AGP Executive Report

Venezuela Politics & Dialogue: Venezuela’s interim leadership is facing mounting pressure as it continues to promise elections while opposition leader María Corina Machado insists she will return soon; caravans across the country demanded her return after multiple failed attempts from Panama. UNGA Diplomacy: At the UN General Assembly, Russian FM Sergey Lavrov renewed calls for Maduro’s release while also demanding an end to attacks on Iran, underscoring how Venezuela remains tied to wider geopolitical tensions. US Military Watch: CBS News reports the US Army Reserve is assessing readiness for a possible operation in the Cuba area within 90–120 days, a move that raises regional alarm as Washington tightens pressure across the Caribbean. Caracas Infrastructure: The Ministry of Transport ordered night closures of the La Planicie I Tunnel on the North-South Highway from Sept. 27 to Sept. 29, urging drivers to reroute. Tourism Tech Push: Caracas is promoting AI-driven tourism digitalization, with officials saying tech should help visitors find destinations “within reach of the telephone” while keeping people at the center.

Political Prisoners Freed: Venezuela’s interim government and the opposition completed another US-backed round of talks, with rights group Justicia reporting 39 political dissidents released between Friday and Saturday, including eight women accused of “narco-terrorism” and six people tied to a 2020 plot; Justicia said it will keep pushing for full freedom for those still detained. UNGA Diplomacy & Elections: Acting President Delcy Rodríguez used the UN General Assembly to frame Venezuela’s “democratic transformation,” while also pushing for elections “at the right moment” and highlighting community-led projects in Petare ahead of the Oct. 18 National Popular Consultation. Dialogue on Media & Courts: National Assembly President Jorge Rodríguez said the second round of dialogue with 2015 former lawmakers ended with agreements tied to freedom of expression, including expanding the lifting of administrative measures against news portals and reviewing spectrum rules, alongside a judicial-branch agenda. Military Signaling: Rodríguez marked the 21st anniversary of the Strategic Operational Command (CEOFANB), stressing the armed forces’ constitutional role in safeguarding sovereignty and political stability. Foreign Policy Crosscurrents: Russia’s Lavrov condemned Europe for blocking a Ukraine settlement and reiterated demands for Maduro’s release, while India’s Jaishankar used UNGA to stress zero tolerance on terrorism and meet Venezuela’s foreign minister on energy cooperation. Regional Energy Push: Trinidad and Tobago’s Energy Chamber hailed a “significant step” after Rodríguez met Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, pointing to a joint work agenda spanning trade, energy, security, and disaster risk management.

UN Diplomacy & Venezuela-US Talks: Acting President Delcy Rodríguez returned from the U.S. without deals or a firm election date, despite brief photos with Trump and talk of debt, energy, and mining; Reuters also says Trump told reporters he discussed elections with Rodríguez. Judicial Reform Deal: Venezuela’s interim government and opposition agreed to move ahead on top-court reform, setting up a seven-member panel to review how Supreme Court candidates are selected. Military-Pressure Backdrop: Russia’s Lavrov used the UN to demand Maduro and Cilia Flores’ immediate release, while U.S. Democrats ramp up plans for major oversight of Trump, including Venezuela-related operations and oil access. Caracas Security Narrative: President Delcy Rodríguez congratulated CEOFANB on its 21st anniversary, framing the military command as a “vanguard” for national defense. Regional Politics: A right-wing Latin American forum backed by Mexico’s PAN and Luis Almagro is set for Mexico City on Sept. 30, with calls to defend “democratic regimes” across Cuba and Venezuela. Cuba Pressure Echoes: UN speeches from Cuba’s Bruno Rodríguez and reports on Cuba’s inflation highlight how U.S. sanctions and fuel restrictions are worsening shortages and blackouts.

UN Political Dialogue: National Assembly President Jorge Rodríguez says Venezuela’s dialogue table with 2015 ex-deputies ended a second round with agreements on right to information and steps to strengthen the judiciary, including a plan to form a council to review credentials for Supreme Court nominees. Judicial Appointments: The talks also set up the next phase for judicial nominations procedures, with both sides pledging to keep working on the legal roadmap for court reform. Energy & Investment: Venezuela’s oil revival keeps drawing multinationals: Halliburton signed MoUs tied to Venezuela’s upstream push, while TotalEnergies signaled a potential return via a government memorandum, adding to a flurry of new interest after Maduro’s ouster. Caracas Governance: Defense Minister Gustavo González López reported a strategic GNB-CORPOELEC videoconference to protect the electricity system amid El Niño challenges. Public Services & Planning: Planning Vice-President Ricardo Menéndez said Venezuela is still advancing Sustainable Development Goals despite sanctions, pointing to a strengthened national statistical system and territorial planning. Diplomacy in Motion: Venezuela and Trinidad & Tobago’s renewed ties after UNGA side talks are framed as practical cooperation—especially on energy and security—though reactions in Caracas remain mixed.

