Venezuela bans anti-govt protests in capital

Anti-government protesters take cover from tear gas during clashes with the police in Caracas March 12, 2014. [Photo/Agencies]

CARACAS - Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on Wednesday announced a ban on violent anti-government protests which have roiled the capital Caracas for a month.

Maduro said his government "will put the brakes on" protest marches organized by the right-wing opposition in the capital, because "Caracas is living in peace."

The only solution to the political turmoil that has racked Venezuela since Feb 12 is for the right-wing "to sit at a table" and negotiate, Maduro said in an interview with Colombia's Radio Blu at the presidential office in Caracas.

"It would be irresponsible of us to let them march and -- as has been happening, after the bulk of the marchers have left -- have 300 violent groups left behind to burn and smash everything. And afterwards, when the public forces take action, they say that it's government repression," said Maduro.

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Motorcyclist rally supporting Venezuela's President Maduro