Pakistan has expressed serious concern over escalating tensions in Venezuela, urging all parties to exercise restraint and pursue dialogue and diplomacy to prevent further instability.
Addressing a meeting of the United Nations Security Council on the situation in Venezuela, Pakistan’s Acting Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Usman Jadoon, stressed that de-escalation and mediation efforts must be given a genuine chance.
He warned that the world is already grappling with multiple crises, and any additional instability particularly in the Caribbean and Latin American region would pose risks to international peace and security.
Ambassador Jadoon cautioned against unilateral military actions, saying they violate established international principles, undermine the international legal order, and could lead to prolonged instability. He emphasized that the only sustainable solution to the Venezuela crisis lies in dialogue and diplomacy.
Highlighting the importance of sovereignty, he underscored that respect for the will of the Venezuelan people and the avoidance of external interference are essential for a lasting resolution. He also expressed hope that Latin America and the Caribbean would remain free from conflict and confrontation.
The Pakistani envoy said that peace, stability, and the welfare of the Venezuelan people should remain the ultimate objectives of all international efforts concerning the country.
At the outset of his remarks, Ambassador Jadoon congratulated Somalia on assuming the presidency of the UN Security Council. He concluded by reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to the peaceful resolution of disputes and strict adherence to the principles of the UN Charter.
Earlier, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres raised concerns about a possible intensification of instability in Venezuela after the US capture of the Latin American country's president, Nicolas Maduro.
"I am deeply concerned about the possible intensification of instability in the country, the potential impact on the region, and the precedent it may set for how relations between and among states are conducted," Guterres said in a statement delivered to the council by UN political affairs chief Rosemary DiCarlo.
Guterres called on all Venezuelan actors to engage in an inclusive and democratic dialogue, adding: "I welcome and am ready to support all efforts aimed at assisting Venezuelans in finding a peaceful way forward."
He also expressed concern that the US operation to capture Maduro in Caracas on Saturday did not respect the rules of international law.
