NEW YORK — UNITED Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has expressed serious concerns about Venezuela’s long-term stability following recent military operations carried out by the United States in the economically troubled South American nation.
While addressing an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) in New York yesterday (Jan. 5), Guterres warned that the unfolding situation could have far-reaching consequences for Venezuela and the wider region.
“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,” he told the Council.
The comments come after a pre-dawn U.S. military strike on Venezuela that reportedly left at least 40 people dead and resulted in the capture and arrest of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores.
Both were arraigned on Monday (Jan. 5) in a New York federal court on charges related to firearms and cocaine trafficking. They have pleaded not guilty.
Guterres noted that Venezuela’s crisis predates the latest developments and has been a source of international concern for several years, particularly following the country’s disputed presidential elections in July 2024.
“Attention on the country only grew following the contested presidential elections,” he said, pointing to unresolved questions surrounding the vote.
Maduro’s presidency came under increased scrutiny after opposition parties claimed victory in the 2024 polls and alleged widespread irregularities. Despite mounting international pressure, official voting data from Venezuela’s electoral commission were never released.
According to the Secretary-General, a panel of electoral experts appointed at the request of the Venezuelan government to observe the elections “highlighted serious issues” in the process.
He added that repeated calls from the United Nations and international partners for transparency went unanswered, further eroding confidence in the electoral outcome.
“As we reported to the Council on 23 December, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights has documented serious violations,” Guterres said. He also noted that on 3 January, interim President Delcy Rodríguez invoked a nationwide emergency decree granting expanded security powers to the government.
In the aftermath of the U.S. strikes—described by many countries as a flagrant violation of international law—there have been growing calls for respect for Venezuela’s sovereignty and adherence to international norms. Washington has issued mixed messages, at times suggesting it will oversee governance in the country while also acknowledging the existence of a new Venezuelan president.
“I remain deeply concerned that the rules of international law have not been respected with regard to the 3 January military action,” Guterres said. “The UN Charter enshrines the prohibition of the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state. The maintenance of international peace and security depends on the continued commitment of all Member States to uphold its provisions.”
