Caracas, August 4 (RHC)-- Five days after the nation voted, the elected members of Venezuela's National Constituent Assembly took their seats on Friday.  Residents of the Venezuelan capital marched through the streets of Caracas and accompanied the 545 members as they were installed at the Federal Legislative Palace in Caracas. 

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro said the Constituent Assembly will consolidate peace and unity in the country.  Maduro also welcomed the announced decision by some sectors of the opposition, including several political parties, to take part in December's regional elections. 

He said it was important to establish stability now after the campaign of violence generated by extremist opponents of the constitutional government.  

Meanwhile, the United States has repeated its threats to bring about regime change in Venezuela.  The State Department has issued a statement reiterating that it will not recognize the Constituent Assembly.