AGP Executive Report

Political Prisoners & Dialogue: Venezuela’s government says it has released 131 political prisoners after the first formal round of talks with the opposition in Caracas, with Delcy Rodríguez’s Program for Peace and Democratic Coexistence citing “alternative measures” ordered by courts—though Foro Penal says only 64 releases are confirmed so far. Judicial Overhaul Talks: The same negotiation track also points to sweeping justice reforms, including a new process to replace Supreme Court judges, as both sides frame the effort as rebuilding institutions ahead of elections. Gold From the Bank of England: Venezuela’s government and opposition are working to recover $4 billion in gold reserves held in the Bank of England, with a “transparency mechanism” discussed to prevent siphoning amid a long legal fight over who controls the state. Energy Diplomacy: Delcy Rodríguez’s administration continues pushing gas deals—Trinidad and Tobago’s PM hailed Loran Phase 2 and related agreements that could send about 7 trillion cubic feet of gas to Trinidad for LNG and petrochemicals. International Shockwave: Venezuela also offered condolences to Indonesia after a 7.7 earthquake killed dozens, as Caracas highlighted solidarity and recovery needs.

Political Prisoner Releases: Venezuela’s interim authorities say 131 people have been granted “alternative measures from incarceration” under the Amnesty Law, with opposition Vente Venezuela and Foro Penal reporting partial independent verification and calling for all remaining political detainees to be freed. Machado’s Push: María Corina Machado applauded the releases but demanded the amnesty be extended immediately and without exclusions, framing it as a step toward rebuilding and “memory, justice, and reparation.” Gold Recovery Talks: President (e) Delcy Rodríguez highlighted new agreements aimed at recovering Venezuelan gold held abroad—specifically linking the effort to reconstruction after the June double earthquake. Energy Pressure in Caracas: Pdvsa officials say Venezuela plans to boost methane gas supply to strengthen electricity generation ahead of December, as outages continue to hit regions beyond the capital. Defense Modernization: Defense Minister Gustavo González López presented FANB’s 2026-2032 modernization plan, emphasizing AI and unmanned systems as part of operational readiness. International Diplomacy: Venezuela and Peru move toward reactivating consular coordination, with Peru’s mission in Caracas set to reopen Sept. 1.

Venezuela–Judicial Reform Talks: Caracas negotiations are moving toward a full Supreme Tribunal of Justice reset, with critics warning that swapping top officials won’t fix alleged irregularities around the July 28, 2024 presidential election—opposition wants an independent investigation and due-process proceedings. Energy Opening: Venezuela’s hydrocarbons push keeps accelerating: PDVSA says oil output topped 1.23 million bpd, while the state awarded BP a licence for Loran Phase 2 gas development with XRG (UAE) and UCC (Qatar) as equal partners—another sign foreign capital is returning. Housing Credit After Quakes: The Treasury Bank joined the Venezuela Renace subsidized mortgage program for families affected by the June 24 double earthquake, using habitability certificates and a QR-based process tied to the Presidential Commission. Caracas Culture & Crafts: A Red Art Foundation plan will register and recognize artisans across 13 states from August to October, documenting faces, techniques, and craft knowledge. Regional Shock Response: In Colombia’s quake aftermath, rescuers in Pereira are still trying to free people from a collapsed hotel, while the Museo de Arte de Pereira faces major damage and possible closure.

Energy Sector Opening: Venezuela resumed gas licensing on Aug. 13, granting BP, UAE’s XRG (with Adnoc’s international unit) and Qatar’s UCC permits for Loran Field Phase 2, a move framed as a boost to methane exports and domestic supply after the June 24 earthquakes. Caracas Governance & Utilities: Caracas officials launched an energy-saving push urging residents to shift air-conditioning use to nighttime to ease strain on the national electricity system and protect water operations. Defense & Territorial Security: The Defense Ministry held a FANB command recognition ceremony and named new ZODI commanders, pairing leadership reshuffles with modernization of the Territorial Defensive System. Opposition-Interim Talks: As government and opposition discussions continue, opposition figures renewed demands for a timetable for elections and political prisoner releases, while the government signaled judicial reform at the Supreme Tribunal of Justice. International Diplomacy: Venezuela and Israel restored consular services after years of rupture, part of a broader regional realignment in post-Maduro diplomacy. Disaster Response & Public Awareness: Venezuela continued climate-change training and early-warning messaging tied to El Niño, emphasizing community risk maps and concrete action agendas. Sports & Culture: Venezuela beat Paraguay 4-3 in U17 futsal and highlighted athlete Jimena Domínguez’s World Championships run in Frankfurt.

