Venezuela invites Vatican Secretary of State to peace talks

(Vatican Radio) The Venezuelan Government leaders haveinvited Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, to the peace talks between the Government and an oppostion coalition.

Listen to the report by James Blears...

Oppostion group Table for Democratic Unity, better known as MUD, had requested Cardinal Parolin's attendance as a neutral mediator, to insure fair play in the peace talks, which might start on Thursday.

His Eminance is very well qualified for this job. He was appointed Apostolic Nuncio to Venezuela in 2009. He's well known and respected throughout the country. So much so that the Venezuelan Government also wants his him. Foreign Minister Elias Jaua has sent a formal letter asking for him to help in the process of important constructive dialogue.

Three Foreign Ministers from UNASUR- the Union of South American Nations, will also act as neutral mediators. They're from Brazil, Colombia and Ecuador.

The ongoing protests started two months ago, about spiralling 56 percent inflation, shortages of basic everday commodities, a breakdown of law and order and crumbling infrastructure. Since then 39 people have died, more than 600 have been injured, hundreds more have been arrested, and the room for manoevre has been alarmingly sprinking.

With these talks that could change