WASHINGTON, United States  (CMC) — The United States (US) has reiterated the importance of the Organisation of American States (OAS) as a forum for engagement to “support a proper, judicious transition of power in Venezuela”.

The US State Department Principal Deputy Spokesperson, Tommy Pigott, said the US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio held talks with OAS Secretary General, Albert Ramdin “to reinforce the secretariat’s role in supporting stability throughout the hemisphere, including in Venezuela”.

Earlier this week, Ramdin told a special session of the OAS Permanent Council, that the hemispheric body is prepared to play a meaningful role in the future development of Venezuela as member countries were split over whether the United States’ decision to invade the South American country last Saturday, seizing its head of state, upholds accountability or undermines a foundational principle of international order.

Ramdin told the session that the Americas has historically aspired to be a zone of peace and that safeguarding this position “continues to be in the collective interest of all member states”.

He said with regards to Venezuela, the “commitment is clear”, and that morally, the member states owe the Venezuelan people “our solidarity”.

Pigott said that during the talks, Rubio thanked Ramdin “for providing a forum for open exchange and constructive dialogue, and underscored the importance of keeping the institution focused on how best to address the challenges facing the people of Venezuela”.

“Secretary Rubio reiterated the importance of the OAS as a forum for member state-driven engagement to support a proper, judicious transition of power in Venezuela,” he added.

The United States President Donald Trump has already indicated that Washington intends to “run” Venezuela for the foreseeable future after it deposed the country’s President Nicolas Maduro, who, along with his wife, is facing drug-related charges in the United States.