Colombian, Brazilian presidents discuss situation in Venezuela by phone

BRASILIA -- Colombian President Gustavo Petro and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva held a phone conversation on Thursday to discuss the situation in Venezuela, the Brazilian government said.

According to a statement from the Brazilian government, both leaders expressed deep concern over the use of force against the South American country, in violation of international law, the UN Charter and Venezuela's sovereignty.

"They stressed that such actions constitute an extremely dangerous precedent for regional peace and security, as well as for the international order," the statement said.

The two presidents agreed that the situation in Venezuela must be resolved exclusively through peaceful means, negotiation and respect for the will of the Venezuelan people.

Both leaders welcomed the announcement made earlier on Thursday by Venezuela's National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez regarding the release of "a significant number" of Venezuelan and foreign prisoners.

The statement also noted that at Venezuela's request, Lula will send 40 tonnes of supplies and medicines to replenish dialysis materials and other medical products stored at a supply center affected by the US bombings on Jan 3.

"Brazil and Colombia reaffirmed their intention to continue cooperating for peace and stability in Venezuela, a country with which they share extensive borders. They also recalled the large contingents of Venezuelan migrants both nations have welcomed in recent years," the statement said.