| Speaker | Time | Text |
|---|---|---|
| They were not planning operations in other countries, and I named a few of the ones you mentioned, including Colombia and Cuba. | ||
| And I was very, very disappointed in their answer. | ||
|
unidentified
|
Thank you, everybody. | |
| On Wednesday, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer appears before members of the House of Commons to discuss domestic and foreign policy issues during Prime Minister's Question Time. | ||
| Watch it live from London starting at 7 a.m. Eastern on C-SPAN 2. | ||
| C-SPAN Now, our free mobile app, or online at cspan.org. | ||
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| He joins our host, civic leader, best-selling author, and owner of the Baltimore Orioles, David Rubenstein. | ||
| I thought writing kids' books were a good way to broach certain subjects that might have been tough when you're kids or whatever else in the backdrop of a travel team, travel baseball team, because we all worry about things as kids, and it was a way to communicate a good message through books. | ||
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| On this episode of Book Notes Plus with our host, Brian Lamb. | ||
| After 15 books on revolutionary America, John Ferling still has more to say about the early period in the life of the United States. | ||
| Ferling is Professor Emeritus of History at the University of West Georgia. | ||
| In the preface of his current book, Shots Heard Round the World, Professor Ferling opens with this, quote, Now that America will be commemorating the 250th anniversary of its War of Independence, what pops into your mind as you hear or witness references to that conflict? | ||
| Professor Ferling gives his answer in a 500-page book focusing on America, Britain, and Europe in the Revolutionary War era. | ||
|
unidentified
|
A new interview with author John Ferling about his book, Shots Heard Round the World, America, Britain, and Europe in the Revolutionary War. | |
| Book Notes Plus, with our host Brian Lamb, is available wherever you get your podcasts and on the C-SPAN Now app. | ||
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| The Permanent Council of the Organization of American States met to discuss the U.S. strikes in Venezuela and the capture of President Nicolas Maduro and his wife. | ||
| Many in attendance disavowed President Maduro's actions and the human rights violations he committed. | ||
| Many also condemned the actions of the U.S. as a violation of international law and country sovereignty. | ||
| This meeting is 2 hours and 15 minutes. | ||
| Good morning, everyone. | ||
| I would like to greet you and say Happy New Year and express to you with great sincerity my best wishes for you and your families prosperity, well-being, and health. | ||
| I would also like to greet the permanent and alternate representatives of the delegations of the OAS, permanent observers, the Secretary General Albert Ramdeen and Assistant Secretary General Laura Gil, | ||
| all the staff of the General Secretariat and the other entities and organs of the organization, as well as representatives of civil society, other social actors, as well as journalists, the media who are here today, and everyone who is here and those who are with us virtually. | ||
| By assuming my functions as the chair of the Permanent Council of this organization and well aware of the responsibility of this position, which I assume with great honor in my capacity as the permanent representative of Colombia to the OAS and I will be acting in keeping with the charter of the organization, | ||
| its rules of procedure, and the rules of procedure of this permanent council, ensuring impartiality, transparency, and respect for all member states through their representatives and promoting a constructive dialogue based on mutual respect and multilateralism. | ||
| At the first regular session of the Permanent Council, which we convened, or which we will convene rather, we will share with you the lines of planning that we have foreseen during my chairmanship in 2026. | ||
| Having verified the quorum, I would like to bring this first special session of the Permanent Council to order, convened in keeping with sub-paragraph B of Article 37 of the Rules of Procedure at the behest of the Permanent Mission of Colombia with the co-sponsorship of Chile, Brazil, Guatemala, Uruguay, and Mexico, | ||
| in keeping with the provisions of document CPINF 10810 slash 26 and its addendum. | ||
| This convocation has to do with the exceptional situation provided for in Article 2 of the Rules of Procedure, which demands immediate action by the Council to consider the recent events that have taken place in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. | ||
| And to this end, in accordance with the provisions of Article 43 of the Rules of Procedure, I'd like to submit to your consideration the draft order of business contained in Document CPOD 2576-26. | ||
| If there are no remarks, we will proceed to adopt it. | ||
| Along other lines, I would ask delegations to waive the maximum timeframe of interventions in keeping with Article 46 of the Rules of Procedure based on exceptional circumstances, since some representations would like to speak longer. | ||
| Argentina, Brazil, and the United States are requesting seven minutes to speak. | ||
| Mexico, Colombia, and the Dominican Republic, they are asking for 10 minutes. | ||
| If there are no objections, we will agree to this waiver. | ||
| Consideration of the recent events that have taken place in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. | ||
| Now, for the consideration of the next point on our order of business, I would like to give the floor to those delegations that would like to refer to this issue. | ||
| initially colombia has the floor the vice minister of foreign relations mauricio jaramillo will be speaking And you are welcome here, Vice Minister. | ||
| Thank you, Chair. | ||
| Mr. Chairman, Permanent Representative, Secretary General, Assistant Secretary General, Colombia appreciates the convening of the special session of the Permanent Council, which we requested in light of our concern over the recent events in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. | ||
