UN Chief Urges Political Actors In Venezuela To ‘Lower Tensions’ To Prevent Violence
Photo by Gary Raynaldo / UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres
By Gary Raynaldo DIPLOMATIC TIMES
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres expressed concern over the political crisis in Venezuela this week that was sparked after opposition leader Juan Guaidó declared himself interim president. The Trump administration announced it recognizes Guaidó as new interim president of Venezuela. Meanwhile, the other Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro said his government is breaking relations with the United States in retaliation. A situation with two “presidents” of Venezuela is a political time bomb ticking. The UN Chief is “concerned over reports of casualties in the context of demonstrations and unrest in Venezuela and calls for a transparent and independent investigation of these incidents,” he said through his spokesperson Wednesday. “At this critical time, he urges all actors to lower tensions and pursue every effort to prevent violence and avoid any escalation. The Secretary-General underlines the urgent need for all relevant actors to commit to inclusive and credible political dialogue to address the protracted crisis in the country, with full respect for the rule of law and human rights,” according to a statement.
“What we hope is that dialogue can be possible, and that we avoid an escalation that could lead to the kind of conflict that would be a total disaster for Venezuela,”
UN Chief Guterres.
Maduro gave notice Wednesday to all U.S. diplomatic personnel to leave the country in 72 hours.
All U.S. diplomats in Venezuela are to remain in the country despite the regime of Nicolás Maduro ordering their departure this week, according to State Department.
“The United States does not recognize the Maduro regime as the government of Venezuela. Accordingly the United States does not consider former president Nicolas Maduro to have the legal authority to break diplomatic relations with the United States or to declare our diplomats persona non grata.”
U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Jan. 23, 2019.
