Venezuelan Opposition Leader Edmundo González Urrutia Awarded Sakharov Prize
Venezuelan Opposition Leader Accepts Sakharov Prize, Vows too Restore Democracy
Brussels, Belgium – Exiled Venezuelan opposition leader Edmundo González Urrutia, recognized by the European Parliament as the country’s legitimate president, accepted the prestigious Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought on Wednesday. The award, the European Parliament’s highest honor for human rights, was also bestowed upon fellow opposition figure María Corina Machado, who remains in Venezuela.
“Our country will retake its course,” declared González,leader of the Democratic Unity Roundtable,adding that “abuse and violence” are merely “a clumsy instrument to postpone the inevitable.” Accepting the award with “humility,” González dedicated it to the Venezuelan people, stating they embody the spirit of the prize through their tireless efforts to ”restore freedom and democracy” in their nation.
Machado,speaking via videoconference from Venezuela where she lives in hiding,emphasized the meaning of the award at this “unique,” “critical,and decisive” moment.She believes that by “demolishing the barriers that divided venezuelans for 25 years,” society is now “united and resolute” in its fight for democracy.
González Sees Himself Assuming Presidency
González, who has been in exile in Spain as September, stated last week that he envisions himself “assuming the office” for which he was voted by “the majority of Venezuelans.” With less then a month until Nicolás Maduro’s scheduled inauguration on January 10th, the opposition and much of the international community maintain that González won the election. While maduro declared himself the victor, his administration has yet to release the official results that would confirm his victory.
machado issued an “urgent message” to the “democratic world” to support Venezuela’s transition, stressing the dwindling time remaining before January 10th, the date González should, she argues, be sworn in as president.
The European Parliament recognized González as Venezuela’s “legitimate president” in September, with votes against the motion coming from the Social Democrats (including Spain’s PSOE) and abstentions from the Liberals.
Venezuelan Opposition Leader Edmundo González Urrutia: A Q&A
NewsDirectory3.com sat down with Edmundo González Urrutia, the exiled Venezuelan Opposition Leader recognized by the European Parliament as the legitimate President of Venezuela, following his acceptance of the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought.
NewsDirectory3.com: Mr President, congratulations on receiving the prestigious Sakharov Prize. What does this award meen for you and for the Venezuelan people at this critical juncture?
González Urrutia: This award is a testament to the unwavering spirit of the Venezuelan people. It recognizes their tireless struggle for freedom and democracy. We except it with humility and dedicate it to all Venezuelans who yearn for a just and prosperous future.
NewsDirectory3.com: You have stated your intention to assume the presidency, which you believe you won in the recent election. How do you envision this happening, notably with Nicolás Maduro’s scheduled inauguration on January 10th?
González Urrutia: The Venezuelan people have spoken. We won the election, and the international community recognizes this. We are confident that justice will prevail and that I will assume the office to which I was elected by the majority of Venezuelans.
NewsDirectory3.com: What message do you have for the international community as the world watches the unfolding situation in Venezuela?
González Urrutia: We call on the democratic world to stand with us in our fight for freedom and democracy. Time is running out. The Maduro regime must be held accountable for its human rights violations and its attempt to steal the will of the Venezuelan people. We need urgent support to ensure a peaceful and democratic transition.
NewsDirectory3.com: Your fellow opposition leader, María Corina Machado, stated that by demolishing the barriers that divided Venezuelans, society is united in its fight for democracy. How do you see this unity playing out in the days and weeks ahead?
González Urrutia: The Venezuelan people are united by their desire for change. They are tired of corruption, repression, and poverty. This unity will be our greatest strength as we navigate this challenging period.
NewsDirectory3.com: Thank you, Mr. President, for your time and insights.