The Venezuelan Negotiation Process
Article | Last updated: 16/05/2022 | Ministry of Foreign Affairs
In 2021, the Venezuelan government and opposition initiated negotiations on a comprehensive solution to the crisis in the country.
Norway has over time been engaged in assisting the parties in Venezuela in finding a solution to the country's conflict for the benefit of the population. From May to August 2019, Norway facilitated negotiations between the delegations of Nicolás Maduro and Juan Guaidó in Oslo and in Barbados.
Launch of new negotiations, 13 August 2021
Exploratory talks between the two sides from March 2021 resulted in the launch of a new negotiation process on August 13 in Mexico City. There, the parties signed a Memorandum of Understanding, setting out the visions, format and agenda for comprehensive negotiations. Norway is the facilitator of the negotiations, Mexico is the host nation, while the parties have designated two accompanying countries – the Netherlands and Russia.
The parties have been committed to negotiating effectively to achieve inclusive and lasting results for the benefit of the Venezuelan people. They would conduct consultations with political and civilian actors during the process. At the same time, there was agreement to respect the sensitive nature of the negotiations to ensure a conducive environment that could allow for swift progress.
- The signed MoU can be read here (in Spanish).
- The Norwegian intervention during the launch can be read here (in Spanish).
Second round of negotiations, 3 – 6 September 2021
During the second round of negotiations in Mexico City, the parties agreed on a joint statement and reached two agreements.
- The joint statement can be read here (in Spanish).
- The first agreement is available here (in Spanish).
- The second agreement is available here (in Spanish).
Third round of negotiations, 25 – 27 September 2021
During the third round of negotiations in Mexico City, the parties agreed on a joint statement.
Negotiations are suspended
The negotiation process was suspended on 16 October 2021 when the government delegation decided not to participate in the next round of negotiations, with reference to the extradition of Alex Saab from Cape Verde to the United States.