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Caribbean Crisis: UN Chief Urges Restraint Amid US-Venezuela Tensions

The UN Secretary-General is calling for calm as tensions flare in the Caribbean. This comes after the US announced a total oil blockade against Venezuela, a move Caracas calls illegal. Antonio Guterres is engaging with relevant parties and stressing that any disputes must be solved peacefully. Venezuela is now planning to raise the issue formally with the United Nations Security Council.

Key Points: UN's Guterres Calls for De-escalation in Caribbean, Venezuela

  • UN chief closely monitors rising US-Venezuela tensions in the Caribbean region
  • Guterres urges all parties to honor obligations under international law and the UN Charter
  • Venezuela vows to bring the US oil blockade issue before the United Nations
  • Turkish President Erdogan expresses deep concern over military threats to Venezuela's peace
2 min read

UN chief calls for restraint, immediate de-escalation in Caribbean

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urges restraint and dialogue as the US escalates pressure on Venezuela, calling for peaceful resolution under international law.

"any difference must be resolved by peaceful means - Antonio Guterres, UN Secretary-General"

United Nations, Dec 18

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for restraint and the immediate de-escalation of the situation in the Caribbean, a UN spokesperson said.

In response to questions over the latest US moves against Venezuela, Farhan Haq, deputy spokesperson for the UN chief, told reporters at a daily briefing on Wednesday (local time) that Guterres is following the current situation very closely and is engaging with relevant parties.

The secretary-general calls on all stakeholders to honour their obligations under international law, including the UN Charter and any other applicable legal framework, to safeguard peace in the region, said Haq.

He said that Guterres believes that any difference must be resolved by peaceful means, reports Xinhua news agency.

If Venezuela brings the issue to the United Nations, much of that will probably be an issue to consider for the members of the Security Council, said the spokesperson.

Haq added that, at this stage, it is critical to continue diplomatic engagement and pursue a peaceful way forward through dialogue.

On Tuesday, US President Donald Trump said he ordered a total blockade of all sanctioned oil tankers travelling to and from Venezuela, escalating a months-long pressure campaign against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.

In response, Venezuela denounced the US move, calling it a violation of international law and vowing to raise the issue before the United Nations.

Earlier this month, Maduro and his Turkish counterpart, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, spoke by phone about global geopolitics and the military deployment in the Caribbean.

During the phone conversation, the Turkish president "expressed deep concern over the threats recently facing Venezuela, particularly the military deployment and various actions intended to disrupt peace and security in the Caribbean," Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Gil said in a statement.

The two leaders exchanged views on global geopolitics and the latest international developments affecting stability and the future of humanity, said the statement.

Maduro said the manoeuvres in the Caribbean constitute an "illegal, disproportionate, unnecessary and even extravagant" act of aggression, adding that Venezuela will continue working for peace.

int/sd/

- IANS

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Reader Comments

A
Arjun K
This is concerning. The Caribbean is far from us, but such actions set a dangerous precedent. International law must be respected by all, especially the powerful nations. 🇮🇳
R
Rohit P
As an Indian, I feel for Venezuela. We know what it's like when bigger countries try to bully others for their resources. Total blockade of oil tankers? That's economic warfare. UN needs to step up.
S
Sarah B
While I agree with the call for peace, I wish the UN and Secretary-General Guterres would be more proactive and less reactive. These statements often come too late, after the situation has already escalated.
V
Vikram M
Interesting to see Turkey's involvement. Global geopolitics is truly interconnected. Hope diplomacy wins. We don't need another conflict anywhere in the world.
K
Karthik V
The UN Charter is clear. Peaceful resolution is the only path. But let's be honest, when has a blockade ever led to peace? It only hurts ordinary people. Shame.

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