Venezuela's government announces agreement with USA to improve relations
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro announced on Monday that talks with the USA would be resumed. Washington remained silent on the matter. Maduro also claimed that the initiative for the talks came from Washington, and his government agreed after two months of consideration.
Last year, the two countries held secret negotiations in Qatar and agreed on a prisoner exchange.
The USA also eased sanctions against Venezuela when Maduro's government and the opposition reached an agreement in October to hold free and fair elections this year.
However, the thawing of relations was over when Maduro's opponents were prevented from running against him in the election on July 28, and the sanctions were reinstated in April. Maduro is seeking a third term in office through the elections.
- The resumed talks between President Nicolás Maduro of Venezuela and the USA are expected to greatly impact the relationship between the two nations.
- Despite Maduro's assertion that Washington initiated the dialogue, the government in Caracas agreed to the resumption of talks following a two-month evaluation period.
- If a substantial agreement is reached between Maduro's administration and the USA, it could potentially lead to significant improvement in Venezuela's economic and diplomatic status.
- The USA, having played a role in the prisoner exchange agreement between the two countries last year, may be seeking to further strengthen its relationships with the Venezuelan Government.
- The prospect of a new agreement between the USA and Venezuela puts Washington in a position to reconsider its existing sanctions against Venezuelan entities and individuals.
