CARACAS, Venezuela — An influential U.S. senator pressed for fair elections and the release of a jailed American during his private meeting with Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, the senator said Saturday before departing the turbulent country. Durbin said Maduro made no demands, which he took as a sign that the leader’s request was genuine. Venezuelan authorities alleged Holt was stockpiling “weapons of war.” Asked to release Holt to his care, Maduro told Durbin that he would consider it. The senator next returns to Washington to share what he saw and learned with his colleagues in Congress. “I hope we don’t have to turn to further sanctions,” Durbin said.

Source: National Post April 07, 2018 15:11 UTC