AGP Executive Report

Venezuela Political Talks: US-backed face-to-face dialogue between Venezuela’s interim government and the opposition kicked off in Caracas, with National Assembly chief Jorge Rodríguez leading the government side and Dinorah Figuera representing the 2015 opposition bloc; the first working cycle runs in permanent session until Aug. 12, and Maria Corina Machado is notably absent. Earthquake Recovery & Local Support: In La Guaira, acting President Delcy Rodríguez backed the “Venezuela Renace” recovery push, delivering loans to earthquake-hit businesses and calling for a logistics-and-tourism master plan while Governor Terán highlighted reconstruction financing and housing rehabilitation. Research & Innovation: Science and Technology Minister Yván Gil met UCV rector Víctor Rago Albujas to advance a national agenda for research and innovation tied to Venezuela’s development needs. Regional Diplomacy: Venezuela and Chile moved to restart consular relations, exchanging notes and setting a roadmap toward broader trade and cooperation. Cuba Sanctions Spillover: UN human rights experts condemned new US sanctions on Cuba, warning they’re worsening fuel shortages and blackouts—an issue that also echoes across the region after Venezuela’s oil role in Cuba’s supply chain.

US-Venezuela Talks: The Trump administration praised the start of in-person dialogue in Caracas between Chavismo and opposition figures, calling it a “unique opportunity” tied to earthquake recovery, expanded freedoms, and a path toward transition. Caracas Reconstruction: Mayor Carmen Meléndez said Fondec delivered building materials to 16 families in the Amapola building in San Bernardino under a self-construction plan after the June 24 quakes. Earthquake Accountability: New reporting says Venezuela’s quake death toll is above 6,000, but authorities won’t say how many people are still missing, leaving families digging through rubble in La Guaira. Public Health & Water: Venezuela’s health ministry and WHO are studying a technical cooperation plan for water sanitation and waste management in quake-hit areas, including emergency WASH data systems and immunization support. Science & Education: The science registry topped 21,108 initiatives, while a national reading plan is moving from temporary camps into schools nationwide. Energy Investment Signal: Venezuela Energy Week 2027 was moved to February 22–25 in Caracas as investor engagement expands.

Reconciliation Talks: Dinorah Figuera, a prominent Venezuelan opposition figure living in exile, arrived in Caracas for the first round of reconciliation talks with government chief negotiator Jorge Rodríguez, with the agenda focused on earthquake response and restoring democratic rights; Maria Corina Machado is not attending. Oil & Gas Policy: ONGC Videsh says it has received a US OFAC licence and is seeking operatorship of two Venezuelan onshore blocks (San Cristobal and Carabobo-1), aiming to take over from PDVSA and finalize new agreements as Venezuela’s interim government rolls out new hydrocarbons rules. US Pressure on Cuba: Reports say the CIA has created a Cuba-focused task force to deepen splits within Cuba’s political elite and pressure leadership change, while the US also expanded intelligence presence on the island. US Elections Demand: US Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Ted Cruz introduced a bipartisan resolution backing free and fair elections in Venezuela, calling for political prisoners’ release and safe participation for all actors. PSUV Messaging: Diosdado Cabello used his program to attack the opposition as divided and to dismiss claims of sabotage around the dialogue process.

US-Venezuela Politics: U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz and Jeanne Shaheen introduced a bipartisan resolution backing “free and fair” elections in Venezuela, urging the release of political prisoners and warning that any harm to opposition figures like María Corina Machado would delegitimize the vote. Power & Reconstruction: Acting President Delcy Rodríguez inspected earthquake-hit thermoelectric plants in Carabobo, pushing upgrades meant to restore capacity and stabilize Venezuela’s National Electric System. Oil & Investment: India’s ONGC says it expects to sign new agreements to operate two Venezuelan oil blocks under the country’s updated petroleum law, citing “full freedom” to work after sanctions-related limits eased. Earthquake Toll Update: Venezuela’s official death count from the June double earthquake rose to 6,125, with the government reporting tens of thousands treated and a growing share of assessed homes classified as habitable. Media & Messaging: Diosdado Cabello used his “Con El Mazo Dando” program to accuse opponents of running a “media war” meant to spark anxiety and discontent.

