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Analysis

With central role for Qatar, can Gulf states mediate between US and Venezuela?

Venezuela's ties improved with Gulf states under Maduro, and some in the region voiced concern about the US operation.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro (R) gestures next to Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani (L) during a meeting at the Miraflores presidential palace in Caracas on November 25, 2015. AFP PHOTO/JUAN BARRETO / AFP / JUAN BARRETO (Photo credit should read JUAN BARRETO/AFP via Getty Images)
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro (R) gestures next to Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani (L) during a meeting at the presidential palace in Caracas on Nov. 25, 2015. — JUAN BARRETO/AFP via Getty Images

The US capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro could open the door for Gulf states to play a mediator role and safeguard their relations with Venezuela, even as some countries remain publicly cautious.

The Qatari Foreign Ministry expressed “deep concern” following the raid that captured Maduro and his wife on Saturday, saying Doha is willing to mediate.

“The Ministry further renews the State of Qatar’s full readiness to contribute to any international effort aimed at achieving an immediate peaceful solution, and underscores its commitment to keeping channels of communication open with all concerned parties,” read the statement. 

Oman’s Foreign Ministry called on “all parties to exercise restraint and enable dialogue to prevent escalation and achieve reconciliation” in a Sunday statement. 

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