AGP Executive Report

Seismic Watch: FUNVISIS says Venezuela logged 103 earthquakes nationwide between Aug. 14-20, with 55 in the central region (including a >4 quake near La Guaira on Aug. 18) and 38 in the west. Telecom Regulation: CONATEL approved new certificates, renewals, and operational changes for telecom providers via SIGESTEL, covering high-speed internet, data transport, and IPTV/OTT services. Parliamentary Politics: Venezuela’s National Assembly chief Jorge Rodríguez removed Antonio Ecarri from the Venezuela-U.S. Parliamentary Friendship Group after he backed a formal dollarization proposal tied to economist Steve Hanke, citing constitutional and internal-regulation violations. Local Party Mobilization: PSUV met in Barinas to update community structures, prepare for the Oct. 18 popular consultation, and push energy-saving awareness. Oil & Sanctions Pressure: Oil prices rose as Trump vowed sanctions on Iran partners, with analysts warning supply risks could grow amid Strait of Hormuz disruptions. Online Influence Probe: Venezuelan media report a suspected influence operation on X and fake outlets targeting coverage of businessman Alejandro Betancourt.

Venezuela Oil Exports: Reuters reports Venezuela’s dilapidated ports are forcing tankers to wait up to 30 days to load crude, with outages and quality problems capping export momentum. US Immigration Deal: The NYT says the US approved a $5 million payment to Liberia after Monrovia agreed to accept up to 1,200 third-country deportees, with the first flight bringing 20 migrants including Venezuelans and Cubans. Venezuela Politics: Venezuela’s National Assembly denied hiring economist Steve Hanke, launching an investigation into lawmakers who spread the false rumor. Local Recovery Watch: Falcón and Plan Venezuela Renace inspected Boca de Aroa restoration work after seismic damage, including house assessments and service restoration. Agriculture & Food Security: Confeagro says Guárico planted over 2,300 hectares of sorghum, with more planned in Portuguesa and Anzoátegui to diversify cereals. Identity Poll: Hinterlaces finds 96% of Venezuelans say they’re proud of their national identity, with resilience framed as cultural.

Deportations & regional fallout: Trump’s administration began deporting Venezuelans, Cubans and Colombians to Liberia under a third-country deal, with reports that some deportees refused to leave the plane. Earthquake recovery & trust: A new look at Caracas shows how neighbors built bridges and solidarity after long-standing stereotypes—an angle that lands hard as Venezuela’s June 24 quakes left thousands dead and many still missing. Security & politics: Research says Venezuela’s armed forces kept loyalty not just through perks, but by tying the military to the country’s economy through dozens of defense-linked companies and boards. EU diplomacy: The EU backed Venezuela’s dialogue track between the 2015 National Assembly and the 2026 Assembly, calling it a path toward democratic transition and elections led by Venezuelans. Oil & business: Venezuela signed new oil-related deals with U.S. firms and energy services companies, while tankers still face delays in the country’s export revival. Science & environment: Venezuelan researchers are surveying fish in mangroves in Sucre and Anzoátegui to protect breeding grounds tied to the fishing economy. Health milestone: Venezuela marked 20 years of the Gilberto Rodríguez Ochoa children’s cardiology hospital, highlighting more than 15,400 procedures and approved equipment modernization.

US-Venezuela Cultural Aid: The US says it will work with Congress to provide $57mn for Venezuela’s El Sistema music institute, funding a teacher training center and arts programming as Caracas seeks long-term recovery. Earthquake Recovery & Environment: Venezuela’s Ecosocialism ministry says it has collected and treated 2.1 million tons of debris since the June 24 quakes, aiming to turn rubble into reconstruction inputs under the Venezuela Renace Plan. Health Access: Acting President Delcy Rodríguez marked the 20th anniversary of the Children’s Cardiology Hospital, stressing there is no waiting list and responses come within weeks. Transport & Tourism: Aeropostal has restarted the Maracaibo–Margarita route to boost travel and local commerce. Regional Diplomacy: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met Canada’s FM Anita Anand, discussing emergency earthquake assistance to Venezuela and broader Western Hemisphere priorities. Construction Jobs Push: The government is urging communities to join the National Training and Construction Program to certify and employ construction workers for major projects.

