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Several countries during the emergency session of the UN Security Council called for the US and Venezuela to uphold dialogue and diplomacy amid growing tensions between the two nations. The confrontation deepened as Washington captured two ships carrying oil from the Latin American nation and sought over the weekend to intercept another tanker headed there. Venezuela has accused the U.S. of ongoing aggression.
In the meeting yesterday, US Ambassador to the United Nations Michael Waltz said the United States does not recognise Nicolas Maduro’s government as legitimate, and alleged that he is the head of Cartel de los Soles, which the US has designated a foreign terrorist organisation. He said the United States will enforce sanctions to the fullest extent to cut off funds that President Maduro uses to support drug cartels and criminal gangs.
Meanwhile, Venezuela’s UN ambassador, Samuel Moncada, denied any involvement in drug trafficking or in sending criminal gangs to the United States. He added that a red line had been crossed, accusing the United States of piracy and a massive violation of international law.
Russia and China, who recently came out in support of Venezuela, reaffirmed their support of the country and its sovereignty, condemning US actions as unlawful and a breach of the UN Charter. European countries raised concerns over President Maduro’s human rights record but also stressed that drug interdiction and maritime actions must follow international law.
According to UN’s Assistant Secretary-General Khaled Khiari, who briefed the Council, the US has sunk 29 suspected drug boats since launching its Operation Southern Spear in September and 105 people have been killed in these strikes. He said, Secretary-General Guterres welcomed the offers of mediation and proposals for a peaceful solution.