Venezuela president announces peace march

(Vatican Radio) Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro has announced a peace march set to take place on Saturday in the capital, Caracas, in an attempt to defuse rising political tensions.

In a televised speech, President Maduro announced the creation of a National Plan for Peace and Co-existence. He talked about defeating fascism, division and hatred, following recent anti-government demonstrations in which 3 people were killed.

Maduro, who was elected President in August, says he's facing a developing coup. A court has issued an arrest warrant for opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez, who is blaming the Government for ongoing instability and violence.

The US State Department is voicing deep concern about the rapidly worsening situation in Venezuela, where inflation is running rampant, law and order is faltering and polarization between different factions is causing a major rift.

Listen to James Blears’ report: