UN chief deeply concerned about “possible intensification of instability” in Venezuela

The outline of the operation, which took place in Caracas and the northern states of Miranda, Aragua and La Guaira, has been widely reported, although the extent of the victims remains unclear.

US President Donald Trump on Saturday announced a “full-scale attack” and the handover of his Venezuelan counterpart, later stating that the US will now “run the country” until a transition can be secured.

Venezuela has characterized the operation as a flagrant military aggression and a flagrant violation of the United Nations Charter, which represents a threat to international and regional peace and security.

President Maduro is detained in New York and will appear in court on Monday, a few kilometers south of the UN headquarters in Manhattan, accused by US authorities, along with his wife Cilia Flores, of serious drug and weapons crimes.

The future of Venezuela at stake

“What is less certain is the immediate future of Venezuela,” said the Secretary General, warning of the risk of Increasing instability, regional repercussions and a dangerous precedent for relations between States..

He stressed that respect for international law must remain the guiding principle and expressed concern that the rules governing the use of force “were not respected” in the military action on January 3.

The UN Charter, he recalled, explicitly prohibits the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any State.

“The maintenance of international peace and security depends on the continued commitment of all Member States to respect all the provisions of the Charter,” said.

Call for inclusive and democratic dialogue

The UN chief noted that Venezuela has endured decades of internal instability and social and economic upheaval, with democracy undermined and millions of people forced to flee.

While describing the current situation as critical, he said it was still possible to avoid a “broader, more destructive conflagration.”

He called on all Venezuelan actors to engage in an inclusive dialogue that allows all sectors of society to determine their future, based on respect for human rights, the rule of law and the sovereign will of the people.

Stick to the principles

“In situations as confusing and complex as the one we face now, it is important to stick to the principles,”said the Secretary General, underlining respect for the UN Charter, sovereignty, political independence and territorial integrity, and the prohibition of the use of force.

“The power of the law must prevail,” he said, highlighting that international law provides tools to address issues ranging from human rights concerns to illicit trafficking and resource disputes, and that this is “the path we must take.”