The United States has taken a visible step toward restoring its diplomatic presence in Venezuela. On Friday, the newly appointed U.S. charge d’affaires arrived in Caracas, marking the first formal return of a senior American diplomat in seven years. The arrival follows a quiet diplomatic announcem ent from Washington signaling plans to reopen the U.S. mission, which was shuttered in 2019 amid a breakdown in relations with the government of Nicolás Maduro. U.S. officials have said the move is aimed at reestablishing direct communication channels and providing consular services, rather than signaling a full normalization of ties. The diplomat, Laura Dogu, is expected to oversee a limited reopening focused on diplomacy and citizen assistance. Venezuelan authorities confirmed the arrival and described it as part of a gradual process to resume formal engagement. Diplomatic relations between United States and Venezuela were severed after Washington backed opposition leadership in a disputed election. The reopening of the mission reflects a shift toward dialogue after years of minimal contact.   ...read more read less