stated that Peru supports a democratic transition in Venezuela, as this would allow many Venezuelan citizens to return peacefully to their country and regain the sense of tranquility they have lost for over 20 years.
"We fully support a democratic transition, in which Venezuelans themselves elect their authorities. In this case, there is a president elected in 2024 who, in principle, should continue in that role, but it is up to Venezuelans to determine the best path they should follow," Jeri expressed.
The Head of State mentioned one of his main concerns is a swift return to democracy in Venezuela. Thus, he said, clear timelines should be established, stressing that this is not only a Venezuelan issue but a continental one.
Peru's top official noted that the "dictatorship that existed in Venezuela, and whose effects still linger, has triggered migration to other countries. For Venezuela to be well means that others will be well too."
He emphasized that there is common ground with other countries in the region regarding the situation in Venezuela, which could eventually lead to the establishment of a robust roadmap to provide support and collaborate toward the restoration of freedoms in that country.
The President stated Peru has made its position clear that, although the international order has been temporarily disrupted, it is now necessary to restore said order so that Venezuelans can choose their new authorities within appropriate timeframes.
"The main focus at this time is to ensure a rapid transition in Venezuela, one that allows all countries to feel confident that, in this part of the continent, freedom is respected and citizens can live in complete peace of mind," he said in an interview with Andres Oppenheimer of CNN en Español.
Rules out humanitarian corridor
President Jeri also ruled out the possibility of establishing a humanitarian corridor for Venezuelans in irregular status coming from Chile.
"One of the first measures we had discussed as alternatives, as possible scenarios, has been ruled out following the conversation we held a couple of days ago— which was, eventually, a humanitarian corridor," he said, referring to a recent meeting with Chile's President-elect, Jose Antonio Kast.
In that regard, the Head of State indicated that Peru's public security problems are linked to irregular migration, adding that he will not allow further irregular entries.
"On the contrary, we are carrying out government actions every day—morning, afternoon, and night—to locate those in irregular status and return them to their country," Jeri stated.
"The measure of a possible humanitarian corridor has been ruled out. We now need to assess, through the Foreign Affairs Ministry, what collective mechanism we will put in place to facilitate their return to their country," he concluded.