Venezuela's Maduro says will not restart talks with opposition until ally freed

Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro holds a small Venezuelan Constitution as he delivers remarks next to his wife Cilia Flores, after casting his vote during the election for state governors and local mayors, in Caracas, Venezuela November 21, 2021. REUTERS/Fausto Torrealba

CARACAS (Reuters) - Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro said on Sunday there will be no renewed talks with opposition politicians until "the kidnap" of a prominent government envoy Alex Saab - who was extradited to the United States - comes to an end.

Last month Venezuela's government withdrew from negotiations in Mexico which had started in August following Saab's extradition in October. Saab, a Colombian businessman, is accused by U.S. prosecutors in Miami of money laundering.