Iran Press/America: Norway said it will mediate discussions next week in Oslo, in an indication that the negotiation track is gaining momentum after months of escalating tension between Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and Juan Guaido, the U.S.-backed opposition leader, the Norwegian government said Saturday, AP reported.
Top Maduro aide Jorge Rodriguez and Hector Rodriguez, the governor of Miranda State, both of whom were in Oslo earlier this month for an earlier round of exploratory talks, will once again lead the government delegation. They will be joined this time by Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza, said Maduro, who thanked Norway for promoting “peace and stability” in Venezuela through the mediation effort.
The opposition delegation is being led by Stalin Gonzalez, a senior member of the opposition-controlled congress, former Caracas area Mayor Gerardo Blyde and former Transport Minister Fernando Martinez Mottola, according to an opposition statement. They will be joined by Vicente Diaz, a supporter of past negotiations with the government who previously served on the nation’s electoral council.
Both delegations traveled Saturday for the meetings, according to officials.
Norwegian Foreign Minister Ine Eriksen Soreide praised both sides for their involvement.
Venezuelan President has expressed his gratitude to the Norwegian government for granting a platform for dialogue between Venezuelan officials and opposition members in a Twitter message published on Saturday.
The situation in Venezuela has been tense since January when opposition leader, Juan Guaido proclaimed himself interim president of the country.
Washington and its allies endorsed Guaido and called on Maduro to step down. Moreover, the United States seized billions of dollars’ worth of Venezuelan oil assets. On the other hand, US officials have repeatedly stated that all options remain on the table with regards to Venezuela, including military action.
President Nicolas Maduro, in turn, has accused the United States of trying to orchestrate a coup in order to install Guaido as its puppet and take over Venezuela’s natural resources. 104/211
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