Venezeula ask Vatican to talk to opposition

CARACAS, April 9 (Xinhua/ Sun) -- The Venezuelan government on Wednesday invited the Vatican State Secretary Cardinal Pietro Parolin to participate in the National Peace Conference led by President Nicolas Maduro, as well as in the talks with the country 's opposition.

According to a statement by the Venezuelan Foreign Ministry, Chancellor Elias Jaua sent a letter to the high ranking Vatican official stressing the importance of the conference in promoting a constructive dialogue, understanding and peace among different sectors in the country.

In the letter, Jaua sent an invitation on behalf of the Venezuelan head of State to Pope Francis, for him to participate in the talks between government and opposition forces.

"It would be feasible for the Catholic Church to designate a good will witness to accompany the talks between political forces in Venezuela, also backed by the foreign ministers of the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR)," said the invitation letter.

On Tuesday, representatives from both the Venezuelan government and the opposition had an exploratory meeting to begin talks aiming at putting an end to violent protests that have caused 39 dead and over 600 injured.

Both parties agreed to have a "good will witness" in the talks to facilitate and if necessary mediate between both sides.

Foreign ministers of Colombia, Ecuador and Brazil, representing UNASUR, and a high ranking official from the Vatican will participate in the political dialogue.

The talks are expected to begin Thursday with relevant political, economic and social topics key to the Venezuelan society on the table.