Venezuela Would Oppose Military Intervention In Libya, Calls For Dialogue

This image broadcast on Libyan state television Tuesday, Feb. 22, 2011, shows Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi as he addresses the nation in Tripoli, Libya. Libya's Gadhafi vowed to fight on against protesters demanding his ouster and die as martyr. (AP Photo/Libya State Television via APTN) (AP2011)

Venezeuala's top diplomat called for dialogue between allies and adversaries of Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi.and reiterated that his country would oppose military intervention in the country.

Foreign Minister Nicolas Maduro also said Venezuela would oppose any decision by the U.N Security Council opening the way for military intervention in Libya -- which leading-decision makers within the United Nations have so far ruled out.

"We hope they know how to find the paths toward national dialogue, that they know how find the paths toward national reconciliation," Maduro said of the opposing camps in Libya.

Maduro did not address the U.N. Security Council's unanimous decision Saturday to impose an arms embargo on Libya as part of an effort to halt Gadhafi's deadly crackdown on protesters.
Council members also agreed to refer the crackdown to a permanent war crimes tribunal for an investigation of possible crimes against humanity.

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has neither condemned nor defended efforts to quell the popular rebellion against his rule, but he threw his support behind Gadhafi on Saturday.

"We support Libya's independence, its government," Chavez said in a televised speech. "We want peace for Libya."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.