The United States will impose and enforce sanctions "to the maximum extent" to deprive Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro of resources as Russia warned other Latin American countries could be next, the U.S. told the United Nations on Tuesday.
Addressing the UN Security Council, U.S. ambassador Mike Waltz said transnational criminal and terrorist groups posed the most serious threat to the region and to the United States.
“The single most serious threat to this hemisphere, our very own neighbourhood and the United States, is from transnational terrorist and criminal groups,” he said.
Washington has increased its military presence in the region, while President Donald Trump has announced a blockade of vessels subject to U.S. sanctions.
The U.S. Coast Guard has intercepted two tankers in the Caribbean Sea this month, both carrying Venezuelan crude, and is pursuing a third empty vessel that was approaching Venezuela’s coastline.
Waltz said sanctioned oil tankers represented the primary economic lifeline for what he described as Maduro’s “illegitimate regime”, and alleged that the proceeds also funded the Cartel de los Soles.
The United States last month designated Cartel de los Soles, also known as the Cartel of the Suns, as a foreign terrorist organisation, citing its alleged involvement in drug trafficking into the U.S. Washington accuses Maduro of leading the group.
Venezuela’s government has rejected the designation, calling it “ridiculous” and insisting the group does not exist.
Russia’s ambassador to the UN, Vassily Nebenzia, warned that U.S. actions against Venezuela could set a precedent for the use of force against other Latin American states.
“This intervention which is unfolding can become a template for future acts of force against Latin American states,” he told the council, citing a recent U.S. strategy document on reasserting influence in the Western Hemisphere.
China also urged restraint, with deputy UN ambassador Sun Lei calling on the United States to “immediately halt relevant actions and avoid further escalation of tensions”.
Venezuela, backed by Russia and China, requested Tuesday’s meeting, the second held by the Security Council on the issue. A previous meeting in October saw Washington argue its actions were consistent with Article 51 of the UN Charter, which allows self-defence against armed attack.
Venezuela’s UN ambassador, Samuel Moncada, rejected that justification.
“Let it be clear once and for all that there is no war in the Caribbean,” he told the council, adding that it was “absurd” for the U.S. to invoke the rules of war.
Australia’s most populous state has passed sweeping new gun control and anti-terror laws following a mass shooting at Bondi Beach, tightening firear...
Thailand and Cambodia both reported fresh clashes on Wednesday, as the two sides prepared to hold military talks aimed at easing tensions along their ...
The United States will impose and enforce sanctions "to the maximum extent" to deprive Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro of resources as Russia warn...
Diplomatic efforts to end the war between Russia and Ukraine remain at an early and uncertain stage, despite increased international engagement....
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for the 24th of December, covering the latest developments you need to...
Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipments to China have surged by 1.6 million tonnes in November marking a 143% increase from the same period last year.
China has given the nod for car makers to sell Level 3 self-driving vehicles from as early as next year after it approved two electric sedans from Changan Auto and BAIC Motors.
The foreign ministers of Cambodia and Thailand have told Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi that they are willing to pursue a ceasefire, as tensions flared along parts of the two countries’ shared border.
Vince Zampella, co-creator of the Call of Duty gaming franchise, has died in a car crash involving a Ferrari crash on Monday in Los Angeles, United States.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel is monitoring recent Iranian military exercises and will raise the issue with U.S. President Donald Trump during his visit to Washington next week.
Paramount has reaffirmed its bid to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery, offering $30 per share in cash and backing the proposal with a $40.4 billion personal equity guarantee from billionaire Larry Ellison, despite the target company’s board urging shareholders to reject the offer.
U.S. President Donald Trump has approved plans to construct a new class of battleships, which he described as larger, faster and significantly more powerful than any previous U.S. warship.
As the European Commission warns of possible visa suspension, Georgian authorities reject accusations of democratic backsliding. What is really at stake — and who could be affected most?
Australia’s most populous state has passed sweeping new gun control and anti-terror laws following a mass shooting at Bondi Beach, tightening firearm ownership rules, banning the public display of terrorist symbols and expanding police powers to restrict protests.
Thailand and Cambodia both reported fresh clashes on Wednesday, as the two sides prepared to hold military talks aimed at easing tensions along their shared border.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for the 24th of December, covering the latest developments you need to know.
The U.S. Supreme Court blocked Donald Trump's attempt to send National Guard troops to the Chicago area, amid concerns that the Republican president is using the military in Democratic-led regions to punish opponents and suppress dissent on Tuesday.
The United States and Iran traded barbs at the United Nations Security Council on Tuesday over conditions for reviving nuclear talks, with the U.S. saying it remains ready for direct negotiations and Iran rejecting Washington's terms.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment