Speeches Shim
On February 6, 2020, United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Administrator Mark Green met with the Interim President of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, the Honorable Juan Guaidó, in Washington, D.C. The Administrator reiterated the commitment of the United States and USAID to supporting the Venezuelan people, Interim President Guaidó, and the democratically elected Venezuelan National Assembly as they continue to fight to return freedom and dignity to their country. Administrator Green expressed his admiration for the courage and leadership shown by the Interim President and his fellow members of the National Assembly in the face of constant threats and harassment. The Administrator and the Interim President agreed to work together to combat disinformation by the illegitimate Maduro regime, which continues to attempt to mischaracterize U.S. support for the Venezuelan people.
On behalf of the United States Agency for International Development, I extend my congratulations to Interim President Guaidó upon his re-election as President of the National Assembly, the only legitimate and democratically elected government institution in Venezuela. This re-election is a testament to the bravery and sacrifice of the people of Venezuela, Interim President Guaidó, and members of the National Assembly, in the face of the illegitimate Maduro regime's unrelenting deployment of bribes, blackmail, threats, and persecution to undermine the democratic process and attempt to deny Venezuelans their right to vote. In spite of continual harassment, the National Assembly remains a beacon of hope for all Venezuelans, and we salute the parliamentarians for their steadfast commitment to democracy.
Since 2014, Venezuela has been experiencing a political and economic crisis—marked by devastating hyperinflation—that has led to severe shortages of food and medicine and seven million Venezuelans in need of humanitarian aid. USAID is providing immediate humanitarian and long-term development assistance inside Venezuela to meet urgent life-saving needs, stem the spread of infectious diseases, help rebuild the economy and health care system, and support the democratically-elected National Assembly, independent media, and civil society.
More than 4.6 million Venezuelans have fled due to the deteriorating economic and social situation in Venezuela, including an estimated 3.8 million traveling to countries in Latin America and the Caribbean. Approximately 863,600 Venezuelans resided in Peru as of November 2019, the secondhighest number of Venezuelans of any country in the region.
Venezuela is experiencing a political and economic crisis—marked by devastating hyperinflation—that has led to severe shortages of food and medicine and has driven nearly 4.5 million Venezuelans to flee the once-prosperous country. The United States is providing life-saving humanitarian and development assistance inside Venezuela and throughout the region to meet emergency needs, stem the spread of infectious diseases, and support countries that are hosting Venezuelans who have fled their country.
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