Ana Corina Sosa, the daughter of Venezuelan opposition leader and Nobel Peace Prize laureate María Corina Machado, emphasized on Tuesday the significant hurdles her mother faces in returning to Venezuela. Speaking to NTN24 after accepting the Concordia Forum 2026 Leadership Award on her mother's behalf during a ceremony in Manhattan, New York, Sosa shed light on the complexities involved.
"I want to reiterate that the situation is complicated, with many forces at play. It's clearly not as simple as just boarding a plane and returning. I want Venezuelans to understand this. My mom is tirelessly working day and night to come back and be with the Venezuelan people," Sosa stated during the interview.
These remarks come amid heightened tensions. According to EFE, María Corina Machado has attempted to return to her homeland from Panama City on three separate occasions, all unsuccessfully. Since late June, she has reportedly tried to return "at least seven times," her team noted.
This pattern of thwarted attempts is not new. Machado announced in March 2026 her intention to return "within weeks," a promise yet to materialize. In June, an attempt from Curaçao failed when Dutch authorities revoked landing permission, followed by another unsuccessful attempt from Panama.
While Ana Corina Sosa refrained from specifying the forces hindering her mother's return, she remained optimistic: "Be assured it will happen. I am certain, and soon she will be with the Venezuelans."
Sosa also recalled her speech in Oslo on December 10, 2025, where she accepted the Nobel Peace Prize on her mother's behalf: "My mom never breaks a promise, and her current goal is to return to her country."
Machado's recent return efforts coincided with the visit of Delcy Rodríguez, Venezuela's interim president, to New York. Rodríguez met with President Donald Trump, Marco Rubio, and Scott Bessent on the sidelines of the 81st UN General Assembly.
Addressing this visit, Ana Corina Sosa was candid: "As a Venezuelan, it's hard to swallow, but let's not allow it to demoralize us. That’s precisely what the regime has been aiming for all along."
She also noted that Delcy Rodríguez arrived in New York escorted and was welcomed by the U.S. Chargé d'Affaires John Barrett at Teterboro Airport, New Jersey, sparking protests in Venezuela, Miami, and New York City.
Sosa emphasized that the presence of representatives from the Chavista regime at international organizations is not unprecedented: "It's not the first time a dictator has appeared before the UN. Gaddafi did, as did Maduro, and Fidel Castro. We must remain steadfast and continue our efforts."
Regarding the political roadmap, Ana Corina Sosa supported Senator Bernie Moreno's proposal to set presidential elections in Venezuela for July 24, 2027, though she expressed a preference for an earlier date: "The key is to set a date and work toward that moment."
She concluded her message by highlighting that more than 300 political prisoners remain detained in Venezuela, stressing that their release is essential for any democratic transition: "We must continue demanding not only elections but also the release of political prisoners and the restoration of the freedom Venezuela deserves."
Challenges Facing María Corina Machado
Why is María Corina Machado finding it difficult to return to Venezuela?
There are significant obstacles and forces at play that complicate her return, making it far from straightforward.
What steps has María Corina Machado taken to return?
Machado has made multiple attempts to return from various locations, including Panama and Curaçao, but has been unsuccessful each time.
What is the significance of Delcy Rodríguez's visit to New York?
The visit highlights the ongoing diplomatic activities and the presence of the Chavista regime in international forums, which has sparked protests.