The United States welcomes the release today of all six wrongfully detained U.S. nationals from Venezuela — Joseph Cristella, Eyvin Hernandez, Jerrel Kenemore, Savoi Wright, and two individuals who wish to remain private — as well as the release of four additional U.S. nationals. They have all safely departed Venezuela and will soon be reunited with their families and other loved ones. I want to thank the government of Qatar for its work helping secure their release.
The safety and security of Americans worldwide is my highest priority as Secretary. Since President Biden took office, we have secured the release of more than forty wrongfully detained Americans, and we will continue to press for the release of all U.S. nationals wrongfully detained in other countries around the world.
We also welcome the release today of twenty Venezuelan political prisoners and the November 30 announcement of a pathway for the reinstatement of all Venezuelan political candidates. These actions represent important and concrete steps toward the implementation of the electoral roadmap agreement signed by representatives of Maduro and of the Unitary Platform in Barbados in October. The United States supports the implementation of the electoral roadmap agreement for Venezuelan elections in 2024 and stands with the Venezuelan people who want a democratic future.
