Venezuelans hopeful of US policy change with Biden

On the eve of Joe Biden's inauguration as 46th president of the United States, Venezuelans remain doubtful on whether the new administration in Washington will improve relations between the two countries.

Christian Suarez, a 37-year-old bus driver, believed Biden's government will mean "more of the same" if Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro remains in power.

Others hoped the end of Donald Trump's term opened the possibility of sanctions being lifted and greater understanding between Caracas and Washington.

"We Venezuelans want the United States to behave and to help us as we can help them," said Richard Rivero.

Officials in Maduro's government say they anticipate a renewed dialogue with the Biden administration while hoping the incoming president abandons the avalanche of damaging sanctions Trump imposed to attempt a regime change.

International politics analyst Giovanna De Michele believed Biden could renew relations with Maduro without necessarily recognizing his legitimacy.

"I believe that the first change comes from the moment that Joe Biden recognizes that although Nicolas Maduro may be qualified and considered by him and his Cabinet as a dictator, he is the one who is effectively exercising power at Miraflores Palace," De Michele said.

Biden was vice president to Barack Obama's administration when the reopening of relations between Cuba and the United States happened, and analysts like De Michele believe Biden's history as a promotor of dialogue can lay the ground for future negotiations and understanding with Maduro's government.

Maduro is beginning his eighth year as president with control of all government institutions and a deep economic crisis amid production of its main resource, oil, at a very low level.