Russia, Iran issue new statements in support of Venezuela
The Russian and Iranian foreign ministries both issued new statements of support for Venezuela on Tuesday. Both nations have been long-term partners of Caracas and backers of deposed President Nicolas Maduro's government.

Russia's Foreign Ministry said the appointment of interim President Delcy Rodriguez demonstrates Caracas' "determination to ensure unity and preserve the vertical structure of power" in the face of what it called "blatant neocolonial threats and armed aggression from outside."
"We reaffirm Russia's unwavering solidarity with the Venezuelan people and government," the statement said. "We express our readiness to continue providing the necessary support to our friend Venezuela."
"We firmly believe that Venezuela must be guaranteed the right to determine its own destiny without any destructive external interference," the ministry added.
Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei, meanwhile, said in a statement that "violating the sovereignty and territorial integrity of other countries is unjustifiable under any circumstances. The actions of the United States run counter to international laws and regulations."
"Such practices will have negative consequences for the entire international community," he added. "The actions of the United States should be condemned and opposed by the international community, and all parties involved must bear full responsibility for their actions."
-ABC News' Will Gretsky






