Venezuela's interim government and opposition to begin formal talks on August 1

Venezuela's interim government announced it will begin formal talks with the opposition on August 1 aimed at strengthening democracy. The Guardian reported that the joint working group will include former members of the National Assembly elected in 2015. The United States supports the talks and has stated it seeks a democratic transition.

The Guardian reported that the US State Department praised an earlier meeting between opposition representative Dinorah Figuera and National Assembly president Jorge Rodríguez as the start of a roadmap for political dialogue. Figuera will serve as the main opposition representative.

The Guardian reported that Nobel laureate María Corina Machado will not lead the negotiations, contrary to prior expectations within the opposition coalition.

Figuera returned to Caracas from exile in Spain a week before the June 24 earthquakes. The Guardian reported that she held her first meeting with Rodríguez after her return and announced the talks on Tuesday, with confirmation from Rodríguez. Rodríguez, whose sister Delcy Rodríguez is the acting president, said the group would focus on strengthening the electoral system.

The Guardian reported that the 2015 National Assembly was the first and only opposition-controlled congress elected under Chavismo. The Guardian reported that US forces abducted Nicolás Maduro in January. Washington has discouraged Machado from returning, citing concerns over potential civil unrest.