. He is currently being detained near the organization's headquarters as he awaits trial. Rodriguez's appearance at the international forum also signifies a significant milestone in Venezuela's reintegration into global diplomacy.

Addressing global leaders, she pointed out that "the last time a president from Venezuela met with a president of the United States was in 2009." She emphasized that her country is returning stronger after facing setbacks this year and thanked President Donald Trump for being open to restoring relations after the U.S. military removed her predecessor.

She also acknowledged the earthquakes that struck north-central Venezuela on June 24, killing more than 6,500 people and causing widespread devastation. "I am here to discuss a Venezuela whose national life has been impacted by a crisis of political coexistence that disrupted the nation and our interaction with the world," Rodriguez explained.

"External interests that do not align with the common good of Venezuelans were imposed." In her speech, she had to strike a delicate balance between addressing her people and the U.S. government that holds her predecessor accountable. She expressed gratitude towards Trump for his willingness to resume diplomatic relations and cooperation with Venezuela.

"We are actively working to resolve existing differences through dialogue, but most importantly, to pave the way for cooperation in the energy sector, the promotion of security, the joint fight against transnational crime, and economic cooperation for the benefit of both peoples and our continent," she said. "Today, Venezuela is being reborn."

Since taking power, Rodriguez has developed a close working relationship with Trump. U.S. influence in Venezuela has increased since April, when sanctions against Rodriguez were lifted, and Washington began recognizing her as a legitimate authority since the U.S. military captured Maduro. Addressing her people, Rodriguez acknowledged that an "easy path" could not be promised, noting that "rebuilding the national soul will be our priority."

"We will walk united as a single nation that, after the pain, chose hope," she said. Before delivering her speech, Trump and Rodriguez met in a private side meeting during a reception hosted by the U.S. president at a New York hotel. It was the first time they had met in person since the operation that captured the nation's former leader, putting Rodriguez in charge.

"We discussed strengthening the bilateral relationship between our countries and advancing a cooperation agenda in strategic areas such as energy, mining, security, and other matters of mutual interest," Rodriguez reported afterward. The two countries also announced a deal last month allowing the United States to share in Venezuela's extensive oil reserves, which Rodriguez described as a step towards economic recovery and modernizing the country's oil industry.

Rodriguez vowed to bear the "historic responsibility" of leading Venezuela "from a period of uncertainty and conflict towards a stage of full democracy, recognized by its own people and by the world." "Venezuela wants to breathe freely and exercise its rights as a sovereign nation without any kind of interference," she asserted.