Qatar, Lula, Zapatero: Who were the key mediators in the release of prisoners in Venezuela?

"Former Spanish prime minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, current Brazilian president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, and the government of Qatar played a key role in securing the release of a significant number of political prisoners from the Chavista regime on Thursday. Their mediation efforts were acknowledged by Jorge Rodriguez, head of the Venezuelan National Assembly and until recently Nicolas Maduro's chief advisor, who made the announcement on Thursday."

"Zapatero began to have a presence in Venezuelan politics in 2015, when the opposition invited him to mediate with the Chavista regime. The Spanish socialist leader approached this delicate matter with the experience of having successfully dismantled ETA, the Basque terrorist group, back home. His main focus throughout this time, according to those close to him, has been on the issue of political prisoners."

"The pardon comes in a completely different political context than what it was just five days ago, when Maduro was still in power. His position is now held by Delcy Rodriguez, Jorge's sister, who in these first few days has shown signs of openness. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has stated that the country is in a process of stabilization that will be followed by a transition, which could be interpreted as a call for elections."

Former Spanish prime minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, Brazilian president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, and Qatar mediated the release of a significant number of Venezuelan political prisoners. Jorge Rodriguez, head of the National Assembly and former advisor to Nicolas Maduro, acknowledged the mediators and announced the pardons after years of secret talks and sustained hope from families. The pardons followed a rapid leadership change with Delcy Rodriguez assuming power and showing openness. Jorge Rodriguez emphasized the gesture was unilateral to strengthen peace and not imposed by Washington. Zapatero had focused on political prisoners since 2015.

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