Opposition leader Machado releases ‘freedom manifesto’ from secret location – Firstpost

Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, who received the Nobel Peace Prize last month, has released a “freedom manifesto” outlining her vision for a “new era” in the country without its strongman leader Nicolas Maduro.

The four-page document, dated Nov. 9 but made public Tuesday, emphasizes the democratic rights he believes every Venezuelan is entitled to, including the right to vote, assemble and express themselves freely.

Taking inspiration from democratic frameworks such as the American Declaration of Independence, the manifesto advocates decentralizing power from the government and returning it to the people. The document states, “Every Venezuelan is born with inalienable rights granted to them by our Creator, not by men.”

Machado, who read the manifesto in a 15-minute video from an undisclosed location, declared that Maduro’s stranglehold on power was about to end. Machado, who went into hiding after last year’s disputed election in which government-controlled election officials declared Maduro the winner, expressed hope for change.

He declared, “A new Venezuela is emerging from the ashes, renewed in spirit and united in purpose, like the phoenix reborn – fiery, bright and invincible.”

In the manifesto, Machado, who has welcomed US pressure on the Maduro regime, insists that Maduro must be held accountable for alleged crimes against humanity, including torture, murder and enforced disappearances. Venezuela has consistently denied these allegations.

The declaration came after US President Donald Trump began diplomatic talks with Maduro. Trump said on Monday he would be willing to speak directly with Maduro at “certain times,” indicating he sees a possible path forward that does not rely on airstrikes or sending commandos to remove him.

However, the US President expressed his desire to go after drug cartels by using force on the ground in countries such as Venezuela, Mexico and Colombia. “We know their address. We know their address. We know everything about every single one of them,” Trump said.

Meanwhile, Maduro has responded to Trump’s invitation for talks, saying he is ready to talk “face to face” with anyone in the United States “who wants to talk to Venezuela.”