Iran calls for dialogue in Venezuela

TEHRAN

Iran’s Foreign Ministry on Tuesday called for dialogue in Venezuela as a way to resolve the situation in Venezuela.

In a statement, ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi said the Islamic Republic was closely following developments in Venezuela.

"Chaos cannot be a solution to political discrepancies in Venezuela in any way," Mousavi said.

He went on to call for dialogue and finding settlements for the problems of the citizens by the loyal powers and under the leadership of the legitimate government.

Earlier Tuesday, Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido released a video in which he could be seen alongside a small contingent of uniformed military personnel and armored vehicles calling for an uprising to end the "usurpation" of President Nicolas Maduro.

He stressed that it was the beginning of the final phase of "Operacion Libertad", or Operation Liberty, to oust Maduro.

"The National Armed Forces have made the correct decision. They have the support of the Venezuelan people," Guaido said.

He also called on Venezuelans to take to the streets to support the "democratic forces" and "recover the country's freedom".

Writing By Mahmoud Barakat