ICC Under Fire: The ICC prosecutor’s dismissal over sexual misconduct has reignited US pressure to dismantle the court, just as the tribunal faces a broader campaign to weaken it. Venezuela Transition Watch: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio says Venezuela’s political transition should take months, not years, with talks in Caracas this week; meanwhile, bipartisan US senators push for “free and fair” elections and demand political prisoners be released. Earthquake Recovery in La Guaira: Governor José Alejandro Terán says 35 damaged buildings will be demolished under UNDP international protocols, with psychosocial and legal support for affected families; the “Venezuela Rises” plan has already rehabilitated 3,938 homes. Power and Climate Risk: Acting President Delcy Rodríguez orders electricity and water conservation steps as “Super El Niño” strengthens, after the June quake damaged key generation and transmission. Digital Economy Push: Venezuela’s electronic commerce chamber says the digital economy is entering a maturity phase, aiming for global leadership by 2028-2029. US Immigration Fallout: A Venezuelan woman describes eight days in ICE detention after losing TPS, highlighting harsh conditions and delays. Energy Markets: Gran Tierra agreed to sell its Colombia and Ecuador assets for $1.33B as it reports strong Q2 results.

Venezuela’s Election Roadmap: U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio says Venezuela’s return to elections is “a work in progress,” requiring true press freedom, multiparty participation, national reconciliation, and an electoral commission able to accurately count votes—while he declines to set a date. U.S.-Backed Transition Effort: Washington also says it supports Venezuela’s earthquake-recovery and political-institution initiatives, but expects “tangible results” tied to stabilization, economic recovery, and democratic transition. Machado on Security Role: María Corina Machado tells Dinesh D’Souza Venezuela could shift from a “criminal hub” to a security partner for the U.S. and the hemisphere if political change happens. Electricity Crisis Hits Daily Life: Venezuelans report intensifying blackouts and brownouts, with protests spreading beyond the capital into states like Carabobo and Aragua, as officials blame infrastructure strain and the June earthquakes. Plus Ultra Probe: A Venezuelan court judge orders police to study ownership changes tied to the Plus Ultra airline aid case, including alleged influence-peddling around the pandemic rescue. Bolivarian Anniversary: Venezuela marks eight years since the 2018 Maduro assassination attempt involving explosive drones, with claims about U.S.-and-Colombia-linked financing. Local Culture: Miranda’s government opens a free documentary and numismatic exhibition tracing Venezuela’s flag and currency history.

US Deportations Resume: The Trump administration restarted deportation flights to Venezuela for the first time since late-June earthquakes, sending 147 Venezuelans from Miami to Anzoátegui; the last flight landed hours before the quakes and some deportees later died when a holding hotel collapsed. Earthquake Toll Update: Venezuela says deaths from the twin 7.2 and 7.5 quakes have reached 6,125, with 61,000 treated in hospitals and only 16.5% of debris cleared, as criticism grows over the pace of recovery. Oil Exports Watch: Reuters reports Venezuela’s crude exports slipped to 1.16 million bpd in July, while US imports rose to the highest level since early 2019—fueling ongoing disputes over who controls the money. Diplomacy & Trade Push: Delcy Rodríguez, “president in charge,” highlighted a renewed non-oil export drive, including 406 tons of marine products shipped from Nueva Esparta. Local Economy & Environment: Venezuela presented cocoa potential at an FAO technical meeting in China, while MINEC and environmental guards protected a sea turtle nesting area in Aragua’s Cata Bay. Regional Context: Cuba’s grid collapsed again as restoration efforts were disrupted by storms, underscoring how energy shocks ripple across the region. Finance & Compliance: US regulators fined UBS’s US affiliate $125M for repeat anti-money-laundering monitoring failures, with a consent order referencing risk areas including Venezuela.

PSUV Politics: PSUV chief Diosdado Cabello said the party remains deployed to support families hit by the June 24 earthquakes, citing 1,654 aftershocks and ongoing relief efforts across La Guaira, Caracas, Miranda, Aragua and more. Climate & Power: Cabello also announced PSUV will form nationwide work teams to talk to people with “technical arguments” about the Super El Niño climate phenomenon, linking it to the electricity and water-saving plan led by acting president Delcy Rodríguez. Dialogue Push: Cabello said the PSUV backs the government’s upcoming dialogue with opposition sectors and insists the party will stay active in any talks, while also calling for transparency on outstanding debts tied to any reopening of relations. U.S.-Venezuela Energy: The U.S. Chargé d’Affaires reported U.S. technical experts assessed Venezuela’s main hydroelectric plant to map modernization steps, alongside a broader push tied to electricity-saving measures. Regional Context: Separately, Cuba’s grid collapsed again for its sixth nationwide blackout, underscoring the wider energy strain in the region.

