Negotiations between the Government and the Venezuelan opposition to resolve the country’s political and social crisis began this Friday in Mexico with the signing of the a memorandum of understanding at the National Museum of Anthropology in the Mexican capital.
“We agreed to carry out a broad process of dialogue and negotiation”, says the document that underlies the conversation that It will be held in Mexico and will be facilitated by Norway.
The deal
In the signed document, both delegations expressed their willingness to “reach agreement on the necessary conditions for the implementation of the electoral processes enshrined in the Constitution with all the guarantees and understanding the need for international sanctions are lifted“in reference to punitive measures by the United States that include an oil embargo, to which Canada and the European Union have joined.
Also rejects “any form of political violence“against the country” and the “stabilization of the economy”, which has fallen 80 percent since 2014, forcing the migration of about five million people.
Dialogue in Mexico, supervised by Norway, takes place after the failure of the negotiations that took place in Barbados in 2019 after opposition leader Juan Guaidó proclaimed himself interim president of Venezuela and was recognized by fifty countries.
Discussions will revolve around seven topics which include aspects such as political rights, electoral guarantees, a calendar for observable elections, lifting of sanctions and restoration of rights.
Likewise, topics such as political and social coexistence, renunciation of violence, reparation for victims, protection of the economy and guarantees of implementation, monitoring and verification of the agreement.
negotiators
The text was signed byr Jorge Rodriguez, President of Parliament and head of the Venezuelan Government delegation, and Gerardo Blyde, coordinator of the opposition delegation. The Mexican Chancellor, Marcelo Ebrard, Y Nylander Dag, head of the Norwegian team, witnessed the signing of the document.
“This signature means a lot, it means everything, because it means hope. Let us take care of this hope, let us take care of our capacity and audacity, to reach points of confluence”, said Jorge Rodríguez after signing.
In turn, Blyde said the goal of this dialogue is “to reach a comprehensive agreement that is convenient for everyone, in which no one feels defeated and we all feel included.” The negotiation will be supervised by Norway with the support of the Netherlands and Russia.
“I wish you all the best and I tell you that the entire Latin American community and the entire world are keeping an eye on you. Welcome, thank you and much success”, the Secretary of Foreign Affairs of Mexico wished them.
On behalf of the Government of Nicolas Mature the presence of Maduro’s son is also expected, Nicolas Mature War, it’s from Hector Rodriguez, governor of the central state of Miranda.
The opposition delegation is also made up of the former deputy Stalin Gonzalez, from the Un Nuevo Tiempo formation, and Tomás Guanipa, near the opposition leader Juan Guaido and general secretary of the Primero Justicia (PJ) party, of which the two-time former presidential candidate Henry Capriles is part. Guaidó was the one who launched the dialogue proposal last May, although he did not personally participate in the negotiations.
Judicial actions
The opposition seeks this meeting to facilitate “free” elections on November 21, when Venezuelans are called to the polls to elect the next mayors, state governors and local and regional deputies.
President Maduro said he was ready to negotiate with “all the opposition” but demanded the lifting of international sanctions. The United States reiterated on Thursday that it is willing to review its sanctions policy against Venezuela to make “significant progress” in the negotiations.
Maduro had stated on the eve of the start of negotiations that his government will not submit to US blackmail or pressure, then he will participate in the meeting independently. “Venezuela does not submit to blackmail or threats from the US Government. Whatever we have to do, we will do what is appropriate for happiness, independence and peace,” said the Executive.
Meetings will be held between representatives of the Venezuelan Government and the opposition from the 13th to the 16th of august.
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