Political standoff worsens in Venezuela

Socialist government and the opposition announced talks to deal with a political standoff that has intensified since the suspension of a referendum drive to remove President Nicolas Maduro in Venezuela.

Demonstrators clash with riot police during a rally to demand a referendum

An injured youth is helped by his fellow demonstrators after clashes with riot police during a rally to demand a referendum 

Demonstrators clash with riot police during a student rally demanding a referendum 

A riot police officer fires into the air during clashes with opposition supporters in a rally

Demonstrators shout slogans in front of riot police during a student rally demanding a referendum 

A demonstrator speaks to members of Venezuelan National Guard during a student rally demanding a referendum

Demonstrators clash with riot police during a rally to demand a referendum

Demonstrators shout slogans in front of riot police during a student rally demanding a referendum

Supporters of Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro storm into in a session of the National Assembly in Caracas

A general view of Venezuela's National Assembly during a session in Caracas

Lilian Tintori (top C), wife of jailed Venezuelan opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez attends a rally to demand a referendum to remove Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro, next to Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado (top R), in Caracas,