CARACAS, Venezuela – Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has unexpectedly announced that he will restart a dialogue with the U.S. government, marking a turning point in the strained relationship between the two countries. Following a two-month period of reflection on a U.S. proposal, negotiations will begin on Wednesday, July 3.
During a press conference on Monday, Maduro stressed that these talks will focus on ensuring that the United States complies with the terms of previous agreements facilitated by Qatar. According to the President, these agreements should be treated with respect and transparency, and their content should be public to avoid speculation.
Last year’s direct negotiations culminated in a high-profile exchange: a group of Americans detained in Venezuela were exchanged for Alex Saab, a Venezuelan businessman and close ally of Maduro, who was facing money laundering charges in the United States.
The U.S. had lifted sanctions on Venezuelan oil but in April, it reimposed the sanctions because Venezuela failed to comply with the agreements by disqualifying opposition leader María Corina Machado from participating in the elections scheduled for July 28.
The resumption of talks between Venezuela and the United States marks a potential step towards improved relations between the two countries. However, it remains to be seen whether these negotiations will lead to significant changes in their relationship or whether tensions will continue to persist.
With information from EFE