The Venezuelan government met with opposition figures in Caracas on Thursday, marking the start of US-backed talks aimed at steering the country toward a democratic transition. The United States has been instrumental in brokering these negotiations, which come months after the US played a role in the departure of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
US Involvement
The US Embassy in Caracas welcomed the talks, stating that it remains committed to supporting Venezuelan-led efforts to strengthen democratic institutions, expand political freedoms, and promote a more stable and prosperous future for the people of Venezuela. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that the talks are not only about reconciliation but also about starting a transition process, with Washington involved.
According to Venezuelan analyst Carmen Beatriz Fernández, the current process is distinct due to US involvement, with the US exerting significant influence over both parties. The opposition bloc is led by former congresswoman Dinorah Figuera, who has had a long political career and was elected president of the legislative body by former opposition deputies in 2023.
Opposition Leaders
Notably absent from the talks are opposition leaders María Corina Machado and former presidential candidate Edmundo González Urrutia, who remain in exile. Both have stated that they will monitor the talks and hope they will lead to elections. Machado, a Nobel laureate, has been rallying support from allies around the world for Venezuela’s democratic transition and has hinted at potentially running for president if an election were held.
The dialogue between the government and opposition figures is part of the United States’ three-phase plan to bring about stabilization, economic recovery, and political reconciliation, and democratic transition to Venezuela, with the aim of eventually holding new elections. Both sides say the talks will cover responding to the deadly earthquakes in June, strengthening democracy, and guaranteeing political rights.
Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
