Russian foreign ministry cites international law and "constructive dialogue" in comments on Venezuela

Russia's Foreign Ministry has wished success to Venezuela's acting president Delcy Rodríguez. In a cynical statement, Moscow said that the conflict in Venezuela should be resolved through "constructive dialogue" and respect for the UN Charter.

Source: Russian state media Interfax, citing Russian Foreign Ministry

Quote: "We reaffirm Russia's unwavering solidarity with the Venezuelan people and government.

We wish success to authorised president D Rodríguez in addressing the tasks facing the Bolivarian Republic.

For our part, we express readiness to continue providing the necessary support to our friendly Venezuela...

We consistently advocate deescalation of the current situation and resolving any existing problems through constructive dialogue and respect for international legal norms, first and foremost the UN Charter."

Details: Russia, which has backed Nicolás Maduro, also said that "Venezuela must be guaranteed the right to determine its own destiny without any destructive interference from outside".

Read more: Strength over law: how the US operation in Venezuela empowered Moscow and exposed its own weakness

Background:

• After a US special operation in which Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro was seized and taken to the United States to stand trial on drug trafficking charges, Delcy Rodríguez became Venezuela's interim president on 5 January.
• US President Donald Trump has said that the United States will govern Venezuela until a clear and safe transfer of power takes place there.
• Donald Trump has also suggested that Washington could carry out a second military operation in Venezuela if acting president Delcy Rodríguez does not cooperate with US officials.
• The Wall Street Journal has reported that a CIA assessment saw senior figures from Nicolás Maduro's regime in Venezuela, including vice-president Delcy Rodríguez, as the best prepared to lead an interim government in Caracas, which became one of the decisive factors in the White House's decision.
• Vasily Nebenzya, Russia's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, has called on the United States to immediately release Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and his wife, who are being held in custody in New York. Russia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned what it called US armed aggression against Venezuela on 3 January and said it is deeply concerned.

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