US military action in Venezuela violates UN Charter and must end, says Brazil

Trump says it would be “smart” for Maduro to leave power in Venezuela Brazil’s ambassador to the UN, Sérgio Danese, stated this Tuesday (12/23) that the United States’ military action near Venezuela and the recently announced naval blockade are a violation of the United Nations Charter. The statement was made during a meeting of the UN Security Council. ✅ Follow the g1 international news channel on WhatsApp “We are and want to remain a region of peace, respecting international law and with good relations between neighbors. The military force gathered and maintained by the United States in the vicinity of Venezuela and the recently announced naval blockade constitute a violation of the United Nations charter. Therefore, they must be ceased immediately and unconditionally, in favor of the use of widely available political and legal instruments,” he said. Danese said that Brazil invites the two countries to “a genuine dialogue in good faith and without coercion” and that President Lula and his government are willing to “collaborate if necessary and with the mutual consent of the US and Venezuela.” US President Donald Trump on Tuesday ordered a ‘total blockade’ of sanctioned oil tankers entering or leaving Venezuela. Reuters via BBC He assessed that the subject is of interest not only to Latin American and Caribbean countries. “It concerns the entire international community, as ultimately a conflict in the region could have repercussions on a global scale.” He further stated that it is the responsibility of the Security Council, all members and all States “to strive tirelessly, without fear or other motivations, to ensure that the differences we discuss today are resolved peacefully.” READ ALSO: Trump government will apply sanctions to deprive Maduro of resources to remain in power, says US envoy to the UN Venezuela accuses US of ‘extortion’ at the UN; Russia and China support and criticize ‘intimidation’ and ‘cowboy behavior’ Venezuela passes law against piracy and naval blockades amid US oil tanker seizures ‘Active pursuit’ The US Coast Guard was in “active pursuit” on Sunday (21/12) of an oil tanker in international waters near Venezuela, an American official told the BBC’s partner in the United States, CBS News, as tensions in the region continue to rise. American authorities had already seized two oil tankers in December. United States intercepts second oil tanker in Venezuela The pursuit last weekend was said to be related to “a vessel from the sanctioned ghost fleet, which is part of Venezuela’s illegal evasion of sanctions,” said a US official. “She sails under a false flag and is under court order of seizure.” The US has accused ships leaving Venezuela of being part of a “ghost fleet” that allegedly uses various strategies to hide its activities. According to Washington, these vessels are part of networks used by Nicolás Maduro’s government to transport oil on the international market, despite restrictions, often involving flag changes, shutdown of tracking systems and cargo transfers on the high seas. The president of Venezuela, Nicolás Maduro, stated that the country is facing “a campaign of aggression from psychological terrorism and from privateers who robbed oil tankers.” “We are prepared to accelerate the march of the profound Revolution,” said Maduro. US President Donald Trump last week ordered a “total blockade” of sanctioned oil tankers entering or leaving Venezuela. The country — home to the world’s largest proven oil reserves — has accused the Trump administration of trying to steal its resources. SANDRA COHEN: Trump raises tone against Maduro to strident level with threat of total blockade As of last week, more than 30 of the 80 ships in Venezuelan waters or en route to the country were under U.S. sanctions, according to data compiled by TankerTrackers.com. Venezuela is highly dependent on revenue from its oil exports to finance government spending. The US has reinforced its military presence in the Caribbean Sea and carried out lethal attacks on suspected Venezuelan drug trafficking boats, killing around 100 people. The US government has not presented public evidence that these vessels were transporting drugs, and the military has come under increasing scrutiny from Congress over the attacks. The Trump administration has accused Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro of leading a designated terrorist organization called Cartel de los Soles, which he denies. See the videos that are trending on g1

Source link