US actions in Venezuela ‘constitute a dangerous precedent’: Guterres

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres has voiced his concern over the escalation between the US and Venezuela culminating in the capture of the country’s President Nicolás Maduro, saying the developments constitute a “dangerous precedent”. The secretary general is “deeply alarmed by the recent escalation in Venezuela, culminating with today’s United States military action in the country, which has potential worrying implications for the region”, a statement issued by his spokesperson said on Saturday. Guterres said that independently of the situation in Venezuela, “these developments constitute a dangerous precedent” and said he is “deeply concerned that the rules of international law have not been respected”. Guterres called on all parties involved to engage in “inclusive dialogue” in accordance with human rights and international law.

The UN human rights chief Volker Türk also called for restraint and full respect for international law. “The protection of the people of Venezuela is paramount and must guide any further action,” he added. Venezuela has formally asked the Security Council to meet in emergency session in New York and a meeting has been scheduled for 10am on Monday morning.

The UN Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on Venezuela has voiced grave concern over the country’s human rights situation following the US attack and capture of President Maduro, urging that accountability for long-documented abuses must not be eclipsed by the unfolding crisis. Chair of the independent investigative team appointed by the Human Rights Council, Marta Valiñas, said the focus should remain on “grave human rights violations and crimes against humanity” committed against Venezuelans, regardless of the charges cited by the US to justify its actions.