U.S. Charge D'Affaires Laura Dogu Reopens Mission in Caracas
Charge d’affaires Laura Dogu arrived in Caracas to reopen the U.S. diplomatic mission seven years after ties were severed, following the U.S. capture of Nicolás Maduro.
Overview
U.S. charge d’affaires Laura Dogu arrived at Maiquetía airport on Jan. 31 and announced on X that "My team and I are ready to work," marking the reopening of the U.S. mission in Caracas after seven years.
The resumption of diplomatic presence follows the Jan. 3 U.S.-led operation that captured former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and brought him to New York on narcoterrorism charges, a move widely criticized as violating international law.
Venezuelan Minister of Foreign Affairs Yván Gil received Dogu and said in a Telegram post that talks will focus on a "roadmap on matters of bilateral interest" and resolving differences through diplomatic dialogue, records show.
The two countries have reached a deal to export up to $2 billion of Venezuelan crude to the United States and Venezuela passed a reform bill to privatize its oil sector, capping royalties at 30 percent, records show.
Officials from the U.S. State Department said Dogu will pursue a phased resumption of embassy services and work with private and public sector figures on a three-phased plan for Venezuela, with further talks expected in coming weeks.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources present this report neutrally: factual, restrained language, balanced inclusion of U.S. embassy statements and Venezuelan officials’ reactions, and context about the 2019 break. Editorial choices avoid loaded adjectives, rely on direct quotes (source content) for viewpoints, and include a correction—supporting straightforward reporting rather than an editorial narrative.
Sources (8)
FAQ
Laura Dogu is the U.S. Charge d'Affaires tasked with reopening the U.S. diplomatic mission in Caracas. She previously served as ambassador to Nicaragua and Honduras.
The mission reopened following a U.S.-led military operation on January 3, 2026, that captured former President Nicolás Maduro on narcoterrorism charges, leading to improved bilateral ties.
Delcy Rodríguez, Maduro's former vice president, is serving as interim leader, cooperating with the U.S. on reforms including oil privatization and amnesty for political prisoners.
Talks focus on a roadmap for bilateral interests, resolving differences through dialogue, phased embassy services resumption, and oil export deals worth up to $2 billion.
Venezuela passed a reform bill to privatize its oil sector with 30% royalty cap, proposed mass amnesty, plans to close El Helicoide prison, and released all known American prisoners.
History
- 3 sources
