Venezuela's opposition leader Juan Guaido has declared negotiations with President Nicolas Maduro are effectively dead, citing a pattern of broken agreements and a lack of trust in the process.
Guaido, who remains head of the National Assembly, told supporters in Caracas that repeated attempts at dialogue have ended in betrayal. "We have been duped over and over," he said, rejecting recent U.S.-backed efforts to restart talks despite assurances from Washington.
Previous mediation efforts by Norway collapsed in August 2019 after both sides accused each other of violating terms. A Norwegian commission had been expected to return in 2020 but was ultimately dismissed as a failed initiative.
The U.S. continues to recognize Guaido as interim president, advocating for a transitional government to hold free elections. However, Maduro's 2018 re-election—widely deemed fraudulent—has solidified his rule, with presidential polls not scheduled until 2024.
Maduro maintains power through military alliances and support from Russia, China, and Cuba, despite a collapsing economy that has driven millions from the country. Guaido's approval rating has dropped from 63% in 2019 to 38.9% by December 2019, according to polls.
