Russian FM denounces 'destructive' US policy in Venezuela

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has lashed out at the United States for its "destructive" policy on Venezuela, after Washington threw its weight behind the anti-government opposition and its self-proclaimed president despite international support for President Nicolas Maduro's legitimate government.

"The (US) policy concerning Venezuela, as with many other countries, is destructive in my opinion," he said, adding that "this (US) behavior is unacceptable. It undermines the principles of the UN Charter and the international community's standards,” Lavrov said during a press conference with his Moroccan counterpart, Nasser Bourita, in Morocco’s capital of Rabat on Friday.

The Russian foreign minister also called on the Venezuelan opposition group "not to be pawns in someone else's dirty game.”

Venezuela plunged into a political crisis earlier this week when a group of soldiers rose up against Maduro and sparked a number of protests that led to rival rallies between the socialist leader's supporters and opponents.

The president of the Latin American country's opposition-led National Assembly, Juan Guaido, then declared himself interim president of the country, a move that was immediately recognized by the administration of US President Donald Trump.

On Thursday, Russian President Vladimir Putin voiced support for the Maduro government "in the context of a domestic political crisis that has been provoked from the outside.”

Putin pledged to support Maduro against a “destructive external interference that grossly violates the most basic norms of the international law.”

Besides Russia, a number of other countries including Iran, China, Turkey, Bolivia, Mexico and Cuba have also sided with Maduro and condemned outside interference in Caracas.

At least 20 people have been reportedly killed in Venezuela's recent clashes, prompting UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet to call on Friday for an independent investigation into the deaths.

Shortly after the Trump administration's recognition of Guaido as Venezuela’s acting president, Maduro said he was severing diplomatic and political ties with Washington, ordering the closure of Venezuela’s embassy and consulates in the US.

The Venezuelan president also gave officials in the US diplomatic mission in Caracas 72 hours to leave the country.

Maduro: US training 'gringo agent' Guaido

During a televised speech in Caracas on Friday, Maduro accused the self-declared president of working on behalf of the United States.

"I know who he [Juan Guaido] is. He is an agent of the 'gringos' in Venezuela. They trained him as an agent and they put him in politics. He is an agent of the government of the United States, he knows and will receive and will fulfill orders from them," Maduro said.

The Venezuelan leader also welcomed Pompeo's call for an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council to address the situation.

"I welcome it, it's what we wanted. I was about to tell the chancellor, 'Ask for a debate in the Security Council.' Mike Pompeo beat me to it, he was faster than me. Thanks Mike. Thank you very much, Mr. Pompeo," Maduro added.

Maduro was sworn in for a second term earlier in January, after a vote marred by an opposition boycott and claims of vote-rigging.

Oil-rich Venezuela is currently mired in economic turmoil, with people grappling with hyperinflation, power cuts and shortages of basic items. 

Maduro and his supporters accuse the US for being behind the country’s economic crisis, saying Washington is plotting to topple the government.

The US has a long record for “regime change” campaigns in Venezuela and other South American countries.

SS