Backdoor Negotiations Between The U.S. And Venezuela?

Globovisión president Raúl Gorrín shakes hands with Vice President Mike Pence. Courtesy

Miami Herald: This Venezuelan mogul met Pence. Is he trying to broker an exit strategy for Maduro?

A Venezuelan millionaire declared persona non grata by the City of Miami for his alleged ties to the Maduro regime is trying to broker an exit strategy with the Trump administration for his beleaguered government, according to various Washington sources.

Raúl Gorrín, criticized for the controversial purchase in 2013 of the then pro-opposition news channel Globovisión, has paid Ballard Partners — the firm of President Donald Trump’s former Florida lobbyist — $450,000 since June through the U.S. subsidiary of the Venezuelan TV network, ostensibly to help the company expand into U.S. markets.

But Gorrín’s real ambitions appear to extend far beyond the TV network. According to three sources familiar with his lobbying efforts in Washington — all of whom declined to be identified because they were not authorized to speak on the matter — the media mogul is trying to establish himself as a broker between Caracas and the Trump administration, peddling the idea that President Nicolás Maduro and other key government leaders might be willing to negotiate a transition in Venezuela in exchange for amnesty.

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WNU Editor: I am very skeptical of these reports that the Venezuelan government of President Maduro is looking for a "way-out". I think what they are looking for is an easement of U.S. sanctions.
Update: Here is a good summary on the current mess in Venezuela .... Inside Venezuela’s crisis: 7 essential reads (The Conversation).

More News On The Crisis In Venezuela

Venezuela presidential election: Nicolas Maduro's government blocks opposition candidates from competing -- The Independent
Venezuela Puts Up Roadblock for Opposition in Next Presidential Vote -- New York Times
Venezuela reports economy shrank by 16.5% in 2016 -- AFP
Canada's Crystallex wants to seize Citgo as Venezuela misses settlement payment -- CNBC
Record number of Venezuelans fleeing to other parts of South America -- Miami Herald
How hyperinflation stole Christmas in Venezuela -- Washington Post
As Venezuela's Inflation Surges, a Favorite Holiday Treat Is Out of Reach -- Bloomberg
How Venezuela's President Maintains His Grip On Power -- NPR