Mexico willing to mediate in Venezuelan crisis

By Beyza Binnur Donmez

ANKARA (AA) - Mexico is willing to mediate in Venezuela’s political conflict, President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said Friday.

Obrador said the Mexican Constitution establishes that foreign policy must be attached to the principles of non-intervention, self-determination of peoples and peaceful settlement of disputes.

"It is not about we are in favor or against anyone, we are for defending the constitutional principles of foreign policy," he told reporters.

Lopez Obrador stressed that if all parties in Venezuela request it, Mexico is in the best disposition to help in a dialogue.

The Secretary of Foreign Affairs Marcelo Ebrard already has instructions "to support to the best of our ability, without interference in the conflict and without taking sides," he added.

On Wednesday, Venezuelan National Assembly President Juan Guaido declared himself president and called for mass anti-government protests that have filled streets across the country.

Guaido was recognized by the U.S., Canada and several Latin American nations.

Maduro condemned the move, saying his country would cut relations with the U.S. and gave American diplomats 72 hours to leave the country.

Russia, China, Turkey and Iran have put their weight behind incumbent President Nicolas Maduro.