ROME — Russia and the United States remain split on how to resolve the crisis in Venezuela, officials from both powers said Tuesday after talks in Rome. Elliott Abrams, the Trump administration’s special envoy to Venezuela, met Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov to discuss the situation in the Latin American country. Speaking to Russian media, Ryabkov emphasized the need for dialogue with the U.S. but warned Washington against military intervention. President Donald Trump has said “all options are on the table” regarding Venezuela, which Russia interprets as a refusal to exclude military force, Ryabkov said. Pope Francis has reportedly written to Maduro indicating conditions aren’t ripe for the Vatican to step in and help mediate.

Source: National Post March 19, 2019 16:52 UTC