UNITED NATIONS - "Serious political negotiations" are necessary for finding a solution to lasting peace in Venezuela, the spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said on Wednesday.

"When we see the present stand-off, it becomes even more clear that serious political negotiations between the parties are necessary to find a solution leading to lasting peace for the people of Venezuela," said the spokesman, Stephane Dujarric.

He made the remarks during a regular briefing with reporters in response to a query about humanitarian aid for the people of Venezuela.