U.S. Secretary of State Blinken Acknowledges Venezuelan Opposition Leaders After Disputed Election

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke with Venezuelan opposition leaders Edmundo Gonzalez and Maria Corina Machado following Venezuela's contested presidential election. Blinken congratulated Gonzalez on receiving the most votes and expressed safety concerns for the opposition leaders. The disputed results have led to protests as Venezuela's electoral council declared incumbent President Nicolas Maduro the winner.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken engaged with Venezuelan opposition leaders Edmundo Gonzalez and Maria Corina Machado on Friday, following the disputed presidential election, according to a statement by the State Department.

Blinken extended congratulations to Gonzalez for securing the most votes in Sunday's election and expressed significant concerns about the safety of Gonzalez and Machado.

The election results, which announced incumbent President Nicolas Maduro as the winner with 51% of the vote, have ignited protests across Venezuela.

(With inputs from agencies.)