| We thank also Brazil, Chile, Guatemala, Mexico, and Uruguay, the co-sponsors of this request. | ||
| Given the gravity of the situation, we categorically condemn any action that undermines Venezuela's sovereignty, its territorial integrity, and its political autonomy. | ||
| And we call for unity and solidarity in Latin America and the Caribbean in the face of any kind of external interference. | ||
| Colombia considers that the military actions carried out unilaterally on Venezuelan territory constitute a clear violation of international law. | ||
| These actions contravene the fundamental principle of the prohibition of the use of force in relations between states, except in circumstances strictly defined in the Charter of the United Nations. | ||
| Furthermore, such actions represent interference in the internal affairs of a state, which is compatible with the principle of non-intervention recognized by international law and the OAS Charter. | ||
| This sets a precedent that is extremely worrying because it threatens regional peace and security and a rules-based international order. | ||
| When these values are relativized, especially those that regulate the use of force, the principle of equality of states is weakened and the doors open to an international order governed by coercion is open rather than law with serious consequences for regional and global security. | ||
| The normalization of these exceptions lead to an international system that is increasingly unpredictable. | ||
| Furthermore, Colombia expresses its concern about the impact of these actions on the civilian population, which faces direct risk to its life and property. | ||
| The protection of civilians and the full guarantee of their human rights must be an absolute priority. | ||
| We consider it unacceptable that there be any threat or attacks on innocent people or civilian infrastructure. | ||
| The Inter-American Democratic Charter reaffirms that democracy is a right of the people and duty of the states, and its effective exercise is inextricably linked to respect for human rights, the rule of law, and the peaceful settlement of disputes, as well as sovereignty, territorial integrity, and political independence. | ||
| Democracy cannot be seen as the result of coercion or external imposition. | ||
| To the contrary, it can only be built through peaceful, inclusive processes that respect the will of the people. | ||
| The OAS Charter provides that the objective of the organization is to preserve sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of member states, as well as to promote peace and security on the continent. | ||
| It is also stipulating, or stipulates rather, that states must resolve their disputes by peaceful means and refrain from resorting to threats or use of force. | ||
| Any unilateral military action contravenes these fundamental principles and represents a serious risk to peace and hemispheric security. | ||
| In this scenario, the OAS plays an essential role in preventing conflicts, reducing tensions, and promoting understandings that support peaceful and collective solutions. | ||
| Accordingly, the situation in Venezuela must be resolved exclusively through dialogue, negotiation, and respect for the will of its people without external interference. | ||
| Only an inclusive political process led up by Venezuelans themselves can lead to a democratic, sustainable solution that respects human dignity and human rights. | ||
| We trust that the current crisis will not deepen, but as a preventive measure, we have put in place measures to protect the civilian population, preserve stability at the border, addressing possible needs of the population, especially migrants, in coordination with local authorities. | ||
| Colombia will continue to be a supportive host to the Venezuelan population, which, given the uncertainty caused by this crisis, may generate massive migration flows. | ||
| This would require significant efforts in terms of resources in order to support these people. | ||
| Colombia reaffirms that Latin America and the Caribbean must remain a region of peace, committed to the peaceful resolution of disputes and strengthening multilateralism. | ||
| As provided for in the OES Charter, we must maintain respect for the principles and purposes of the United Nations. | ||
| In the same vein, Colombia categorically and firmly rejects threats of the use of force or any act of aggression against our territory, as well as defamatory statements against our head of state, Gustavo Petro Orego. | ||
| Such statements are unacceptable and they constitute unacceptable interference in our country's international affairs and contravene the most basic principles of the Charter of the United Nations, sovereign equality of states, non-intervention, political independence, territorial integrity, and the prohibition of the use or the threat of the use of force. | ||
| Chair, Colombia does not accept or tolerate behavior that disregards peaceful coexistence among nations and mutual respect. | ||
| We demand respect in the face of stigmatization and disrespectful discourse against our head of state. | ||
| He was legitimately elected by the sovereign will of the Colombian people. | ||
| The government of Colombia has been, is, and will continue to be a defender of democracy and the rule of law and the full respect for institutions. | ||
| We reiterate our offer of good offices to contribute to a diplomatic solution to the current situation, and we appeal for restraint from actions that could escalate tensions or affect regional security. | ||
| Latin America and the Caribbean have a track record of peace, which is under siege and at serious risk. | ||
| Thank you very much. | ||
| Thank you, Vice Minister. | ||
| And foreign ministers or ministries had asked for the floor. | ||
| So we have Francisco Carvallo from the Dominican Republic, who also asked to speak. | ||
| You have the floor. | ||
