In a message published on his X account on Wednesday night, Rodríguez, who was also the head of the Venezuelan delegation at the talks with the opposition from the Unitary Platform, noted, “We will continue paving the way to peace, respect and understanding” among all Venezuelans.

Saab arrived in the Bolivarian Republic on Wednesday, after spending three and a half years kidnapped and held in a prison in Miami, United States, in violation of International Law.

The diplomat was welcomed by the first combatant and National Assembly lawmaker Cilia Flores and his family, wife and children.

Upon arriving, Saab bearhugged his wife, Camilla Fabri, and the first combatant.

The Government joyfully celebrated the diplomat’s release and return home, and noted that the people “welcome him with pride” after having being under illegal detention under cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment, violating their human rights and the Vienna Convention that confers diplomatic immunity.

His freedom is a symbol of the victory of Bolivarian Peace Diplomacy and thousands of demonstrations of solidarity from all corners of the world by social movements, intellectuals, artists and other fighters for justice, an official statement said.

President Nicolás Maduro welcomed Saab at the golden door of the Miraflores Palace, the headquarters of the Government, where they embraced in a big hug.

Maduro stated that he welcomed a “brave and patriotic man” who resisted the most adverse, most painful conditions of kidnapping, filthy prisons, physical and psychological torture, threats and lies, and stressed that after 1,280 days, 40 months, “truth and justice won.”

The head of State noted that the diplomat faced the toughest tests that “a brave man with Palestinian blood knew how to endure.”

I knew that this day had to come and it came, a blessed day, December 20, unforgettable forever! Maduro stressed.

Born in Colombia and naturalized Venezuelan, Saab stated that life is a “constant miracle” and today the miracle of freedom and justice has become a reality.

He congratulated President Maduro for his perseverance, First Combatant Cilia Flores, Jorge Rodríguez, Vice President Delcy Rodríguez and his family, especially his wife, Camilla Fabri, because “her unwavering fight and her love kept my strength alive and our family united.”

jg/mem/jcd