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Opposition Leader: Venezuela Anti-Government Effort Advances

by Associated Press

   CARACAS, VENEZUELA --

   A key anti-government leader in Venezuela says the nation's fractured
   opposition is advancing in its efforts to unite around a new plan of
   action.

   Henrique Capriles said in an interview this week with The Associated
   Press that meetings in recent weeks with other anti-government leaders
   had been productive.

   The former presidential candidate and former governor said the
   opposition's challenge now is to unite teachers, nurses and other
   frustrated Venezuelans who have recently begun holding small protests
   around the nation to project a single political message.

   He acknowledged the opposition has struggled to mobilize disenchanted
   voters but said now is the time to unite, or "we'll disappear.''

   He also said that Venezuela's crippling economic crisis could soon
   force embattled President Nicolas Maduro back to the negotiating table.