Quito, March 19 (teleSUR-RHC) Ecuador announced Wednesday that it could act as an intermediary to resolve a diplomatic crisis between Venezuela and the United States. Ecuadorean Foreign Minister Ricado Patiño explained that he hoped both countries could “reduce tensions” through mediated dialogue.

“Despite public differences, I think both countries are interested in dialogue. Maybe they need a little support, the help of brotherly countries; and if we can do that, we're delighted,” he said.

The option of international mediation was first suggested by the Venezuelan government earlier this week. Foreign ministers of the Boliviarian Alliance for the People of Our America (ALBA) will also participate in the mediating commission.

Diplomatic relations between Caracas and Washington have declined to their lowest level in years after the United States imposed new sanctions on Venezuela in late 2014.

Earlier this month, President Barack Obama stated Venezuela is a “threat” to national security and imposed another round of sanctions under a controversial executive order. The U.S. measures have been condemned by most of Latin America, including Ecuador.

Ecuadorean President Rafael Correa described Obama's executive order as “embarrassing.” “How can the United States possibly claim that Venezuela is a threat to their national security?” President Correa asked during his weekly address to the nation on Saturday. “It's the same story as always … what the United States is trying to do is destabilize the progressive governments in the region,” Correa stated.