2024 RT Amination Banner.gif

China Daily

News> World> Content
Thursday, January 31, 2019, 10:42
Venezuela's Maduro says ready to hold talks with opposition
By Xinhua
Thursday, January 31, 2019, 10:42 By Xinhua

In this handout photo released by the Miraflores Presidential Press Office, Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro flashes a V for Victory hand gesture after arriving at the Fort Tiuna military base in Caracas, Venezuela, Jan 30, 2019. (MARCELO GARCIA / MIRAFLORES PRESIDENTIAL PRESS OFFICE / AP)

MOSCOW — Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro said he is ready to hold talks with the country's opposition with the help of international mediators, RIA Novosti reported on Wednesday.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro believes that the Venezuelan economy is at a critical stage of recovery, overcoming obstacles and attacks on the exchange and price systems

"I am ready to sit down at the negotiating table with the opposition so that we can speak for the good of Venezuela, for the sake of peace and the country's future," the Russian news agency quoted Maduro as saying in an interview. 

Regarding the possibility of inviting international mediators, Maduro said that "there are several governments and organizations in the world that demonstrate their sincere concern about what is happening in Venezuela. They called for dialogue."

The president said that he would like them to support the dialogue in Venezuela. 

Maduro said he would welcome an early parliamentary election as a "very good form of political discussion, a solution via people's vote." 

But he opposes a snap presidential election as Germany, France, Britain, Spain and the Netherlands have demanded on Saturday. The countries demanded that Maduro announce a new presidential poll within eight days. 

The Venezuelan leader argued that he was elected less than a year ago with some 68 percent of the vote and the election was held in line with all constitutional and legal parameters. 

"We do not accept ultimatums or blackmail from anyone in the world. If the imperialists want new elections, let them wait until 2025," Maduro said.

ALSO READ: Venezuela's Maduro 'accuses Trump of ordering his murder'

Opposition National Assembly President Juan Guaido, who declared himself interim president of Venezuela, speaks to reporters during a walk out against President Nicolas Maduro, in Caracas, Venezuela, Jan 30, 2019. (ARIANA CUBILLOS / AP)

He believes that the Venezuelan economy is at a critical stage of recovery, overcoming obstacles and attacks on the exchange and price systems. 

He said the United States aims to get Venezuela's oil reserve, the world's largest, and fundamentally destroy the spirit of Simon Bolivar, a Venezuelan leader who influenced the independence movement in Latin America. 

Nevertheless, the Venezuelan leader said he remains ready to meet with US President Donald Trump in the United States, in Venezuela, or wherever Washington wants to hold discussions. 

"I am sure that if we meet and talk, there will be a completely different story," Maduro said, adding that such a meeting, however, is unlikely to happen because Trump's team will do everything to prevent it. 

Despite the tensions with Trump, Maduro said he still welcomes US investment in oil, gas, tourism, technology, gold and diamonds. 

As for Venezuela's relations with Russia, Maduro thanked President Vladimir Putin for always supporting Venezuela. 

Lilian Tintori, the wife of jailed opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez, center left, chants "Free elections" in a walk out against President Nicolas Maduro, in Caracas, Venezuela, Jan 30, 2019. (FERNANDO LLANO / AP)

"What I asked President Putin is to maintain constant contact, provide support at the diplomatic and political levels at the United Nations and defend the truth of Venezuela internationally," he said. 

Maduro also praised the country's good financial relations with China and Russia, which he said will continue to develop. His country counts on strong support from China and Russia for economic development, he added. 

Maduro was reelected in May 2018 and was sworn in as president on Jan 10 for another six-year term.

READ MORE: US sanctions add pressure on Venezuela's embattled Maduro

Supporters of President Nicolas Maduro known as "Colectivos", parade in on their motorbikes while anti-government supporters take part in a walkout against Maduro, in Caracas, Jan 30, 2019. (RODRIGO ABD / AP)

Alleging that the Maduro administration is illegitimate, opposition leader Juan Guaido, who was head of the National Assembly, declared himself interim president during an anti-government rally on Jan 23. 

The United States and Brazil have recognized Guaido's presidency, and Trump has warned that "all options are on the table." 

Maduro, in response, announced the severing of diplomatic and political ties with the United States.

Share this story

CHINA DAILY
HONG KONG NEWS
OPEN
Please click in the upper right corner to open it in your browser !