Latin America
09:19, 03-Mar-2019
Lavrov condemns 'flagrant interference' by U.S. in Venezuela
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Russian Foreign Secretary Sergei Lavrov on Saturday condemned what he called America's "flagrant interference" and "destructive influence" in Venezuela, in a telephone conversation with his U.S. counterpart Mike Pompeo.
"The provocation and external destructive influence, under the hypocritical pretext of humanitarian aid has nothing to do with the democratic process," said Lavrov, in comments cited by the Russian foreign ministry.
The strong criticism came a day after the United States and Russia clashed over how to assist crisis-wracked Venezuela, with Moscow pledging new relief channeled through President Nicolas Maduro and Washington slapping sanctions over the blocking of U.S. aid.
Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores visit the construction site of a hotel complex in Caraballeda, Venezuela, on March 2, 2019. /VCG Photo
Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores visit the construction site of a hotel complex in Caraballeda, Venezuela, on March 2, 2019. /VCG Photo
During his conversation with Pompeo, Lavrov condemned "the American threats against the legitimate government" in Venezuela, accusing Washington of "flagrant interference in the internal affairs of a sovereign state and the shameless violation of international law."
The Russian Foreign Minister added that Moscow was prepared to hold bilateral talks with the U.S. on the Venezuela issue while stressing that "only the Venezuelans have the right to decide their future."
Lavrov and Pompeo also discussed the situations in Syria, Afghanistan and the Korean peninsula, according to the Moscow statement.
On Friday Lavrov held talks with Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez in Moscow. He promised that Russia would maintain its support to the Venezuelan government with aid supplies as the Latin American country faces economic meltdown with hyperinflation and a lack of basic products.
(Cover: Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez (L) and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov (R) shake hands after a joint press conference following their meeting in Moscow on March 1, 2019. /VCG Photo)
Source(s): AFP