A group of Republican and Democratic US senators introduced a resolution calling for elections in Venezuela, seven months after President Donald Trump’s administration removed then-President Nicolas Maduro and installed his vice president as acting president.

Resolution Details

Republican Senator Ted Cruz of Texas and Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire led the effort, reaffirming US support for elections in Venezuela and calling for the release of political prisoners. The resolution also states that anyone responsible for harming those seeking public office should be punished.

The bipartisan resolution comes amid increased frustration over the Trump administration’s failure to effect real change in Venezuela by pushing the country’s government toward free and fair elections. Talks between Venezuela’s interim government and a faction of the opposition are set to begin, but without Maria Corina Machado, the country’s most popular opposition leader.

Senator Cruz emphasized the importance of free, fair, and transparent elections in Venezuela, stating that it is vital to the national security interests of the United States. Senator Shaheen called for the release of all political prisoners and the safe return of opposition leaders, including Machado.

Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.