Venezuela-Israel Reset: Venezuela and Israel agreed to renew consular relations after a 17-year rupture, setting up a coordination mechanism and extending technical cooperation tied to emergency response and reconstruction after Venezuela’s June earthquakes. Energy & PDVSA Gas Push: Acting President Delcy Rodríguez signed energy agreements with BP, UAE’s XRG, and Qatar’s UCC to advance Phase Two of the Loran gas field, with officials framing it as a long-awaited boost to gas production and industrial development. Caracas Reconstruction: The Caracas mayor’s office began rebuilding 10 earthquake-affected buildings in Ciudad Caribia, after inspections found 127 buildings habitable and 10 temporarily evacuated for safety. El Niño Preparedness: INAMEH and the national risk system held technical meetings on El Niño-Southern Oscillation to coordinate preventive actions across ministries and improve mitigation planning. Education Recovery: BRICOMILES and FEDE rehabilitated 22 schools in Trujillo, reporting a 98% execution increase and upgrades ranging from roofs and electrical systems to sanitation repairs. Returnees From the U.S.: Flight 166 of the “Great Mission Back to the Homeland” brought 192 Venezuelans back from the United States, including 99 men, 32 women, and 61 children.

Judicial & funds deal in transition talks: Venezuela’s interim government and the opposition wrapped a first round of post-Maduro dialogue, agreeing to start a process to reform the judiciary (including TSJ Organic Law changes) and to pursue access to Venezuela’s frozen international reserve assets held at the Bank of England, with transparency and auditing mechanisms spelled out. Caracas dialogue process: National Assembly coordinator Jorge Rodríguez said the first cycle with AN 2015 deputies is complete, setting up two technical panels—one for June 24 earthquake emergency response and another for strengthening democracy, the judiciary, and electoral power—plus multiple working sessions and plenaries. Caracas reconstruction under Venezuela Renace: Crews began comprehensive recovery work on the Belair building on Panteón Avenue, including controlled demolition of earthquake-fractured walls and rehabilitation of floors and facades, targeting safe return for 80 families. Energy squeeze response: Interim President Delcy Rodríguez ordered reduced public-sector work hours to ease pressure on the power grid amid record demand and ongoing blackout complaints, while also signing an agreement tied to hydroelectric completion in Bolívar. Israel-Venezuela consular reset: Venezuela and Israel agreed to restore consular relations and set up a coordination mechanism for consular services, framed around technical cooperation linked to earthquake recovery. Regional shock comparison: Colombia’s 7.4 quake rescue effort entered its “final phase” as the 72-hour survival window nears, with the death toll reported at 265 and renewed scrutiny of how quickly aid and rescue teams were accepted.

Venezuela–Colombia quake response: Rescue teams in Colombia raced through the second day after a 7.4 quake, with officials citing rising deaths and thousands missing as mayors warned the “critical” 72-hour window was nearly over; volunteers and international groups kept supplies moving, including South Florida’s Global Empowerment Mission coordinating aid shipments. Caracas politics & transition talks: Protesters gathered outside a Caracas hotel hosting U.S.-backed transition talks, demanding more transparency and the release of political prisoners; the talks involve National Assembly President Jorge Rodríguez and opposition figure Dinorah Figuera, while Maria Corina Machado remains absent. Foreign policy shift: Venezuela and Israel moved to restore consular ties after a 17-year rupture, with technical cooperation and consular services restarting following earthquake-linked humanitarian engagement. Domestic resilience: Delcy Rodríguez inaugurated the Nevado Mission pet shelter for animals rescued after the June earthquakes, while Miranda rolled out community flood early-warning training in Paparo. U.S. immigration pressure: The Trump administration advanced the end of Temporary Protected Status for multiple countries, including Venezuelans, as courts also moved to unwind parts of Biden-era parole programs.

Colombia Quake Aid & Toll: Colombia’s 7.4 earthquake response is accelerating as the death toll climbs past 180 and thousands remain missing, with President Abelardo de la Espriella weighing an economic emergency to speed up decrees and funding. International Solidarity: Vice President José Manuel Restrepo says nearly a dozen countries and multilateral groups have offered help, including a US$15 million US contribution and El Salvador’s first 51 tons of humanitarian supplies en route. Caracas Response & Regional Links: Venezuela’s interim leadership continues earthquake-related support at home and abroad, including the Simon Bolívar Brigade for Colombia and ongoing recovery work in Caracas parishes. Israel- Venezuela Rapprochement: Caracas and Jerusalem agreed to re-establish consular services after 17 years, framed as a humanitarian bridge following earthquake cooperation. Electricity Watch: Venezuela reported a record 15,625 MW peak electricity demand in 2026, urging conservation amid El Niño concerns.

