Venezuelan politicians to discuss country's future next week

Discussions regarding Venezuela's political future are set to commence next week with an in-person meeting in the capital city, Caracas. Both the government and the opposition confirmed the upcoming talks on Saturday, which were originally scheduled to begin on the same day. The meetings come at a critical time for the South American nation, which is grappling with a severe economic crisis despite possessing the world's largest documented oil reserves.

Venezuela has experienced significant political turmoil since January, following the ousting of its then-president, Nicolas Maduro, by U.S. forces. Delcy Rodríguez was subsequently appointed as the interim leader under U.S. supervision. The country's challenges have been exacerbated by recent devastating earthquakes in the northern region, which claimed over 5,500 lives.

Jorge Rodríguez, the president of Venezuela's parliament and the government's chief negotiator, announced the agreement for the first physical meeting in Caracas. Following a phone conversation with opposition politician Dinorah Figuera, he stated, "We have established an agenda with clear and verifiable objectives." The initial meeting will focus on providing assistance to those affected by the earthquakes, "strengthening democracy," and addressing political rights.

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We have established an agenda with clear and verifiable objectives.