WASHINGTON, DC — THE United Nations says its “good offices” remain available to support diplomatic dialogue between the United States and Venezuela, as rising military activity in the Caribbean heightens tensions.
Over the weekend, the United States deployed one of its largest naval vessels to the region. President Donald Trump has not ruled out the possibility of a strike or invasion aimed at removing Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
During a press briefing today (Nov. 18), Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, underscored the need for restraint.
"“We want to make sure that there's no escalation in and around Venezuela and that all actions comply with the United Nations Charter and with international law,” he said.
Washington has intensified its pressure campaign against Maduro since Trump took office, imposing a series of sanctions and accusing the Venezuelan leader of overseeing criminal networks involved in smuggling drugs into the United States.
Since September 2, the US has carried out several targeted strikes on vessels it claims were transporting narcotics to American shores. More than 70 people have been killed during those operations, which US officials say are ongoing.
The recent deployment of warships and aircraft carriers—officially described as part of a training exercise—has raised further alarm across the region, with Caribbean leaders warning the buildup could inflame an already tense situation.
Maduro has said he is willing to engage in dialogue with Washington. Asked whether the UN Secretary-General might step in, Haq reiterated that the UN stands ready to assist if both parties request it.
"Well, our good offices are always available in any bilateral disputes if both parties want that. I haven't seen any sign that the parties want the UN to be involved, but certainly, we encourage dialogue between The US and Venezuela,” he said.
Regional leaders, meanwhile, continue to advocate for a diplomatic resolution, stressing the Caribbean’s long-held designation as a “zone of peace.”
St. Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew, the incoming chair of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), recently warned that conflict would have far-reaching consequences for the region.
"We believe that action should be taken against those who would want to transship drugs and guns across the region. Our position is that we want to maintain our region as a zone of peace,” Dr Drew said.
However, some observers argue that Trinidad and Tobago’s prime minister has inflamed tensions by expressing support for the US strikes, suggesting the position may align more with national self-interest than regional consensus.
