Venezuelan opposition‑government dialogue expands ahead of August talks

Deputy Tomás Guanipa said the current dialogue between the government and the opposition, represented by Dinorah Figuera, is a “great opportunity” for Venezuela. He urged the process to recognize existing leadership, expand its membership and support reconstruction after the recent double earthquake, calling for external aid, U.S. technology and transparent management of resources. Guanipa also linked the lifting of economic sanctions to both rebuilding efforts and broader economic improvement.

Figuera announced that the negotiation table, scheduled to begin on 1 August, will include ten representatives from each side and will invite “all democratic sectors.” The initiative is being backed by the United States, which has pressured the inclusion of a broader range of participants, including civil‑society groups and possibly opposition leader Maria Corina Machado. Observers note that the composition and scope of the talks remain largely undisclosed, but the goal is a peaceful, democratic electoral transition.