Venezuela, U.S. resume talks despite divides: Interior Minister

CARACAS, May 22 (Xinhua) -- Talks between Venezuela and the United States have been resumed and are making progress in the interest of both countries, Venezuelan Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello said Wednesday.

In his weekly television program, Cabello said U.S. President Donald Trump has entrusted special envoy Richard Grenell with leading a dialogue channel aimed at reaching mutually beneficial agreements with Caracas.

The rapprochement process between the two countries has progressed discreetly over the past month, he added.

In recent days, senior representatives of the United States and Venezuela met for talks in Antigua and Barbuda. The meeting affirmed the willingness of both sides to continue building trust despite the deep ideological differences, said the minister.

On Monday, the U.S. Supreme Court allowed the Trump administration to revoke protected status for thousands of Venezuelan migrants, drawing criticism from Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. A day later, Venezuela freed a jailed U.S. veteran in a gesture seen as an attempt to ease tensions. ■