Consular Reset: Venezuela and Israel agreed to restore consular services and set up an official coordination mechanism after 17 years without diplomatic ties, following Israeli humanitarian engagement after Venezuela’s June earthquakes and talks between Foreign Ministers Gideon Sa’ar and Félix Plasencia—an unmistakable sign of Caracas’ shifting alignment under interim President Delcy Rodríguez. Earthquake Fallout (Venezuela): Venezuela’s twin-quake death toll rose to 6,301 as rescue and recovery continue, with thousands still displaced and officials updating figures from La Guaira and other affected areas. Regional Crisis (Colombia): A 7.4 quake in western Colombia killed at least 181 and left hundreds missing, prompting emergency searches and renewed calls for aid—South Florida groups like GEM are already organizing shipments for Colombia’s hardest-hit cities. Humanitarian/State Capacity: Caracas also pushed ongoing quake response measures, including incorporating FUNVISIS into the science ministry to strengthen seismic monitoring and prevention. Security & Diplomacy Watch: The Israel-Venezuela thaw is unfolding alongside broader international pressure on Venezuela’s governance and legal standing, as global actors react to the post-quake political landscape.

Colombia Quake Response: Western Colombia’s 7.4 earthquake has killed at least 132 people and injured hundreds, with rescuers digging through collapsed buildings in Cali, Pereira, Quibdó and Manizales as the death toll is expected to rise; President Abelardo de la Espriella declared a national emergency and said the priority is freeing people trapped under rubble. Venezuela Earthquake Recovery Update: Venezuela’s interim authorities say the June 24 twin quakes have left 6,301 dead, with 9,500+ homes labeled high-risk, while recovery work continues under the Venezuela Renace Plan, including debris removal and housing deliveries. US-Venezuela Energy Talks: Senior U.S. Treasury officials met interim President Delcy Rodríguez to discuss energy-market stability and reactivating financial mechanisms tied to Venezuela’s oil sector. Sanctions Enforcement, Shadow Fleet: The U.S. has moved seized Venezuela-linked oil tankers toward scrap, underscoring tightening pressure on sanctions-busting shipping networks. Humanitarian Aid Flows: Mexico delivered 700 tons of humanitarian supplies to La Guaira for quake-affected areas, including tents, generators, medical items and prefabricated housing. Energy Diplomacy Calendar: Venezuela Energy Week confirmed an Aug. 19 Houston industry showcase date, signaling continued push for international investment ahead of the Caracas event.

Colombia Quake Crisis: A powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia near San José del Palmar in Chocó, killing at least 111 people and injuring 87, with dozens of buildings collapsed and residents trapped as rescue teams search amid aftershock fears. Regional Impact (Including Venezuela): The quake was felt in Ecuador, Panama, and Venezuela, prompting evacuations in Colombia’s capital Bogotá; officials reported no tsunami threat. Colombia’s Response: Newly inaugurated President Abelardo de la Espriella declared a state of emergency/national disaster to speed aid and said he would travel to the hardest-hit areas. U.S. and International Reaction: U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington is monitoring and ready to support; other leaders pledged help. Venezuela’s Solidarity and Preparedness: Venezuela issued solidarity with Colombia and offered cooperation, while in La Guaira the government deployed a vaccination day to protect communities after the June 24 earthquakes. Domestic Recovery Watch: In Venezuela, the Renace Plan continues with rehabilitation work on earthquake-damaged housing, including progress on the La Victoria building in Aragua.

Venezuela–Colombia Trade: Caracas said any move to reactivate bilateral trade must stay under Venezuela’s constitutional sovereignty after Colombia’s VP José Manuel Restrepo floated renewed commerce talks. Earthquake Recovery & Infrastructure: Acting President Delcy Rodríguez detailed progress toward restoring Maiquetía airport operations with a fast-built temporary terminal, while Plan Venezuela Renace reported thousands of building inspections and ongoing repairs after the June 24 quakes. Public Services in Caracas: SAIME adjusted office hours under an energy savings plan, and Vargas Hospital in Caracas reactivated a specialized ERCP gastroenterology service to expand complex care. Diplomacy & Community: Venezuela’s foreign ministry received a request from the Israeli Jewish community to re-establish diplomatic and consular relations, and sent greetings to Singapore on its independence anniversary. Sports & National Pride: Rodríguez celebrated Venezuela’s undefeated U-17 volleyball NORCECA title. Regional Politics Watch: Ecuador charged former interior minister José Serrano and others over the 2023 assassination of presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio.

