UN SG: Venezuela Crisis Must Be Resolved in Line with UN Charter

DID Press: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said the crisis in Venezuela can only be resolved through full respect for the UN Charter, state sovereignty, and the prohibition on the use of force, underscoring the centrality of international law.

Speaking at a UN Security Council session, Guterres noted the complexity of the situation and said: “In situations as turbulent and complex as what we are seeing in Venezuela today, adherence to principles is vital.”

He stressed that respect for the UN Charter, national sovereignty, political independence, territorial integrity, and the ban on threats or use of force are “non-negotiable principles.”

“The rule of law must prevail,” Guterres said, adding that international law provides tools to address drug trafficking, disputes over resources, and human rights concerns.

He concluded that this is the path needed to navigate the crisis and prevent further escalation in Venezuela.