The Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), the largest bloc of countries within the United Nations with 121 member states, yesterday expressed its firm rejection of what it described as a dangerous escalation of aggression against Venezuela.
In its statement, the Coordination Bureau condemned the “theft of an oil tanker” and the unilateral attempt to “close” Venezuelan airspace, actions that constitute flagrant violations of international law.
The NAM warned that these events “increase the risks for regional peace, security and stability,” while undermining the Proclamation of Latin America and the Caribbean as a Zone of Peace.
The movement stressed that the hijacking of a merchant ship that was carrying out peaceful and legal activities, as well as the de facto declaration of an air blockade, were carried out without any authorization from the United Nations Security Council, which, according to the Bureau, contravenes international law and “multiple fundamental principles” that govern relations between States. He also warned about the growing extra-regional military presence in the Caribbean, pointing out that this situation represents a direct threat to the stability of the area. In this sense, he urged the international community to immediately stop the spiral of provocations.
The Coordination Bureau expressed its total solidarity with the people and government of President Nicolás Maduro, reiterating its commitment to the defense of multilateralism, the sovereignty of States and respect for the fundamental principles of international law.
