THE government and opposition have made progress in exploratory talks aimed at creating a framework to resolve Venezuela’s economic and political crisis.
Dominican Republic President Danilo Medina said the two sides agreed to meet for a third time on September 27, and invite four countries – Mexico, Chile, Bolivia and Nicaragua – to accompany the conversations.
The announcement came at the conclusion of two days of talks on the Caribbean island. “Yesterday’s meeting was good and today’s even better,” said Medina.
It’s not clear if the government and opposition delegates spoke face-to-face or exchanged messages through Medina and former Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Zapatero, who has been the main promoter of the attempts at dialogue.
The parties considering a return to the negotiating table is in itself a breakthrough given how deeply polarised Venezuela is after months of unrest during which the opposition failed to force President Nicolas Maduro from power.
Maduro’s government has touted the possibility of talks as a sign it is open to dialogue.
“This has been the strongest and clearest opportunity we’ve had toward reaching an agreement,” said Caracas Mayor Jorge Rodriguez, who led the government delegation along with his sister, former Foreign Minister Delcy Rodriguez.
But the opposition is sceptical and insisted the solution to Venezuela’s problems require Maduro giving up power.
It also said any agreement arising from an eventual negotiation should also be submitted to a popular referendum.
“Only with a non-violent, democratic change will it be possible to overcome the current economic and social tragedy that affects all Venezuelans,” the Democratic Unity coalition said in a statement.
Of the “group of friends” suggested as facilitators, Bolivia and Nicaragua are staunch allies and members of the anti-American Bolivarian Alliance created by the late Hugo Chavez.
Mexico has taken the lead in Latin America in harshly criticising Maduro’s increasingly authoritarian rule.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here