Representatives from Venezuela’s interim government and the political opposition have successfully concluded their first round of transition talks. The discussions, which spanned six days, were aimed at fostering national reconciliation in the wake of the US-led removal of leader Nicolas Maduro from power.
A joint statement released on Wednesday confirmed that both parties reached agreements on two primary issues. The first involves a commitment to initiate a transformation of the nation's justice system, specifically targeting reforms to the Organic Law of the Supreme Tribunal of Justice (TSJ). While this judicial focus was established, the document did not address potential changes to the National Electoral Council, a body the opposition has expressed interest in overhauling.
The second area of consensus concerns the ongoing humanitarian crisis caused by the devastating twin earthquakes on June 24, which have resulted in more than 6,300 deaths. Both sides agreed to work toward accessing Venezuela's international reserve assets currently held at the Bank of England to assist in recovery efforts. To ensure the integrity of these resources, the statement emphasized the creation of mechanisms for transparency, traceability, and auditing.
The interim government, led by Delcy Rodriguez, was represented at the talks by her brother, Jorge Rodriguez, who also serves as the head of the National Assembly. Representing the opposition was Dinorah Figuera, leader of the political bloc that secured a majority in the 2015 National Assembly—the last legislative body widely recognized by the international community. During the talks, Figuera held separate meetings with media workers, retirees, and representatives of political prisoners to address their concerns, stating on X that their participation is aimed at achieving a free and democratic Venezuela.
Notably, exiled opposition leader and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Maria Corina Machado was absent from the discussions. While she has stated she will not impede the process, some commentators have alleged that US President Donald Trump vetoed her return to the country, a claim denied by Washington. Meanwhile, the US president has publicly expressed satisfaction with the administration of Delcy Rodriguez.
