OSLO 26 May (ANA) - Representatives of Venezuela's government and opposition are returning to Norway's capital, Oslo, for talks on how to address the political crisis.

The meeting, scheduled for next week, was confirmed by Norway's government, which reiterated its commitment to helping to find a solution.

Discussions were held there earlier this month, but the opposition says there were no face-to-face meetings. 

Venezuela has been in political crisis for months amid a power struggle.

Opposition leader Juan Guaidó declared himself interim president in January, arguing that the presidency was vacant because Nicolás Maduro's re-election last year was "illegitimate". 

But Mr Maduro has refused to cede power.

Norway's foreign ministry released a statement saying the "main political actors in Venezuela" would take part in the discussions, as it reiterated its commitment to "supporting the search for an agreed-upon solution" to the crisis. 

Preliminary discussions, with each side talking separately with Norwegian officials, were held earlier this month. 

Mr Guaidó confirmed in a statement that his representatives "will talk with both the Norwegian government and with representatives of the regime" in the upcoming discussions. 

The opposition delegation will be headed by deputy parliament speaker Stalin Gonzalez and former Caracas area Mayor Gerardo Blyde, both of whom were involved in the initial talks, he said. 

Venezuelan Communications Minister Jorge Rodriguez and the governor of Miranda province, Hector Rodriguez, are expected to lead the government delegation, after attending the previous round. 

Mr Maduro thanked Norway on Twitter for its mediation efforts. 

He said (in Spanish) his delegation was "ready to work on a comprehensive agenda and move towards the signing of agreements."

Previous attempts at mediation between the two Venezuelan sides have failed. However, Norway has in the past successfully mediated in the Colombian armed conflict.(ANA)

FA/ANA/26 May 2019-------