Today at the White House, National Security Advisor to the Vice President Phil Gordon hosted diplomatic representatives from Argentina, Canada, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Guyana, Jamaica, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, and Uruguay to discuss the evolving political situation in Venezuela. Daniel Erikson, Senior Director for the Western Hemisphere at the National Security Council, and Mark Wells, the Acting Assistant Secretary of State for the Western Hemisphere, joined the meeting.
Dr. Gordon expressed the United States' solidarity with the brave and courageous people of Venezuela for their participation in the July 28 presidential election despite significant challenges.
Dr. Gordon emphasized that Vice President Harris stands with the people of Venezuela and believes the will of the Venezuelan people must be respected. He underscored the Vice President's commitment to work with the international community to restore democratic norms in Venezuela. And he expressed the Vice President's opposition to any political repression and violence.
Dr. Gordon reiterated the Biden-Harris Administration's view that Edmundo González Urrutia won the most votes in the presidential election.
He also commended those countries who voted to pass the Organization of American States' resolution to reach an agreement on initiating an impartial investigation into the recent elections in Venezuela two days ago.
Dr. Gordon underscored that now is the time for the Venezuelan parties to begin discussions on a respectful, peaceful transition in accordance with Venezuelan electoral law and the wishes of the Venezuelan people.
