Negotiations between Venezuela and the United States aimed at easing sanctions in exchange for better conditions for the 2024 presidential elections yielded their first tangible impact in Barbados. The government of Nicolás Maduro and the Democratic Unitary Platform (PUD) agreed on a partial arrangement to support political rights and electoral guarantees for the upcoming year.
“Dialogue has always been pursued,” Maduro stated on his X account. “This path has not been easy, yet progress is measurable thanks to the conscience and strength of our people. The first step toward the gradual removal of sanctions, improved social welfare, economic growth, and a durable peace and democracy within full sovereignty and national independence has begun.”
PUD chairman Gerardo Blyde praised the move, highlighted just days before opposition primaries that will nominate a single candidate to challenge Maduro. “Today we can celebrate that patient effort and international support have started to steer the electoral process toward concrete guarantees and political change.”
The documents outlining the understanding were signed by around twenty participants in the presence of Barbados Foreign Minister Jerome Walcott and U.S. representatives. Norway, the Netherlands, Russia, Mexico, Brazil, and Colombia also supported the talks, with Colombia playing a particularly significant role given its proximity to Venezuela and the large Venezuelan immigrant population there.
Agreed points
The parties pledged to update, audit, and cleanse voter registers on designated days to encourage new registrations both domestically and abroad. They committed to fostering a climate that supports peaceful elections without external pressure. Madurismo and the PUD agreed to reject violence in political life and to guarantee security and freedom of movement for all presidential candidates. The government and opposition also reaffirmed respect for the right of every political actor to select their own candidate. Elections would be conducted freely in line with the constitution and applicable law.
They also emphasized mechanisms for transparent campaign financing and vowed to promote balance in both public and private media during the electoral period.
A joint document recognized Venezuela’s historic claims in the Essequibo region, which remains disputed with Guyana. It also reiterated the defense of Citgo Petroleum, the U.S. refineries and petrochemical network tied to Venezuela, which Maduro has argued was seized as part of external efforts against the regime. The government and opposition expressed intent to recover funds frozen abroad over the past four years. Dag Nylander of Norway, serving as mediator, stressed that the agreement aims to safeguard national sovereignty and protect national assets overseas.
Sincerity of conversations
Barbados’ government reported that discussions this year included talks with representatives of President Joe Biden on lifting economic sanctions from Washington and the EU. The goal is to address the economic crisis while acknowledging social injuries caused by what officials call illegitimate coercive measures. The Barbados accord is presented as another step toward ending punitive unilateral measures and restoring prosperity tied to the Bolivarian project.
The initial thaw between Washington and Caracas appears linked to shifts in the global oil market following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Venezuela’s status as a major crude exporter has opened doors for greater involvement by international players, including Chevron, with U.S. approval in place.