Oil Deals & Diplomacy: Venezuela’s oil minister Paula Henao signed new agreements with U.S. firms Hunt Oil and SLB, pitching investment as the country courts foreign operators to revive production. Economy Watch: Venezuela’s GDP grew 7.14% in Q2 2026, marking 21 straight quarters of expansion, with oil up 9.10% and non-oil up 5.79%. Tax Modernization: SENIAT unveiled a refreshed institutional logo as part of a push to modernize and digitalize the tax system. Dialogue & Courts: Diosdado Cabello backed the government-opposition dialogue, while a civil society statement warned that Supreme Court reform could entrench repression unless rule-of-law safeguards change. Health After Quakes: A WHO/UNICEF-linked report says Venezuela’s immunization coverage remains below targets, with key vaccines not reaching adequate levels since 2016 for some. Regional Links: Venezuela joined COP17 efforts to fight land degradation and participated in Congo’s independence events. Travel Disruption: United Airlines delayed its Houston–Caracas return to January 12, citing earthquake impacts and ongoing airport closures.

Venezuela Energy Push: Acting petroleum minister Paula Henao told a Houston audience Venezuela is “an entire world waiting to be discovered,” pitching hundreds of exploration opportunities beyond heavy crude and highlighting major gas potential. Oil Deals: Caracas signed oil-related contracts with SLB and Hunt Oil, aiming to boost output and attract foreign capital. U.S.-Venezuela Oil Ties: Reports say U.S. refiners are taking nearly half of Venezuela’s oil output, underscoring Washington’s growing leverage as companies line up new agreements. Earthquake Recovery in La Guaira: Acting President Delcy Rodríguez reopened strategic businesses and delivered 478 loans to entrepreneurs, while Deputy Minister William Castillo said abroad-held Venezuelan assets will be monetized for reconstruction and earthquake victims under oversight. Political Prisoner/Dialogue Claims: Diosdado Cabello attacked opposition figures over alleged long-running deception, while other coverage says government and opposition are moving on justice-system overhaul and prisoner releases. International Court Clash: The ICC condemned new U.S. sanctions on ICC president Tomoko Akane and senior lawyer Abdoulaye Seye as a “flagrant attack” on court independence.

Venezuela–Opposition Talks: The opposition’s hopes of a quick path to power after Maduro’s fall are colliding with a more ambiguous U.S. approach, as Washington works through Delcy Rodríguez and leaves the opposition sidelined. Venezuela–Gold: Venezuela’s 31–48 tonnes of gold are being framed as a bargaining chip in power talks, with England at the center of the dispute. Venezuela–Energy & Industry: Venezuela is reactivating the Tocoma hydro plant to add 160 MW with U.S. support, while U.S. refineries are taking about half of Venezuela’s oil output; meanwhile, U.S. oil firms are preparing new PDVSA production deals and Houston is set to host signing. Venezuela–Politics & Governance: Venezuela is set for an Oct. 11 national popular consultation, and the government says it has granted alternative detention measures to 131 people amid talks. International Law: The ICC condemned new U.S. sanctions on ICC President Tomoko Akane and senior lawyer Abdoulaye Seye as a “flagrant attack” on judicial independence, drawing pushback from Japan and the EU. Regional Crime: Colombia’s president says the leader of Los Costeños in Barranquilla was arrested in Valledupar for hitmen and extortion.

Venezuela–Opposition Talks: Financial Times reports Delcy Rodríguez’s team is advancing negotiations without raising Maduro’s release, signaling a possible shift toward a deal that leaves him out of the bargaining table. Gold as Leverage: As talks progress, about 31 tonnes of Venezuelan gold frozen at the Bank of England—worth roughly $4bn—could be released if a political agreement is reached. US Oil Expansion: A senior US official says US refineries are taking more than 500,000 bpd of Venezuelan crude—about half of Venezuela’s output—while Washington also supplies naphtha to help process heavy sour oil. Power Supply Push: Venezuela is reactivating the Tocoma hydroelectric plant to add 160 MW within 90 days, with US technical and diplomatic support. Legal Pressure on Venezuela-linked Figures: A US judge sentenced political consultant Esther Nuhfer to five years in a Venezuelan-agent case tied to former Rep. David Rivera. Local Safety Update: FUNVISIS says aftershocks after the June 24 earthquakes are declining overall, though peaks can still occur, and residents should stay vigilant. International Court Clash: The US imposed sanctions on ICC President Tomoko Akane and senior prosecutor Abdoulaye Seye, escalating Washington’s campaign against the Hague court.

