Talks Between Maduro and Opposition Representatives Fail

by Stephen Lendman (stephenlendman.org - Home - Stephen Lendman)

Norway-mediated talks between both sides failed so far because of unacceptable Trump regime demands presented by puppet Guaido's representatives.

Despite Maduro's open, free, and fair democratic reelection last May, they demand he step down as a precondition for resolving differences between both sides.

There's more. They insist on a new presidential election not administered by Venezuela's National Electoral Council — its result to be recognized only if won by an anti-Bolivarian figure.

Following talks, a statement by Guaido's team said "(t)his meeting ended without agreement. We thank the government of Norway for its willingness to contribute to a solution to the chaos that our country is suffering."

Omitted was explaining where responsibility lies — squarly on the Trump regime's war by other means, imposter Guaido and his henchmen serving its interests and their own, at the expense of the rule of law, sovereign Venezuelan rights, and the welfare of its people.

According to an unnamed EU official complicit with the Trump regime's coup plot, Maduro "hasn't made any concrete gestures which prove he is willing to change his behavior (sic) and have a serious process (sic) which offers the prospect of democracy (sic)."

"Therefore, pressure needs to be part of the strategy …The status quo is not an option." A separate unnamed EU source said the following:

"Between the different points discussed, the Guaido delegation went with a mandate that any proposal concerning a presidential election was conditioned on Maduro not holding power," (despite his legitimacy as Venezuelan president), adding:

"His representatives did not accept (this demand). They…consulted with Caracas and they also did not accept, and that led to not reaching an agreement."

Days earlier, State Department spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus expressed the Trump regime's hardline position, saying "the only thing to negotiate with Nicolas Maduro is the conditions of his departure."

For now, talks are at an impasse, short of breaking down altogether. Norway reportedly began serving as a diplomatic intermediary between both sides in February.

An unnamed Norwegian source said stalemate isn't surprising "given that the opposition's negotiation mandate is very narrow: Maduro resigns or nothing," adding:

"If they only want to negotiate the conditions of Maduro's surrender, then of course there won't be an agreement. Their position has to be more realistic."

According to a Norwegian source, "the opposition's negotiation mandate is very narrow: Maduro resigns or nothing. If they only want to negotiate the conditions of Maduro's surrender, then of course there won't be an agreement. Their position has to be more realistic."

In Caracas, Guaido henchman William Barrientos said "there is no possibility of reaching an agreement if Maduro's usurpation of power (sic) does not cease. That is a condition" — reading lines scripted for the opposition by the Trump regime.

"(T)alks will end in nothing," he added. On Wednesday, Maduro issued a statement, saying:

"I appointed a delegation. We have been secretly negotiating for two or three months, and now we have (met with the opposition) in Norway. I want a peace agreement for Venezuela." 

"I ask for support from the country, Chavism and the motherland…Our path is a dialogue, respect for the constitution, peace, democracy, development and problem-solving."

Talks between both sides are at impasse, major differences too irreconcilable to resolve.

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