Venezuelan opposition selects Dinorah Figuera to lead dialogue talks

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The interim Venezuelan government has announced US-backed formal talks with opposition figures aimed at "strengthening democracy" after earthquakes that killed more than 4,700 people. Contrary to expectations that María Corina Machado would lead negotiations, the opposition's main representative will be Dinorah Figuera, who returned from exile in Spain and first announced the talks before National Assembly president Jorge Rodríguez confirmed them. Rodríguez said a joint working group of former 2015 National Assembly members will begin on 1 August to prioritize electoral-system strengthening and restoring political participation guarantees. There is no timetable for new elections, and rebuilding the electoral system may take at least eight months.

Dinorah Figuera will lead opposition talks with the interim government.