Venezuelan government and opposition agree to resume talks

Venezuela's government and opposition will restart talks seeking to end the country's political and economic crisis, after a nearly year-long suspension, says President Nicolas Maduro, adding that his government was "on the verge of starting a new round of signing agreements" with the opposition.In a joint statement, the two sides said that the Norway-facilitated negotiations will resume Tuesday in Bridgetown, Barbados, with participation of the United States.

On Monday, the United States welcomed the announcement of fresh talks."Along with like minded partners and other friends of Venezuela, the United States will continue its efforts to unite the international community in support of the Venezuelan-led negotiation process," US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said.