Maduro proposes to restart dialogue with the U.S. amid tensions and protests.

The Venezuelan president, Nicolás Maduro, has proposed resuming dialogue with the United States, a gesture that comes amid rising tensions and allegations of electoral fraud in the country. In a message posted on the social media platform X, Maduro stated, "I have always engaged in dialogue." However, his offer to restore communications with the Joe Biden administration is conditioned on respect for Venezuelan sovereignty and the cessation of threats from Washington. The socialist leader emphasized that any future conversations would depend on the fulfillment of a memorandum of understanding signed last September in Qatar. This agreement was established within the framework of direct negotiations between Venezuela and the United States, alongside a dialogue process between Maduro's government and the opposition in Barbados. Maduro's position reflects a political strategy aimed at legitimizing himself on the international stage, despite increasing internal and external pressure. The political situation in Venezuela has been shaken by Maduro's recent proclamation as re-elected president for a third six-year term, with 51% of the votes compared to 44% for his main rival, Edmundo González Urrutia. However, the opposition has questioned the transparency of the elections, claiming to have evidence supporting their assertion that González Urrutia received 67% of the votes. This disagreement has fueled tensions between the government and its critics, creating an atmosphere of distrust and polarization. Antony Blinken, the U.S. Secretary of State, stated in a release that there is "overwhelming evidence" of González Urrutia's victory. This declaration resonates amid skepticism regarding the Venezuelan electoral process, where allegations of fraud have led to massive protests. Since Monday, at least 11 people have lost their lives, and over a thousand arrests have been reported by human rights organizations. The protests have confronted state security forces, which have responded with a crackdown that has been condemned internationally. Maduro, for his part, has blamed opposition leaders, including María Corina Machado and González Urrutia, for the violence unleashed in the country, suggesting they should be imprisoned for their role in the demonstrations. This exchange of accusations not only exacerbates the political crisis but also jeopardizes citizens' safety in a country already facing a deep humanitarian crisis. The memorandum of understanding referred to by Maduro includes conditions that, if met, could lead the United States to unblock frozen Venezuelan assets and lift sanctions that have suffocated the country's economy. The White House had shown a willingness to review these sanctions, which encompass an embargo on the country’s oil, gas, and gold, as long as "free elections" were held. However, the recent voting has raised doubts about the validity of the electoral process. Maduro's proposal to resume dialogue with the U.S. can be interpreted as an attempt to buy time and seek relief from both internal and external pressures. However, many critics argue that his regime has lost the legitimacy needed to engage in meaningful conversations with international actors. The growing internal opposition and public discontent, evidenced by the protests, further complicate the situation. The future of dialogue between Venezuela and the United States will depend on the Biden administration's response to Maduro's new proposal. The international community is watching closely to see how events unfold in Venezuela, especially at a time when the region faces political and social challenges that could have broader repercussions. In this context, the Venezuelan opposition, led by figures like María Corina Machado, has called for mass mobilizations in rejection of the electoral results and the violence perpetuated by the regime. The atmosphere of tension and distrust persists, while the possibility of constructive dialogue seems distant, caught between political rhetoric and the daily suffering of the Venezuelan people.