Talks between government and opposition representatives aimed at resolving Venezuela’s political crisis have ended without agreement.
The talks in Norway were the first between the two sides since National Assembly Speaker Juan Guaidó declared himself interim leader in January, arguing that President Nicolás Maduro’s re-election was fraudulent.
Despite the lack of progress both sides said they wanted to continue the talks. No date has been set for a next round.
A government delegation consisting of Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza, Information Minister Jorge Rodríguez and Miranda State Governor Héctor Rodríguez met an opposition delegation made up of lawmaker Stalin González, former minister Fernando Martínez Mottola and former lawmaker Gerardo Blyde.
The talks were held in the Norwegian capital, Oslo.
In a statement released after they were finished, the Norwegian foreign ministry urged the parties “to show their utmost caution in their comments and statements regarding the process” in order to “preserve a process that can lead to results”.
Little is therefore known about what was discussed but both Mr Guaidó and President Maduro stated that the meeting had ended “without agreement”.
In a statement [in Spanish] released by Mr Guaidó, he listed three points he said were crucial to resolving Venezuela’s crisis:
- End of the “usurpation” of power by President Maduro
- Transition government
- Free elections
The opposition argues that Mr Maduro’s is not the legitimate president of Venezuela because his re-election in 2018 was “neither free nor fair”.
They are calling for a transition government to take over until fresh elections can be held. They are also demanding that the electoral council, which is largely controlled by the government, be reformed to guarantee its independence.
The opposition argues that Mr Maduro’s is not the legitimate president of Venezuela because his re-election in 2018 was “neither free nor fair”.
They are calling for a transition government to take over until fresh elections can be held. They are also demanding that the electoral council, which is largely controlled by the government, be reformed to guarantee its independence.
Source:Fiilafmonline/BBC
