Venezuela government, opposition reach key agreements in 3rd round of transition talks

By Laura Gamba

BOGOTA, Colombia (AA) - Representatives from the Venezuelan government and the 2015-elected National Assembly opposition officially concluded a third round of national transition talks Wednesday, reaching key agreements on political disqualifications and frozen foreign assets.

According to a joint statement signed by Jorge Rodriguez, president of the pro-government parliament, and Dinorah Figuera, head of the 2015 National Assembly delegation, the two sides agreed to review the Organic Law of the Comptroller General’s Office, specifically examining administrative processes surrounding political disqualifications targeting opposition leaders.

Nobel Peace Prize laureate and opposition leader Maria Corina Machado remains the most prominent political figure subject to an administrative ban from seeking public office.

The delegations also agreed to establish a joint commission tasked with coordinating with UK institutions to secure the release of Venezuelan gold reserves currently frozen at the Bank of England.

The conclusions mark the end of the third cycle of negotiations which began a week ago in Caracas and comprised six working sessions, including two plenary meetings, and 15 technical meetings across four working groups.

The dialogue process has progressed through three distinct phases. The first round laid the groundwork for national emergency relief, international asset protection, institutional strengthening, and guarantees for political participation and freedom of expression.

The second round focused on judicial restructuring and democratic reinstitutionalization, establishing a framework to evaluate candidates for the Supreme Court of Justice (TSJ) and outlining steps to reorganize the nation's radio spectrum.

The third round consolidated the electoral and legal roadmap, finalizing technical reviews on political bans and foreign asset recovery.

Announcing the session's conclusion Wednesday, Rodriguez specified that on Oct. 22, the National Assembly will formally swear in the nominating committee responsible for evaluating TSJ judicial candidates. The panel, comprising 12 civil society representatives and 11 legislators, will select the final list of principal and alternate justices.

With the conclusion of this plenary cycle, both delegations reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining structured technical working groups to advance institutional guarantees ahead of future electoral milestones.

Laura Gamba Fadul