Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro said on August 21 that his government has been in talks with the United States for several months to find a way of ending the economic sanctions imposed on Venezuela by the Trump administration. According to the United States, the reason for the dialogue is to negotiate Maduro’s exit. Further news regarding the progress of the talks is expected in the following weeks.

“I confirm that, under my express authorization, representatives of the Bolivarian government are in contact with Trump officials to resolve the conflict with the American empire,” announced Maduro, while Trump similarly confirmed that talks are taking place with “very high-level” officials. White House National Security Advisor John Bolton added that the dialogue is taking place to agree on Maduro’s exit and the calling of presidential elections.

For his part, National Assembly president and self-proclaimed president of Venezuela, Juan Guaidó, said he was aware of the events and explained that they are part of a strategy to achieve “the end of usurpation.”