Venezuela Dialogue Push: Imprisoned former President Nicolás Maduro posted from detention in New York that he “welcomes any path to dialogue,” ahead of US-backed talks next week in Caracas between the interim government and opposition figures, with the agenda tied to quake recovery and a political transition. Local Politics & Transition: Government negotiator Jorge Rodríguez and opposition leader Dinorah Figuera confirmed the first in-person meeting, while Maria Corina Machado’s wing remains absent from the talks. Earthquake Aftermath: A new 4.2 quake struck Sucre (near Irapa), as authorities continue rebuilding planning and transport coordination. Transport Updates: Transport officials met to review land mobility systems, including Caracas and regional metros and bus operators, aiming to restore capacity with efficiency and transparency. Environment: MINCYT reported actions in Sucre to contain invasive coral Unomia stolonifera, including a pilot coral farm in Mochima Bay. Regional Shock (Cuba): Cuba’s national grid collapsed again, worsening blackouts amid fuel shortages tied to US pressure—an echo of the wider energy strain hitting the region.

Venezuela–Dominican Rapprochement: Venezuela and the Dominican Republic announced a gradual normalization of diplomatic and consular ties after two years of rupture, setting a roadmap built on dialogue and international law. Caracas Political Talks: Venezuela’s government and opposition agreed to start in-person, US-backed transition talks in Caracas next week, with Jorge Rodríguez and Dinorah Figuera leading delegations and quake aid plus “reinforcement of democracy” on the agenda, amid a Machado-wing boycott. Earthquake Recovery & Finance: U.S. regulators issued joint enforcement-policy guidance to reduce uncertainty for banks providing humanitarian relief and support for Venezuela’s post-quake recovery. U.S.–Venezuela Oil Pressure: A new report says Trump has again pushed the idea of Venezuela as a U.S. state, while coverage reiterates how U.S. control over Venezuelan oil revenues is tied to the post-Maduro political shift. Local Environment: Venezuela marked National Park Ranger Day with the handover of recovered areas at Ali Primera and Francisco de Miranda parks under the “Venezuela Renace” plan.

Venezuela Political Dialogue: Venezuela’s government and opposition agreed to restart transition talks in person next week in Caracas, with a first meeting focused on quake victims, “reinforcement of democracy,” and political rights, after a call between Jorge Rodríguez and Dinorah Figuera; the government team includes Jorge Arreaza. Earthquake Recovery & UN Role: A joint UN plan is underway to assess post-disaster needs across nine socioeconomic sectors, feeding reconstruction decisions and prevention efforts in hard-hit regions like La Guaira. Oil & Investment Pressure: Investors are lining up for Venezuela’s oil comeback despite major risks—decaying infrastructure, political uncertainty, and quake disruption—while U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio argues a transition should create a legal framework for foreign investment. Cuba Grid Strain (Regional Spillover): Cuba suffered another major blackout, with five provinces losing power after a partial grid collapse, blamed in part on fuel shortages—adding pressure to an already fragile economy. US Visa Policy: The U.S. is making its visa bond program permanent from Aug. 3, requiring refundable deposits up to $20,000 for business and tourist visas for nationals of 50 countries, including Venezuela.

Post-Disaster Planning: Venezuela and the UN have launched a 60-day Post-Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) to map damage and recovery needs across nine socioeconomic sectors after the June 24 twin earthquakes. Local Resilience in La Guaira: The Sectorial Cabinet for Science, Technology, Ecosocialism and Health met to structure prevention and “rebirth” actions, reviewing urban resilience reports, environmental risk maps, and georeferencing 182 health centers—while noting restoration of two submarine fiber-optic cables. Housing Rules: Parliament unanimously approved a new Special Law on the Leasing of Properties for Housing, adding mediation for disputes and capping security deposits at up to three months’ rent. Tax Simplification: SENIAT temporarily ordered officials not to require visible display of the printed RIF (or other digitized documents already in its systems), and said sanctions for that reason are prohibited while procedures are streamlined. US-Backed Talks: Chavismo and a sector of the opposition are set to begin a new US-facilitated dialogue aimed at a democratic transition and future elections, with no direct participation from María Corina Machado.