Venezuela–Spain Diplomacy: Foreign Minister Félix Plasencia spoke by phone with Spain’s José Manuel Albares, thanking Madrid for earthquake reconstruction support and discussing new cooperation avenues. Earthquake Recovery & Power: Venezuela’s electric energy leadership says grid repairs are advancing after June 24 quakes, with Termocarabobo transformer restoration expected to bring back 450 MW toward the 600 MW lost. Acting Government & Dialogue: Opposition and government-linked figures continue US-backed talks on political transition, with negotiators stressing national sovereignty and warning against foreign “control” of oil, gold, laws, and legislative power. Electricity Governance: The acting administration also moves to reshuffle electricity leadership and CORPOELEC management as outages and instability remain a political flashpoint. Regional Security & ICC: The ICC faces renewed pressure as Chad announces withdrawal, adding to a broader wave of African exits and intensifying global scrutiny of international justice. Caracas Politics Lens: With reconstruction, electricity restoration, and transition talks all running in parallel, the government’s legitimacy fight is increasingly tied to service delivery and negotiation outcomes.

ICC Withdrawal Backlash: A new wave of criticism and withdrawals from the International Criminal Court is back in focus after Chad announced it was leaving The Hague, echoing earlier exits by Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger over claims the court targets Africa unfairly. Colombia Security Pivot: Hours after Colombia’s new hard-right president Abelardo de la Espriella took office, the US pledged a $1bn security package as he vowed an “all-out war” on cartels and armed groups—setting up a sharper break from Petro’s approach. Ecuador Justice Case: Ecuadorian prosecutors charged seven people over the 2023 assassination of anti-corruption candidate Fernando Villavicencio, including figures tied to the Los Lobos gang. Venezuela Earthquake Recovery: Acting President Delcy Rodríguez highlighted reconstruction progress and funding coordination, while Plan Venezuela Renace reported 13,000+ homes in rebuilding and thousands of inspections across quake-hit areas. Food and Services Push: Caracas authorities and the food ministry said weekend distribution plans are continuing nationwide, with Food Supply Days in La Vega and large tonnage targets.

Food Security Push: Caracas Mayor Carmen Meléndez said a Food Supply Day in La Vega was part of more than 500 simultaneous days nationwide, with 54 tons distributed in the parish and 820 tons allocated across Caracas. National Distribution: Food Minister Carlos Leal Tellería said over 20,000 tons of food at fair prices will be delivered this weekend, citing logistics capacity of up to 35,000 tons and a push to rehabilitate MERCAL stores. Airport Recovery: Acting President Delcy Rodríguez said operations will soon resume at Maiquetía’s Simón Bolívar International Airport, with a modern temporary terminal under construction after the June earthquakes. Electricity Appointments: Rodríguez named José Luis Betancourt deputy minister for electrical services and Juan Crisóstomo Fernández as CORPOELEC president, aiming to stabilize the national power system. Sports Diplomacy: Rodríguez congratulated Venezuela’s U20 teams after Central American Games wins, including modern pentathlon gold for Osmaidy Arias and Giraly Marcano and football U20 success for Vinotinto.

US-Backed Venezuela Talks: Venezuelan journalists say access was restricted during US-backed transition talks in Caracas, with security forces confiscating equipment and limiting who could photograph, as the dialogue runs through Aug. 12 and aims to reset electoral and judicial authorities. Housing & Reconstruction: Caracas and national authorities continue post-quake work, including 22,241 structural inspections in the capital and a push for subsidized housing measures like a new special leasing regime and calls for at least one grandparents’ care home per municipality. Caracas Infrastructure: Repairs to expansion joints on the Caracas–La Guaira viaduct were completed after June earthquakes, restoring safer mobility on the key corridor. International Justice: The ICC’s oversight body urged Venezuela to reverse its withdrawal from the Rome Statute, warning exits could weaken the fight against impunity. Regional Politics: Colombia’s new president Abelardo de la Espriella was sworn in amid a security-first agenda, while the US announced $1 billion in security assistance tied to closer alignment with Washington.