Venezuelan president seeks support of neighbors amid internal unrest

(Vatican Radio) Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro is requesting an emergency meeting of UNASUR- the Union of South American Countries - as the crisis in his nation continues to deepen and widen.

Listen to James Blears’ report:


President Nicolas Maduro made this televised request accompanied by the President of Suriname, who's the current leader of UNASUR. This organization was formed as an alternative to the OAS- the Organization of American States. Maduro has just severed diplomatic and trade ties with Panama, for suggesting that the OAS should discuss Venezuela's crisis. He accuses the OAS of being dominated by the United States.


A UNASUR emergency summit could only happen with the agreement of all twelve of its members. At least some seem to be reluctant to be drawn closer to a burning and corrosive issue.


Oil rich, but infrastructure poor, Venezuela has been experiencing protest marches and rallies for more than two months. The opposition who are demonstrating against the 56 percent annual inflation, widespread shortages, and a breakdown of law and order, have not accepted talks with Maduro. The political polarization factor means that a negotiated settlement is unlikely to be home grown. The question now is the composition of a regional or international forum.