Venezuela government, Opposition hold U.S.-backed talks on democratic transition

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The Venezuelan government and opposition held U.S.-backed talks focused on democratic transition. Key figures including National Assembly chief Jorge Rodriguez and opposition lawmaker Dinorah Figuera aim to work toward a free and open Venezuelan society.

The meeting between National Assembly chief Jorge Rodriguez and former Opposition lawmaker Dinorah Figuera — who returned to Caracas on Thursday (June 18) after eight years of exile — "is a first step in what will be a thoughtful process to secure a free and open Venezuelan society," State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott said in a statement.