WASHINGTON (AFP) – An American and his wife held for nearly two years in a Venezuelan jail received a hero’s welcome at the White House as they returned home Saturday following their release – a move by sanctions-hit Caracas in a bid to spur dialogue with Washington.
But US officials immediately squelched any suggestion that punitive measures against Venezuela would be eased after the release of Joshua Holt, 26, and his wife, Thamara Caleno.
”Very glad that Josh Holt is now back home with his family – where he has always belonged. Sanctions continue until democracy returns to Venezuela,” US Vice President Mike Pence said in a tweet.
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said ”US policy toward Venezuela remains unchanged.”
In a statement, he added that ”the United States stands steadfast in support of the Venezuelan people and their efforts to return to democracy.”
The couple’s release followed a two-year effort by Utah Sen. Orrin Hatch and after Sen. Bob Corker, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, met in Caracas Friday with Venezuela Preident Nicolas Maduro.
The senators joined Holt, his wife, parents, the freed couple’s daughter Marian, and other US officials in the White House Saturday night for a meeting with President Donald Trump.
”You were a tough one. That was a tough situation,” Trump said. ”You’ve been very brave, actually.”
After expressing her appreciation to the President and US officials, Holt’s mother Laurie added: ”I also want to say thank you to President Maduro for releasing Josh and letting him come home.”
Maduro ordered the couple’s release as a ”gesture” aimed at promoting dialogue between Caracas and Washington, Venezuelan Communications Minister Jorge Rodriguez told reporters in Caracas.
He said it was part of ”efforts to maintain a respectful dialogue, diplomatic relations of respect, that permit gates to be opened to avoid the aggressions to which (Venezuela) has been subjected.”