U.S. top diplomat in Venezuela says discussed 'transition' with interim leader

Delcy Rodríguez, the interim president of Venezuela, made significant appointments to her presidential cabinet on Monday, including the selection of former Foreign Minister Felix Plasencia to lead Venezuela’s diplomatic mission in the United States. This move is part of her efforts to consolidate her new government amidst ongoing discussions with U.S. officials regarding a potential political transition in Venezuela. Rodríguez met with Laura Dogu, the new chargé d’affaires for the United States, in Caracas. The discussions focused on U.S. plans for "stabilization, economic recovery, reconciliation, and transition" in Venezuela. Foreign Minister Yvan Gil indicated that the talks aimed to bridge historical differences between the two nations, which have experienced strained relations for years. The meeting underscores a renewed interest in dialogue between Venezuela and the U.S. after a prolonged period of frozen relations. The engagement between the U.S. and Venezuela also included discussions on energy and trade, highlighting a broader agenda beyond political transition. This dialogue reflects Washington's ongoing pressure on the Venezuelan interim leadership to establish a clear path forward in the post-Maduro era. The developments signal a potential shift in U.S.-Venezuela relations, with both sides exploring avenues for cooperation and resolution of longstanding issues.