Venezuela's Maduro announces start of negotiations with opposition
Updated 22:10, 09-Jul-2019
CGTN
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Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on Monday told the state television that the government delegation started talks with the opposition in Barbados on Monday to revive discussions, after a previous round in Norway petered out.

"Today (Monday), on July 8, the process of dialogue with the Venezuelan opposition, with the participation of the Norwegian government, started on the island of Barbados. A very encouraging start, I have corresponding messages from the head of our delegation on this day of negotiations," Maduro told the state television.

Without giving details, he said that a six-point agenda was being discussed with "the whole country in mind." "If you work with goodwill and there is no American interventionism, I am sure that we will reach an agreement," said Maduro, who blames the United States for fanning the crisis.

Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro during a military parade at the Los Proceres boulevard in the framework of the celebrations for the Independence Day in Caracas, Venezuela, July 5, 2019. /VCG Photo

Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro during a military parade at the Los Proceres boulevard in the framework of the celebrations for the Independence Day in Caracas, Venezuela, July 5, 2019. /VCG Photo

The Venezuelan government and opposition have agreed to meet again for talks to overcome the political crisis facing them, the parties involved said on Sunday.

The political deadlock between the two sides reached a critical point in January, after Guaido declared himself "interim president" of Venezuela and was immediately recognized by the United States. 

Delegations representing the Venezuelan rivals met face-to-face in Oslo for the first time in late May, in a process begun two weeks earlier under Norwegian auspices to find a solution to the South American country's economic and political crises. 

The Barbados talks will be the third round since the Oslo talks in May, although Guaido had originally said last Tuesday there were no plans to re-open talks with Maduro.

China welcomed the efforts of the international community including the Norwegian government in promoting talks between the Venezuelan government and the opposition, a Foreign Ministry spokesperson said Tuesday regarding the start of negotiations.

"Upholding the UN Charter and the basic norms governing international relations, China believes that this issue should be independently resolved by the Venezuelan government and the opposition through inclusive political dialogue within the framework of its constitution," Geng Shuang said.

"We hope the international community can observe international law and make constructive efforts in helping the Venezuelan government and the opposition to find political settlement at an early date," Geng said, adding that China also hoped Venezuela could restore stability and development as soon as possible. 

(With input from AFP, Reuters and Xinhua)