Kerry urges Venezuelan government to dialogue with opposition

US Secretary of State John Kerry urged the Venezuelan government to initiate a process of genuine dialogue with the opposition. "The solution to Venezuela's problems can only be found through dialogue with all Venezuelans, engaging in a free exchange of opinions in a climate of mutual respect," said Kerry, who also called on the opposition to refrain from violence. Kerry said in a statement that the Venezuelan government's use of force and judicial intimidation against citizens and political figures, who are exercising a legitimate right to protest, is "unacceptable" and will only increase the likelihood of violence. "Despite calls from Venezuela's democratic opposition and the international community, the government of Nicolas Maduro "has confronted peaceful protesters with force and in some cases with armed vigilantes claiming to support the government," the top US diplomat added. He also pointed to Maduro's moves to tighten media restrictions, after CNN said several of its journalists working in Venezuela, on both Spanish-language and English-language programs, had seen their press credentials revoked or refused.