Caracas Courts Stay Open During Recess: Caracas-area courts will keep guards on duty from Aug. 15 to Sept. 15 to ensure urgent cases are heard, following a Supreme Court resolution on contingency plans. Education Quota Promise: Venezuela’s Education Minister says 360,000 high school graduates from the 2025-26 year are guaranteed university placement, with extra support for top-average students. Student Innovation Push: FEVEEM’s Eimy Guevara urged graduates to innovate for productivity as the country rebuilds after the double earthquake. Culture Upgrade: Margot Benacerraf’s films “Araya” and “Reverón” are set for restoration in 4K, with original negatives protected abroad. US-Linked Legal Fallout: A Florida judge sentenced Esther Nuhfer to five years in a Venezuela lobbying case tied to a $50 million state oil contract. Regional Security & Migration: US sanctions hit ICC officials; meanwhile, ICE detentions and deportation fights continue to ripple through Venezuelan and other migrant cases. Earthquake Monitoring: FUNVISIS reported three new quakes above magnitude 3.3 near Caracas and La Guaira.

Political Prisoners & Justice: Venezuela’s acting president Delcy Rodríguez says the government has released 131 political prisoners and is granting “alternative detention measures,” with some still facing court appearances every three months after years of abuse and torture. Housing After Quakes: Rodríguez also delivered 48 new earthquake-resistant apartments in Caracas’ Tiuna City Housing Complex, benefiting 177 people, as the “Venezuela Rises” plan expands. PSUV Mobilization: Diosdado Cabello highlighted the PSUV’s nationwide reach, pointing to weekly meetings and visits to more than 335,000 homes to discuss electricity and support quake-affected communities. Digital Sovereignty: CONATEL began training sessions to roll out DNSSEC security for Venezuela’s ccTLD.ve platforms, involving multiple ministries and state bodies to better protect critical infrastructure. Finance & Inclusion: Banco del Tesoro marked 21 years with a push for digital banking (web platform and T Móvil) and support for families in transitional camps, including microloans for local entrepreneurs.

Venezuela Prisoner Releases: Venezuela’s interim authorities and opposition figures say 131 detainees have been freed after U.S.-backed talks, but NGOs and families are pushing for clarity as reported numbers vary. Venezuelan Gold Deal: Venezuela’s UK-held gold reserves—31 tons worth about $4.3 billion—are set to be released into a U.S. Treasury account with external audits, aimed at post-earthquake housing and healthcare. Oil & Sanctions Update: ONGC says a new OFAC licence lets it resume full Venezuela operations, with possible moves toward higher output and even operatorship on some PDVSA-linked projects. CITGO Fight: Opposition leader Dinorah Figuera renews pressure over CITGO’s crisis, arguing Chávez and Maduro-era decisions—not the opposition—helped drive the asset into trouble. Foreign Policy Signals: Marco Rubio reiterates a staged U.S. Venezuela plan—stabilization first, then economic recovery, then political transition—while warning Russia, China and Iran against expanding influence in the hemisphere. Earthquake Recovery Human Impact: A new wave of local stories highlights how June’s double quake destroyed homes and businesses, with families still rebuilding and seeking relief.

Venezuela Prisoner Talks: Opposition negotiator Dinorah Figuera demanded “urgent clarity” on official figures of released political prisoners, after the government and U.S. officials cited different totals; Foro Penal says only 73 were released (55 men, 18 women) and warns nearly 400 remain jailed. Food Access in Caracas: Acting President Delcy Rodríguez inaugurated Mercal’s 200th rehabilitated site nationwide and opened seven new Mercal markets, including in La Guaira, touting direct producer-to-distribution links and discounts up to 70%. Economic Recovery Claims: Rodríguez said Venezuela logged 21 consecutive quarters of growth and pointed to higher food consumption and domestic production gains. Oil & Gas—Sanctions Relief: India’s ONGC secured a U.S. OFAC licence to resume full Venezuela operations, aiming to expand output, settle dividends, and potentially take on more project operatorship. Energy Deals: XRG entered Venezuela’s Loran offshore gas project via a licence, joining BP and others in Phase 2, while Venezuela also continues rolling out new energy agreements. Security Shake-up: Rodríguez ordered the removal of Major General José Adelino Ornelas Ferreira from Secodena’s top post, appointing a replacement until 2027. Local Culture: UCV and Villa del Cine signed an LOI to expand film and audiovisual training, internships, and joint development.

