April 11, 2014 - Pope Francis is urging Venezuelans on both sides to put aside their
political differences and demonstrate the necessary courage to reach an agreement
that avoids more bloodshed after weeks of violent protests. The Pope’s written message
was read by Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Aldo Giordano, at the start of a much-anticipated
meeting Thursday night between President Nicolas Maduro and key members of the opposition.
The Argentine Pontiff said the polarization that besets Venezuela is inflicting deep
pain on the country, complicating efforts to bring down crime and resolve economic
problems that worry everyone regardless of their political views. “I'm aware of
the restlessness and pain felt by so many people,'' Archbishop Giordano read the Pope's
messasge. “I urge you not to get stuck in the conflict of the moment but open yourselves
to one another to become true builders of peace.'' Thursday's talks, which were
televised, are first major effort at reconciliation since anti-government protests
began to roil Venezuelan cities in early February. Key leaders of the opposition,
including two-time presidential candidate Henrique Capriles, agreed to sit down with
Maduro after receiving assurances that the socialist government is willing to discuss
divisive issues such as an amnesty for jailed government opponents and the creation
of an independent truth commission to investigate who's to blame for at least 40 deaths
tied to the unrest. With a thick tension hanging over the presidential palace, Maduro
broke the ice by shaking hands with each member of the opposition including Capriles,
who he regularly attacks in public and narrowly defeated in an April 2013 election
following Hugo Chavez's death from cancer. Just bringing the two sides in the same
room is a monumental task in a country polarized by 15 years of socialist rule. While
opponents blame the government for destroying the oil-rich economy and stamping out
dissent, Maduro claims radical opponents, backed by the U.S., are trying to repeat
the destabilizing events that led to the 2002 coup that briefly removed Chavez from
power. (Source: AP)