Regional countries urge Venezuela to hold elections

In a joint statement, the 14 countries called on the Venezuelan government to pursue dialogue and negotiation to resolve the political and economic instability plaguing the oil-exporting nation. The declaration - signed by the United States, Canada, Brazil, Argentina and Chile, among others - was issued by the Mexican Foreign Ministry. "We reiterate that inclusive and effective dialogue is the right path to achieve lasting solutions to the challenges faced by the Venezuelan people," the statement said. Venezuela has been hit by devastating shortages of food, fuel and medicine as it struggles to emerge from an economic recession. More…