Havana, February 9 (RHC)-- Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez welcomed the Montevideo Mechanism, an initiative launched by Mexico, Uruguay, Bolivia and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) to boost constructive dialogue between the Venezuelan government and the country’s opposition towards finding a peaceful, negotiated solution to the current crisis.

Minister Bruno wrote on Twitter: “Dialogue and negotiation are the only paths to peace in Venezuela. We value that Mexico and Bolivia refused to sign the statement issued by the International Contact Group.”

The Montevideo Mechanism is a four-phased process, aimed at bringing the disputing parties closer together in a peaceful atmosphere. It seeks to avoid conflict and violence, since it is guided by the principles enshrined in the UN Charter of non-interference in the internal affairs of states and non-intervention, peaceful solution of the controversies, respect for human rights and self-determination.   The phases of the proposed Montevideo Mechanism are dialogue, negotiation, commitments and implementation.

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro came out in favor of the Mechanism, calling it “a valuable diplomatic path towards respectful dialogue.”   In statements to national and foreign press from Miraflores Palace, Maduro rejected the statement issued Thursday by the EU-backed International Contact Group, calling it ‘biased.’   However, the Venezuelan leader said he is ready and willing to meet with any envoy of the European Union, who is really interested in listening both sides of the story.”