Meanwhile in Venezuela

I get a daily digest of articles on current events in Venezuela from the Venezuela Information Office in DC, and today's has this introductory paragraph:

Spokesmen for the government and the private media confirmed yesterday that they will begin a dialogue within the next few days, facilitated by the Carter Center and by Harvard Professor William Ury. The talks will apparently explore ways in which to lessen political tensions and avoid violence in the run-up to the August 15 recall referendum. Pro-government Congressman Tarek William Saab told reporters that the dialogue was a sign of the government's willingness to build relationships with non-extremist opposition groups, and of the realization on the part of many in the business community that Chávez may well win the upcoming vote. However, opposition ongressman Alejandro Armas disparaged the talks, saying that there can be no dialogue until Chávez is ousted.

There's the rub. A typical radical opposition stance. And they seem to be willing to go to any lengths to get him out. So watch out.

But, this is actually the first time I've had any hope that things might somehow be worked out in Venezuela. I honestly didn't think there was any hope of people getting together from the two sides. If this goes well, it might also give me some hope that we can come to some resolution in the giant chasm BushCo has helped carve in our own country in the run-up to the 2004 elections.

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