The Bolivarian Government affirmed this Monday that energy should not become a weapon of war or an instrument of political coercion. This statement occurs in the context of the total blockade of the Venezuelan coasts ordered by the president of the United States, Donald Trump, and the assault on oil tankers in national waters.
Foreign Minister Yván Gil read a letter sent by President Nicolás Maduro to all member countries of the United Nations (UN), a few hours before the extraordinary emergency meeting is held to address the situation in Venezuela.
In the text, the president warns about an escalation of extremely serious actions by the US Government, which “threaten to destabilize the entire region and the international system as a whole.”
The official letter denounces the “kidnapping” and “theft” of oil tankers that were transporting some four million barrels; Likewise, he rejects the order to impose an absolute naval blockade against the tankers that transport the country’s energy.
“Venezuela reaffirms its vocation for peace, but also declares with absolute clarity that it is prepared to defend its sovereignty, its territorial integrity and its resources in accordance with international law,” says the document, which also warns that these attacks will not only affect Venezuela.
The text confirms that the blockade and piracy against national energy trade will harm the supply of oil, increase market instability and hit the world’s economies, especially those of the most vulnerable countries.
Finally, Venezuela respectfully calls for the international community to condemn these actions of aggression.
