UNASUR to send ministerial commission to Venezuela

SANTIAGO, Chile (AP) — Foreign ministers from South America's UNASUR group of nations say they're sending a commission to Venezuela to oversee political dialogue toward recovering peace.

They made the decision during a meeting Wednesday in Chile's capital to discuss Venezuela's troubled political and social situation.

A month of student-led demonstrations in Venezuelan cities has left at least 25 dead, according to the government. Venezuelans are struggling with inflation that reached 56 percent last year and one of the world's highest murder rates.

The foreign ministers say they support Venezuelans in building a "dialogue between the government and all political forces and players."

Venezuelan Foreign Minister Elias Jaua told reporters after the meeting that his government is satisfied with UNASUR's resolution and feels backed by the bloc.