AGP Executive Report

Venezuela–Opposition Talks: Protesters in Caracas demanded more transparency as Washington-backed transition talks between the interim government and parts of the opposition wrapped up their first round, with calls to release political prisoners and raise salaries. Caracas Science & Youth: The “Chemistry Caravan” arrived at a Caracas transitional camp, running hands-on stations in microscopy, robotics, and math for dozens of children under Venezuela Renace and Scientific Seedbeds. Astroparticle Research: Venezuela’s Mérida advanced with the installation of a Cherenkov water detector at Llano del Hato, positioning the Andes as a hub for astroparticle studies. Energy & Resilience: South Korea and Venezuela’s foreign ministers discussed cooperation and earthquake recovery after June’s disaster, while Miranda rolled out community flood early-warning training in Paparo with risk maps and rain-gauge workshops. Regional Shock Response: As Colombia’s deadly earthquake response continues, South Florida groups like CARE and Global Empowerment Mission mobilized supplies and volunteers for quake relief. U.S. Immigration Pressure: The Trump administration moved to end Temporary Protected Status for most recipients across 13 countries, with Venezuelans among the major groups affected.

Electricity Watch: Venezuela hit a record electricity demand of 15,625 megawatts on Aug. 10, up 3.6% from last year’s peak, as officials monitor the grid and urge careful power use amid El Niño. Agriculture & Food Security: The agriculture ministry met with FAO to push seed systems, animal health and foot-and-mouth eradication, plus tech transfer and water management to strengthen food sovereignty. Caracas Aftershocks Response: Acting President Delcy Rodríguez reported progress on post-earthquake housing and emergency seismic care, including benefits for thousands and continued recovery work. Colombia Earthquake Aid: A 7.4 quake in western Colombia has killed hundreds and left thousands missing; rescue teams and groups like CARE and local communities in South Florida are mobilizing shelter, water and medical support. Caracas–Israel Rapprochement: Venezuela announced a consular-services coordination mechanism with “Israel,” framed as technical cooperation tied to earthquake recovery, fueling speculation about broader diplomatic normalization. Global Risk Snapshot: Swiss Re says natural-disaster economic losses fell to about $100B in H1 2026, but warns the risk isn’t gone as wildfire and hurricane threats loom.

Colombia Earthquake Response: A 7.4 quake hit western Colombia on Monday, killing at least 224 people and leaving thousands missing as rescuers race through rubble in cities like Cali, Pereira and Manizales; authorities say the first 48–72 hours are critical, with estimates of the missing ranging from hundreds to about 3,900. Caracas Humanitarian Push: Venezuela’s CLIPP NGO is asking for the immediate release on humanitarian grounds of 19 Colombian political prisoners held in Venezuela, citing the earthquake and urging consular access and family communication. Venezuela Science & Risk: Acting President Delcy Rodríguez announced FUNVISIS is being folded into the Science and Technology ministry to strengthen seismic research, monitoring and prevention. Israel-Venezuela Diplomatic Shift: Venezuela and Israel agreed to restore consular services and set up a coordination channel after Israeli humanitarian help following Venezuela’s June earthquakes. Local Support for Relief: Amerant Bank says it raised over $100,000 for Venezuela earthquake relief, partnering with the Venezuelan American Chamber of Commerce and its foundation. US Pressure on Venezuela: Senators Catherine Cortez Masto and Adam Schiff demanded a State Department report on alleged human rights abuses in Venezuela under interim President Delcy Rodríguez. SEBIN Allegations: A report claims SEBIN counterintelligence chief Carlos Ortega was detained over alleged extortion and kidnapping, though authorities have not confirmed.

Colombia Quake Response: A 7.4 earthquake struck western Colombia near San José del Palmar, Chocó, triggering a massive rescue push as the death toll climbed past 132 and hundreds were injured, with collapsed buildings reported in Cali, Manizales and Pereira. Venezuela Earthquake Aftermath: Venezuela’s June twin-quake toll rose to 6,301, with 9,500+ homes flagged as high-risk and thousands still in recovery camps. U.S.-Venezuela Energy Talks: Senior U.S. Treasury officials met interim President Delcy Rodríguez to discuss energy-market stability and reactivating financial mechanisms tied to oil-sector plans. Oil & Research: A Skoltech-led team published a verified model to better forecast enhanced-oil-recovery potential in Venezuela’s extra-heavy fields. Finance & Banking: The BCV met with banks and the Venezuelan Banking Association to advance macroeconomic normalization and price-stability goals. Regional Support: The Caribbean Development Bank and CAF pledged $1 million toward Venezuela’s earthquake recovery and reconstruction fund. Energy Industry Calendar: Venezuela Energy Week organizers confirmed a Houston Industry Showcase on Aug. 19.

