Pakistan Warns of Dangerous Precedent at UNSC Over US Military Action in Venezuela
• UNSC emergency session on Venezuela.
• Pakistan warns of dangerous precedent.
• Dialogue urged as only solution.
The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) recently gathered in New York to address the escalating political turbulence in Venezuela, triggered by reports of an alleged US military-backed operation aimed at apprehending President Nicolas Maduro and his wife. The session highlighted deep international divisions regarding the application of the UN Charter and the principle of state sovereignty.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed profound alarm over the situation. In his statement, Guterres noted his deep concern regarding the potential for intensifying instability within Venezuela, the possible regional spillovers, and the alarming precedent such actions establish for international relations between states.
American Ambassador Mike Waltz defended the US position before the 15-member council, describing the activity as a “limited and lawful enforcement action” intended to arrest two fugitives. Waltz firmly rejected accusations of hostile intent, clarifying that the US was not engaged in a war against Venezuela or its people, nor did it harbor any intentions of occupying the nation.
To justify the operation, the US referenced Article 51 of the UN Charter, which permits the inherent right of individual or collective self-defense in the event of an armed attack. Conversely, Venezuela’s ambassador sharply criticized the American action, labeling it an “illegal armed attack” lacking any legal justification, arguing it violated the core principles of the UN Charter which mandates non-interference and respect for territorial integrity.
Several countries, notably Russia, China, and Colombia, vocally condemned the US intervention as illegal and demanded the immediate release of Maduro. The Russian envoy pointed out what he perceived as blatant hypocrisy, observing that nations that frequently decry violations of the UN Charter in other contexts were now refusing to take a principled stance.
Pakistan, acting as a non-permanent member, delivered a measured yet firm statement on the volatile situation. Pakistan’s acting Permanent Representative, Usman Jadun, expressed grave concern, warning that rising tensions introduce new threats to global peace when the world is already struggling with numerous crises. Jadun emphasized that diplomatic dialogue is the only sustainable solution for political differences.
He stressed that the UN Charter strictly prohibits the use or threat of force against the political independence or territorial integrity of any state. Jadun concluded that the “unilateral military action” observed in the recent developments fundamentally violates these sacred principles of sovereign equality, establishing a “dangerous precedent.” Pakistan appealed to all parties involved to exercise maximum restraint, de-escalate tensions, and commit to dialogue, including good faith offers of mediation.