UN Chief Urges Restraint, Immediate De-escalation in Caribbean Tensions
Antonio Guterres calls for peaceful resolution as US-Venezuela tensions escalate
United Nations, Dec 19: UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres has called for restraint and the immediate de-escalation of tensions in the Caribbean, urging all parties to pursue dialogue and uphold international law, a UN spokesperson said on Wednesday.
Responding to questions on recent US actions against Venezuela, Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesperson for the UN chief, said Guterres was closely monitoring the evolving situation and actively engaging with relevant stakeholders.
“The Secretary-General calls on all parties to honour their obligations under international law, including the UN Charter and applicable legal frameworks, to safeguard peace and stability in the region,” Haq told reporters during the daily UN briefing.
He added that Guterres firmly believes disputes must be resolved through peaceful means and diplomatic engagement.
If Venezuela chooses to bring the matter before the United Nations, Haq said it would be up to members of the Security Council to consider the issue. At this stage, he stressed, sustained diplomatic efforts and dialogue remain critical to preventing further escalation.
Tensions escalated on Tuesday after US President Donald Trump announced a total blockade of sanctioned oil tankers travelling to and from Venezuela, intensifying Washington’s pressure campaign against the government of President Nicolas Maduro.
Venezuela strongly condemned the move, describing it as a violation of international law, and said it would raise the issue at the United Nations.
Earlier this month, President Maduro held a telephone conversation with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, during which the two leaders discussed global geopolitical developments and the military deployment in the Caribbean.
According to a statement by Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Gil, Erdogan expressed “deep concern” over recent threats facing Venezuela, including military deployments and actions that could undermine peace and security in the Caribbean region.
Maduro has described the manoeuvres in the Caribbean as “illegal, disproportionate and unnecessary”, reaffirming Venezuela’s commitment to pursuing peace through diplomatic means.
