Members of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), including key United States allies, warned on Monday that the abduction of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife by U.S. special forces could set a dangerous precedent for international law. The 15-member bloc convened for an emergency meeting in New York City, where Maduro and his wife were scheduled to face drug trafficking charges in a U.S. federal court.
Venezuelan Ambassador to the UN, Samuel Moncada, condemned the U.S. operation as an illegitimate armed attack lacking any legal justification. "This is a clear violation of international sovereignty and a blatant disregard for the UN Charter," Moncada stated during the emergency session. He called for the immediate and unconditional release of President Maduro and his wife.
The U.S. has long accused Maduro's regime of corruption, human rights abuses, and drug trafficking. These accusations have led to sanctions and diplomatic pressure aimed at ousting Maduro from power. However, the decision to abduct a sitting head of state has drawn criticism even from countries typically aligned with Washington.
Several UNSC members expressed concern that the U.S. action could embolden other nations to disregard international norms and resort to similar tactics. "If powerful nations are allowed to unilaterally apprehend leaders of other countries, it undermines the entire system of international law and diplomacy," said a representative from a European nation, speaking on condition of anonymity.
The abduction has further polarized the international community, with some nations supporting the U.S.'s actions as a necessary step to combat criminal activity and restore democracy in Venezuela. Others view it as an act of aggression that threatens global stability. The situation remains tense, and the UNSC is expected to continue deliberations on the matter in the coming days. The legal and diplomatic ramifications of the abduction are likely to be debated for months to come, potentially reshaping the landscape of international relations.
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