Maduro: Colombia Blocked Dialogue with Opposition

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Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro disclosed that attempts are being made to undermine the government-opposition talks in Venezuela, adding that delegates from the opposition have been given Colombian instructions to end the talks.

During a televised speech, Maduro stated that the Venezuelan administration had successfully completed the first round of talks, accusing the Colombian presidential palace of issuing an order to the opposition in Mexico to halt the talks.

Maduro accused the Colombian government of raiding and destroying the Monomeros fertilizer company in order to elicit a response from Venezuela. He also described Colombian President Ivan Duque as "desperate and defeated."

Saturday, the Venezuelan government signed “partial agreements” with the opposition in Mexico City on the second day of the ongoing talks aimed mainly at ensuring the participation of opponents of President Nicolas Maduro in the upcoming regional elections in November.

Days ago, the opposition announced it would end a 3-year boycott of the elections and participate in elections next November. 

Colombia is accused by Venezuela of interfering in its internal issues and disrespecting its sovereignty. The Colombian Presidency refuses to recognize Maduro as Venezuela's president and has broken diplomatic ties with Caracas, accusing it of plotting his assassination during the recent parliamentary elections.