The Organization of American States' (OAS) resolution on Venezuela is legally nonviable and therefore "nonexistent," Venezuelan Communication and Information Minister Jorge Rodriguez said Wednesday.
On Tuesday, about two-thirds of OAS members agreed on a U.S.-backed resolution that could pave the way to Venezuela's suspension from the hemispheric bloc, but the measure contravenes the organization's own charter, said Rodriguez.
"That resolution is nonexistent for Venezuela and it is nonexistent for international law ... since it violates something that is above the resolution, which is the OAS charter," Rodriguez told reporters at a press conference.
The resolution also refuses to recognize the legitimacy of the May 20 elections with Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro being reelected for a second term, although the charter states that the OAS cannot interfere in the internal affairs of member states, said Rodriguez, describing the U.S. maneuver as "a failure."
"They did not succeed. They failed again. They needed 24 votes ... and with 19 they approved a resolution that absolutely violates the OAS charter," the minister said.
"What's the point of Venezuela being in an organization that does not even respect its own founding charter?" Rodriguez asked.
Venezuela said last year that it had started a two-year process to pull out of the OAS.
The minister criticized the United States for leaning on countries to vote its way.
However, Venezuela reaffirms its willingness to engage in dialogue with the United States.
"We are going to insist: Civilized nations have to have dialogue, to get closer, they have to use the tools of international law," said Venezuelan Foreign Affairs Minister Jorge Arreaza at a press conference in Washington, following his meeting with a U.S. senator.
The United States has taken a hard-line stance towards the South American country, rejecting dialogue in favor of imposing economic and financial sanctions.
The OAS held its General Assembly on June 4 and 5. The resolution to call an extraordinary assembly to vote on suspending Venezuela's membership was passed with 19 votes in favor, four against and 11 abstentions.
