Venezuela's interim government and opposition representatives have wrapped up a first round of talks aimed at reconciling the nation following the US removal of leader Nicolas Maduro.
A joint statement issued by the two sides on Wednesday highlighted agreement on two topics after several days of discussion: reforming the judiciary, and seeking access to frozen funds to aid in earthquake recovery efforts.
Both sides committed to "initiate a process that contributes to the transformation of the justice system," including "Reforms to the Organic Law" of Venezuela's top court, the Supreme Tribunal of Justice (TSJ).
The document did not mention the National Electoral Council, another body the opposition hopes to overhaul.
In light of the devastating twin earthquakes on June 24, which have left over 6,300 people dead, both sides also agreed to work toward the release of "Venezuela's international reserve assets held at the Bank of England."
The joint statement also called for the establishment of "mechanisms for transparency, traceability, and auditing" to make sure the funds are properly used.
Interim president Delcy Rodriguez's government was represented at the talks by her brother Jorge Rodriguez, who is also the head of Venezuela's National Assembly.
Democratic goal
The opposition was meanwhile represented by Dinorah Figuera, leader of the political bloc that won a majority in the 2015 National Assembly, the last legislature elected in a vote widely recognised by the international community.
Notably absent from the table is exiled opposition leader and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Maria Corina Machado, who has said she will not stand in the way of the process.
Many Venezuelans are hopeful that the transition talks will lead to democratic elections.
Over the last six days of talks, Figuera met separately with representatives of political prisoners, retirees and media workers and promised to advocate for their demands.
"We are in this process to achieve a democratic and free Venezuela," the politician wrote on X on Tuesday.
Some commentators believe that US President Donald Trump has vetoed Machado's return to Venezuela, which Washington denies.
The US leader has repeatedly voiced satisfaction with Rodriguez's administration.
