Brazilian President Suggests Maduro Hold Re-election

JAKARTA - Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva suggested that Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro could hold a re-election with international observers as a potential solution to the political crisis in his neighboring country.

Lula also said the 'coal government' could be another solution for Venezuela after the July 28 presidential election, which the opposition claims has won.

"If (Maduro) has common sense, he can convey this to the people, perhaps calling for a new election with a non-partisan election committee," Lula said in a radio interview.

Brazilian president said he still did not recognize Maduro as the winner of the election and said his government should publish an unreleased vote count.

"Maduro knows he owes an explanation to the world," said Lula.