Talks between government and opposition mark a new chapter for Venezuela

Caracas, Venezuela – Nieves Jose Benitez earns just $0.17 a month as a high-school teacher in Venezuela's Delta Amacuro state. It’s not enough to cover a single bus fare to work.

At 72, he had hoped to retire by now. But there are few qualified teachers left where he lives. Delta Amacuro, on the eastern border with Guyana, is one of Venezuela’s most remote regions. Many experienced professionals have migrated away.

Benitez relies on odd jobs or hunting animals to put food on the table, as well as money sent from relatives abroad.

But this week, he was in the country’s capital, Caracas, to demand change. Along with dozens of other workers and pensioners, he marched towards the Gran Melia, a towering five-star hotel encircled by riot police where a historic meeting was under way.

For six days, Venezuela's government held an inaugural round of talks with the country's opposition to discuss reforms. The meeting concluded on Wednesday.

It was the first time the two sides had met since the United States abducted and imprisoned former Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, who had led a crackdown on dissident voices.

Benitez was optimistic about the outcome. He hopes the two sides can implement measures to increase salaries and eventually elect a new government.

"There's nothing better than dialogue. We have to find solutions," he said.