The Daily Journal.- Venezuela’s acting president, Delcy Rodríguez, met with Dinorah Figuera on Thursday night at Miraflores Palace following the conclusion of the third round of talks that the United States has promoted between Chavismo and an opposition faction represented by the 2015 National Assembly.
Jorge Rodríguez, president of the National Assembly and head of the government’s negotiating delegation, also attended.
Following the meeting, Delcy Rodríguez acknowledged the progress both delegations had made in discussions on political guarantees and the review of institutional matters. She also highlighted both sides’ willingness to reach agreements.
“I welcome and recognize the efforts of the parties participating in this dialogue to make progress on political guarantees for everyone, for all political parties, and for those who believe in politics as a means of benefiting the population,” she stated in a video released after the meeting.
The acting president also congratulated the participants on completing the third round of talks and advancing preparations for the next round, which Jorge Rodríguez said would take place between November 11 and 15.
Review of laws and political disqualifications
The meeting followed a week of negotiations in Caracas, during which the delegations held six working sessions, two plenary sessions, and 15 meetings, according to information released about the process.
At the conclusion of this third round, representatives agreed to begin reviewing several laws, including the Organic Law of the Office of the Comptroller General of the Republic, particularly its provisions concerning political disqualifications.
So far, both sides have announced the start of the legislative review but have not specified a timetable for approving or implementing any changes.
The dialogue also addresses judicial system reform and guarantees for political organizations to participate in the political process, amid opposition demands for conditions that would allow the country to hold elections.
On Wednesday, Figuera said the country’s primary demand was to hold presidential elections and suggested they could take place in late 2027 or early 2028.
Venezuelan gold held in England
Another issue on the agenda during the third round concerned Venezuela’s gold reserves held at the Bank of England.
The delegations agreed to establish a joint commission to manage these assets and allocate the resources to recovery efforts following the June 2026 earthquake, according to the announcement at the conclusion of the talks.
The initiative adds an issue of significant economic and financial importance to Venezuela’s dialogue agenda, given the ongoing dispute over control of and access to assets held abroad.
