The Daily Journal.— The U.S. Department of State endorsed the start of talks between the Venezuelan government and the opposition delegation led by Dinorah Figuera, placing the process within the strategy that President Donald Trump’s administration has outlined for Venezuela.
In a press statement released Monday, spokesperson Thomas Pigott confirmed U.S. support for the initiatives announced following the agreement on the negotiation agenda.
“The United States welcomes the statements issued yesterday by Venezuela’s 2015 National Assembly, led by Dinorah Figuera, and by the Interim Government,” the State Department said.
Alignment with the three-phase roadmap
The official statement stressed that the discussions on earthquake relief following the June 24 disaster, along with institutional reforms, fit directly into the White House’s framework for Venezuela’s political transition and economic recovery.
“We support Venezuelan-led initiatives that address the urgent needs of people affected by the June 24 earthquakes, strengthen democratic institutions, expand political freedoms, and move the Venezuelan people toward a more stable and prosperous future,” the statement said.
The State Department also highlighted the connection between the dialogue and the Trump administration’s broader strategy.
“This process makes a significant contribution to the three-phase plan that the United States supports to achieve stabilization, economic recovery, political reconciliation, and a transition toward democratic elections.”
The department also expressed confidence “that this effort can produce tangible results for the Venezuelan people.”
On Saturday, August 1, the day negotiations were scheduled to begin, Congressman Jorge Rodríguez announced that both sides will hold their first in-person meeting in Caracas later this week.
Rodríguez and Figuera held a telephone conversation that both sides described as the formal beginning of the process.
Jorge Rodríguez heads the government delegation. Ana María Sanjuan, Jorge Arreaza, América Pérez, Génesis Garvett, and Pedro Infante also serve on the team.
Figuera confirmed the agenda for the upcoming session: “addressing the twin earthquakes; strengthening democracy; and protecting political rights and guarantees.”
She also identified the members of the political technical committee that will lead the negotiations: Marco Aurelio Quiñones, Ramón López, Jorge Millán, Juan Miguel Matheus, and Sergio Vergara.
In addition, Figuera said Elimar Díaz, Macario González, Julio César Moreno, and Desiree Barboza will serve on a supporting committee.
