▲ Maria Corina Machado
Maria Corina Machado, the Venezuelan opposition leader currently staying abroad, attempted to return home to assist with relief efforts following a recent major earthquake in her country, but was unable to board her flight.
The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported on June 30 (local time) that Machado stated in a video posted on social media platform X the previous day that she had attempted to board a flight from Panama to Venezuela but failed.
Having expressed her intention to return following the recent earthquake, she had originally planned to board a Copa Airlines flight from Panama City to Caracas on June 28.
Officials from Copa Airlines, a Panamanian carrier, reportedly said they feared the Venezuelan government would suspend the airline's routes to Venezuela if they allowed Machado to board.
Machado criticized the Venezuelan government, accusing it of obstructing humanitarian aid efforts and concealing information.
She also reiterated her determination to return, stating that she would take all necessary measures to get back to Venezuela.
Machado, a prominent figure in the Venezuelan opposition, was named a recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize last year.
She has been staying abroad since fleeing Venezuela by boat in December of last year.
Having faced suppression under the former government of Nicolas Maduro, she has been widely viewed as a potential future leader during the process of political change in Venezuela.
The WSJ analyzed that Machado's return would test the agreement between the U.S. administration under Donald Trump—which has prioritized stability, access to oil, and security cooperation over democratic transition—and the interim government of Venezuela led by Delcy Rodriguez.
It is reported that high-ranking U.S. officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, have asked Machado to refrain from returning and to be patient in order to maintain a cooperative relationship with the current interim government led by Rodriguez.
Citing sources, the WSJ reported that on June 26, Machado took off in a private jet from Virginia, coordinated with U.S. authorities, to head to Curacao, an autonomous Dutch island located about 60 kilometers from Venezuela.
Machado's side stated that she traveled as far as North Carolina, but turned back after U.S. officials requested that she return.
Regarding Machado's return, the U.S. State Department stated, "Venezuela is a sovereign nation with an interim government in power," adding, "They hold final authority over their territory."
The Venezuelan government has not released a statement.
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