Venezuela–U.S. Legal Fight: A U.S. appeals panel heard arguments on whether Venezuelan men deported to a notorious El Salvador prison under the Alien Enemies Act are entitled to due-process hearings, with judges appearing split on jurisdiction and “constructive custody.” Human Rights & Immigration: Separate reporting highlights renewed scrutiny of ICE practices after a Venezuelan man was shot in Austin and families and lawyers say medical care was mishandled. Diplomacy & Elections: Venezuela’s acting leadership used the UNGA to promise elections as part of a “full democracy” transition, while Delcy Rodríguez met Trump in New York and Trinidad and Tobago’s Kamla Persad-Bissessar was declared persona grata after talks aimed at resetting ties. Oil & Investment: Rystad projects Venezuela crude could reach 1.8M bpd by 2030 as majors expand and new operators enter; meanwhile, private capital is looking for “early victories” in the country. Public Services & Tech: Venezuela advanced a digital traceability system to monitor medical supplies in real time, alongside housing deliveries and earthquake rehabilitation in Caracas.

Venezuela–UN Diplomacy: Acting President Delcy Rodríguez met Donald Trump in New York and then told the UN General Assembly Venezuela will hold elections as part of a “full democracy” transition, but without setting a date; the meeting was framed by both sides as a reset in ties, while Venezuelans and regional observers reacted with skepticism. Elections Pressure: Multiple reports say Rodríguez promised elections “when the people determine the right moment,” as the opposition leader María Corina Machado weighs a more public, delegation-backed return after repeated blocks. Guyana Border Row: President Irfaan Ali urged Venezuela to abide by an upcoming ICJ ruling on the Essequibo dispute, after Rodríguez used the UN forum to call for renewed negotiations under the Geneva Agreement—keeping the territorial fight front and center. Caribbean Diplomacy: Trinidad and Tobago’s Kamla Persad-Bissessar met Rodríguez and described the encounter as “very emotional,” with Venezuela reversing her persona non grata status and both sides pledging deeper cooperation. Disaster Recovery: La Guaira port operations have rebounded to about 96–97% three months after the June earthquakes, alongside thousands of inspections and ongoing infrastructure work. Foreign Policy & Trade: Félix Plasencia met Guatemala’s foreign minister on consular re-engagement and UNCTAD’s Pedro Manuel Moreno on a cooperation agenda for trade, investment, and digital economy support. Energy & Economy: Reports highlight renewed energy diplomacy and investment interest, while broader coverage also points to Venezuela’s growing role in regional stablecoin adoption.

UN Diplomacy: Venezuela used UNGA to push climate, food security, and multilateral fixes—citing food insecurity down to 5.3%, backing a sea-level-rise declaration, and calling for a “just transition” that protects development while cutting emissions. Elections & U.S. Ties: Interim President Delcy Rodríguez told the UN Venezuela will hold elections as part of a transition to “full democracy,” but gave no date, after a brief Trump meeting that drew widespread public rejection. Essequibo Border Showdown: Guyana President Irfaan Ali urged Venezuela to abide by the ICJ’s forthcoming Essequibo ruling, while Rodríguez argued for renewed talks under the 1966 Geneva framework. Opposition Pressure: In Caracas, hundreds protested demanding Maria Corina Machado’s return after multiple blocks. Human Rights at Home/Abroad: Reports from the U.S. renewed scrutiny of ICE after a Venezuelan man shot in Austin remained detained with a bullet in his back, while DHS disputed claims about the incident. Reconstruction & Local Governance: La Guaira rehabilitated 120 schools in six weeks, and UNDP estimated $21B needed for post-earthquake recovery.

UNGA Elections Push: Venezuela’s acting President Delcy Rodríguez told the UN General Assembly that “there will be elections” and that a political dialogue with parts of the opposition has started, but she gave no date—saying Venezuelans will decide the “right moment,” alongside promised justice reforms and “equal conditions” for political forces. US-Venezuela Rapprochement: Rodríguez used the same UN platform to thank US President Donald Trump for readiness to resume diplomatic relations, framing the shift as Venezuela’s “rebirth” after the January crisis and highlighting cooperation on energy and security. Essequibo Diplomacy: Rodríguez renewed Venezuela’s call for Guyana to return to negotiations under the 1966 Geneva Agreement, arguing bilateral talks should prevail while the dispute remains before the World Court. Opposition Blocked: María Corina Machado’s return attempts were reported as repeatedly denied, with multiple failed bids in under 24 hours, as Rodríguez met Trump in New York less than a kilometer away. International Pressure on ICC: In parallel, Trump escalated attacks on the International Criminal Court, calling for ICC member states to resign and warning against “anti-American” prosecutions—setting a tense backdrop for Venezuela’s UN messaging.

