Sawt Falasteen - Venezuela's political transition talks start: AFP

The talks are taking place seven months after US forces abducted president Nicolas Maduro and as interim leader Delcy Rodriguez governs under Washington's watchful eye.

Venezuelans are hopeful the dialogue will eventually pave the way for holding elections in the crisis-hit South American country.

Notably absent from the talks is opposition favorite and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Maria Corina Machado, who lives in exile and was not invited to join the discussion.

The opposition is instead being represented by Dinorah Figuera, who returned to Venezuela from exile on Wednesday.

Figuera heads the opposition bloc that won a majority in the 2015 National Assembly, the last legislature elected in a vote widely recognized by the international community.

National Assembly Chief Jorge Rodriguez, who is the interim leader's brother, is meanwhile representing the government.

The US State Department welcomed Figuera's delegation "for the start of in-person talks" with Venezuela's interim government.

"These direct talks present a unique opportunity," it stated, urging "all concerned to support this effort to deliver tangible results for Venezuelans."

Only photographers were granted access to the La Carlota military base, the venue of the talks.

According to the official agenda released by both sides, they will discuss the response to the twin earthquakes of June 24, which left more than 6,000 dead, as well as the strengthening of democracy and political rights.

Machado has said she will not stand in the way of the process.

U.Shaheen--SF-PST