Venezuelan Opposition Figure Dinora Figuera Arrives in Caracas for Preliminary Talks

Dinora Figuera, a Venezuelan opposition figure and former deputy elected to the National Assembly in 2015, arrived in Caracas on Wednesday from Spain. Her visit marks the start of preliminary negotiations with the authorities as part of a formal dialogue process that many hope will lead to a political transition and new elections.

Dialogue Framework and Scheduled Topics

According to the official agenda jointly published by both sides, discussions will address three main issues: the response to the two earthquakes that struck on 24 June, which killed more than 6,000 people; the strengthening of democracy; and political rights and guarantees.

Negotiation Timeline and Context

The talks are set to begin one week after Jorge Rodríguez — chief government negotiator, president of the National Assembly, and brother of acting president Delcy Rodríguez — announced on Saturday, alongside Figuera, that they had held a telephone conversation and agreed to initiate the dialogue in Caracas during the current week.

These negotiations follow seven months since the arrest of President Nicolás Maduro during a U.S. military operation in Caracas, as reported by AFP.

Exclusion of María Corina Machado

María Corina Machado, opposition leader and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, was not invited to participate in the dialogue. Last weekend, Machado distanced herself from the process while in Panama, where she currently resides, stating she would not take part but also would not oppose the initiative.

Arrival and Public Statement

Figuera, who lives in exile, landed at Barcelona Airport — a city located approximately 240 kilometers from Caracas — accompanied by other opposition figures forming the negotiation committee.

In an interview conducted at the airport with the television channel Televen, Figuera said: “Watch closely what unfolds this week — the official opening of this dialogue process, aimed at restoring democracy.”

Political Representation and U.S. Recognition

Figuera leads the opposition bloc that won a majority in the National Assembly in 2015, before Maduro annulled its results. The United States recognizes her bloc as the legitimate representative body.

Government Position and Conditions

Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello — aligned with the hardline faction of the authorities — stated during his weekly television program: “They have a group of people who are not widely known, right? They selected them themselves, within their own political and internal agreements. We had absolutely no involvement in choosing who would represent the opposition.”

He added: “We welcome them, and we hope they arrive prepared for dialogue, integration, and continuing work for this country. We welcome them — provided they come to contribute… within this Constitution [drafted under President Hugo Chávez] and our national laws.”