- Caracas has defended its diplomatic rapprochement with Washington in the wake of the January 3 attacks and kidnapping of President Maduro.
MERIDA, (venezuelanalysis.com) – Venezuelan acting president Delcy Rodríguez met with US Chargé d’Affaires Laura Dogu in Miraflores Presidential Palace on Monday afternoon. According to communications minister Miguel Pérez Pirela, the meeting took place “in the context of the working agenda” between Caracas and Washington. National Assembly president Jorge Rodríguez was likewise present.
Dogu confirmed the high-level audience with Venezuelan leaders via social media, saying that she reiterated Washington’s intended “three-phase plan” for the Caribbean nation.
“Today I met with Delcy Rodríguez and Jorge Rodríguez to reiterate the three phases that Secretary of State Marco Rubio has proposed for Venezuela: stabilisation, economic recovery and reconciliation, and transition,” she said.
The US diplomat, who was previously stationed in Honduras, arrived in Caracas on Saturday, vowing that her team is “ready to work.” US State Department officials had visited the Venezuelan capital previously to assess conditions for the reopening of the US embassy.
Venezuelan foreign minister Yván Gil was the first high-ranking official to meet with Dogu, writing that the country’s authorities are looking to work on “issues of bilateral interest” with US counterparts. On Monday, Gil announced that Félix Plasencia will be Venezuela’s diplomatic representative in the US and will travel to Washington in the coming days.
This diplomatic rapprochement follows the January 3 US military strikes that killed dozens, while special operations teams kidnapped president Nicolás Maduro and First Lady and deputy Cilia Flores.
In the weeks since, the Venezuelan government has emphasised its commitment to reestablish ties with the Trump administration, with Rodríguez pledging that she is not afraid to address “differences” with Washington through diplomatic channels.
For his part, US president Donald Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One that he maintains positive relationships with Venezuelan leaders, including the acting president.
Since the January 3 strikes, the White House has claimed control over Venezuelan crude sales, with proceeds reportedly deposited in US-administered accounts in Qatar before a portion is returned to the South American nation. Last week, the Venezuelan National Assembly approved an oil reform granting expanded benefits for private corporations that drew praise from US officials.
Caracas severed diplomatic ties with Washington in 2019 after the Trump administration recognised the self-proclaimed “interim government” headed by Juan Guaidó as the country’s legitimate authority.
A formal reestablishment of diplomatic relations hinges on the White House formally recognising the Venezuelan acting government, a move that is also a necessary step before any process of debt renegotiation.
Rodríguez announces amnesty law, Helicoide closure
Venezuelan acting authorities have combined the restoration of ties with Washington with a fast-moving domestic legislative agenda.
On Friday, during the Supreme Court’s 2026 opening ceremony, Acting president Rodríguez announced a new “General Amnesty Law,” intended to cover acts of political violence that have occurred in Venezuela from 1999 to the present.
In her speech, Rodríguez explained that the law aims to “heal the wounds” resulting from political confrontation.
“I request the full cooperation of the Venezuelan parliament so that this law may contribute to healing the wounds left by confrontation, violence, and extremism,” she told attendees. “May it serve to redirect justice in our country and restore coexistence among Venezuelans.”
The legislative proposal will reportedly exclude those who have been convicted or are facing charges of homicide, drug trafficking, corruption, and serious human rights violations.
Alongside the new law proposal, Rodríguez announced the closure of the Helicoide detention center in Caracas, with plans to turn it into a recreational center. The facility, run by the SEBIN intelligence agency, has held multiple high-profile opposition figures accused of crimes including treason and terrorism.
Human rights organisations over the years have denounced grave human rights violations against Helicoide prisoners. Dozens of prisoners have been gradually released in recent days.
Javier Tarazona, director of the NGO Fundaredes, was among those released during the weekend. He had been detained since 2021 on terrorism and treason charges. Luis Istúriz, a leader from the far-right Vente Venezuela party, also exited the Helicoide on Sunday following 18 months behind bars. He had begun a 30-year sentence on charges of terrorism and conspiracy.
Venezuelan interior minister Diosdado Cabello affirmed in a Monday press conference that the amnesty law is about promoting “coexistence and peace” and will see authorities review the cases of people who have “undoubtedly committed crimes.”
“Those who benefit from the amnesty will be given an opportunity to return to politics,” he said, adding that the amnesty project was a government initiative that had no influence from “NGOs and foreign governments.”
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