Rubio urges Venezuela to free political prisoners in two-phase transition

Venezuelan citizens may see their political prisoners released as the United States presses Caracas to accelerate its transition plan.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Venezuelan Foreign Minister Oliver Blanco at the Department of State on November 2, 2026. During the meeting, Rubio reaffirmed President Trump's three-phase strategy for Venezuela. The plan outlines a path through stabilization, economic recovery, and political reconciliation toward a democratic transition.

The two diplomats reviewed the progress of reconciliation talks led by the Venezuelan government. They examined institutional reforms designed to establish the groundwork for free, fair, and credible elections. Rubio emphasized the need for these structural changes to move forward to ensure the next electoral process is legitimate.

Rubio specifically called for the continued release of political prisoners who remain detained in Venezuela. The State Department spokesperson noted that this step is part of the broader political reconciliation phase. The meeting concluded with both sides acknowledging the ongoing dialogue between the two nations.

The White House has framed this engagement as a key component of its foreign policy approach to Latin America. By focusing on institutional reforms and prisoner releases, the administration aims to create conditions for a stable return to democracy. No new sanctions or aid packages were announced during the two-hour session.