During a recent emergency meeting of the U.N. Security Council, countries spoke out against the U.S. military operation in Venezuela. This operation resulted in the capture of President Nicolás Maduro, which has garnered considerable international criticism.
International Voices Against U.S. Intervention
Allies and adversaries alike emerged to critique America’s interventionist approach. Countries raised concerns about President Donald Trump’s comments, which suggested further military action in Colombia and Mexico over alleged drug trafficking issues.
Denmark Addresses U.S. Actions
Denmark explicitly admonished U.S. ambitions regarding Greenland, emphasizing that borders are inviolable. Christina Markus Lassen, Denmark’s U.N. ambassador, affirmed the importance of respecting Venezuela’s sovereignty, stating that external influences should not dictate political outcomes.
Concerns from Allied Nations
While French President Emmanuel Macron supported Maduro’s capture, the French U.N. envoy, Jay Dharmadhikari, expressed concerns. He indicated that violations of international law by permanent Security Council members could undermine global order.
U.S. Defense of Its Actions
U.S. envoy Mike Waltz defended the military operation in Venezuela, describing it as necessary and precise. He criticized the Security Council for treating Maduro equally to a legitimate head of state. Waltz argued that legitimizing Maduro, whom the U.S. views as a “narco-terrorist,” damages the U.N.’s credibility.
Warnings from Venezuela
Venezuela’s ambassador, Samuel Moncada, called for strong actions from the U.N. He urged that Washington should release Maduro and his wife, asserting that acceptance of military intervention undermines international law. He warned that such actions could destabilize global relations.
Regional and Global Reactions
Colombia’s ambassador criticized the U.S. action, emphasizing that democracy cannot be achieved through violence. She urged for non-coercive methods to promote democratic values.
Criticism from China and Russia
China and Russia, both permanent Security Council members, voiced staunch opposition to the U.S. actions. They emphasized that the U.S. should not act as the global enforcer, disregarding principles of sovereignty and international law.
Russian ambassador Vassily Nebenzia condemned the notion of U.S. supremacy in international interventions. His remarks echo broader concerns regarding the geopolitical implications of U.S. military actions.
Impact of U.S. Military Operations
The U.S. operation led to Maduro’s removal, with significant military assets previously mobilized near Venezuela. Trump has indicated ambitions to utilize Venezuela’s vast oil reserves, stressing an intention to oversee the country temporarily.
- Emergency U.N. meeting held to discuss U.S. military operations in Venezuela.
- Nicolás Maduro captured by U.S. forces amid international opposition.
- Denmark and France raise concerns about sovereignty and international law.
- Venezuela urges U.N. to act firmly against U.S. interventions.
- China and Russia criticize U.S. actions, calling for respect of international norms.
The repercussions of this operation will likely shape future interactions between the U.S., its allies, and nations within Latin America and beyond.
