South Africa says Venezuelan people should decide their own future

The South African cabinet said the people of Venezuela should be afforded the opportunity to decide their own future.

"Drawing from our own experience in South Africa, we believe that a permanent solution can only be achieved from internal and inclusive political dialogue involving all affected parties in that country," the cabinet said after a fortnightly meeting in Cape Town on Thursday.

Acting cabinet spokesperson Phumla Williams said the South African cabinet is concerned about the unfolding situation in Venezuela, especially the humanitarian challenges that "require urgent attention."

South Africa commends efforts by the United Nations to provide humanitarian support to the Venezuelan people, Williams said.

Since beginning its one-year tenure as a non-permanent member at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on January 1, South Africa has called on "some countries and regional groups" not to interfere in the internal affairs of Venezuela.

South Africa's Department of International Relations and Cooperation has made it clear that its stance on Venezuela is premised on support for inclusive political dialogue to resolve the political crisis in the country, and that it is supportive of any legitimate efforts to provide humanitarian support to the Venezuelan people.

Venezuela has seen rising political tensions since January 23 when National Assembly President and opposition leader Juan Guaido declared himself interim president and was recognized by the United States and some other countries.

A US-backed drive to deliver "humanitarian aid" to Venezuela through border crossings on Feb. 23 met strong resistance from the Venezuelan government as President Nicolas Maduro believed the aid, mainly from the United States, is a smokescreen for a military invasion.

The Venezuelan government has closed borders with Brazil and Colombia and some air and sea routes.

US President Donald Trump has threatened that all options remain open to resolve the Venezuelan issue, including a military one.