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Ex-Diplomat Slams US Venezuela Raid: "No Country Should Take Law Into Own Hands"

Former Indian diplomat Surendra Kumar has criticized the United States' military action in Venezuela leading to the capture of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife. He argued that while narco-terrorism must be fought, no country should take the law into its own hands by entering another sovereign nation. Kumar stated the action violates the UN Charter and sends a poor message to Latin American countries, several of which have already protested. He expressed hope the situation stabilizes but emphasized the dangerous precedent set by the unilateral operation.

Key Points: Ex-Indian Diplomat Criticizes US Capture of Venezuela's Maduro

  • US raid violates international law
  • Sovereignty and territorial integrity breached
  • Latin American nations protest action
  • Narco-terrorism must be combated legally
  • Action exacerbates regional grievances
2 min read

"No country should take law into its own hands," says former Indian diplomat on US capture of Maduro

Former diplomat Surendra Kumar says US action in Venezuela raises serious questions on international law and sovereignty, despite need to fight narco-terrorism.

"I am all for combatting narco terrorism but one country should not take law into hands... - Surendra Kumar"

Delhi, January 7

Former Indian diplomat Surendra Kumar on Tuesday said that while narco-terrorism must be fought, no country should take the law into its own hands.

He made the remarks while referring to the United States' military action in Venezuela and the capture of Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro and his wife.

Kumar said the action raises serious questions over international law, national sovereignty and the message being sent to countries in Latin America.

Speaking to ANI, Kumar said, "Drug trafficking, terrorism, narco terrorism, international menace should be combated. But the way you do it - entering a country, picking up the leader of that country creates so many complications. It is question of international law, of UN Charter, of sovereignty, of territorial integrity and what kind of message you give to others...If you have power, you can do it, but that is not how you should do it."

He pointed out that several countries in the region have already reacted strongly.

"Mexico, Colombia, Cuba and Chile have protested against it. Message which you sent to Latin American countries, these countries always have the grudge that US doesn't treat them well. This will exacerbate their feelings," Kumar said.

The former diplomat expressed hope that the situation would stabilise soon.

"I hope that the Vice President has been sworn-in as the President, things will quieten down and the issue will be resolved but the messaging is not good. I am all for combatting narco terrorism but one country should not take law into hands..." he added.

His remarks come after the United States launched a strike on Venezuela and captured Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. The couple are currently in US custody at the Metropolitan Detention Centre in Brooklyn, New York, and pleaded not guilty on Monday to charges related to drugs and weapons.

Meanwhile, Venezuela's acting president Delcy Rodriguez on Tuesday announced seven days of national mourning following deaths reported during the US attack in Caracas and the capture of Maduro and Flores, CNN reported.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
While narco-terrorism is a global threat, unilateral military action like this undermines the very international order we rely on for stability. The UN Charter exists for a reason.
P
Priya S
As an Indian, I feel this is hypocrisy of the highest order. The same countries that lecture us on sovereignty and rules-based order are the first to violate it when it suits them. Shameful.
R
Rohit P
Respectfully, I have to disagree with the diplomat's tone. Maduro is a dictator accused of terrible crimes. Sometimes, decisive action is needed when international bodies are slow. The ends can justify the means in fighting evil.
K
Karthik V
This is exactly why India must continue to strengthen its own position and military. The world respects strength. We cannot afford to be weak or dependent. Jai Hind!
M
Meera T
The messaging is indeed terrible. Latin American countries will feel bullied and humiliated. This action will create more anti-US sentiment, not less. Diplomacy should have been given more time.

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