UN chief urges Venezuelans to ease tensions, engage in negotiations

UNITED NATIONS - United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Monday urged all Venezuelans to ease tensions and engage in negotiations, his spokesperson told reporters Monday, noting Guterres is closely following recent developments in Venezuela.

"In this critical moment for the future of the country, he urges all Venezuelans to make all possible efforts to lower tensions and engage in political negotiations," said Stephane Dujarric, when asked about the latest developments in the South American country.

The Secretary-General and other top UN officials have been calling for calm in Venezuela since late July when, according to media reports, clashes erupted between security forces and protestors opposing the Constituent Assembly elections.

According to media reports, President Nicolas Maduro declared victory in elections for a Constituent Assembly convened by him. The new body could replace the current legislative body, the National Assembly.