Venezuelan Opposition’s Refuse to Negotiate With Gov’t Due to US Policy – Maduro

Venezuelan opposition's refusal to participate in dialogue with the government was linked to the US political course's changes, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro told the RT Spanish broadcaster Thursday.

MOSCOW (Sputnik) – The refusal of the Venezuelan opposition to engage in dialogue with the government was linked to the changes in the US political course, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro told the RT Spanish broadcaster Thursday.

"All the actions of the opposition are linked to the changes in the US policy … to the right extremists’ coming to power in the [US President Donald] Trump’s administration," Maduro said, providing no more details on the issue.

The president added that the only US goal was to destroy Venezuela and seize its natural resources.

"[The US aim is] to try to destroy our country to establish control over the Venezuelan rich resources. We never forget that Venezuela has the largest certified oil reserves in the world," Maduro said.

On Wednesday, a 48-hour nationwide strike initiated by the opposition started in Venezuela.

Venezuela has been facing mass protests since spring. The demonstrations were initially a reaction to the top court's decision to severely curb the legislative powers of the National Assembly. While the decision was overturned, the protests continued.

In May, Maduro announced his decision to call the National Constituent Assembly, which was regarded by the opposition as an attempted coup and resulted in further escalation of tensions that resulted in the deaths of about 100 people.