Marco Rubio: “Reopening the strait is the predicate that opens the door to phase two of negotiations.”

Venezuela has two options here. Option one is to truly enter into a period of both reconciliation and reformation so that they can have elections that result not just in a democratically elected government but an enduring republic.

The alternative is going to be either violence and armed conflict within the country, or back to the way things have been for the last 20 years, which have not been good for the people of Venezuela.

This war is not going to be solved militarily. This war is only going to end diplomatically.

Likewise, we expect all political actors to support these talks which represent the best chance Venezuela has had in thirty years to peacefully achieve not just a free and fair election but an enduring democracy.