Venezuela Economy & Food Access: Acting President Delcy Rodríguez marked the inauguration of the 200th rehabilitated Mercal site nationwide in Caracas, alongside new stores and discounts up to 70%, while also citing 21 straight quarters of economic growth and rising food consumption. Venezuela Politics & Justice: Venezuela’s Program for Peace and Democratic Coexistence says courts granted alternative detention measures to 131 people tied to alleged attacks on democratic institutions, as part of post-Maduro transition talks. Venezuela Gold & Dialogue: Rodríguez said agreements with a sector of the 2015 National Assembly opposition will support joint work to recover Venezuelan gold held in England for reconstruction after the June 24 earthquakes. Energy & Regional Deals: Trinidad and Tobago approved new natural gas exploration licenses in Venezuela tied to the Loran-Manatee cross-border field, aiming to boost regional gas processing and security. Oil Market Watch: ExxonMobil told investors it sees four more potential discoveries in Guyana’s Stabroek Block, with exploration shaped by the Guyana-Venezuela border dispute. US Pressure & Sanctions Spillover: The U.S. Treasury sanctioned China’s Hengli Petrochemical refinery over alleged purchases of sanctioned Iranian crude, underscoring how sanctions enforcement keeps reshaping regional energy flows.

Venezuela–Spain Diplomacy: Venezuela met Spain’s new ambassador, Álvaro Albacete, to map new cooperation and reconstruction support after the June 24 quakes, plus ways to expand trade and business links. Post-Quake Housing Credits: Acting President Delcy Rodríguez approved financial credits for 157 Caracas condominiums to rehabilitate 68 buildings and 585 homes, and oversaw recovery works and delivery of 77 homes. Prisoner Releases and Dialogue: Rodríguez said 1,046 detainees have returned home since she took office, while the government also released 131 political prisoners via “alternative measures” after talks with the opposition; an NGO says only part of the figure has been verified so far. Energy and Regional Deals: ONGC secured a U.S. OFAC license to resume full Venezuela operations, potentially unlocking more investment and dividends; meanwhile, Trinidad and Tobago hailed new Venezuelan gas licenses tied to the Loran-Manatee cross-border field as a boost for regional energy security. Disaster Response Contrast: A report comparing Venezuela and Colombia after major earthquakes highlighted how civilians and delayed official support hampered Venezuela’s early response, while Colombia’s coordination by multiple agencies helped speed rescues.

Political Prisoners: Venezuela’s government says it has freed 131 political prisoners after U.S.-mediated talks, replacing custodial sentences with “alternative measures,” though independent monitoring reported only part of the list confirmed so far. Diplomatic Reset: Negotiators also outlined steps on judicial overhaul and broader institutional recovery, with U.S. officials saying the process is part of a wider transition plan. Gold Dispute: Venezuela and the opposition are pushing to recover about $4bn in gold held by the Bank of England, linking any return to reconstruction needs after the June earthquakes. Energy & Business: BP secured a Venezuela offshore gas drilling licence for the Loran field, signaling renewed investment after exiting the North Sea. Disaster Response Contrast: A Reuters report compares Venezuela’s June quake response—where civilians filled gaps—with Colombia’s faster official coordination after its recent earthquake. Regional Security: Iran escalated its Strait of Hormuz stance amid Trump’s claims, while U.S. carrier deployments and Pacific coverage remain in flux.

Political Prisoner Releases: Venezuela’s interim authorities say 131 people labeled political prisoners were freed under “alternative measures from incarceration,” with opposition groups and families reporting tearful reunions outside El Rodeo I; opposition leader María Corina Machado praised the releases but demanded all remaining political prisoners be freed. Judicial Amnesty Process: Minister Ana María Sanjuán said the legal review tied to the Amnesty Law involved coordination with the Attorney General, the Ombudsman and courts, with Delcy Rodríguez directing families whose cases were initially missed to the program. US-Venezuela Reconciliation Watch: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio called the step “crucial” for reconciliation and said Washington is monitoring the broader process after Maduro’s removal. Energy Deals: Venezuela moved ahead on offshore gas, granting BP-led consortium rights tied to the Loran field’s second phase, while Trinidad and Tobago’s energy ministry highlighted new cross-border gas licensing tied to Loran-Manatee. Humanitarian/Disaster Context: Coverage also kept spotlight on earthquake recovery in the region, including Venezuelan rescuers joining searches in Colombia and reports of Venezuelans adapting after June quakes.