In a statement released here, UN Secretary-General (UNSG) Antonio Guterres welcomed the efforts of regional and international partners for the talks, which are being facilitated by Norway and with the participation of the Netherlands and Russia as accompanying countries.

The UN top representative backs the implementation in good faith of the Venezuelan-led agreements for holding inclusive, transparent and credible elections in 2024, as well as addressing human rights concerns, the document referred.

Both parties signed two partial agreements on the promotion of political rights and electoral guarantees and the protection of vital guarantees for all, including the protection of assets abroad.

On the government’s side, Jorge Rodriguez led the signing of the agreements in Barbados, whereas Gerardo Blyde represented the Unitary Platform.

The parties agreed in the first of the agreements to recognize the right of each political actor to select its candidate freely and in accordance with internal mechanisms, the Constitution and the law; and to jointly promote before the National Electoral Council a set of guarantees for all. For instance, the presidential electoral process is slated for 2H 2024.

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