Wednesday 7 February 2018 - 05:07

Venezuelan Government Ready for Peace Pact with Opposition

Story Code : 702674

The government and opposition representatives are expected to return to the Dominican Republic to formalize the terms of negotiations.

President Nicolas Maduro announced, just days ago, that the government is ready to sign an agreement to promote peace and unity. "I am ready to sign," said Maduro. "I want peace. I am willing to unite everyone; we face great challenges."

On Saturday, former Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero paid a visit to Venezuela to review the details of the agreement, a release from the Venezuelan government said.

Days earlier, the communications minister disclosed that a 'pre-agreement' had been reached between the two sides. "The road to an agreement with the Venezuelan opposition has been very long," Minister Jorge Rodriguez, added.

Opposition representative Julio Borges stated that progress had been made during the talks, but acknowledged that other languishing issues needed to be resolved quickly.

"There is no agreement until everything is agreed upon," Borges said.

The mediation sessions have been attended and observed by Dominican President Danilo Medina, former Spanish President Jose Luis Rodríguez Zapatero and international delegates from Chile, Bolivia, Nicaragua and San Vicente and the Grenadines.

The mediation efforts come amid comments made by US Secretary of State, Rex Tillerson, who hinted about the possibility of an internal military coup that would topple Venezuelan President Maduro. Venezuela's Defense Minister, Vladimir Padrino responded by saying Members of the armed forces radically reject such deplorable remarks that constitute a vile act of interference.

The US administration of Donald Trump has publicized its policy of pursuing regime change in Venezuela. Speaking in January 2017 before his confirmation, US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson declared that he would pursue regime change in Venezuela. The US-has been backing Venezuelan opposition parties that have ignited protests in the oil-rich socialist state.