Caracas, Venezuela, Jul 2 (AP) Venezuela's government plans to resume negotiations with the US government this week, President Nicolas Maduro announced Monday, less than a month before a highly anticipated presidential election in which he is seeking a third term.

Maduro, during his weekly TV show, characterised the dialogue as “urgent.” He said he “agreed” to restart it Wednesday. It was not immediately clear whether the US government has agreed to it, too.

Also Read | Israel-Palestine Conflict: IDF Releases Around 50 Gazan Detainees, Including Al-Shifa Hospital Director Mohammed Abu Selmia.

The July 28 election is shaping up to be the biggest challenge the ruling United Socialist Party of Venezuela has faced in its 25-year dominance that began with the presidency of the fiery Hugo Chávez. The party seeks to control all branches of government for six more years, but its base is divided, diminished and disappointed.

Ten candidates, including Maduro, will be on the ballot. The only contender with a real chance of defeating the president is Edmundo González Urrutia, who represents the opposition's Unitary Platform coalition. (AP)

Also Read | Hurricane Beryl Update: Dangerous and Extremely Powerful Beryl Makes Landfall As Category 4 Hurricane on Caribbean Island of Carriacou.

(The above story is verified and authored by Press Trust of India (PTI) staff. PTI, India’s premier news agency, employs more than 400 journalists and 500 stringers to cover almost every district and small town in India.. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)