Venezuela government and opposition reach agreements in transition talks

Representatives of Venezuela’s government and the opposition elected to the National Assembly in 2015 concluded a third round of national transition talks on Wednesday, reaching agreements on political disqualifications and frozen foreign assets, Anadolu Agency reported.

A joint statement signed by Jorge Rodriguez, president of the pro-government parliament, and Dinorah Figuera, head of the 2015 National Assembly delegation, said the sides would review the Organic Law of the Comptroller General’s Office, focusing on administrative procedures related to disqualifications imposed on opposition leaders.

Opposition leader and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Maria Corina Machado is the most prominent political figure currently barred from seeking public office through an administrative ban.

The delegations also agreed to set up a joint commission to coordinate with UK institutions on securing the release of Venezuelan gold reserves frozen at the Bank of England.

Three rounds of talks set out institutional and electoral steps

The third cycle of negotiations began a week ago in Caracas and included six working sessions, among them two plenary meetings, as well as 15 technical meetings across four working groups.

The first round laid the groundwork for national emergency relief, protection of international assets, institutional strengthening, and guarantees for political participation and freedom of expression.

The second round focused on judicial restructuring and democratic reinstitutionalization. It established a framework to assess candidates for the Supreme Court of Justice (TSJ) and outlined steps to reorganize the country’s radio spectrum.

The third round consolidated an electoral and legal roadmap, completing technical reviews on political bans and the recovery of foreign assets.

Assembly to swear in judicial nomination committee on Oct. 22

Announcing the conclusion of the session on Wednesday, Rodriguez said the National Assembly would formally swear in the committee responsible for evaluating TSJ judicial candidates on Oct. 22.

The panel will comprise 12 civil society representatives and 11 legislators, and will select the final list of principal and alternate justices.

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