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Venezuela’s interim head of state, Delcy Rodriguez, made major statements on the country’s political future, relations with the United States and domestic reforms during her historic address to the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly.
Operative Information Center-OMM reports that official sources in the Caracas government and international news agencies provided the information.
Speaking from the rostrum, Rodriguez said Venezuela had faced two major and difficult challenges this year. According to her, the country had to deal with deep political tensions caused by sharp disagreements with the United States, as well as the consequences of devastating earthquakes that struck on June 24.
The interim head of state stressed that, despite all the difficulties and heavy blows it had suffered, Venezuela was now entering a period of rebirth. She described a recently reached energy and diplomatic agreement between Washington and Caracas as one of the most important and strategic agreements in the history of relations between the two countries.
Rodriguez announced that systematic steps were being taken to restore governance and ensure political stability in Venezuela:
“I am pleased to announce that we have begun the process of democratic transition to ensure Venezuela’s rebirth.”
She said the transformation process would be carried out in an orderly and institutional manner, based on criteria that could be verified internationally. The transition program includes restructuring the state apparatus, implementing fundamental reforms in the judicial system and establishing an honest dialogue with all opposition groups.
“Elections will definitely be held in Venezuela,” Rodriguez stressed. She said consultations were continuing to ensure the participation of all political forces under equal conditions and in an environment of free competition. The interim leader called on the international community to support the process while respecting Venezuela’s sovereignty and internal affairs.
The UN General Assembly, which brings together representatives of member states each year, serves as a central forum for discussing international political, security and development issues. Statements made from its rostrum often outline governments’ positions on major domestic and foreign-policy matters.
