Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on Sunday called for a national dialogue of all regional and opposition governors to address the recent protests that left 10 people dead.

The unrest began in early February when many protested against food shortages, police repression and the economic crisis.

Maduro supporters have held almost daily rallies, dressing in red to show their allegiance to Hugo Chavez, former president and mentor to Maduro. Most are elderly and denounce the mainly student opposition demonstrators as “fascists”.

The student protesters have demanded the release of those arrested after rallies. They also back opposition figure Leopoldo Lopez, held in a military prison since Tuesday and charged with inciting violence.

“I’ve taken the decision not to surrender” he told the crowds.

On Saturday, hundreds of thousands of opponents organised peace marches across several cities in Venezuela. Twenty five people were wounded when demonstrators were met with gas and lead shot by government forces.