Venezuelan gov't, opposition closer to reach accord: official

CARACAS, Jan. 30 (Xinhua) -- Venezuela's leftist government and right-wing opposition moved closer to working out the "final details" of an agreement on peaceful coexistence, the head of the government delegation, Jorge Rodriguez, said on Tuesday.

Rodriguez told reporters as he was entering the latest round of dialogue between the two sides, being held in the Dominican Republic, that he was confident that "yes, there will be a solution" to the political deadlock that has paralyzed the government.

Rodriguez, who is also Minister of Communication and Information, commended the opposition for its willingness to negotiate.

"I recognize the efforts of the Venezuelan opposition, which has presented itself at the table for dialogue despite pressure from more extremist factions," he said.

"We are (working) on the final details. I am almost certain that, yes, there will be a solution," he added.

Meanwhile the ANC, a controversial all-powerful body, was elected last year to help break the deadlock by legislating new laws and drafting a new Constitution.

The opposition lost steam since it boycotted those elections, and new leadership that was more amenable to negotiation took the helm.

The two sides met on Monday in the Dominican capital Santo Domingo, as part of the fifth round of talks, which are being promoted by international organizations, such as the United Nations, and other countries. Enditem