UN Security Council Meeting on Venezuela Highlights Deep Global Divisions After U.S. Operation
UN Security Council Meeting on Venezuela Amid Growing International Tensions
The UN Security Council held an emergency meeting on Venezuela on Monday to discuss the U.S. military operation that resulted in the arrest of former Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro and his wife, a move that triggered sharp divisions among Council members.
Guterres Warns of Dangerous Precedent and Urges Respect for Sovereignty
During the UN Security Council meeting on Venezuela, UN Secretary-General António Guterres called for respect for the “political independence” of states, warning of the broader consequences of the U.S. operation for regional and international stability.
In a statement delivered by Under-Secretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo, Guterres stressed the importance of respecting sovereignty, political independence, and territorial integrity, expressing deep concern over the risk of escalating instability in Venezuela and the precedent such actions could set for international relations.
He added that certain principles of international law “were not respected,” while noting that the situation remains fragile but that a wider and more destructive escalation could still be avoided through inclusive democratic dialogue among Venezuelan parties.
United States: We Do Not Occupy Countries
Speaking at the UN Security Council meeting on Venezuela, the U.S. representative defended Washington’s actions in Caracas, insisting that the United States “does not occupy any country.”
The U.S. envoy described Maduro as a “terrorist and drug trafficker,” accusing him of repressing the Venezuelan people and undermining U.S. interests. He claimed Maduro had been a fugitive from justice and a source of international instability through arms trafficking, adding that Washington possesses “strong and compelling evidence” against him.
The representative also warned against turning Venezuela into an operational hub for Iran, Hezbollah, and criminal groups, and said more than 50 countries do not recognize Maduro as Venezuela’s legitimate president due to alleged manipulation of the electoral system.
Venezuela Condemns U.S. Action and Demands Immediate Release
Venezuela’s ambassador to the United Nations strongly condemned the U.S. military operation during the UN Security Council meeting on Venezuela, saying it led to the arrest of Maduro and his wife and the killing of several individuals.
He argued that Venezuela has become a target because of its natural resources, describing the situation as a return to “the worst practices of neo-colonialism.” Accepting such actions, he warned, would allow militarily powerful states to determine the political and economic fate of others.
The Venezuelan envoy demanded that the United States respect the immunity of Maduro and his wife, release them immediately, and return them to Venezuela, stressing that the country’s constitutional order remains intact and that the state continues to exercise control over its territory.
Russia: Armed Aggression Has No Justification
Russia’s representative to the United Nations condemned what he described as “armed aggression” against Venezuela during the UN Security Council meeting on Venezuela, calling on the United States to release Maduro and his wife.
He said there was “no justification” for U.S. actions, expressed solidarity with the Venezuelan people, and accused Washington of pursuing global dominance through force, particularly by seeking control over Venezuela’s national wealth and reinforcing its influence in Latin America.
China: Unilateral and Illegal Actions
China’s deputy permanent representative said Beijing was “deeply shocked” and strongly condemned Washington’s unilateral and illegal actions in Venezuela.
He stated that the United States violated the principle of sovereign equality among states by placing military power above diplomatic efforts, thereby posing a threat to peace and security in Latin America, the Caribbean, and beyond.
The Chinese envoy urged Washington to resolve the crisis through dialogue and negotiations, release Maduro and his wife, and ensure their personal safety.
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