BTN News: In an important diplomatic step, the United States and Venezuela said on Wednesday that they have started talks again to “improve bilateral relations.” This happens after many months of tension and just over three weeks before Venezuela’s presidential elections.
Statements from Washington Highlighting the Importance of the Talks
Brian Nichols, the U.S. State Department’s representative for Latin America and a key mediator between Nicolás Maduro’s government and the opposition, stressed that the U.S. is open to talks. “We are always ready for dialogue; we have said this many times,” Nichols said. White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre also welcomed the talks as a positive move taken in good faith.
Objectives of the Talks to Ensure Fair and Competitive Elections
The Biden administration wants to ensure that the upcoming presidential elections on July 28 will be fair and competitive. “We know that democratic change will not be easy and needs serious effort,” Jean-Pierre said, pointing out the importance of this diplomatic step. She repeated that the U.S. is committed to supporting the Venezuelan people’s will and democratic governance through fair and competitive elections.
Venezuelan Response Emphasizes Mutual Trust and Respect
Jorge RodrÃguez, the main negotiator for the Venezuelan government, confirmed the virtual meeting. In a post on social media platform X, RodrÃguez said both sides want to rebuild trust and improve relations through respectful and constructive communication.
RodrÃguez also highlighted the need for mutual respect, sovereignty, and fairness in the talks, indirectly criticizing U.S. comments about Venezuela’s political actions. He said Venezuela rejects what he called false statements by U.S. officials about the dialogue.
Background of Previous Meetings and the Barbados Agreement
RodrÃguez revealed that secret meetings between U.S. officials and Venezuelan delegates took place in Qatar in late 2023. These talks led to the Barbados Agreement, which included prisoner exchanges and a temporary easing of some U.S. sanctions on Venezuela.
However, RodrÃguez insisted that the current talks should follow only the terms agreed upon in Qatar. Despite this, the Venezuelan government has been accused of breaking the agreement many times, such as disqualifying opposition leader MarÃa Corina Machado, barring several politicians from running, persecuting dissidents, and refusing to free political prisoners.
Historical Context of Strained Relations Between USA and Venezuela
Relations between the U.S. and Venezuela have been poor since 2019 when the U.S. rejected Maduro’s election victory amid claims of fraud. As a result, Washington imposed a series of sanctions on Venezuela, which are still in place and have greatly affected the country but failed to stop the Maduro government’s actions.
Under the Barbados Agreement, the U.S. had agreed to ease some oil-related sanctions as a sign of trust. But because Maduro did not keep his promises and ignored repeated warnings, these sanctions were put back.
Looking Ahead to the Upcoming Presidential Elections in Venezuela
As Venezuela’s presidential elections approach, Maduro has shown readiness to join new talks. It remains to be seen how sincere and what the true aims of his government are in these talks.
