President Trump says Venezuela is not ready for elections and focuses instead on its oil, while Secretary of State Marco Rubio pushes for talks between opposing politicians.
The two combatant politicians shook hands at a Caracas hotel after signing an accord, signaling willingness to seek common ground under the watch of the United States, the country’s new chief authority. Jorge Rodríguez, a top official in the government installed after a U.S. military assault in January that killed scores, now answers to Delcy Rodríguez, praised by Mr. Trump. Opposition representative Dinorah Figuera, returning from exile in Spain, acknowledged Marco Rubio as a democratic figure supporting free elections.
After a third round of talks, Ms. Figuera praised Mr. Rubio’s support for transparent elections and human rights. Ms. Rodríguez acknowledged progress on political guarantees but criticized small dissenting groups setting fires and blocking streets. State Department officials encouraged reporters to observe the negotiations.
Mr. Trump has repeatedly asserted that Venezuela is not prepared to vote, while boasting that he is taking Venezuelan oil for the benefit of Americans. Ms. Figuera values his oil-sector investments more than his words. For Mr. Rubio, the outcome carries personal and domestic political weight in Florida, home to many Venezuelan exiles longing for a new government.
Source: New York Times Top Stories · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing