BERLIN

Germany and Switzerland on Friday called for a peaceful solution to the escalating US-Venezuela crisis.

“I think we should continue to push for a bilateral agreement between the United States of America and Venezuela,” said German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul at a press briefing with his Swiss counterpart Ignazio Cassis in Berlin.

“I don't believe we should comment further on speculation at this time; rather, we are counting on both sides recognizing that this issue needs to be resolved and that a good bilateral agreement can be reached,” he added.

Wadephul’s remarks were echoed by the Swiss foreign minister, who said his country has been trying to “facilitate the dialogue between Venezuela and the USA for years.”

“We will intensify it (the dialogue) even further. I believe it is in everyone's interest to prevent another war from breaking out,” Cassis said.

Senior military officials reportedly briefed US President Donald Trump on revised options for possible operations in Venezuela, including ground strikes. ​​​​​​​

Earlier this week, the USS Gerald Ford carrier strike group moved into the area overseen by US Southern Command, the combatant command responsible for military operations in the Caribbean and South America. The Ford is now operating alongside a group of destroyers, military aircraft, and special operations units already in the region, the report said.

Over the past two months, the US military has carried out deadly attacks on at least 21 vessels it claims were transporting drugs from South America to the United States.