Russian and US diplomats are to meet in Rome to
discuss the crisis in Venezuela on Tuesday, according to the Foreign
Ministry in Moscow.
Russia is to reiterate its position that a US military intervention
in the South American country would be inappropriate, deputy foreign
minister Sergei Ryabkov told the Interfax news agency on Sunday.
Consultations are planned with US Special Representative for
Venezuela Elliott Abrams, Ryabkov said. Russia wants to see Venezuela
resolve domestic unrest through dialogue.
Oil-rich Venezuela is in the grips of a crisis pitting embattled
leader Nicolas Maduro against self-declared interim president Juan
Guaido.
The United States is among those states backing Guaido, while
Russia continues to support Maduro.
Ryabkov told Interfax that Moscow and Washington's positions are
diametrically opposed but said this was no reason not to speak to one
another. The official also warned the US not to interfere in Russia's
relations with Venezuela.
Millions of people have fled Venezuela due to dire living conditions
as a result of hyperinflation.
Russia is assisting Venezuela by delivering medication and food, and
helping officials there to weather US sanctions. Venezuela also buys
weapons and borrows money from Russia.
Russia is to reiterate its position that a US military intervention in the South American country would be inappropriate, deputy foreign minister Sergei Ryabkov said.
