March 31, 2026 | 06:52 am
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The US State Department on Monday said it had formally reopened its embassy in Caracas for the first time since March 2019.
The US shuttered its embassy in Venezuela during President Donald Trump's first term, in the aftermath of former President Nicolas Maduro's disputed election win earlier in 2018.
But since the military operation that seized Maduro and took him to the US on drugs trafficking charges in January, the second Trump administration has reopened diplomatic ties with Venezuela's acting President Delcy Rodriguez.
"Today, we are formally resuming operations at the US Embassy in Caracas, marking a new chapter in our diplomatic presence in Venezuela," the State Department wrote.
How is the embassy reopening progressing?
The US has appointed Laura F. Dogu, a veteran diplomat with past ambassadorial postings in the region in Honduras and Nicaragua, as charge d'affaires to Venezuela.
She arrived in late January to "lead the US government's efforts on the ground," as the State Department put it. The US flag was first hoisted at the site in mid-March to mark the formal resumption of diplomatic ties, agreed earlier in the month.
Dogu's team is still working on restoring the chancery building where consular services for members of the public are dealt with, amid problems like mold buildup after seven years of inactivity, but the diplomacy-focused Embassy segment is resuming normal operations.
"The resumption of operations at US Embassy Caracas is a key milestone in implementing the President’s threephase plan for Venezuela and will strengthen our ability to engage directly with Venezuela’s interim government, civil society, and the private sector," the State Department wrote.
Secretary of State Rubio says 'stability brings businesses back'
Secretary of State Marco Rubio hailed progress in Venezuela since the January move to oust and abduct Maduro, the sitting president even if one not recognized as legitimate by the US and several other Western countries. He said the country was beginning to see "the kind of stability that brings businesses back."
Speaking to Al Jazeera, Rubio credited the interim authorities but called for an eventual transition to democracy.
"You want to see a full transition because in order for Venezuela to fulfill its economic potential, it has to have a stable, democratic government," he said.
Read: US Flag Raised at Embassy in Venezuela After 7 Years
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
8 Million Rally Worldwide in 'No Kings' Protests Against Trump
1 hari lalu
The No Kings Rally against Trump administration took place in various cities in the US and Europe, as well as Australia, with millions of participants
Palm Sunday Mass: Pope Leo Condemns Using God to Justify War
1 hari lalu
Pope Leo has said God rejects the prayers of those who wage war and have "hands full of blood."
Iran Considers Withdrawing from Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty
1 hari lalu
The possibility of Iran withdrawing from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) is being discussed in Tehran
Iran: 600 Schools Damaged in US-Israel Attacks
1 hari lalu
Iranian Foreign Minister says on Friday that more than 600 schools across Iran have been destroyed by the US-Israel attacks.
Trump Extends Pause on Iran Energy Attacks to April 6
1 hari lalu
President of the United States (US), Donald Trump, extends the pause of attacks on Iran's energy facilities until April 6, 2026.
List of Countries Allowed by Iran to Pass Through Strait of Hormuz
1 hari lalu
The escalation of tension around Iran has also led to a de facto blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, which is a major route for oil shipments
Trump Calls Hormuz Waterway 'Strait of Trump'
2 hari lalu
Trump says Iran must reopen the Strait of Hormuz to oil shipments before any peace deal can be reached.
US and Israel Reportedly Clash over Iran Peace Plan
3 hari lalu
The US and Israel reportedly clash over a 15-point peace proposal to end the war with Iran, as Tehran demands sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran and US-Israel War Impacts Bali Hotel Occupancy
3 hari lalu
The Indonesian Hotel General Manager Association (IHGMA) in Bali said the Middle East war changed the management strategy in targeting consumers.
Trump Tells Iran: 'Get Serious Before It Is too Late'
4 hari lalu
US President Donald Trump appeared to be upset with Iran's response to his 15-point peace proposal.
