Venezuela opposition talks: Rubio urges unity

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio called on all Venezuelan opposition factions on Friday to join talks with the interim government of Delcy Rodriguez on a future political transition.

Rubio made the appeal as he welcomed Dinorah Figuera to the State Department. Figuera led the opposition bloc that won a majority in Venezuela's last internationally recognized elections in 2015.

The negotiations are proceeding with Washington's approval after the US military's ouster of president Nicolas Maduro in January, which led to Rodriguez assuming power. Rubio said the next round of talks is scheduled to begin on October 14.

“We ask all elements within the opposition, and all elements of society, to participate in and support this process,” Rubio said in Spanish. He said Figuera had Washington's “100 percent support”.

Rodriguez's government and Figuera's team have completed two rounds of talks. The most tangible result so far has been the release of political prisoners.

Some opposition factions have complained about the slow pace of progress. Nobel peace laureate and opposition leader Maria Corina Machado remains in exile, though she has said she will not interfere and hopes to see concrete results. Figuera and Machado have publicly differed over the direction and pace of the talks.

Rubio said the process offered Venezuela its best opportunity in almost a generation to hold free and fair elections and build an enduring democracy.

Figuera said the process was “not an easy process, but it's a possible one” and said a US-backed roadmap would lead Venezuela to progress. Asked when elections might take place, she said the path and roadmap would be put in place for elections.

Rodriguez has not yet committed to setting an election date.