According to news agency Reuters, members of the UN Security Council expressed alarm on Friday over the escalating hostilities between the US and Venezuela, with Russia harshly denouncing Washington's recent military operations in the Caribbean.
Vassily Nebenzia, Russia's ambassador to the UN, told the 15 member council that Venezuela had good reason to be concerned that the US was prepared to take action rather than just threaten.He said that recent US attacks on ships suspected of transporting drugs were "gross violations of international law and human rights," and that "boats that people were on were simply fired upon in the high seas without a trial or investigation."
According to Nebenzia, the attacks adhered to the "cowboy principle of'shoot first'." He also questioned allegations that there were criminals aboard.
Samuel Moncada, Venezuela's ambassador to the UN, stated that his country was in "a situation in which it is rational to anticipate that in the very short term an armed attack is to be perpetrated against Venezuela" due to Washington's military build up and "belligerent action and rhetoric."
A number of council members, including those from France, Greece, and Denmark, emphasised adherence to international law and advocated for de escalation and diplomacy to address tensions.
Ricardo Moscoso, Panama's deputy UN ambassador, stated that rather than using force, nations may use "coordinated and sustainable strategies" to combat drug trafficking, piracy, and other concerns in regional waterways.
He said, "Panama believes that the transnational threats facing our region demand joint responses based on respect for international law and supported by a shared commitment to peace and stability in our hemisphere."
Jay Dharmadhikari, France's deputy UN envoy, emphasized global initiatives to improve border security and stop human trafficking.
According to him, "in this context, states must refrain from any unilateral armed action." This must adhere to international law, which includes human rights.
