The UN Secretary-General separates the previous “situation” in Venezuela from the US attack and calls for respect for the rule of law
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has condemned the military operation carried out this morning by the United States against Venezuela as a “dangerous precedent” and denounced the airstrike against Caracas and its surroundings, as well as the capture of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, as a violation of international law.
“Regardless of the situation in Venezuela, these events set a dangerous precedent,” explained Guterres’ spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric, who stated that the UN Secretary-General “is deeply concerned that the norms of international law have not been respected.”
“The Secretary-General is deeply alarmed by the recent escalation in Venezuela, which culminated in the United States’ military action in the country today, which has potentially worrying implications for the region,” he indicated.
“The Secretary-General insists on the importance of full respect, by all, for international law, including the United Nations Charter,” Dujarric added, “and calls on all actors in Venezuela to engage in an inclusive dialogue, with full respect for human rights and the rule of law.”
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, also declared himself “alarmed by the US intervention in Venezuela.”
“We urge all parties to exercise restraint and fully respect the United Nations Charter and international human rights law. The protection of the people of Venezuela is paramount and must guide any future actions,” he stated.
