NEW YORK: The UN Security Council faced a sharp division in an emergency meeting convened after the US military action in Venezuela and the arrest of President Nicolas Maduro, where Pakistan strongly condemned the unilateral actions and appealed for a peaceful diplomatic solution.
Addressing the meeting held under the chairmanship of Somalia, Pakistan’s Acting Permanent Representative Ambassador Usman Jadoon expressed deep concern that the world is grappling with multiple crises. In such a situation, instability in the Caribbean region is a serious threat to global peace.
He clarified that unilateral military actions are a clear violation of the UN Charter and international norms, which can weaken the legal system and lead to prolonged instability.
Global reaction has been sharply divided. Russia, China and leftist allies of Venezuela condemned the US raid, while Cuba long rumored to oversee Maduro’s security said 32 of its military and intelligence personnel were killed during the operation.
Washington’s allies, many of whom do not recognize Maduro due to allegations of election fraud, responded more cautiously, calling for dialogue and adherence to international law.
“Judging by the reactions from European leaders to date, I suspect that US allies will equivocate exquisitely in the Security Council,” said Richard Gowan, an analyst at the International Crisis Group.
Switzerland announced it had frozen assets held by Maduro and his associates.
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