South America comes together for talks between Venezuelan government and opposition
Today, representatives from the Venezuelan government and the opposition will meet in Santo Domingo to negotiate the nation’s future.
Following the 2014 drop in oil prices, fierce opposition has arisen to President Nicolas Maduro’s economic and social policies. The talks between the opposition and the government are a continuation of a previous meeting in September, which was cut short due to the former’s walking out. Dialogue last December was also cancelled for similar reasons. Now, the two sides look again to bring Venezuela’s internal turmoil to an end.
While Maduro’s government will seek to retain power, the opposition will likely continue their push for the release of political prisoners. Previously, negotiations, such as these, have been used by the government to stall — relieving political pressure, while intending to accomplish little. If this proves to be the case, which it likely will, another opposition walkout is probable.
DELVE DEEPER: Venezuela: on the path to authoritarian rule under Maduro.
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