CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) — 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.

Sen. Dick Durbin, a Democrat from Illinois, told The Associated Press that he urged Maduro to uphold democratic rights ahead of Venezuela's upcoming presidential election, but doubts any changes will be forthcoming

His four-day trip made at Venezuela's invitation included a visit with Joshua Holt, who has been jailed in Caracas for nearly two ye...