Lavrov, Pompeo discuss Venezuela, Golan Heights, Ukraine

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo discussed issues of Venezuela, the Golan Heights and Ukraine during a phone call on Monday.

"Washington's attempts to organize a coup in Venezuela and threats against its legitimate government are in violation of the UN Charter and undisguised interference in the internal affairs of a sovereign state," Lavrov said, according to a foreign ministry statement.

The U.S. intention to recognize Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights leads to the violation of international law, impedes the settlement of the Syrian crisis, and aggravates the situation throughout the Middle East, he said.

U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday signed a proclamation recognizing Israel's sovereignty over the disputed Golan Heights, territory that Israel seized from Syria in 1967.

Lavrov also drew Pompeo's attention to the unacceptability of Washington's playing into the hands of Kiev in sabotaging the implementation of the Minsk accords to resolve the internal Ukrainian conflict, according to the statement.

Noting the fundamental differences in the positions of Russia and the United States, Lavrov and Pompeo agreed to continue contacts and exchange of assessments on the aforementioned and other issues, as well as on problematic aspects of bilateral relations.

(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)