WASHINGTON

Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized the need for a "judicious transition of power" in Venezuela during a call with Organization of American States (OAS) Secretary General Albert Ramdin, the State Department said Thursday.

"Secretary Rubio reiterated the importance of the OAS as a forum for Member State-driven engagement to support a proper, judicious transition of power in Venezuela," it said in a readout of the call.

Rubio reinforced the secretariat’s role in "supporting stability throughout the hemisphere, including in Venezuela," it said.

Rubio also praised the OAS for "providing a forum for open exchange and constructive dialogue, and underscored the importance of keeping the institution focused on how best to address the challenges facing the people of Venezuela," according to the statement.

Last weekend, the US escalated the confrontation with a military operation in Venezuela, capturing President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. Trump later said his administration would "run" Venezuela and its oil assets during a transition period.