In Venezuela 83% Back Talks Between Govt and Opposition: Poll

The vast majority of Venezuelans say they support dialogue between the government of Nicolas Maduro and the right-wing opposition, a poll conducted in October revealed.

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The poll found that 83 percent backed dialogue and 61 percent want the two sides to focus on the economic problems facing the country.

The agenda for the talks has not been announced. However, leaders from the opposition have consistently talked about their interest in dealing with political topics, such as holding snap elections, as opposed to economic questions.

The result of the survey, conducted by Hinterlaces, was revealed by Jose Vicente Rangel, a journalist and former vice president who hosts a program on a private media outlet.

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Respondents also indicated that they supported the mediation by Pope Francis, with 87 percent backing efforts by the Vatican to facilitate talks.

The poll also found that 76 percent opposed an “international intervention” to oust Maduro from power.

Venezuela's opposition has repeatedly called for hostile international organizations, such as the Organization of American States, to intervene in the internal affairs of Venezuela.

An even larger amount of people – 87 percent – opposed an international foreign military intervention in Venezuela.

The poll was based on 1,580 in-person surveys conducted throughout Venezuela between Oct. 11 and 22.