UN Secretary-General calls for reduction of violence in Venezuela
The appeal by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres was made on February 22, amid rising tensions in the South American country over aid.
Any casualties are regrettable, said UN Secretary-General Stephane Dujarric. The situation in Venezuela is worrying and the UN will continue to closely monitor developments, urging all parties to avoid further violence.
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| Venezuelan President Maduro (left) and self-proclaimed President Guaido. Photo: BBC. |
Mr. Dujarric also said that the United Nations is ready to act as a mediator in the crisis in this country: “The Secretary-General of the United Nations has repeatedly emphasized that he is ready to act as a mediator. Obviously in any situation where two parties have different views, they must accept to find a mediator.”
The Secretary-General and relevant parties are continuing contacts at various levels, including meetings with the US Secretary of State and the Venezuelan Foreign Minister. A series of other meetings have also taken place and we are well aware of the situation in this country. The Secretary-General is also doing everything possible to reduce tensions.
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has ordered the complete closure of border crossings with Brazil and is considering extending the order to border crossings with Colombia, amid pressure from the opposition and foreign powers to allow humanitarian aid shipments into the country.
A Brazilian government spokesman said on February 22 that the country has 200 tons of food and medical aid ready to be sent to Venezuela.
According to the Brazilian military, no operations will be carried out until Venezuela opens its borders and allows aid to enter.
