North Miami-Dade News

Western Hemisphere Subcommittee Chairwoman María Elvira Salazar (R-FL) and Ranking Member Joaquin Castro (D-TX), along with several other representatives, have issued a statement condemning the Venezuelan government's actions against the Argentine Embassy in Caracas. The embassy has been under siege by the Maduro regime, which has reportedly cut off water and electricity for weeks.

The statement highlights that "the Maduro regime’s ongoing siege of the Argentine Embassy in Venezuela is a blatant violation of the Vienna Conventions." It further states that "this political persecution of the six members of María Corina Machado’s team who have been at the Embassy for over eight months must end."

The group calls for international condemnation and demands safe passage for those inside the embassy to Argentina or another destination. They assert that "Maduro and his accomplices must be held accountable for their crimes."

Six members of opposition leader María Corina Machado's team have sought refuge at the embassy since March. Recently, security forces loyal to Maduro have intensified their siege, including stationing snipers around the premises. An Argentine military policeman defending the embassy was reportedly kidnapped last week.

President Javier Milei has expressed strong support for both the Venezuelan opposition and those trapped within the embassy. Chairwoman Salazar has been actively supporting Venezuelan opposition efforts, particularly after the July 28 election, backing legislation aimed at cutting financial support to Maduro's regime.