Venezuela Starts Political Prisoner Releases as Regional Leaders Push a Peaceful Path

Overview

• National Assembly chief Jorge Rodríguez said releases of a significant number of Venezuelan and foreign detainees were underway, with Spain reporting five of its nationals freed, including activist Rocío San Miguel.
• Brazil and Colombia voiced concern over the U.S. use of force and called for a negotiated solution, while Brazil prepared 40 tonnes of medicines and dialysis supplies for pickup at São Paulo’s Guarulhos airport on Friday.
• After a call with President Donald Trump, Colombia’s government said both sides agreed to coordinate actions against the ELN and confirmed plans for interim leader Delcy Rodríguez to visit Bogotá.
• PDVSA confirmed talks with the United States on oil sales as Trump said Washington could control Venezuelan oil for years and invited U.S. energy companies to the White House on Friday.
• The U.S. Senate advanced a resolution seeking to bar further hostilities against Venezuela without explicit congressional authorization, though final passage faces hurdles in the House.