Venezuela Calls on UNSC to Reject Unilateral Sanctions

Speaking at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on Wednesday, Venezuela's Ambassador Samuel Moncada proposed the formation of an "International Alliance Against Unilateral Coercive Measures" to halt the crimes against humanity committed by the U.S. government, which keeps arbitrary economic sanctions against 29 countries. 

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"The U.S. claim to impose its national legislation as if it were universal laws, through economic and military coercion, is a danger to the entire system of international relations," Moncada said.

He added that the U.S. illegal measures are a deliberate attack on entire populations and the right to self-determination of peoples.

"We are faced with the unusual situation in which a state with special responsibility for complying with international law commits crimes against humanity and forces other states to assist it in the commission of the crime," the Venezuelan diplomat stressed. 

Moncada accused the U.S. government of implementing a program of economic destruction against Venezuela and indicated that the sanctions applied over the last five years have had similar effects to those of a conventional war.

He called also for the adoption of a resolution by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on unilateral coercive measures and the rule of law which promotes the immediate and complete lifting of illegal sanctions.

Iran's Permanent Representative Majid Takht Ravanchi supported the statements, highlighting that unilateral sanctions harm economies and prevent access to the financial systems and foreign reserves.

"Contrary to the statements of some Western countries, there are no smart sanctions or exceptions for food, medicine, and other humanitarian items," Ravanchi said.