Pope could mediate in Venezuela if both parties agree

By Beyza Binnur Donmez</p> <p>ANKARA (AA) – Pope Francis on Tuesday said he is ready to mediate to open dialogue in Venezuela if both parties seek it.</p> <p>Speaking to reporters en route from the United Arab Emirates, where he paid a brief visit, Pope said that he had not read yet a letter sent to him by Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro seeking the pontiff’s help in opening up dialogue.</p> <p>For mediation to occur, both parties must ask for it, said Francis, referring to Maduro and Juan Guaido, head of the opposition-led National Assembly, who last month declared himself Venezuela’s interim president.</p> <p>Maduro on Monday said he sent Francis a letter seeking his help in fostering dialogue in Venezuela.</p> <p>The country is about 70 percent Catholic.</p> <p>Venezuela has been rocked by protests since Jan. 10, when Maduro was sworn in for a second term following a vote boycotted by the opposition. </p> <p>Tensions climbed on Jan. 23 when Guaido declared himself interim president, but Maduro has so far refused calls to step down. </p> <p>He has accused the U.S. of orchestrating a coup against his government and said he is open to dialogue with the opposition. </p> <p>The U.S. has led an international campaign to apply economic and diplomatic pressure on Maduro, including sanctioning the country's state-owned oil company and a joint venture with its Nicaraguan counterpart. </p> <p>Russia, China, and Iran have put their weight behind Maduro, as has Turkey.</p> <p>