US Secretary of State discusses political developments in Venezuela with his Venezuelan counterpart

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio held talks with his Venezuelan counterpart, Oliver Blanco, on developments in Venezuela’s political situation and steps toward “democratic reforms,” according to a statement from the U.S. Department of State. The department said in a statement on Monday that Rubio emphasized during the meeting, held at its headquarters in Washington, President Donald Trump’s three-phase plan for Venezuela, which aims to “achieve stability, economic recovery, political reconciliation, and a democratic transition.” It added that the two sides “discussed progress made in Venezuelan-led reconciliation talks, including institutional reforms that lay the groundwork for free, fair, and credible elections.” (End) A.M.