This is the first formal notice from the US administration of its intent to re-open the embassy in Caracas, an important step toward restoring diplomatic relations between the two countries.

US diplomats will perform limited “select duties”, including security and management in the first phase, and gradually expand their work to include consular, political, economic, management, security, and public diplomacy. In addition, the Venezuela Affairs Unit now located in Bogota will move to Caracas.

The State Department said those steps are necessary to prepare for reopening the embassy. However, doing so will require the US to reconsider its decision to recognize the Venezuelan parliament elected in 2015 as the legitimate government.