Venezuela President Nicolas Maduro suggested talks with opposition parties before a crucial vote.
The government has barred protests in the run up to a poll to elect a constituent assembly, but demonstrators intend to defy the ban.
A national strike led by the opposition is now in its second day.
Al Jazeera’s John Holman reports from Caracas.
– Subscribe to our channel: http://aje.io/AJSubscribe
– Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/AJEnglish
– Find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aljazeera
– Check our website: http://www.aljazeera.com/