UN chief warns U.S.action in Venezuela risks setting a dangerous precedent, urges peaceful dialogue
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Summary: UN Secretary-General voices deep concern over U.S.military action in Venezuela and calls for inclusive peace.
The top UN official raised concerns over recent military actions in Venezuela, stating that the way events unfolded might have negative implications for world peace and security.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres told member states that the situation surrounding the U.S. military strike and the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has “worrying implications” and risks setting a dangerous precedent in how nations interact when diplomacy fails.
In remarks to diplomats and world leaders, Guterres reminded officials that the UN Charter calls for respect for national sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, a principle he said must be upheld even when addressing serious governance or security issues. His remarks reflect a wider debate in the international community about how to find a balance between reacting to internal crises and sticking to present legal structures.
The attacks, which saw Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro taken into custody by U.S. forces earlier this month, triggered a rare Security Council session in New York, where representatives from across the globe voiced sharply different perspectives on what happened and what it means for international norms.
While some countries praised the US action as a response to long-standing concerns about Caracas' governance and corruption, others criticized it, alleging it violated international law and could provoke similar actions abroad. This separation signifies how complex and sensitive such matters are on a global level.
Guterres said he is “ready to support all efforts aimed at assisting Venezuelans in finding a peaceful way forward,” and stressed the importance of inclusive dialogue, including all stakeholders, as the region works toward stability.
The UN is holding talks and advising caution, reflecting widespread worry among world leaders. They believe that actions taken without wide international agreement or solid legal support can weaken attempts to solve crises peacefully and avoid more violence or disorder.
As diplomatic discussions continue, the world is watching closely to see how Venezuela’s internal politics, regional responses and international legal debates evolve in the wake of what many are calling one of the most consequential foreign military moves in recent Latin American history.
