The Russian Foreign Ministry said Saturday it is ready for consultations on the Venezuela crisis with the United States in accordance with the principles of the UN Charter, .
According to the statement, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov condemned what he called America’s “flagrant interference” and “destructive influence” in Venezuela, in a telephone conversation with his US 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 his foreign ministry.
“In connection with Washington’s proposal to hold bilateral consultations on Venezuelan issues, it is indicated that we are ready for this, but it is necessary to strictly follow the principles of the UN Charter, since only Venezuelans have the right to determine their future,” the statement said.
On Thursday, the UN Security Council failed to adopt two competing draft resolutions on Venezuela, sponsored by the United States and Russia respectively.
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 channelled through President Nicolas Maduro and Washington slapping on sanctions over the blocking of US aid.
Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido, whom the U.S. has recognized as interim president, had hoped to bring in the stockpiles of food, which the US coordinated with Colombia and Brazil.
On Friday, Lavrov held talks with Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez in Moscow when he promised that Russia would maintain its support for the government, including with aid supplies, as Venezuela faces an economic meltdown, with hyperinflation and a lack of basic products.
