ADVERTISEMENT

Venezuela talks move forward under shadow of early election

The government's chief negotiator, Communications Minister Jorge Rodriguez, said "electoral guarantees" for the vote would be on the table -- as would the issue of US economic sanctions that have worsened Caracas' precarious finances.

"We are working on all the issues and we have narrowed positions on all the issues," he said as he arrived at the Dominican Republic's foreign ministry, the venue for the talks overseen by several Latin American foreign ministers.

The latest round of negotiations opened on December 1.

Other topics being discussed are the government's demand that the opposition recognize the Constituent Assembly -- a legislative body filled with Maduro loyalists that overrides the opposition-dominated parliament -- and solutions for the economic crisis, marked by hyperinflation and lack of food and medicine.

ADVERTISEMENT

Friction between the government and the opposition coalition, the Democratic Unity Roundtable (MUD in Spanish), rose last week when the Constituent Assembly announced that presidential elections, due for December, were being brought forward to some time before the end of April.

The Supreme Court, which the opposition says systematically bows to Maduro, issued a ruling that excludes the MUD coalition from the election. Only individual opposition parties are allowed to register.

The opposition, struggling with internal divisions and thus far unable to rally behind a single unifying figure, says the moves are designed to deliver Maduro a second term.

Some key parties are refusing to register for the election.

One of its negotiators, lawmaker Enrique Marquez, said MUD was demanding international election observers monitor the polls.

ADVERTISEMENT

Venezuela's government is finding itself increasingly isolated internationally over the path taken by Maduro, whom the United States has called a "dictator."

Argentina has said it will not recognize the results of the presidential election. And French President Emmanuel Macron has called for sterner European sanctions on Venezuela to pressure Maduro's regime.

US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson is to conduct a Latin America tour late this week and into next week in which Venezuela's turmoil is expected to top the agenda.

Enhance Your Pulse News Experience!

Get rewards worth up to $20 when selected to participate in our exclusive focus group. Your input will help us to make informed decisions that align with your needs and preferences.

I've got feedback!

JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!

Unblock notifications in browser settings.
ADVERTISEMENT

Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:

Email: eyewitness@pulse.ng

Recommended articles

EFCC arrests ex-aviation minister  Sirika for ₦8bn Nigerian Air scandal

EFCC arrests ex-aviation minister Sirika for ₦8bn Nigerian Air scandal

Ex-APC spokesperson backs EFCC's hunt for Yahaya Bello

Ex-APC spokesperson backs EFCC's hunt for Yahaya Bello

Woman suffering incurable disease finally gets her wish to choose how she dies

Woman suffering incurable disease finally gets her wish to choose how she dies

Lead British School student in viral video apologises for bullying Namtira Bwala

Lead British School student in viral video apologises for bullying Namtira Bwala

Emeka Ihedioha resigns from PDP after 26 years of membership

Emeka Ihedioha resigns from PDP after 26 years of membership

Student bullied at Lead British School is not my daughter  —  Daniel Bwala

Student bullied at Lead British School is not my daughter  —  Daniel Bwala

NBA disclaims lawyers' protest over EFCC's approach to Yahaya Bello's case

NBA disclaims lawyers' protest over EFCC's approach to Yahaya Bello's case

Dana aircraft skids off Lagos Airport runway

Dana aircraft skids off Lagos Airport runway

Biden assures Zelensky of rapid arms support amid escalating Russia tensions

Biden assures Zelensky of rapid arms support amid escalating Russia tensions

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT