Ecuador's Lenin Moreno Rejects US Interference in Venezuela

Ecuadorian President Lenin Moreno called for respect of the principle of non-interference in the sovereign affairs of other states, in relation to threats issued by the United States against Venezuela.

RELATED:
Ecuador Demands Respect for Venezuela's Sovereignty

"We express our respect for the self-determination of nations and of non-interference," said Moreno Monday during the televised address he gives every week.

Moreno's words follow a threat made Friday by U.S. President Donald Trump that the country was exploring “many options regarding Venezuela, including a possible military option if necessary.”

For his part, Moreno said that "the sustenance of democracy is dialogue," reiterating calls made to the opposition by the government of President Nicolas Maduro for dialogue, with the intention of maintaining peace in the country.

Maduro has repeatedly called on the opposition to engage in dialogue with the government in order to reach a peaceful solution to the situation in the country, but some sectors of the opposition have instead insisted on violent street protests.

RELATED:
The World Reacts to Trump’s Military Threat Against Venezuela

Moreno expressed his deep solidarity with the Venezuelan people, lamenting the deaths of more than 120 people during opposition protests.

"Our deepest wish is that soon (Venezuela) will attain peace and that not one more drop of blood is spilt," he said in the message.

"Above all rights, above any ideology, life is sacred and untouchable," he concluded.

Ecuador's Foreign Ministry had previously criticized Trump's military threat in Venezuela, and rejected "any threat of a possible interference."

Trump's announcement also triggered a criticism in other countries in Latin America, including Colombia, as President Juan Manuel Santos said during a meeting with U.S. Vice President Mike Pence he rejected any military interference in Venezuela or any country in the region.