UNGA Diplomacy Push: Venezuela’s National Assembly authorized President Delcy Rodríguez to travel outside the country for the 81st UN General Assembly, as PSUV and supporters mobilized across multiple states to back her “peace diplomacy” message. Parliament & Messaging: AN leaders framed Rodríguez’s UN appearance as Venezuela’s voice on dignity and economic recovery, while also rebutting opposition criticism tied to infrastructure and power issues. Bilateral Outreach in New York: Rodríguez met Trinidad and Tobago’s PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar to launch a “new era” of cooperation, and held talks with Netherlands PM Rob Jetten focused on trade, regional stability, and Caribbean security. US-Venezuela Talks: Rubio said the US discussed debt restructuring and a “political transition process” with Rodríguez to rebuild confidence for Venezuelans abroad. Domestic Health & Governance: Trujillo began cataract surgeries for 200 patients under the 1x10 of Good Governance. Regional Economy Watch: Venezuela’s crypto activity more than doubled to $39.1B, linked to post-Maduro-arrest outflows and stablecoin demand.

U.S.-Venezuela Rapprochement: Acting President Delcy Rodríguez says her “historic” meeting with Donald Trump at the UN in New York focused on strengthening ties and cooperation in energy, mining, and security, thanking Washington for support after the June 24 earthquakes and for backing Venezuela’s return to multilateral forums. UNGA Power Politics: Multiple reports frame Trump’s UN address as a hard-edged push combining threats and dealmaking, with Venezuela used as a centerpiece of Washington’s pressure campaign. Opposition Blocked at the Border: María Corina Machado made multiple attempts to return to Venezuela but failed while Rodríguez met Trump, underscoring how the diplomatic opening is playing out alongside tighter political movement. Regional Anti-Crime Push: Trump also rallied the Shield of the Americas coalition to designate “narco-terrorist” groups and pursue sanctions, with Tren de Aragua highlighted among targets. Human Rights Pressure: Separately, a Texas judge ordered a Venezuelan man shot by ICE to appear in court as attorneys challenge his medical treatment and removal plans.

UN Diplomacy & Venezuela-US Oil Deal: At the UN General Assembly, President Trump said the U.S.-Venezuela oil agreement covering 65 billion barrels is “beneficial to both” and could lower global energy prices, while also claiming Washington will “only encourage superintelligence” in AI. Venezuela at the UN: Delcy Rodríguez attended the UN high-level segment, positioning Venezuela’s role in peace, self-determination, and energy security as the focus of her remarks. Trade Expansion: Venezuela pushed to expand and diversify trade with India at a CELAC-India ministerial meeting, highlighting cooperation in hydrocarbons, renewables, agriculture, health, transport, tech, and digital infrastructure. Security Council Reform: Venezuela called for greater African representation in the UN Security Council during CELAC-Africa Union talks. Local Governance & Education: La Guaira inaugurated a second science education center to boost robotics, astronomy, and math; Miranda delivered rehabilitation of the Manuel Clemente Urbaneja Educational Unit under the Venezuela Renace plan. Humanitarian/Health Delivery: MinSalud and UNDP delivered an infectious waste treatment module to a hospital in Cojedes, training staff to improve medical waste management. International Finance Watch: Reuters reports IDB President Ilan Goldfajn is working to secure a $2.5 billion Venezuela loan, facing board pushback over lending procedures. Opposition Pressure: Opposition-linked criticism of Rodríguez’s UN presence in New York continued, including protests in Caracas.

ICE Shooting in Austin: Venezuelan DoorDash driver Wilber Rafael Garcés Pérez says he was shot in the back and left with a bullet lodged near his spine, with his lawyer alleging minimal care and no pain medication before he was moved into ICE custody in Pearsall. Protests & Pressure on DHS: Texas Democrats and advocates are calling for an independent, transparent probe and release of body-cam/video as protests flare over what they call an immigration enforcement surge. UNGA Diplomacy: Venezuela’s acting president Delcy Rodríguez arrives in New York for the 81st UN General Assembly, pitching “Bolivarian Diplomacy of Peace” while meeting Inter-American Development Bank officials on a potential two-year engagement plan. Energy & Investment: Halliburton signs MoUs with Eneva and Venezuela’s Wesca to support gas and reservoir work, while TotalEnergies and PDVSA cooperation continues amid legal and policy shifts. Caracas Media Access: Venezuela’s telecom regulator Conatel orders unblocking of some previously restricted news domains, though many sites remain blocked. Regional Security Watch: Guyana’s neighbors and Caribbean leaders press for stability as Essequibo tensions hover over Rodríguez’s UN presence.

