Imprisoned former president Maduro opens door to 'all avenues of negotiation' in Venezuela

Nicolas Maduro, the former leader of Venezuela who is currently behind bars, expressed his willingness to engage in dialogue on Sunday, as a US-backed meeting between the country's interim government and opposition leaders is set to take place in the coming week.

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Maduro, who is being held in a New York detention center alongside his wife Cilia Flores, is awaiting trial on charges related to drug and firearms trafficking, to which they have both pleaded not guilty.

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A message posted on Maduro's official Telegram account stated that he welcomes "any path to dialogue that helps consolidate peace, coexistence, and reconciliation among Venezuelans," highlighting the importance of mutual respect and inclusion.

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Maduro, 63, also emphasized the need for a "national renaissance" that prioritizes diversity and inclusivity, although it is unclear how he was able to post the message from his jail cell, where he remains in regular contact with his lawyers.

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Following Maduro's ouster, the United States recognized his vice president, Delcy Rodriguez, as the country's interim leader, who now governs under intense pressure from Washington to open up Venezuela's resources to US companies.

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The United States is also pushing for a political dialogue that could lead to a timetable for future elections in Venezuela, as part of its efforts to promote democracy in the country.

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Maduro's comments come as Venezuela's government and opposition announced that political transition talks are expected to begin in person in the coming week in Caracas, with National Assembly head Jorge Rodriguez leading the government's negotiation team.

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The talks were agreed upon after a telephone call between Jorge Rodriguez and opposition figure Dinorah Figuera, although the main leader of the Venezuelan opposition, Nobel peace laureate Maria Corina Machado, will not be participating.

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Machado has stated that she will not obstruct the process, despite not being involved in the talks, which will address post-quake assistance, the "reinforcement of democracy," and political rights.

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Venezuela, which has the world's largest proven oil reserves, has been in a state of flux since US forces deposed Maduro, with devastating June earthquakes killing over 5,500 people and compounding the country's economic woes.