Kuwait city: The UN Secretary-General has called for "full respect" for the UN Charter following the United States' military intervention in Venezuela and the capture of President Nicol¡s Maduro. Speaking to the Security Council on Monday, the Secretary-General highlighted the gravity of the situation and the need for adherence to international law.
According to Kuwait News Agency, the statement was delivered by Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs Rosemary DiCarlo, who conveyed Ant³nio Guterres' concerns over the 3 January US military action in Venezuela. The Secretary-General emphasized the uncertainty surrounding Venezuela's immediate future, warning of potential instability, regional consequences, and a dangerous precedent for international relations.
Guterres reiterated that the UN Charter explicitly forbids the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state. He stressed that maintaining international peace and security hinges on the commitment of all Member States to uphold the Charter's provisions.
The UN chief pointed out that Venezuela has faced decades of internal instability, undermining democracy and forcing millions to flee. While acknowledging the critical nature of the current situation, he expressed hope that a "wider and more destructive conflagration" could still be averted. He urged Venezuelan actors to engage in inclusive dialogue that respects human rights, the rule of law, and the sovereign will of the people.
Highlighting the importance of principles in complex situations, the Secretary-General underscored the need for respect for the UN Charter, sovereignty, political independence, territorial integrity, and the prohibition of force. He affirmed that the law's power should prevail, advocating for international law as the tool to address issues like human rights concerns and illicit activities.
US President Donald Trump recently announced a "large scale strike" and the capture of his Venezuelan counterpart, stating that the US would "run the country" until a transition is secured. Venezuela has condemned the operation as blatant military aggression and a violation of the UN Charter, threatening international and regional peace and security.
President Maduro is currently detained in New York, set to appear in court on Monday. US authorities accuse him and his wife, Cilia Flores, of serious drugs and weapons offenses, just miles away from the UN Headquarters in Manhattan.