Russia voices support for Venezuela

Russia on Monday called on Western nations not to interfere in Venezuela’s internal affairs, observe that country’s Constitution and show respect for the democratically elected president, Nicolás Maduro.

“The key is respect for the Constitution and the democratically elected authorities of Venezuela, led by President Nicolás Maduro,” the Russian Foreign Office said in an official note.

Moscow deems “unacceptable any foreign meddling in the internal affairs of a sovereign State,” the note said.

“We have received with concern alarming reports coming from friendly Venezuela. We make an appeal to find a solution to the problems by means of a peaceful dialogue,” the note continues.

The statement further asked foreign powers to renounce attempts at instigating anti-government actions and acts of violence and provoking destabilization in the Latin American country.

Last week, Russia expressed its “solidarity with the government and people of this friendly nation” and vowed its “firm support for a policy that aims to prevent destabilization.”

Last July in Moscow, Maduro renewed Venezuela’s strategic alliance with Russia, forged more than a decade ago by the late President Hugo Chávez.

(Photo on top is of Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.)