Since September, Venezuelan President Delcy Rodríguez has held multiple meetings in Doha, Qatar, with key international figures. These include Russian Foreign Minister Serguéi Lavrov, Rosneft CEO Ígor Sechin, and unidentified agents of the CIA.
High-Stakes Diplomacy in Qatar
Official work meetings took place in Qatari government buildings from early September until just before Christmas. More informal meetings at the Four Seasons Hotel served to resolve issues that had stalled during the day. Despite Qatar’s support for groups considered challenging by Western nations – such as Hamas and Iran – the country employs a discreet approach to diplomacy, appearing more strict in custom than in practice.
Qatar’s economic independence, stemming from its high per capita income, allows it to function as a neutral negotiating ground for countries without official relations. This has made Doha a location for high-level talks between nations seeking discreet understanding.
The Negotiations’ Purpose
Those with knowledge of the meetings – both formal and informal – cannot confirm whether Delcy Rodríguez was negotiating a deal for the deposed Venezuelan president that would ensure his safety, or if she was coordinating with the United States, under the supervision of Russia and those close to President Vladimir Putin, for the president’s capture and a transition of power led by Rodríguez.
Serguéi Lavrov and Delcy Rodríguez consistently used their own names when booking accommodations, while Ígor Sechin reportedly used different names.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who attended the meetings in Qatar?
The meetings included Delcy Rodríguez, Serguéi Lavrov, Ígor Sechin, and agents of the CIA, whose identities remain unknown even within the United States.
Where did the meetings take place?
Official meetings were held in Qatari government buildings, while more informal discussions occurred at the Four Seasons Hotel in Doha.
What was the potential subject of the negotiations?
It is unclear whether the negotiations concerned a deal to ensure the safety of the deposed Venezuelan president, or a plan for his capture and a transition of power in Venezuela.
Given the high level of secrecy and the involvement of multiple international actors, what could be the next steps in this unfolding situation?
