Will Venezuela's transition talks convene in Caracas before Aug 14?

Venezuela's interim government and a faction of the political opposition opened U.S.-backed transition talks in Caracas on August 6, 2026, and wrapped a first round on August 12-13. The government delegation was led by Jorge Rodriguez, brother of interim President Delcy Rodriguez and head of the National Assembly, while returning exile Dinorah Figuera led the opposition side; Nobel Peace Prize laureate Maria Corina Machado was not included in the talks. The negotiations followed the U.S.-backed removal of longtime leader Nicolas Maduro and aimed to overhaul the country's electoral and judicial institutions. A joint statement issued as the round concluded announced agreement on two fronts: initiating judicial reform, including changes to the law governing the Supreme Tribunal of Justice, and pursuing access to frozen state funds to aid earthquake recovery. Both sides described the outcome as a step toward eventual elections, though significant disagreements remain unresolved. Because talks convened in Caracas well before the market's August 14 deadline, the question resolved yes, matching the community's unanimous prediction.