U.N. Chief Warns U.S. Action in Venezuela Sets “Dangerous Precedent”
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed deep alarm on Saturday about US military action in Venezuela, warning that the escalation could have serious implications for the region and international order.
“The Secretary-General is deeply alarmed by the recent escalation in Venezuela, culminating with today’s United States military action in the country, which has potential worrying implications for the region,” his spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said in a statement.
“Independently of the situation in Venezuela, these developments constitute a dangerous precedent,” he added.
Guterres stressed the importance of full respect for international law, including the UN Charter, expressing concern that fundamental legal norms may not have been upheld.
He called on all actors in Venezuela to engage in “inclusive dialogue” and urged respect for human rights and the rule of law as a means to resolve the crisis peacefully.
The United States hit Venezuela with a “large-scale strike” early Saturday and said President Nicolás Maduro and his wife were captured and flown out of the country after months of stepped-up pressure by Washington.
