Prominent US Senator Marco Rubio has indicated the possibility of the United States re-establishing permanent diplomatic representation in Venezuela in the near future, a move that could represent a major shift in Washington's policy toward Caracas after years of estrangement and heightened tension.
During a hearing before a U.S. congressional committee, Rubio stated, “We have a team on the ground assessing the situation, and we believe we can establish a U.S. diplomatic mission very soon, which will allow us to obtain real-time information and respond to the situation.” He emphasized that reopening the embassy would strengthen direct communication channels not only with the government of Nicolás Maduro, but also with Venezuelan civil society figures and opposition forces.
Historical background of strained relations
These statements come against the backdrop of complex and deteriorating relations between the two countries. In 2019, the United States closed its embassy in Caracas and severed diplomatic ties with the Maduro government after Washington, along with dozens of other countries, recognized opposition leader Juan Guaidó as the country's interim president. This decision followed the 2018 presidential election, which the opposition and the international community deemed fraudulent and illegitimate, leading the previous Trump administration to impose a "maximum pressure" policy that included crippling economic sanctions on Venezuela's oil sector and key figures in the regime.
The importance of the step and its potential impact
The return of U.S. diplomatic representation, even if initially limited, is of major strategic importance. Domestically, the mission will provide a direct channel for addressing urgent humanitarian issues, monitoring the situation of U.S. citizens detained in Venezuela, and supporting dialogue between the government and the opposition. The appointment of Laura Dujo, former ambassador to Nicaragua and Honduras, as the diplomatic representative to Venezuela is a preliminary step that underscores the seriousness of these efforts.
Regionally and internationally, this potential rapprochement is seen as a response to geopolitical shifts, including the global energy crisis, which has once again highlighted the importance of Venezuela’s vast oil reserves. The Biden administration may be seeking, through this move, to open a door to pragmatic dialogue that could lead to the easing of some sanctions in exchange for concrete steps by Maduro toward holding free and fair elections, which could contribute to regional stability and reduce migration flows.
