MOSCOW, April 8 (RIA Novosti) – Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has accepted a proposal by the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR) to meet for talks with representatives of the country's opposition in a bid to foster dialogue on the future of the country, Venezuela’s Globovision TV channel reported Monday.
“This will be a message of peace and unity,” Maduro announced, adding that violence would not help resolve political disputes.
The president stressed that he was ready to come to the negotiating table with the opposition, and that the doors of the presidential palace Miraflores were always open for such meetings.
“It’s time to believe in Venezuela and in ourselves to overcome the difficulties,” Maduro said.
Mass anti-government rallies have been a constant scene in Venezuela since mid-February. Protesters have denounced the government’s poor policies, which have led to one of the highest inflation rates in the world, rampant crime and a shortage of basic goods.
Thirty-nine people have been reported dead and over 600 injured during the clashes.
Nicolas Maduro called the protests an attempted coup staged by the opposition.
