US told Venezuelan authorities that opposition leader Machado should be allowed to return

Maria Corina Machado, the Nobel Peace laureate and Venezuelan opposition leader, has returned to Venezuela after nearly a year in exile. Her surprise arrival in Caracas on Sunday drew jubilant crowds and drew a direct challenge to the US-backed interim government. Thousands of Venezuelans lined the roads, waving flags and chanting "Liberty!" as Machado made her way through the capital city in a convoy of cars and motorcycles.

Wearing her signature white T-shirt and jeans, Machado greeted the crowds through the sunroof of her vehicle, shaking hands with supporters. On Monday, she extended an olive branch to interim President Delcy Rodriguez, indicating her willingness to sit down and discuss the country's future. Machado spokesperson Claudia Macero told local radio Union Radio that the opposition leader was open to talks with Rodriguez and anyone else necessary to ensure Venezuela's transition to democracy.

The European Union praised Machado's return, expressing hope that the Venezuelan authorities and political actors would seize this opportunity to engage in an inclusive dialogue towards free and fair elections. Machado's comeback marks her return to the center of Venezuela's tumultuous politics, following her year-long exile. She had returned to the country last December to receive the Nobel Peace Prize, after spending nearly a year in hiding.

Since taking office, interim President Delcy Rodriguez has granted US access to Venezuela's vast oil reserves, signing agreements with foreign companies to explore, produce, and export oil and gas. Despite the opposition's disappointment that Rodriguez ascended to the presidency, Machado has praised US President Donald Trump for the risky military operation that captured Maduro and placed her on the path back to Venezuela.

Trump expressed satisfaction with Rodriguez's leadership, acknowledging her role in fulfilling US demands regarding access to Venezuelan oil.