Second Round of US-Backed Government-Opposition Transition Talks Opens in Caracas

The government and an opposition delegation opened a second round of US-backed political transition talks at the Hotel Meliá Caracas on September 17, after 17:30 local time. The government side was again led by National Assembly President Jorge Rodríguez; the opposition delegation was again led by Dinorah Figuera, who returned to Caracas on September 13 ahead of the session. This round is billed as covering civil and political guarantees, freedom of expression, a full renovation of the Supreme Tribunal of Justice, lifting international sanctions (a government priority), and further releases of political prisoners. The first round, held August 6–12, produced two agreements: a full TSJ renewal process and recovery of Venezuelan reserves held at the Bank of England. As before, María Corina Machado and the majority opposition leadership are not at the table; Figuera said an announcement on any agreements reached could come once this week's discussions conclude.