Venezuela and U.S. to Resume Direct Negotiations

Venezuela and the United States have agreed to resume direct negotiations aimed at improving bilateral relations, following a first virtual meeting where both sides pledged to maintain 'constructive and respectful' communication. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro announced the talks would restart on Wednesday to adhere to agreements made in Qatar last year, which included electoral conditions and a prisoner swap. This comes after the U.S. reimposed oil sanctions in April, accusing Maduro of not fulfilling electoral guarantees. Venezuela's opposition coalition has welcomed the talks, viewing them as a positive step towards ensuring democratic guarantees ahead of the upcoming presidential election. However, skepticism remains about whether these negotiations will lead to tangible democratic reforms, given past unfulfilled promises from Maduro's regime.