US-Venezuela Oil Deal Timeline: Piper Sandler warns Venezuela’s oil rebound could take “a decade or two” to reach record output, even as Trump touts the “biggest oil deal in history” tied to 65 billion barrels and a North American Blue Energy Partners push. UNGA Diplomacy: President Delcy Rodríguez arrived in New York for UN General Assembly week, with her speech set for Sept. 24 and Venezuela’s agenda framed as the country “rejoining” global diplomacy. Energy Partnerships: TotalEnergies signed/advanced cooperation with Venezuela, while ExxonMobil is reported to be nearing a return to the Orinoco Belt. Human Rights Pressure: Venezuelan civil society is calling for renewal of the UN Fact-Finding Mission on Venezuela, saying gross abuses and impunity persist. Domestic Governance Watch: Health Minister Carlos Alvarado inspected emergency and operating areas at the Ana Francisca Pérez de León II Hospital in Miranda, citing supply and infrastructure optimization needs. US Immigration Fallout: In Texas, an ICE officer shot and wounded a Venezuelan man in Austin; local officials are demanding a fully independent probe.

UNGA Diplomacy: Venezuela’s acting leader Delcy Rodríguez is set to meet U.S. President Donald Trump in New York next week, a first high-level encounter since the January Caracas raid and amid efforts to finalize a major oil deal. Human Rights Watch: HRW says Rodríguez has paused some overt repression, but urges institutional reforms and the release of political prisoners after a fresh visit to Caracas. Energy Deals: PDVSA and TotalEnergies signed a new energy cooperation agreement in Caracas, signaling continued push to draw international investment under Venezuela’s updated hydrocarbons framework. Oil Industry Push: Chevron says it will more than double its rig count in Venezuela by 2031 as part of a plan to raise output, while Exxon is reported to be in advanced talks about returning to the Orinoco Belt. Regional Politics: Venezuela and Paraguay opened a new phase to restore diplomatic and consular relations during President Santiago Peña’s visit, though the PDVSA-Petropar debt remains unresolved.

Energy Diplomacy: Acting President Delcy Rodríguez signed a memorandum with TotalEnergies E&P New Ventures at Miraflores, part of Venezuela’s push to revive oil investment under the 2026 Organic Hydrocarbons Law; no deal details were released, but PDVSA and Hydrocarbons Minister Paula Henao were present. Central Bank Gold: Venezuela and its rivals are reportedly nearing an agreement to move about $4bn in gold reserves from London to the Federal Reserve in New York, but a UK court must decide which Venezuelan authority can legally instruct the Bank of England. Regional Politics: Paraguay’s President Santiago Peña met Rodríguez in Caracas as both sides sign a joint statement to restore and normalize bilateral ties after years of rupture. Domestic Economy & Industry: The Bolivarian government held a Los Llanos regional meeting in Barinas to promote a “forestry engine,” bringing together 109 companies and plans to scale ENAFOR’s role. Sports & Youth: MINCYT staged the WRO Venezuela 2026 national robotics final in Caracas, while shooter Douglas Gómez won silver at the South American Games.

U.S.-Venezuela Talks at UN: U.S. Ambassador Mike Waltz says President Trump will meet Venezuela’s interim leader Delcy Rodríguez in New York at the UN General Assembly next week—the first face-to-face since the U.S. operation that removed Nicolás Maduro—amid a broader push tied to oil and sanctions relief. Gold Transfer Negotiations: Venezuela and an opposition faction are nearing a deal to move about $4 billion in central bank gold from London to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, with Rodríguez’s interim team gaining legal control but no direct right to sell or dispose, and use subject to U.S. oversight. Diplomacy Reset with Paraguay: Paraguayan President Santiago Peña arrived in Caracas for working talks with Delcy Rodríguez, as both sides move toward restoring diplomatic and consular relations. Dialogue with Opposition: Government and opposition dialogue sessions advanced with a freedom-of-expression track, restored access to some digital news portals, and a new technical table to monitor commitments through Sept. 23. Economy & Connectivity: Venezuela reported resuming primary aluminum exports to the U.S. after nearly a decade, evaluated reactivating a Turkish Airlines route via Maiquetía, and logged a 9-year electricity demand peak amid heat. Regional Politics Watch: Separate U.S. DOJ actions charged 16 foreign nationals in alleged illegal voting and citizenship fraud, including Venezuelan-linked allegations.