China to work with EU in seeking political solution to Venezuela
CGTN
["china"]
China, the European Union, and many other countries have many important consensuses on the Venezuela issue, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang said, calling for an inclusive political solution through peaceful dialogue within the framework of the nation's constitution.
He made the remarks at a regular press conference on Wednesday when commenting on the work of the international Contact Group in Venezuela.
The European Union-backed International Contact Group on Venezuela said on Tuesday it could send a political mission to Caracas to pursue a solution to the country's ongoing crisis.
Speaking after a third meeting of the group in the Costa Rican capital San Jose, EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini said there should be no military intervention in Venezuela and urged all sides to avoid escalating tensions.
European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini speaks during a news conference after a meeting of the International Contact Group (IGC) to discuss their support for a political solution to Venezuela's political crisis, San Jose, Costa Rica, May 7, 2019. /Reuters Photo 

European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini speaks during a news conference after a meeting of the International Contact Group (IGC) to discuss their support for a political solution to Venezuela's political crisis, San Jose, Costa Rica, May 7, 2019. /Reuters Photo 

Geng Shuang stressed that China maintains that all countries should adhere to the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, especially the norms of international relations and international law, such as non-interference in each other's internal affairs, mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, and refraining from the threat of force.
China is willing to strengthen cooperation with the EU and relevant parties in Venezuela crisis, Geng noted.
The group's members, consisting of about a dozen countries from Europe and Latin America, and international governmental organizations, agreed to meet again soon to assess progress and the next steps.
The contact group formed in January, aiming to help create the conditions for Venezuela to emerge from the crisis.
(Cover: People hold lit candles while participating in a candlelight vigil held for victims of recent violence in Caracas, Venezuela May 5, 2019. /Reuters Photo)