Pro-govt. rallies continue in Venezuela

Thousands of government supporters in Venezuela have taken to the streets of the capital Caracas as anti-government protesters set up barricades and start fires.

On Monday, Venezuela was once again the scene of rival demonstrations as opponents and supporters of the government continued their rallies.

Bikers rode in a convoy to the presidential palace to attend a demonstration in support of President Nicolas Maduro.

Addressing the rally, Maduro blamed the opposition for bringing in “mercenaries” to fuel the unrest and causing problems for the sick by setting up blockades that have prevented them from getting to hospital.

“They (anti-government protesters) have affected the health of thousands of people in these communities that they have cut off,” he said.

Meanwhile, in other areas of the capital, anti-government protesters barricaded the main roads and set fire to trash.

The opposition criticizes Maduro’s administration for the country’s high crime rate and economic hardships, claiming that his polices have led to shortages of essential goods and high inflation.

Maduro, who accuses the US of backing the opposition in trying to topple his government, unveiled a new peace initiative on Saturday.

“I am calling on the Venezuelan people to join me Wednesday in a national peace conference with all the country’s political sectors … so we Venezuelans can try to neutralize violent groups,” he said.

He also added that US Secretary of State John Kerry’s remarks about the use of “unacceptable” force on protesters by the government had given violent groups a “green light” to continue their brutalities.

According to Maduro, Washington backs the unrest in a bid to launch a coup d’état in the South American country.

Venezuela has witnessed nearly two weeks of anti-government protests that have claimed the lives of 13 people and injured 150 others.