Venezuelans watch a new round of talks between the government and opposition with cautious optimism

Venezuelans are cautiously optimistic as U.S.-backed talks between the ruling party and opposition begin, after past negotiations failed.
The talks—facilitated (not dictated) by the U.S.—focus on restoring democratic rights and paving the way for fairer elections.
Political upheaval (including January’s U.S. capture of Nicolás Maduro) and recent deadly earthquakes make a full democratic transition unlikely soon, but many hope for limited agreements to improve conditions.