Uruguayan Foreign Minister Rodolfo Nin Novoa on Tuesday reiterated his country's commitment to a "negotiated solution" to the existing crisis in Venezuela as well as its refusal to recognize opposition leader Juan Guaido as the "interim president."
Before the permanent committee of the Parliament, Nin Novoa said that "we advocate understanding, for peace, we want a peaceful solution for Venezuela. We are prepared to help via all peaceful means within our reach, without false recognition."
In addition, he said, "We are not willing to contribute to increased polarization of the positions, with grave risk of a civil or military encounter including foreign intervention."
He said Uruguay would not recognize a president who was not elected by the people and who proclaimed himself president in a questionable interpretation of the Venezuelan Constitution taken out of context, he said.
"Uruguay will continue to promote the search for a negotiated solution, but never through violent means," he added.
Venezuela is currently in a difficult economic and political situation as Guaido declared himself interim president on Jan. 23 and was recognized by the United States and some other countries, 10 days after Nicolas Maduro was inaugurated as president.
Maduro was reelected in 2018. His first term of presidency began in April 2013.
