Venezuela's interim government and opposition representatives began pivotal political transition talks in Caracas on Thursday. The talks, backed by the US, aim to restore democratic institutions and pave the way for elections in the crisis-hit nation. The first day concluded with both sides agreeing to negotiate in good faith and pursue a 'political, peaceful, democratic and constitutional solution.'
The talks are occurring seven months after US forces detained President Nicolas Maduro, with interim leader Delcy Rodriguez governing under Washington's oversight. Notably absent is opposition favorite and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Maria Corina Machado, who lives in exile and was not invited. Instead, the opposition is represented by Dinorah Figuera, who returned from exile to lead the discussions.
Figuera, who heads the opposition bloc that won a majority in the 2015 National Assembly, has called for reforms to the Supreme Court and the National Electoral Council. The government is represented by National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez, the interim leader's brother.
At the end of the first session, both sides agreed to continue negotiations in good faith, emphasizing the need for stabilization, economic recovery, and political reconciliation. The US State Department welcomed the talks, urging all parties to support the effort for tangible results.
The talks will also address the response to the June 24 earthquakes, which caused over 6,000 deaths, and the strengthening of democracy and political rights. Machado, despite her support for the transition, remains in exile, with US President Donald Trump reportedly vetoing her return.
