UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Monday called for respect for state sovereignty and political independence following the US seizure of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
Speaking at a UN Security Council meeting on Venezuela, Guterres’ remarks—delivered by Under-Secretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo—stressed the need to uphold “the principles of sovereignty, political independence and territorial integrity of states.” He expressed concern over the potential for increased instability in Venezuela, regional repercussions, and the precedent the operation could set for international relations.
The meeting was requested by Venezuela, with Colombia relaying the appeal to the Security Council, where it has held membership since January 1.
On Saturday, US forces launched a large-scale operation in Caracas, toppling Maduro and ending 12 years of leftist rule. The former leader, who faced a $50 million US bounty, was flown to New York to face narcotrafficking charges alongside his wife, Cilia Flores.
