Maduro seeks to move closer to US via dialogue with opposition, VENEZUELA, VE - 17 Aug 2021
Venezuela's Nicolas Maduro government on Monday announced its intention to restore relations with the United States, ruptured since 2019, via the dialogue Caracas is pursuing with different factions of the opposition, which are united for the talks under the so-called Unitary Platform of Venezuela. At a press conference, Maduro announced that the delegation representing his government in the talks under way in Mexico will put on the negotiating table the proposition to "open a direct dialogue with the United States." SHOT LIST: VENEZUELAN PRESIDENT NICOLAS MADURO SPEAKS DURING A PRESS CONFERENCE AT MIRAFLORES PRESIDENTIAL PALACE IN CARACAS, VENEZUELA. SOUND BITES: VENEZUELAN PRESIDENT NICOLAS MADURO (IN SPANISH). TRANSLATION: 1. We are ready to open a direct dialogue with the United States. We are always prepared, provided that (Washington) ends its arrogance, its hatred and its scorn. 2. That is the minimum in a civilized world of the 21st century, the minimum is that there are diplomatic relations, although they may be strained and tense. 3.The peace dialogue between Venezuela and extremist sectors of the right has gotten off on the right foot, they are already successful. 4. I have in my hands the original document from Mexico and I feel that it has a life of its own.