Russia Condemns US Interference in Venezuela as 'Self-Centered'

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov soundly defended Venezuela against the United States and its “self-centered” international interference during the United Nations Assembly Friday.

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Lavrov reaffirmed Russia’s solidarity for the Latin American country and strongly condemned President Donald Trump’s attacks against his Venezuelan counterpart, Nicolas Maduro, and the Bolivarian nation in light of a fresh round of sanctions announced a week prior.

“We see the desire of several Western nations to preserve their self-proclaimed status as world leaders ... and do not hesitate to use any methods including political blackmail, economic pressure, and brute force," he said.

The Russian official denounced Western attempts to substitute “rules-based order” for “supremacy of law,” which he said only serves the “parochial, self-serving ambitions of a small group of countries.”

"Russia reaffirmed its ongoing solidarity with Venezuela’s people and government in their fight for the right to independent development, free of any destructive foreign influence, let alone forceful intervention,"  Lavrov said.

On Tuesday, U.S. President Donald Trump said a military coup against the government of Nicolas Maduro in Venezuela could succeed "quickly" if the Venezuelan Armed Forces decided to organize it, and confirmed that he is keeping the military option on the table in the face of the crisis in that country.

The United States imposed new sanctions on Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's wife and several of his top allies as Trump urged members of the United Nations to support a "restoration of democracy" during his speech at the United Nations.

Minister Lavrov urged those of the international delegation opposed to Maduro’s administration to promote dialogue rather than “choosing to side in the internal conflict.”

Earlier last week during, Russia reaffirmed its support to Venezuela as well as its hopes to arrange an intergovernmental trade and economic commission next month.