Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado explains to US Congress the danger that Maduro represents: 'The fourth [largest] cocaine producer in the world'

María Corina Machado, leader of the Venezuelan opposition, gave a speech before the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere to explain the situation in Venezuela. During the conversation, Machado maintained that Nicolás Maduro's regime has led his country to become "the fourth [largest] cocaine producer in the world."

"Venezuela has turned into the fourth [largest] cocaine producer in the world," Machado said during her appearance.

'The Venezuelan people are stronger than ever'

The meeting was a bipartisan session of the House Foreign Affairs Committee. Reps. María Elvira Salazar, Joaquín Castro, Bill Huizenga, Kieth Self and Mario Díaz-Balart participated in the meeting.

Machado maintained that Nicolás Maduro's dictatorship is breaking down, which is why she noted that Venezuelans "have a real opportunity for a peaceful transition in Venezuela."

"The regime is in the weakest position ever ... We, the Venezuelan people, are stronger than ever," said Machado. "The time is now."

In that sense, the opposition presidential candidate, who won the opposition primaries with more than 90% of the votes, insisted that it is in Maduro's interest to respect the Barbados Agreement and be part of a negotiation that leads to free, competitive and transparent elections. She stressed that if Maduro does not honor the electoral results, he should know that he will be isolated. Machado insisted on a peaceful transition.

Machado also reminded the committee that there are still more than 300 political prisoners in Venezuela and that the country is home to the largest torture center in Latin America. Likewise, she emphasized that the main problems of the western hemisphere have converged in this Latin American country.