CARACAS, July 8 (Xinhua) -- The Venezuelan government delegation to conciliation talks with the opposition arrived on Monday in Barbados, where the dialogue is to be held this week.
Venezuela's government "assumes the immense desire of the Venezuelan people ... to settle our social and political issues in the strictest accordance with democratic norms and our Constitution," Communication and Information Minister Jorge Rodriguez said in a statement posted on Twitter.
The government also "categorically" condemned the statements made Sunday by opposition leader Juan Guaido, who said he would attend the talks brokered by Norway "to establish the negotiation of the end of the dictatorship."
The opposition, which boycotted the past presidential elections, has refused to acknowledge the reelection of socialist President Nicolas Maduro.
Venezuela's government said Guaido's statement "is not in keeping with the guidelines presented by those sponsoring the dialogue," namely Norway and host Barbados.
Norway's Foreign Affairs Ministry issued a statement on Sunday announcing the two sides "will meet this week in Barbados to make progress in seeking an agreed and constitutional solution for the country. The negotiations will take place in a continuous and expedited manner."
The political deadlock between the two sides reached a critical point in January, after Guaido declared himself "interim president" of Venezuela and was immediately recognized by the United States.
Initial meetings between the two camps to resume talks began in mid-May in Oslo.
