Rubio meets with Venezuela's Foreign Minister, urges release of more political prisoners

Washington: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Venezuela's Foreign Minister Oliver Blanco on Monday, urging for the release of additional political prisoners held under the previous regime of deposed leader Nicolas Maduro. This encounter marked Blanco's first visit to the United States after his appointment last week by interim President Delcy Rodriguez, who has managed Venezuela under American supervision since American forces removed Maduro in January.

During the meeting, Rubio reaffirmed President Trump's three-phase strategy for Venezuela: stabilisation, economic recovery, and political reconciliation, along with a democratic transition. The diplomats shared a brief photo opportunity before the meeting, although neither offered a statement. They discussed the progress in the Venezuelan-led reconciliation talks, emphasizing institutional reforms that facilitate free, fair, and credible elections.

Rubio specifically called for the continued release of the remaining political prisoners in Venezuela. Maduro, who has been leading Venezuela since 2013, has been widely criticized for arresting political opponents and activists, often on fabricated charges of coup plotting. Washington has consistently advocated for the release of political prisoners since Rodriguez took office, with an amnesty law leading to the release of many, though hundreds still remain incarcerated.

According to the NGO Foro Penal, which defends political prisoners, there were 344 such individuals in Venezuela as of September 18.

Both the Venezuelan government and opposition parties have agreed to hold fresh elections, though they have not disclosed when these elections will take place. Blanco also met with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who discussed the developments in Venezuela and the potential avenues to advance the Trump Administration's three-phase approach: stabilisation, recovery, and transition.