Venezuela government to launch formal talks with opposition members

Key Points:

• Venezuela's interim government announced it will begin formal talks with some opposition members starting 1 August, aiming to address the country's political crisis following recent events.
• The talks were prompted by the devastation caused by twin earthquakes on 24 June, which killed over 4,700 people, with government and opposition groups emphasizing unity for reconstruction and peace.
• The opposition delegation, led by Dinorah Figuera who recently returned from exile, seeks to focus on strengthening democratic institutions, electoral reforms, and political participation guarantees.
• Despite the ousting of Nicolás Maduro by US forces six months ago, Maduro loyalists, including interim president Delcy Rodríguez, remain in power, complicating the political landscape and opposition hopes for change.
• The US-backed opposition prefers negotiating with Figuera over prominent opposition leader María Corina Machado, whose attempts to return to Venezuela have been blocked amid concerns over potential disruptions to recovery efforts.