By Josiah Williams
As tensions escalate in Venezuela, Dennis Francis, President of the United Nations General Assembly, has called for constructive dialogue to address the country’s political turmoil.
Speaking at a media briefing, Francis expressed the UN’s readiness to mediate discussions if invited by Venezuelan authorities.
“The UN promotes elections and would be willing, I’m sure if invited, to help and support the Venezuelan authorities and people to mediate between the players. That is a service the UN has performed since its inception,” Francis stated.
Amid violent protests and political unrest, Francis stressed the importance of dialogue to prevent further escalation.
He warned that increased tensions could lead to severe consequences both internally in Venezuela and externally.
“The more tense it becomes, the greater is the risk that it could get out of control. And if it gets out of control, there will be consequences internally in Venezuela and externally as well,” Francis cautioned.
Francis also addressed the support from some CARICOM countries for Nicolas Maduro’s presidential declaration, noting that it is a sovereign right for those nations.
He emphasized that this is a matter for CARICOM to handle as it sees fit.