Machado ready to meet Venezuela leader after shock return

Opposition leader María Corina Machado, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, is prepared to meet Venezuela's interim president, Delcy Rodríguez, upon her return from exile. The EU has welcomed her homecoming as an opportunity to work towards free and fair elections. Machado, a former deputy to President Nicolas Maduro, made a surprise return home after nearly a year in exile.

Her presence in Venezuela has drawn jubilant crowds and signals a possible expansion of political space. She has expressed openness to discussions with Rodríguez and others to foster an inclusive dialogue. Machado's return follows US-backed military intervention that led to Maduro's capture and subsequent imprisonment in the United States.

However, Rodríguez assumed interim presidency with Washington's support. The interim government has pledged elections, though a date remains unannounced. Machado had previously lauded US President Donald Trump for the risky operation and had gifted him her Nobel medal. Thousands of Venezuelans have been demonstrating in support of her return and the promise of elections.