Gov't and dissent take the first step to release political prisoners

The first official meeting between representatives of opposition Unified Democratic Panel and the Venezuelan government concerning release of political prisoners and return of exiles was held on Monday evening at the Foreign Office.

The head of the parliament bloc for opposition AD party, Deputy Edgar Zambrano, reported that during the meeting that lingered three hours and five minutes, documents were delivered on several cases of political prisoners and exiles.

The congressman, who had previously requested a meeting with President Hugo Chávez to tackle the issue, specified that cordiality and political will prevailed in the meeting, as well as responsiveness in line with President Chávez's invitation to national dialogue.

"The Head of State commissioned Executive Vice-President Nicolás Maduro to work on the issue of the release of political prisoners, return of exiles and respect for parliament immunity, which we regard as a critical contribution to the country peace; we, the members of the Unified Democratic Panel, understand and accept the president's call after the (presidential) election of October 7," Zambrano concluded.