NICARAGUAN President Daniel Ortega will meet with students for peace talks in a bid to end political unrest in the country.

Demonstrations across Nicaragua have turned increasingly violent, fuelled by anger over pension and social security reforms that were approved by the government almost two weeks ago.

Student protesters have formed the April 19 University Movement calling for political reform and an end to violent attacks by the police and state authorities.

However, the government has said the protests are part of a co-ordinated attempt to destabilise Nicaragua and suspects the involvement of the United States, which has a long history of interference in the region.

Vice-President Rosario Murillo said talks with business and social organisations would resume, following Mr Ortega’s announcement earlier this week that the reforms had been scrapped.

Mr Murillo said the violence was the work of those “who celebrate the rupture of peace."

The government has called for peace and invited the Catholic Church to act as a mediator between the two sides.

The students were invited to take part in discussions by the Episcopal Conference of Nicaragua to “avoid more blood spilling.”

Student spokeswoman Valeska Valle said: ““As young people promoting peace and respect for democracy while avoiding more blood spilling, we accept the invitation extended by the Episcopal Conference of Nicaragua to take part in the dialogue table to pay respect to all students and our political constitution.”

Mr Ortega reiterated a call for a broad discussion of reforms to social security laws, tax regulations and other issues.