Venezuela's opposition agrees to meet with government for exploratory talks

CARACAS, Venezuela – Leaders of Venezuela's opposition have agreed to meet with President Nicolas Maduro's government to discuss ways to defuse the country's political crisis.

Opposition leaders said Tuesday they agreed to an exploratory meeting after being assured by a mission of South American diplomats that the socialist government is open to discussing its proposals for an eventual reconciliation including an amnesty for jailed opponents and the disarmament of groups loyal to Maduro.

It's not clear if the meeting will usher in formal talks after two months of violent protests that look likely to continue but so far pose little threat to Maduro's rule.

Both sides have agreed that any dialogue be made public and include a representative of the Vatican or another outside observer. The talks could take place as early as Tuesday.