US Backs Caracas Talks on Democratic Transition

The meeting signals a potential shift in the political landscape, as Figuera returned to Venezuela on Thursday after a seven-year exile in Spain. While both sides maintained a guarded silence on specific outcomes, the National Assembly issued a brief statement describing the talks as a move toward strengthening democracy and consolidating peace. The discussions reportedly centered on the National Electoral Council and the framework for future political participation.

State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott confirmed that the U.S. views the agenda as a necessary step toward rebuilding institutional stability. According to Washington, the dialogue covers critical objectives, including the restoration of civic freedoms and the creation of durable guarantees for political discourse. The engagement follows an earlier, broader agreement intended to pave the way for the 2024 presidential elections, though progress has remained largely stalled until this week’s development.