Russia to meet US officials in Rome for talks on Venezuela crisis

Russian and US diplomats are to meet in Rome todiscuss the crisis in Venezuela on Tuesday, according to the ForeignMinistry in Moscow.Russia is to reiterate its position that a US military interventionin the South American country would be inappropriate, deputy foreignminister Sergei Ryabkov told the Interfax news agency on Sunday. Consultations are planned with US Special Representative forVenezuela Elliott Abrams, Ryabkov said. Russia wants to see Venezuelaresolve domestic unrest through dialogue.Oil-rich Venezuela is in the grips of a crisis pitting embattledleader Nicolas Maduro against self-declared interim president JuanGuaido. The United States is among those states backing Guaido, whileRussia continues to support Maduro.Ryabkov told Interfax that Moscow and Washington's positions arediametrically opposed but said this was no reason not to speak to oneanother. The official also warned the US not to interfere in Russia'srelations with Venezuela.Millions of people have fled Venezuela due to dire living conditionsas a result of hyperinflation.Russia is assisting Venezuela by delivering medication and food, andhelping officials there to weather US sanctions. Venezuela also buysweapons and borrows money from Russia.