Russia says Venezuela is the target of a 'frontal attack' and 'blatant intervention'.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov declared that Venezuela is the target of a frontal attack and blatant interference in its internal affairs, and reaffirmed solidarity with the people and legitimate government of Venezuela during talks with Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez. "In the current situation, I would especially like to emphasize that President Putin conveys words of support and solidarity to his colleague and friend, President Nicolás Maduro," Lavrov said.
247, with Sputnik - Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov declared that Venezuela is the target of a frontal attack and blatant interference in its internal affairs, and reaffirmed solidarity with the people and legitimate government of Venezuela, during talks with Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez.
"In the current situation, I would especially like to emphasize that President Putin conveys words of support and solidarity to his colleague and friend, President Nicolás Maduro," said Lavrov.
According to the Russian minister, Russia and Venezuela are cooperating closely and coordinating their actions on the international stage. Now, this fact takes on even greater importance in the context of a frontal attack and blatant intervention in Venezuela's internal affairs.
"Venezuela is a long-standing and reliable partner. And today we reaffirm our solidarity with the people and the legitimate government of Venezuela in their efforts to defend their sovereignty and independence. We are united in the need for all countries, without exception, to unconditionally comply with the fundamental principles enshrined in the UN Charter, including, above all, the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries," declared the Russian diplomat.
Lavrov noted that Russia will categorically oppose this pressure and attempts to interfere in the country's internal affairs, and will defend the ideals, norms, and principles of the Charter of the United Nations.
"Before the eyes of the whole world, a campaign is underway to overthrow Maduro, including by military means," the minister stated, adding that the resolution of the Venezuelan crisis must be carried out without external pressure or ultimatums.
According to Lavrov, Russia is concerned about US plans to arm the Venezuelan opposition by purchasing firearms and mortars in Eastern Europe and sending these weapons to the opposition.
Lavrov does not rule out the scenario in which the US triggers actions in violation of all possible norms, while stating that there is no country, apart from one or two of the US's closest allies, that supports military intervention in Venezuela.
The US military intervention in Venezuela will reveal its true motives, Lavrov said, indicating that it is not about democracy, but about the desire to subjugate everyone to the US.
"This is the position of a country that allegedly cares about the humanitarian situation in Venezuela, is ready to organize provocations at the border, as happened on February 23, but in reality wants nothing more than the delegitimization of the official government and the legitimate president, Nicolás Maduro," Lavrov emphasized.
Russia is ready to join the efforts of regional and international mediators to promote dialogue and resolve the crisis in Venezuela, he added. However, the opposition continually rejects such a format, following orders from Washington. Maduro is willing to engage in dialogue with the opposition without preconditions, but Juan Guaidó is against it, he stated.
Russia "supports President Maduro's steps aimed at resolving the country's socioeconomic problems," according to the minister. He also expressed confidence that the high-level commission meeting in April will contribute to this process.