Venezuelan government, opposition in fresh talks

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A move towards resolving the economic and political crisis in Venezuela tops the agenda for two days of talks in the Dominican Republic. The Venezuelan government and leaders of the country’s opposition are meeting in Santo Domingo, alongside international observers.

Venezuela is experiencing triple-digit inflation and severe shortages of food and medicine. Last year, the country was virtually paralyzed by four months of near-daily street protests.

Representatives of President Nicolas Maduro’s administration and representatives from the opposition coalition Democratic Unity Committee began the talks with a working meeting on Thursday. They will follow that with a meeting that will include the international observers from the Dominican Republic, Bolivia, Nicaragua, Mexico, and Chile.

The mayor of the Libertador municipality in Caracas and leader of the pro-government United Socialist Party of Venezuela Jorge Rodriguez (L) and the president of the Venezuelan Constituent Assembly Delcy Rodriguez (R) smile before attending the meeting between Venezuelan government representatives and members of the Venezuelan opposition at the Dominican Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Santo Domingo on January 11, 2018. /VCG Photo

Maduro’s Socialist Party, represented in the talks by Communications Minister Jorge Rodriguez, said it wants international recognition of the National Constituent Assembly, and it’s asking the opposition to help lift international economic sanctions that have reduced Venezuela’s access to foreign currency.

Opposition representatives, led by outgoing National Assembly President Julio Borges, insist the government recognize the National Assembly. They want the government to open the country to humanitarian aid, to release political prisoners, and to commit to free and fair presidential elections.

Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro speaks during a meeting with ministers in Caracas, Venezuela, January 11, 2018. /VCG Photo‍

Previous rounds of talks in December ended without an agreement, and opposition leaders said they have low expectations this time around.

They said the ruling Socialist Party is using the talks as a stalling tactic, while President Maduro’s administration struggles to gain control of the worsening economic crisis. At least one opposition leader has threatened street protests if the talks aren't fruitful.

President Maduro has accused opposition politicians of maligning his administration and exacerbating Venezuela’s hardships. Communications Minister Jorge Rodriguez said if the opposition does take to the streets, the government will deal with the protesters harshly.