I’m not really sure why President Maduro thinks having his officials negotiate with President Obama is going to solve his problems with his own people.

CARACAS, Venezuela — Massive demonstrations by opponents and supporters of President Nicolas Maduro were underway Saturday in central Caracas as the official death toll rose to eight on the 10th day of civil unrest roiling Venezuela.

Leading the opposition demonstration in eastern Caracas was Liliana Tintori, wife of Leopoldo Lopez, the former Caracas borough mayor who was arrested last week and charged with inciting violence that by official count has also led 137 injuries. Lopez and other opposition leaders say armed pro-government vigilantes have been responsible for the deaths.

News media on Saturday reported two more deaths Friday night in Caracas. And in a surprise announcement at a late night news conference Friday, President Nicolas Maduro called on President Obama to enter into negotiations with Venezuelan officials to settle differences. He also rescinded a previous order expelling CNN news crews from Venezuela.