US-backed transition talks between Venezuela's interim government and opposition delegates opened in Caracas, led on the opposition side by Dinorah Figuera after her return from exile. Both parties pledged to negotiate in good faith toward a "political, peaceful, democratic and constitutional solution." The agenda includes reforms to the judiciary and electoral body, and coordination of the response to the June 24 earthquakes that caused massive casualties. The US State Department welcomed the talks and urged international support for stabilization, economic recovery and a peaceful transition.
US-Backed Transition Talks Kick Off in Caracas as Opposition Returns From Exile
Venezuelans are hopeful the dialogue will pave the way for democratic elections (Federico PARRA)
US-backed political transition talks between Venezuela's interim government and opposition representatives opened Thursday in Caracas, an AFP photographer at the venue reported.
The sessions come amid ongoing international pressure following Venezuela's disputed 2024 election and while an interim government led by Delcy Rodríguez engages with opposition delegates in a bid to ease the political crisis.
Delegations And Key Figures
Dinorah Figuera, who returned to Venezuela from exile on Wednesday, led the opposition delegation. Figuera heads the opposition bloc that won a majority in the 2015 National Assembly, the last legislature elected in a vote broadly recognized internationally.
Representing the government was National Assembly President Jorge Rodríguez, who is a prominent ally of the interim leadership.
"We are focused on the official opening this week of this dialogue process, which seeks the restoration of democratic institutions,"
Figuera told television station Televen after arriving in Caracas.
Agenda And Early Outcomes
At the end of the first session, both sides said they had agreed to negotiate in good faith and pursue a "political, peaceful, democratic and constitutional solution," according to a statement shared on social media.
The official agenda released by both sides includes discussion of the government response to the twin earthquakes of June 24 — which caused catastrophic loss of life — and measures to strengthen democratic institutions and political rights.
Figuera has publicly called for reforms to the Supreme Court of Justice and the National Electoral Council, institutions widely criticized by the opposition after the disputed 2024 vote.
International Reaction
The US State Department welcomed Figuera's delegation "for the start of in-person talks" with Venezuela's interim government, calling the direct talks a "unique opportunity" and urging broad support to deliver concrete results for Venezuelans.
Washington emphasized the priorities of stabilization, economic recovery, political reconciliation and a peaceful transition.
Only photographers were granted access to the La Carlota military base, where the talks were held.
Notable Absences And Contested Reports
Opposition leader Maria Corina Machado — who remains in exile — was absent and was not part of the delegation. Machado has said she will not obstruct the dialogue process and called for a democratic transition to restore freedom and prosperity in Venezuela.
Media reports that the United States blocked Machado's return to Venezuela were published during the lead-up to the talks; US officials have denied those specific claims. The reporting around these claims remains contested.
What Comes Next
Participants said the talks will continue in the coming days with working sessions aimed at concrete reforms and humanitarian coordination. Observers say the process will be judged by whether it produces credible steps toward electoral reform, institutional change and effective disaster response.
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