The Venezuelan government and representatives of the National Assembly elected in 2015 have completed the second round of talks, which consisted of seven working sessions: two plenary meetings and five technical groups. Discussions focused on freedom of information, pluralism, and strengthening democratic and state institutions.
The parties supported the authorities’ decision to continue suspending administrative measures against news portals, websites, and electronic platforms, and called on state and private media to promote democratic coexistence. They also agreed to hold technical discussions on the use of the radio-frequency spectrum and review the legislation currently governing this area.
As part of judicial reform, a Council for Reviewing the Documents and Requirements of Supreme Court Candidates was established. It consists of seven legal experts. At its next session, the National Assembly is expected to form the preliminary committee of the Judicial Candidates Nomination Committee and publish an official work schedule. Representatives of the parties also agreed to continue reviewing laws concerning the transformation of the judicial system. The third round of talks is scheduled for mid-October. Parliamentary Speaker Jorge Rodríguez said that four types of elections—parliamentary, municipal, gubernatorial, and presidential—would be held in the country within the time frames stipulated by the Constitution. He also rejected claims that María Corina Machado was being prevented from returning to Venezuela.
Full version: Government and National Assembly 2015 Conclude Second Round of Dialogue with Agreements on Media and the TSJ