Venezuela Economy & Energy: Caracas is seeing the electricity crisis spread deeper into the capital, with repeated outages exposing weak points across generation, transmission, and distribution, and estimates putting available power far below installed capacity. Caracas Policy & Business: A BCV meeting with banks and the banking association focused on stabilizing prices and supporting growth as part of the government’s normalization push. Regional Disaster Watch: A deadly 7.4 earthquake struck western Colombia, killing at least 111 people and injuring dozens, with rescues underway in cities like Cali and Pereira; Colombia declared a national disaster and mobilized specialized urban search teams. Regional Security & Crime: Ketamine trafficking is expanding across Latin America and the Caribbean, with cases involving Peru-Chile routes and mixed national groups, reflecting shifting synthetic-drug supply chains. Venezuela-Linked Geopolitics: A Venezuelan business spokesman urged privatizing non-strategic state assets to cut payroll and boost efficiency, as the acting government weighs asset reviews. Venezuela Energy Diplomacy: Organizers confirmed Venezuela Energy Week’s Houston showcase for Aug. 19, aiming to attract upstream investment and partnerships ahead of the Caracas event.

Venezuela–Colombia Trade: Venezuela reiterated that any move to restart bilateral trade with Colombia must be handled by its own constitutional authorities, after Colombia’s VP floated prospects for reactivation—framing border cooperation as sovereign, diplomatic, and non-interfering. Earthquake Response & Public Support: A new Hinterlaces poll says 61% back the government’s social protection after the quakes, with 69% supporting Plan Venezuela Renace, citing restored services and emergency funds. Cacao Push: Venezuela’s delegation in a UN/China OCOP workshop reported progress in producing fine aromatic cacao, including training on climate resilience and soil conservation. US–Venezuela Politics: Commentary and reporting continue to swirl around US-backed transition talks and the role of Delcy Rodríguez, with debates over whether Chavismo is “cooperating” or facing extortion under pressure. Regional Watch: Separate coverage highlights US moves in the hemisphere, including a $1bn Colombia security pledge and Washington’s deepening Caribbean focus.

Venezuela Power Recovery: Corpoelec says it has restored 600 MW after June’s twin quakes, with repairs advancing at Termocarabobo and other key transmission sites. US-Backed Political Talks: Opposition and government delegations in Caracas are continuing a US-backed dialogue on overhauling electoral and judicial authorities, with some leaders warning against foreign “tutelage.” Regional Security & Trade: Panama intercepted 76 undeclared gold bars from three Venezuelans at Tocumen, sending them back over suspected smuggling and money-laundering links. Diplomacy After Earthquakes: Venezuela’s foreign minister thanked Spain for reconstruction support after the June 24 earthquakes, discussing cooperation ahead of the Ibero-American Summit. Humanitarian & Missing Persons: Officials say they’re still unable to tally people missing after the quakes, as recovery and emergency care plans continue. Oil & Energy Pressure: Reports say the US is seeking changes in Venezuela-linked projects, while electricity recovery and planning for future capacity remain central.

Venezuela Amnesty Draft: Venezuela’s parliament is weighing an amnesty law that, according to the draft text, would exclude “serious violations” of human rights committed over 27 years, a move tied to interim president Delcy Rodríguez’s push for political releases. Earthquake Recovery & Public Opinion: Rodríguez reviewed funding and execution for post–June 24 earthquake response, while a Hinterlaces survey found 61% of Venezuelans approve of her handling and 69% back the “Venezuela Renace” reconstruction plan. Climate Preparedness: Science and Technology Minister Yván Gil says Venezuela is preparing for the “Super Child” climate phenomenon, warning of drought and water stress in some areas and heavy rains in others. Energy & Industry: India is reportedly preparing to take over operational control of Venezuela’s San Cristobal and Carabobo-1 oil blocks, as it also explores Russian gas imports amid Hormuz-linked disruptions. Regional Politics: Colombia’s new hard-right president Abelardo de la Espriella was sworn in amid deadly bombings, and the US announced a $1bn security package hours after his inauguration.

