Imprisoned Maduro hails 'any path of dialogue' in Venezuela

Imprisoned former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has offered his endorsement for "any path of dialogue" in Venezuela, according to a social media message posted Sunday. The statement comes just ahead of a crucial in-person meeting scheduled for next week between representatives of the interim government and opposition figures, a process supported by Washington.

Maduro, 63, and his wife, Cilia Flores, 69, are currently held in a Brooklyn jail. They were apprehended in a U.S. military operation in January and face charges of drug and firearms trafficking, accusations they both deny. Following their capture, former Vice President Delcy Rodríguez assumed interim leadership, governing under significant pressure from Washington, which is advocating for political dialogue to establish an electoral calendar and future elections in Venezuela.

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To speak of a NATIONAL REBIRTH as a common goal is to speak of mutual respect in diversity, of the inclusion of all. We welcome any path of dialogue that helps consolidate peace, coexistence, and reconciliation among Venezuelans.

"To speak of a NATIONAL REBIRTH as a common goal is to speak of mutual respect in diversity, of the inclusion of all," read the message shared on Maduro's Telegram account. "We welcome any path of dialogue that helps consolidate peace, coexistence, and reconciliation among Venezuelans." He concluded by urging to make August "a month of wonderful achievements, committed solidarity, sincere dialogue, and spiritual rebirth for Venezuela." His account daily features a countdown of his "kidnapping" days and comments on national holidays.

Meanwhile, representatives of Rodríguez's interim government and a U.S.-backed opposition group are set to hold their first face-to-face dialogue in Caracas next week. However, the talks will proceed without the participation of María Corina Machado, a prominent opposition leader and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, who has stated she will not obstruct the process. Key discussion points for the initial meeting include addressing the "impact" of the June 24th earthquake, "strengthening democracy," and ensuring "political rights and guarantees."

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Let us make August a month of wonderful achievements, committed solidarity, sincere dialogue, and spiritual rebirth for Venezuela.