The Organization of American States (OAS) has condemned a new law enacted by the Venezuelan government under Nicolás Maduro, which aims to defend the Essequibo region. The OAS, through a statement by its Secretary-General Luis Almagro, criticized the law as contrary to international law and indicative of Venezuela's dictatorial tendencies. The statement highlights concerns over the potential threat to regional peace and security, as well as the unilateral actions by Venezuela to annex part of Guyana. The OAS supports Guyana's acceptance of the International Court of Justice's jurisdiction in the matter.

Norwegian Secretary of State Andreas Motzfeldt Kravik visited Venezuela to facilitate dialogue between the government of Nicolás Maduro and the opposition, represented by the Plataforma Unitaria Democrática. The visit aimed to support a negotiated solution for Venezuela's political crisis, emphasizing the importance of international backing and the implementation of previously agreed terms. The opposition has urged the Maduro government to adhere to the Barbados agreement, which seeks to create conditions for free presidential elections. Recent arrests of opposition figures and activists have heightened tensions, with the opposition accusing the government of escalating repression. Kravik's discussions included the establishment of a monitoring commission for the Barbados agreement and addressing unresolved issues.

María Corina Machado, an opposition figure in Venezuela, emphasizes the clarity of Venezuelan laws regarding candidate substitution, stating there is ample time before the July 28 deadline. She encourages continued efforts against Nicolás Maduro's regime, suggesting a strategic approach to register her candidacy.

María Corina Machado wins the primary election to become the unified opposition candidate in Venezuela, with 26% of the votes counted. The report is provided by correspondent Aymara Lorenzo in Caracas.

The Supreme Tribunal of Justice of Venezuela ordered a comprehensive restructuring of the Venezuelan Red Cross, removing its president and board members following accusations by Diosdado Cabello of conspiracy against the government. The decision came after Miguel Ángel Villarroel of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies urged President Nicolás Maduro not to intervene. The tribunal appointed Ricardo Filippo Cussano to lead the restructuring. The Venezuelan Red Cross has denied the accusations, while the government, despite denying a humanitarian crisis, has collaborated with international organizations to address the country's issues.

The opposition's primary election campaign in Venezuela begins on August 22 amidst uncertainty due to the appointment of a new National Electoral Council and increasing threats against candidates.

While Maduro's regime met with its counterpart in Cuba, workers from the health and education sectors protested in Venezuela. Caracas residents consulted by Martí Noticias view the outcome of the visit with skepticism.

Public workers took to the streets on Thursday to protest the 16-year prison sentence against six union activists. The Venezuelan regime claims it was an attempted conspiracy.

The UN Security Council unanimously authorized the UN political mission in Colombia to verify the ceasefire agreement between the government and the ELN, Colombia's largest remaining guerrilla group. The resolution also expressed willingness to do the same for a truce with another armed group, the Estado Mayor Central. The UN has been monitoring a 2016 peace agreement with the FARC, which ended over 50 years of conflict. The Colombian government requested the UN mission's mandate be extended to include the June truce with the ELN. The Security Council hopes the agreement will improve the humanitarian situation and encouraged adherence to international humanitarian laws. The UN mission, expiring on October 31, includes 120 observers, with authorization for 68 more and a suitable civilian component to verify the ELN ceasefire. The council is open to further expanding the UN mission if an agreement with the Estado Mayor Central is reached. The article also touches on political repression in Venezuela by Maduro's regime, concerns raised by Amnesty International, and the non-renewal of a US license for oil and gas transactions with Venezuela due to unfulfilled electoral commitments.