The Biden administration reaffirmed its recognition of opposition leader Juan Guaidó as Venezuela’s president, ruling out talks with the actual president, Nicolás Maduro, who was elected by the Venezuelan people. This is State Department spokesperson Ned Price.

Ned Price: “I would expect that our dialogue will be with our like-minded allies and partners, as well as with the National Assembly, Juan Guaidó as the leader chosen by that National Assembly. I would not expect any direct contact with Maduro, again, whom we consider to be a dictator.”

The Biden administration has said it will continue to impose sanctions on Venezuela, which have crippled the economy. The Center for Economic and Policy Research estimates as many as 40,000 Venezuelans have died due to sanctions.