Maduro welcomes planned Venezuela talks in social media post

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, who has been in US custody since January, on Sunday welcomed a planned meeting between the Venezuelan government and opposition groups expected to take place later this week.

In a post released via his official Telegram account, Maduro said, "We welcome the entire path of dialogue that helps to consolidate peace, coexistence, and encounter among Venezuelans."

The message was later reposted on X by Maduro's son, lawmaker Nicolas Maduro Guerra.

The Venezuelan government and opposition leaders announced on Saturday that they planned to hold talks in Caracas in the coming week. According to Jorge Rodriguez, president of the National Assembly, the date was agreed upon during a phone conversation with opposition leader Dinorah Figuera. Discussions are expected to focus on earthquake relief efforts and strengthening democratic institutions.

The talks are reportedly backed by the United States. Opposition figure Maria Corina Machado is not expected to participate, although she has said she would not obstruct the process.

Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were taken into US custody following a US military operation in Venezuela on January 3 and have since been held in New York. They have repeatedly rejected US criminal charges against them, and have continued to communicate with supporters through social media and legal representatives.

On June 24, Venezuela was struck by its strongest earthquake in more than a century, leaving more than 5,500 people dead. Maduro later used social media channels to call for national unity and support for rescue efforts.