US-Cuba Pressure Plan: The Trump administration is reportedly searching for a “Delcy-style” Cuban figure from inside the regime to manage a transition as Washington tightens sanctions—though US intelligence warns Cuba may be harder to reshape than Venezuela. Cuban Human Impact: In Havana, a new manufactured-gas rate has jumped from 2.50 to 4.97 CUP per cubic meter, drawing backlash from residents facing higher costs. Venezuelan Justice Milestone: Opposition leader María Corina Machado celebrated that judge María Lourdes Afiuni has received full freedom after 16 years, with her case closed—while her family says she’s in a clinic after health issues. Caracas-Earthquake Response: Caracas is inspecting more than 22,000 buildings after June quakes, as La Guaira continues repairs and logistics planning. Regional Security Aid: The US pledged $1bn to Colombia right after President Abelardo de la Espriella’s inauguration, signaling a tougher stance on cartels and crime. US Politics Watch: House Democrats are planning broad investigations into Trump-linked companies and finance rather than immediate impeachment.

Venezuela-US Talks: Venezuelan journalists’ union says press access was restricted during US-backed transition talks, with security forces confiscating equipment and deleting photos; the talks run through Aug. 12 and aim at a political, peaceful, democratic, constitutional solution. Seismic Risk & Reconstruction: FUNVISIS is updating national risk maps after the June earthquakes, focusing on La Guaira and Yaracuy with findings like surface rupture and liquefaction to guide prevention and urban planning. Caracas Housing & Power Measures: The National Assembly president hailed Delcy Rodríguez’s signing of a special leasing law to expand rental housing after the double quake, while Caracas announced special working hours and stricter electricity controls ahead of the “Super Child” climate phenomenon. Connectivity Push: Liberty Networks and CANTV announced the “Fénix” submarine cable system linking Camurí (near Caracas) to Willemstad (Curaçao). Regional Spotlight: The US plans $1 billion in security assistance to Colombia’s new right-wing president, Abelardo de la Espriella, as FIFA chief Infantino visits Colombia amid FIFA turmoil.

Earthquake recovery in La Guaira: Acting President Delcy Rodríguez launched a subsidized financing plan for Condominium Boards and reported that more than 2,000 people have benefited from comprehensive emergency seismic care since the June 24 double quake, including housing for families in temporary camps and support for repairs. Tourism restart push: Tourism Minister Daniella Cabello visited Chichiriviche de la Costa to assess damage and slowdowns, meeting local diving, snorkeling, kayaking and boat-trip providers and urging security-and-planning solutions to bring visitors back. Structural resilience meeting: Rodríguez also met international seismic engineering firms Miyamoto International and TFI Solutions to strengthen urban reconstruction and building safety. Caracas sports bid: Centro Caribe Sports began evaluating Caracas’s candidacy to host the 2030 Central American and Caribbean Games, with a 90-day window for the final technical and financial file. International justice pressure: Amnesty International criticized Venezuela’s withdrawal from the Rome Statute as an attempt to avoid accountability, stressing it doesn’t stop prior crimes investigations. U.S.-linked financial scrutiny: FinCEN imposed a record $125M penalty on a U.S. broker-dealer for repeat Bank Secrecy Act failures, including gaps tied to high-risk customers with links to Russia and Latin America, including Venezuela.

Venezuela Political Talks: US-backed face-to-face dialogue between Venezuela’s interim government and the opposition kicked off in Caracas, with National Assembly chief Jorge Rodríguez leading the government side and Dinorah Figuera representing the 2015 opposition bloc; the first working cycle runs in permanent session until Aug. 12, and Maria Corina Machado is notably absent. Earthquake Recovery & Local Support: In La Guaira, acting President Delcy Rodríguez backed the “Venezuela Renace” recovery push, delivering loans to earthquake-hit businesses and calling for a logistics-and-tourism master plan while Governor Terán highlighted reconstruction financing and housing rehabilitation. Research & Innovation: Science and Technology Minister Yván Gil met UCV rector Víctor Rago Albujas to advance a national agenda for research and innovation tied to Venezuela’s development needs. Regional Diplomacy: Venezuela and Chile moved to restart consular relations, exchanging notes and setting a roadmap toward broader trade and cooperation. Cuba Sanctions Spillover: UN human rights experts condemned new US sanctions on Cuba, warning they’re worsening fuel shortages and blackouts—an issue that also echoes across the region after Venezuela’s oil role in Cuba’s supply chain.

