Mexican president reiterates backing for Venezuelan dialogue

MEXICO CITY - Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador on Monday reiterated his willingness to promote a negotiated solution to Venezuela's political crisis.

"Mexico's doors are open to finding a peaceful solution to the Venezuelan conflict," Lopez Obrador said at his daily press conference.

His statement came after Venezuela's embattled government over the weekend called on the international community to renew a push for dialogue between the ruling socialist party and the US-backed far-right opposition.

Venezuelan Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza on Sunday specifically lauded the Montevideo Mechanism, which was jointly proposed by Mexico and Uruguay and was backed by Bolivia and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), among other countries, as the best option so far to address the political crisis and avoid armed conflict.

Lopez Obrador said that it was not enough for one side in the conflict to agree to negotiate.

"We have proposed the two sides sit down to talk ... it's just that you need both camps to agree. In this case, you also need to have the consent of the opposition group. Both sides have to request it, ask for it, and we will help," the president said.

On Monday, Arreaza again cited the Montevideo Mechanism and its four-step plan to diffuse the rising tensions between the left and right, and promote negotiation as the "most logical" alternative.

According to Arreaza, Venezuela's moderate conservatives would welcome talks, even though the more outspoken far-right elements reject dialogue.

Countries, including Mexico, "have felt a wall in the Venezuelan opposition that doesn't want dialogue," but there still are sectors willing to negotiate, he said.