Venezuela Talks Under Way in Oslo, But US Says Focus Must Be Maduro

• 05.29.2019, 13:52
•  America,  World

BBC

Talks between Venezuela’s government and opposition on ending months of crisis were under way in Norway, sources said on Tuesday. But Washington insisted that the only item for discussion should be President Nicolas Maduro’s removal.

Norwegian diplomats had said that the two sides would meet this week in Norway in their first face-to-face meeting since Guaido claimed power in January, without specifying a date or venue.

Maduro, while describing the opposition as “extremist” and working on behalf of the United States, promised to make an effort to resolve the crisis.

The United States has refused to speak to Maduro on anything but logistical matters, calling his leadership illegitimate. While not rejecting the talks in Oslo, the United States stood firm in its stance.

“We note the talks in Norway. As we have repeatedly stated, the United States believes the only thing to negotiate with Nicolas Maduro is the conditions of his departure,” State Department spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus told reporters in Washington, France24 reports.