The Security Council will discuss the arrest of Maduro in an emergency session on Monday
The Somali mission, which holds the rotating presidency of the UN Security Council this month, announced that the Council will hold an emergency meeting next Monday to discuss the rapidly evolving situation in Venezuela, following the US military operation that led to the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. This meeting comes amid widespread international anticipation and concerns about escalating geopolitical tensions.
Details of the session and the emergency invitation
According to high-level diplomatic sources, the session is scheduled to begin at 10:00 AM New York time (3:00 PM GMT). This move comes at the official request of Venezuela, conveyed by Colombia, which currently holds a non-permanent seat on the Security Council. This swift diplomatic action reflects the shockwaves the military operation has sent through Latin American political circles.
Historical background: Years of tension and sanctions
This dramatic event cannot be separated from the context of historically strained relations between Washington and Caracas. Since the rise of the Chavista movement to power, relations have steadily deteriorated, reaching a peak in recent years. The United States has consistently accused the Maduro regime of undermining democracy and violating human rights, and has imposed a series of harsh economic sanctions targeting the country's vital oil sector.
Furthermore, the US Department of Justice had previously filed formal charges against Maduro and several of his associates for involvement in "narco-terrorism," offering substantial financial rewards for information leading to their arrest. Observers believe that the recent military operation represents the practical implementation of these long-standing policies and legal proceedings, shifting the conflict from economic sanctions to direct military intervention.
An international split is expected within the halls of the Council
Monday's session is expected to reveal a sharp divide among the major powers. The United States and its Western allies (such as the United Kingdom and France) are likely to defend the operation as a necessary step to restore democracy and enforce international law against those wanted for justice. In contrast, Russia and China are expected to take a hard line against the operation, deeming it a blatant violation of the sovereignty of a UN member state and a breach of the UN Charter, potentially leading to their vetoing any draft resolution that might be put forward.
Regional repercussions and the future of Venezuela
Regionally, Maduro's arrest places Latin America at a dangerous crossroads. While some right-wing governments in the region may welcome the move, others fear that the sudden political vacuum in Caracas could lead to security chaos or new waves of displacement affecting neighboring countries, particularly Colombia and Brazil. Global energy markets are also watching closely for the impact of this event on Venezuelan oil production, which holds the world's largest proven reserves, potentially leading to price volatility in the coming period.
