Peru says it has invited 100 countries, including the United States, China and Russia, to a meeting on Venezuela next month.

Peruvian Foreign Minister Nestor Popolizio says the meeting will be held in the capital, Lima, on August 6.

Some media quote him as saying that representatives of the government of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and the opposition were not invited.

This would be the first international meeting to include supporters from both sides of the political divide in Venezuela.

The United States has stepped up sanctions on Maduro's government, and supports the self-declared interim president, opposition leader Juan Guaido.

Backed by Russia and China, Maduro has taken control of the military and the judicial branch of the government and is increasing the pressure on Guaido.

The rival camps in Venezuela remain firm in their positions. The United Nations says four million Venezuelans have fled to neighboring countries.

NHK