US-Venezuela Talks: The Trump administration praised the start of in-person dialogue in Caracas between Chavismo and opposition figures, calling it a “unique opportunity” tied to earthquake recovery, expanded freedoms, and a path toward transition. Caracas Reconstruction: Mayor Carmen Meléndez said Fondec delivered building materials to 16 families in the Amapola building in San Bernardino under a self-construction plan after the June 24 quakes. Earthquake Accountability: New reporting says Venezuela’s quake death toll is above 6,000, but authorities won’t say how many people are still missing, leaving families digging through rubble in La Guaira. Public Health & Water: Venezuela’s health ministry and WHO are studying a technical cooperation plan for water sanitation and waste management in quake-hit areas, including emergency WASH data systems and immunization support. Science & Education: The science registry topped 21,108 initiatives, while a national reading plan is moving from temporary camps into schools nationwide. Energy Investment Signal: Venezuela Energy Week 2027 was moved to February 22–25 in Caracas as investor engagement expands.

Reconciliation Talks: Dinorah Figuera, a prominent Venezuelan opposition figure living in exile, arrived in Caracas for the first round of reconciliation talks with government chief negotiator Jorge Rodríguez, with the agenda focused on earthquake response and restoring democratic rights; Maria Corina Machado is not attending. Oil & Gas Policy: ONGC Videsh says it has received a US OFAC licence and is seeking operatorship of two Venezuelan onshore blocks (San Cristobal and Carabobo-1), aiming to take over from PDVSA and finalize new agreements as Venezuela’s interim government rolls out new hydrocarbons rules. US Pressure on Cuba: Reports say the CIA has created a Cuba-focused task force to deepen splits within Cuba’s political elite and pressure leadership change, while the US also expanded intelligence presence on the island. US Elections Demand: US Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Ted Cruz introduced a bipartisan resolution backing free and fair elections in Venezuela, calling for political prisoners’ release and safe participation for all actors. PSUV Messaging: Diosdado Cabello used his program to attack the opposition as divided and to dismiss claims of sabotage around the dialogue process.

US-Venezuela Politics: U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz and Jeanne Shaheen introduced a bipartisan resolution backing “free and fair” elections in Venezuela, urging the release of political prisoners and warning that any harm to opposition figures like María Corina Machado would delegitimize the vote. Power & Reconstruction: Acting President Delcy Rodríguez inspected earthquake-hit thermoelectric plants in Carabobo, pushing upgrades meant to restore capacity and stabilize Venezuela’s National Electric System. Oil & Investment: India’s ONGC says it expects to sign new agreements to operate two Venezuelan oil blocks under the country’s updated petroleum law, citing “full freedom” to work after sanctions-related limits eased. Earthquake Toll Update: Venezuela’s official death count from the June double earthquake rose to 6,125, with the government reporting tens of thousands treated and a growing share of assessed homes classified as habitable. Media & Messaging: Diosdado Cabello used his “Con El Mazo Dando” program to accuse opponents of running a “media war” meant to spark anxiety and discontent.

ICC Under Fire: The ICC prosecutor’s dismissal over sexual misconduct has reignited US pressure to dismantle the court, just as the tribunal faces a broader campaign to weaken it. Venezuela Transition Watch: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio says Venezuela’s political transition should take months, not years, with talks in Caracas this week; meanwhile, bipartisan US senators push for “free and fair” elections and demand political prisoners be released. Earthquake Recovery in La Guaira: Governor José Alejandro Terán says 35 damaged buildings will be demolished under UNDP international protocols, with psychosocial and legal support for affected families; the “Venezuela Rises” plan has already rehabilitated 3,938 homes. Power and Climate Risk: Acting President Delcy Rodríguez orders electricity and water conservation steps as “Super El Niño” strengthens, after the June quake damaged key generation and transmission. Digital Economy Push: Venezuela’s electronic commerce chamber says the digital economy is entering a maturity phase, aiming for global leadership by 2028-2029. US Immigration Fallout: A Venezuelan woman describes eight days in ICE detention after losing TPS, highlighting harsh conditions and delays. Energy Markets: Gran Tierra agreed to sell its Colombia and Ecuador assets for $1.33B as it reports strong Q2 results.