Earthquake Aftermath: Five weeks after Venezuela’s 7.2 and 7.5 quakes, damage estimates are still staggering—World Bank figures point to $19.6B in direct losses and homelessness remains widespread, even as the story fades from headlines; survivors still need mobility gear and long-term support. Housing & Power Recovery: The National Assembly unanimously approved a housing-lease law aimed at stabilizing tenancy after the disaster, while Delcy Rodríguez (in charge) met electricity officials to push maintenance, stabilization, and modernization of the national grid. Communal Economy in Action: Rodríguez also inspected a Miranda carpentry shop reactivated under the “Venezuela Renace” plan, highlighting local production for camps and new homes. Oil & Politics: Reuters reports a key U.S. Venezuela adviser, Mauricio Claver-Carone, has stepped back from overseeing the portfolio, as Washington-backed talks prepare for a transition path. International Flights: Venezuela and Aruba resumed first commercial flights since 2019, in a staged restart meant to boost travel and trade. Environment: MINEC and FAO-backed work presented methods to contain invasive coral along Venezuela’s coast, including in Mochima National Park.

Venezuela-US Talks: U.S.-backed negotiations for Venezuela’s Aug. 1 dialogue will start without Maria Corina Machado, with Dinorah Figuera leading the opposition side and Jorge Rodríguez heading the government delegation, as Washington pushes a transition agenda tied to elections, political prisoners, and institutional fixes after the June earthquakes. Oil & Money Pressure: A Reuters report says a key unofficial U.S. Venezuela adviser, Mauricio Claver-Carone, has stepped away from overseeing the portfolio, underscoring how Washington’s post-Maduro decisions shape debt and oil deals. Energy Week Push: At Venezuela Energy Week in London, industry leaders highlighted a new upstream hydrocarbons fiscal framework, pitching lower combined government take (as low as 20% for greenfield) and repealed windfall/shadow taxes to lure investment. Earthquake Recovery: UN-linked planning for post-quake reconstruction is moving forward, while reports warn recovery faces growing environmental risks and a “second crisis” for vulnerable groups. Regional Context: The week’s broader geopolitics kept Venezuela in the spotlight, from U.S. claims about Venezuelan oil revenue to renewed debate over the “Donroe Doctrine” approach to Latin America.

Diplomatic Reset: Chile and Venezuela have begun restoring relations, starting with the reopening of consular ties after Caracas’ 2024 break over election disputes—aimed at easing security, migration, and economic hurdles for both countries. US-Backed Talks: Venezuela is preparing US-backed transition talks, but Maria Corina Machado’s absence is fueling skepticism from her supporters and distrust from leftists who say the process is Washington-approved. Earthquake Recovery & Aid: After last month’s deadly earthquakes, relief and rebuilding efforts continue, including international support and local government work to restore sanitation services in Aragua. Oil Sector Stalemate: Venezuela’s oil ministry is pushing a reform-driven migration of joint ventures, but foreign firms say delays persist as companies seek contract changes and access to key assets. Sanctions & Money Pressure: Commentary and reporting highlight how US unilateral sanctions and seized Venezuelan oil revenue remain central to Washington’s leverage—while critics argue the approach accelerates a more multipolar economy. Local Governance: Venezuela’s PSUV leadership used recent broadcasts to call for unity and to denounce “lies” amid ongoing post-quake challenges.

ICC Withdrawal: Venezuela formally notified the UN it is withdrawing from the Rome Statute and beginning its definitive exit from the International Criminal Court, arguing the ICC has been shaped by Western political agendas rather than justice. Earthquake Recovery: Weeks after the June 24 double quake, survivors are still fleeing fear and trauma—families like Adriana Aponte’s have relocated from La Guaira to Zulia’s Maracaibo as aftershocks and displacement continue. Diplomacy & Security: Venezuela also summoned Iran’s ambassador over “inappropriate” remarks, as Caracas seeks to manage fallout while regional tensions simmer. Energy & Investment: KAS Energy is set to sponsor Venezuela Energy Week 2026, pitching subsurface and digital solutions aimed at improving exploration and field optimization. Health Watch: The FDA is investigating rare catastrophic anesthesia reactions tied to a mitochondrial genetic variant, with guidance aimed at clinicians working in Venezuela after the earthquakes.