Iran Press/ America: UN Chief Antonio Guterres on Thursday (Jan 24) appealed for dialogue to stop Venezuela's political crisis spiraling out of control after opposition leader Juan Guaido declared himself interim president.
What we hope is that dialogue can be possible and that we avoid an escalation that would lead to the kind of conflict that would be a disaster for the people of Venezuela and for the region, he said at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Iran Press reported.
Sovereign governments have the possibility to decide whatever they want, the UN secretary-general added on a Facebook Live broadcast from Davos.
What we are worried (about) is the suffering of the people of Venezuela, he also said.
In a statement, Guterres' office said he was concerned over reports of casualties in the context of demonstrations and unrest in Venezuela where fresh violence has killed at least 13 people this week.
Guterres called for a transparent and independent investigation of these incidents.
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet also said she was 'very worried' about the developments in Venezuela.
We hope that there will be a peaceful solution, the former Chilean president told AFP in Davos.
Backed by the support of the United States, Venezuela opposition leader Juan Guaido declared himself as interim president of Venezuela.
Speaking to people gathering in avenues in eastern Caracas on Wednesday, Guaido called for free elections in the country, Reuters reported.
In a statement minutes later, US President Donald Trump recognized Guaido as Venezuela’s legitimate interim president, and a Canadian official said Canada was preparing also to add its support.
This is while Nicolas Maduro was sworn on January 10 for his second term as Venezuela's president.
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Guaido’s declaration takes Venezuela into uncharted territory, with the possibility of the opposition now running a parallel government recognized by some countries including the US as legitimate but without control over state functions.
Meanwhile, in a clear response to Trump’s decision earlier on Wednesday to recognize Juan Guaido as Venezuela’s interim president, Maduro in a Wednesday statement outside his palace in the Venezuelan capital of Caracas officially broke off diplomatic ties between the US and his country. American diplomats now have 72 hours to leave Venezuela.
The incidents came after that following rumors of a military coup in Venezuela on Monday, Jan. 21, the Venezuelan government announced that the country is calm and the situation is under control.
The Venezuelan crisis has raised different reactions from the international community. Russia and Turkey have opposed US meddling in Venezuela's internal affairs.
Iranian Foreign Ministry also condemned the US unlawful measure in this regards, hoping that any political disagreements in Venezuela will be resolved as soon as possible by the people and government of the country through the adoption of legal and peaceful solutions.105/203
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