Guterres urges respect for international law and calls for inclusive dialogue.

On Monday, U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, through Undersecretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs Rosemary DiCarlo, expressed his “deep concern” over U.S. military action in Venezuela.

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Guterres called before the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for respect for international law, which “prohibits the use of force against the territorial integrity of states.”

He also voiced concern over the possible “intensification of internal instability” in Venezuela and the impact the situation could have on the region, and urged all Venezuelan actors to engage in an “inclusive and democratic dialogue that respects human rights, the rule of law and the sovereignty of the people.”

Guterres recalled that, at the time of his remarks to the UNSC, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro was being held in New York, accused along with his wife, Cilia Flores, of serious crimes by U.S. authorities.

He also underscored the need to “respect international law, including the United Nations Charter, which prohibits the use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of states.” He added that international peace depends on the commitment of all countries to comply with those norms.

The United Nations secretary-general specified that the U.S. operation affected Caracas and the states of Miranda, Aragua and La Guaira, although the exact number of victims is still unknown.

Guterres urged all Venezuelan actors to take part in an “inclusive and democratic dialogue” that respects human rights, the rule of law and the sovereignty of the people.

He also called on neighboring countries and the international community to “act in solidarity, promoting peaceful coexistence and supporting initiatives to find a nonviolent solution to the crisis.”

Guterres emphasized that “the rule of law must prevail,” and that “international law offers tools to address problems such as drug trafficking, disputes over resources and human rights violations.”

Finally, he stressed that the only viable way to overcome the crisis is through respect for international norms and the global legal order.

teleSUR/ JF

Sources: EFE – Xinhua

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