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US Urges Free Elections in Venezuela Ahead of Jan 5 Poll

Nike Ching

   STATE DEPARTMENT - As Venezuelans head to the polls next month, top
   U.S. officials are pressing for free elections for the National
   Assembly and the presidency, saying the vote is crucial to the country
   emerging from its deep political crisis.

   U.S. officials also are urging authorities to "unconditionally release"
   all persons being detained for political reasons.

   Venezuela President Nicolas Maduro's 2018 reelection is considered to
   be illegitimate by many nations in the Western Hemisphere. The United
   States and more than 50 other countries now recognize National Assembly
   leader Juan Guaido as the interim president of Venezuela.

   On Jan. 5, the Venezuelan National Assembly will vote on its president
   for 2020. Guaido is seeking reelection, a year after declaring himself
   to be the country's interim leader.

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