Photo:Protesters in La Castellana, a neighborhood in eastern Caracas, Venezuela.

12 September 2017
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres today expressed his full support for a new initiative to negotiate a political solution to the situation in Venezuela.

In a statement from his spokesperson, the Secretary-General voiced encouragement for mediation ahead of a round of talks due to be held tomorrow in the Dominican Republic between Venezuela's Government and the opposition.

“The Secretary-General reiterates his firm conviction that the situation in Venezuela requires a political solution based on dialogue and compromise between the Government and the opposition to ensure peaceful coexistence among all Venezuelans,” according to the statement.

The spokesperson added that Mr. Guterres “encourages the Venezuelan political actors to seize this opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to address the country's challenges through mediation and peaceful means.”