Some of Venezuela's Opposition Begin Talks With President

Some members of Venezuela's divided opposition began talks with the government Sunday night as part of a Vatican-led attempt to defuse the country's political crisis ahead of another big street protest to call for the removal of socialist President Nicolas Maduro. Maduro arrived at a museum in western Caracas to formally kick off the talks, which many of his foes fear could be a stalling tactic designed to ease pressure on the leader who is widely unpopular over rocketing inflation and shortages of food and other basic goods. Fifteen parties belonging to the Democratic Unity opposition alliance boycotted the talks, saying they were not prepared to sit across from the government until it released several jailed opposition activists and reversed its decision to cancel a constitutionally allowed recall referendum against Maduro. More…