Venezuelan opposition thanks US for support in political transition talks

Venezuela's opposition has expressed gratitude to the United States and Secretary of State Marco Rubio for their "accompaniment" in fostering a political transition within the South American nation. The opposition initiated a dialogue process, reportedly encouraged by Washington, with the government of President Nicolás Maduro.

Dinorah Figuera, the lead negotiator for the opposition, announced the commencement of a "dialogue process for Venezuela's democratic transition and the care of victims" of a recent double earthquake. This follows a telephone conversation with Jorge Rodríguez, the head of the government's delegation and brother of the president. Figuera described the start of these talks as "a new chapter in the fight to build a dignified future for all Venezuelans."

Both sides have agreed to hold their first in-person meeting next week in Caracas. While the exact date and location remain unspecified, the agenda is expected to cover assistance for earthquake victims, the "strengthening of democracy," and "political rights and guarantees." Figuera, along with other former legislators who support the 2015 National Assembly, will be part of the opposition delegation. The government's team will include several ministers and National Assembly members.

This dialogue emerges after opposition leaders María Corina Machado and Edmundo González proposed "serious" negotiations with the government, with U.S. involvement, to "restore democracy" through free and transparent presidential elections. However, the Nobel Peace Prize laureate, who was not involved in the design of these talks, stated that while they would not be an "obstacle to any initiative that produces real progress," they would be evaluated based on "concrete and verifiable achievements."

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A new chapter in the fight to build a dignified future for all Venezuelans.