A top United Nations official condemned the US attack on Venezuela, saying it violated international law, could fuel instability in the region and set a concerning precedent that could make violent conflicts more likely.
"I remain deeply concerned that rules of international law have not been respected," Under-Secretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo said on Monday morning in a speech to the organization's Security Council at an emergency meeting called to discuss the situation in Venezuela.
The UN's political chief, speaking on behalf of Secretary General Antonio Guterres, issued a broad critique of the US raid in Caracas on Saturday that culminated with the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, who is now awaiting trial in New York. Her comments reflect the broad concern among Washington's allies following the stunning US military action, as well as President Donald Trump's fresh comments following the raid about seizing Greenland.
DiCarlo also called on all actors in Venezuela to engage in an "inclusive, democratic dialogue" to help determine the future of the country of around 30 million people.
The US has defended its move, arguing that Maduro was the head of a narco-terrorist group and that they were acting to protect US interests. Mike Waltz, the US Ambassador to the UN, cited Article 51 of the UN charter, which gives countries the right to self-defense, while speaking on Fox Sunday morning.
But DiCarlo told the Security Council that the UN Charter should always be respected.
"International law contains tools to address issues such as illicit traffic in narcotics, disputes about resources and human rights concerns," DiCarlo said.
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