US, Russia present rival UN draft resolutions on Venezuela
NEW YORK 10 Feb (ANA) - The United States has presented a draft resolution on Venezuela to the United Nations Security Council, triggering a Russian counterproposal.
The US draft resolution calls for international aid deliveries and presidential elections in Venezuela while stressing "deep concern with the violence and excessive use of force by Venezuelan security forces against unarmed, peaceful protesters".
The US expresses "full support for the National Assembly as the only democratically elected institution in Venezuela", said a copy of the text obtained by the AFP news agency.
In response, Moscow came up with an alternative resolution, expressing its concern for Venezuela's territorial integrity and political independence.
The Russian draft criticises any "attempts to intervene in matters which are essentially within the domestic jurisdiction of Venezuela".
The US is sponsoring a campaign for international recognition of Venezuelan opposition leader and head of the country's elected legislative body Juan Guaido over President Nicolas Maduro.
Last month, Guaido declared himself the interim head of state.
While no date has yet been set for a vote on the American draft, negotiations are ongoing.
Showing its support for President Maduro's regime, Russia will likely use its veto power to block the US resolution, according to diplomats.(ANA)
FA/ANA/10 February 2019--------