By Kanishka Singh and Matt Spetalnick
US recognizes opposition leader Edmundo González as winner of Venezuela election
WASHINGTON, Aug 1 (Reuters) – The United States on Thursday recognized Edmundo Gonzalez, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's challenger and opposition candidate, as the winner of Venezuela's disputed presidential election, rejecting Maduro's claim to victory.
"Given the overwhelming evidence, it is clear to the United States and, more importantly, to the Venezuelan people that Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia won the majority of votes in Venezuela's July 28 presidential election," U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Thursday. in a statement. .
The announcement from Washington went no further than congratulating him on a "successful campaign," the closest the U.S. has come to recognizing Gonzalez as the OPEC nation's new leader since Sunday's controversial election.
