Venezuela Government and Opposition Launch U.S.-Backed Dialogue for Transition

A new round of negotiations between Venezuela's government and opposition, facilitated by the United States, commenced on Saturday with a focus on political rights and guarantees. The dialogue aims to advance a transition process within the South American nation. The initial step involved a phone call between Jorge Rodríguez, president of the National Assembly, and former opposition legislator Dinorah Figuera. They committed to addressing political rights and guarantees, alongside strengthening democracy and aiding victims of recent devastating earthquakes. While some clarity emerged regarding delegation members, significant uncertainties persist about the precise agenda and meeting logistics. The first face-to-face encounter is slated for the following week in Caracas, though the exact date and venue remain unspecified. Rodríguez described the process as "inclusive and effective" with "clear and verifiable goals" intended to benefit Venezuelans and coordinate efforts for earthquake victims. Figuera, representing former lawmakers who uphold the 2015 National Assembly's legitimacy, stated the dialogue's objective is a "democratic transition" and support for earthquake survivors. She thanked the U.S. and Secretary of State Marco Rubio for their "accompaniment" in pursuing this transition, marking it as a "new chapter" for Venezuela's future. The government delegation includes Ana María Sanjuán, Pedro Infante, América Pérez, Génesis Garvett, Jorge Arreaza, and Jorge Rodríguez. The opposition side comprises Figuera, Marco Aurelio Quiñones, Ramón López, Jorge Millán, Juan Miguel Matheus, and Sergio Vergara, supported by former parliamentarians Macario González, Desiree Barboza, Julio César Moreno, and Elimar Díaz.