Government and Opposition Agree to Work Toward Supreme Court Reform After Second Talks Round

Venezuela's interim government and the Figuera-led opposition delegation concluded the second round of US-backed transition talks in Caracas by agreeing to establish a seven-member panel to review how candidates are selected for the Supreme Tribunal of Justice (TSJ), and committing to 'continue the analysis and review of legislative instruments needed for the transformation of the judicial system.' National Assembly President Jorge Rodríguez led the government side; Dinorah Figuera, heading the delegation representing the 2015 opposition-won legislature, led the other. It is described as the first tangible step toward the judicial reforms interim President Delcy Rodríguez has promised, building on the first round's August 12 agreements on TSJ renewal and recovery of Venezuelan reserves held at the Bank of England. Human rights groups and critics note the government has been slow to deliver broader political opening, and the UN Fact-Finding Mission has warned Maduro-era repressive structures remain intact despite the reform pledges. María Corina Machado and the majority opposition remain outside the talks.