The Venezuelan government and the opposition postponed a dialogue in Mexico City aimed at a political path to resolve a decade-long internal conflict that led the nation into a historic crisis. The initial disclosure came from Colombian President Gustavo Petro, a pivotal figure in a wider strategy to steer talks at this juncture. Norway, acting as guarantor, later provided details on a meeting between Nicolás Maduro’s representatives and the Unitary Platform. Oslo indicated that the parties would sign a partial accord on social issues, potentially unlocking funds held abroad. Rafael Dochao, the EU lead in Venezuela, noted that around $3,000 million could be allocated to cushion the effects of the internal collapse, with the United Nations overseeing the administration of these resources.
Jorge Rodríguez, former minister and current legislator, noted that the Venezuelan madurista delegation discussed the roadmap with Norway in Caracas and that it would enable practical attention to deferred social needs. The funds are intended to bolster health care and the electrical system, which suffered repeated outages during the years of political conflict.
We announce that the Government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela and the Venezuelan Unitary Platform have decided to restart the dialogue and negotiation process in Mexico on 26 November, facilitated by Norway. There, the parties will sign a partial agreement on social issues.
— Norway in MX and CA (@NoruegaMexCA) 24 November 2022
international efforts
Miraflores Palace has drawn interest from France and Argentina as well. The energy crisis amplified by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine contributed to accelerating the process. The European Union’s High Representative for Foreign Relations and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, expressed his optimism about a meeting that could become a key step toward a peaceful resolution. He emphasized that the initial focus should be social and human reconciliation, followed by a return to a democratic and sustainable path.
Rodríguez reiterated the government’s willingness to pursue these goals, while noting that the administration opposed the arrest and extradition of Colombian businessman Alex Saab to the United States. Caracas had granted Saab diplomat status, a move that complicated the talks and led to a pause in October 2021.
Gerardo Blyde, head of the Unitary Platform delegation, stated that negotiations should continue and that there is a commitment to work together on mechanisms that safeguard Venezuelans’ well-being. He stressed that lasting progress requires a comprehensive political agreement that secures human rights and the rule of law, and that the opposition’s stance aims to create conditions for free and observable elections.
#Release The Democratic Unitary Platform’s resumption of negotiations between the democratic forces and the Maduro regime in Mexico. #24nove pic.twitter.com/04WFvCmGtU
– Venezuelan Unit (@unidadvenezuela) 24 November 2022
The delegation reaffirmed that the process should endure. Maduro’s administration halted talks in October 2021 after the extradition of Colombian businessman Alex Saab, whom Caracas had aligned with the Venezuelan diplomatic corps, to the United States on money laundering charges.
discussion topics
Witnessed issues included the easing of sanctions imposed during the Donald Trump administration and the impact on Venezuela’s primary revenue source, its oil sector. The Mexican Federal District meeting center stage included a willingness by current U.S. officials to explore broader transnational agreements that could enable renewed oil trade under a new operating framework following early negotiations between the government and the opposition.
Another focal point is the upcoming 2024 presidential election. Transparency and guarantees of political rights sit at the heart of the discussions. The Democratic Platform emphasized that the talks in Mexico are not symbolic but aimed at concrete, tangible outcomes. These include respect for human rights, adherence to the rule of law, and the creation of conditions and institutions that ensure free and visible elections.
Juan Guaidó, who has described himself as the interim president since 2019, has supported dialogue in Mexico, albeit amid diminished public support. He declared that the goal remains to resolve the crisis through a comprehensive agreement that offers guarantees to all sectors and that action on the streets remains a necessary part of achieving the choices Venezuelans deserve.