United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for respect for the political independence and sovereignty of states following the seizure of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro by the United States.
Guterres made the appeal during a United Nations Security Council meeting on Venezuela, where his remarks were delivered by the Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, Rosemary DiCarlo.
He urged all parties to uphold the principles of sovereignty, political independence, and territorial integrity of states, warning that recent developments could further destabilise Venezuela and its surrounding region.
“I am deeply concerned about the possible intensification of instability in the country, the potential impact on the region, and the precedent it may set for how relations between and among states are conducted,” the Secretary-General said.
The emergency Security Council meeting was convened at the request of Venezuela, with Colombia formally submitting the request. Colombia has been a non-permanent member of the Council since January 1.
The development follows a dramatic escalation after months of rising tensions between Washington and Caracas. On Saturday, US forces carried out air strikes in Venezuela and removed Maduro from power in an operation that ended his 12-year rule, which had increasingly drawn criticism for authoritarian practices.
Maduro, who had been the subject of a $50 million bounty placed by the United States, was taken into US custody following the operation. He arrived in New York on Monday, where he is expected to face charges related to narcotrafficking.
His wife, Cilia Flores, is also reported to be in custody and facing similar charges.
The situation has sparked international debate, with concerns growing over the implications for regional stability and the future conduct of relations between sovereign states.
UN Chief Calls for Respect for Sovereignty After US Seizure of Venezuela’s Maduro