| Chair of the Permanent Council, Secretary General, Assistant Secretary General, Ambassadors and friends, the Organization of American States was born under the conviction that American solidarity and good neighborship can only be sustained on individual freedom, social justice, and respect for our democratic institutions based on human dignity. | ||
| This spirit must guide our deliberations today when we are having to address a complex and prolonged situation in a sister nation. | ||
| Let us not blind ourselves. | ||
| This political crisis has meant that there is a humanitarian crisis in Venezuela and has impacted our countries. | ||
| But this situation is dangerous and delicate. | ||
| We must act with full responsibility to avoid escalation, to protect the Venezuelan population, and also to safeguard regional stability. | ||
| Chair, after the elections of July 28, 2024, the Dominican Republic did not recognize the proclamation of Nicolas Maduro. | ||
| Together with other states, we demand the publication of the tally sheets and their international verification. | ||
| And on 30th of July, diplomatic representatives of my country were expelled from the country as well as those of six states. | ||
| Thereafter, on August 16, 2024, when we had the taking of possession of the second term of our President Luis Abedinader, our government promoted the Declaration of Santo Domingo, which was signed by 22 countries and the European Union. | ||
| This declaration demanded the publication of the tally sheets and demanded respect for democratic principles, human rights, and fundamental liberties of all Venezuelans. | ||
| And on that occasion, President Abin Adair stated, and I cite him, it is condemnable what we see with respect to democratic institutions and the use of political violence in Venezuela. | ||
| These authoritarian acts are unjust and they undermine any kind of social justice. | ||
| The Dominican Republic will always be on the side of democracy, wherever it may be, whenever it may be, and whoever it involves. | ||
| Given this background and in keeping with our values, the Dominican position is clear. | ||
| We do not recognize the legality of the proclamation of Nicolas Maduro, but we cannot confer legitimacy on a de facto regime which wants to perpetuate itself, undermining popular will. | ||
| The Dominican Republic will not accept a fait accompli, but we cannot allow the continued risk of social peace and integrity of the Venezuelan people. | ||
| At this time, we think that there are two main priorities. | ||
| First, the preservation of the basic functioning of the institutions of the state, and secondly, the construction gradually of a roadmap that is serious and realistic and that can support a democratic transition. | ||
| This transition should be framed without any ambiguity on the most elemental principles: sovereignty, self-determination of peoples, and peaceful resolution of disputes. | ||
| These are principles enshrined in the Charter of the OAS in the Pact of Bogotá and the Inter-American Democratic Charter and should be reflected in any resolution of this crisis. | ||
| Chair, this organization has legal instruments, accumulated experience, and the political will to play an important role in coordinating hemispheric support for the Venezuelan people. | ||
| This support, in our opinion, must be aimed at facilitating a credible, inclusive dialogue among the main Venezuelan actors, such that the transition is really Venezuelan. | ||
| The international community must contribute to create conditions so that this transition is possible and successful. | ||
| Many of our countries have gone through very complex transitions. | ||
| In the Dominican case, the support of the Americas was decisive to consolidate our democracy. | ||
| We have not forgotten that experience. | ||
| In light of the recent events, the OAS must be unified and have an effective formula to support the Venezuelan people to be able to reestablish trust in inter-American institutions and in the norms we must respect. | ||
| There is no recipe exactly, but we are convinced that we can have a region that enjoys democracy, that is always perfectible, but that is indispensable for social peace. | ||
| The Dominican government, interpreting the interest and principles of its people, reaffirms its availability to help Venezuelans find the path to have a free and democratic nation that is sovereign and lives in peace. | ||
| Thank you very much. | ||
| Thank you very much. | ||
| Thank you, Vice Minister. | ||
| And Chile is now recognized. | ||
| Thank you very much, Chair. | ||
| First of all, I would like to salute you as chair and wish you most success during this period ahead, which is already off to a good start given this special session. | ||
| Chile is certainly willing to work with you. | ||
| Thank you very much for convening today's special session of the Permanent Council, which aims to address the serious events that have taken place recently in Venezuela and their potential impacts and implications for the entire hemisphere. | ||
| And I'd like to note that the Chilean government has been consistent in condemning the human rights violations committed under the dictatorial regime of Nicolas Maduro. | ||
| And we have consistently noted the need for a democratic, peaceful way out led by the Venezuelan people themselves, as noted by the foreign minister of the DR. Thus contributing to any attempts at international assistance to provide order and fundamental freedoms in that country. | ||
| And with that in mind, the Chilean government, led by President Boric, stated in a timely fashion that the elections held last July 28, 2024 were fraudulent and lacked the most basic standards of transparency and integrity. | ||
| That is why the inauguration of Nicolas Maduro was devoid of any legitimacy. | ||
| And we recognize the serious suffering of the Venezuelan people who for many years now have faced economic, political, humanitarian, and human rights crises at the largest scale. | ||
| Nearly one million Venezuelans live in Chile and this is a reality that we know firsthand. | ||
| Chair. | ||
| Given what I've stated already, we would like to state today at this Permanent Council in line with the principles that guide us the foreign policy of my country. | ||
| We would like to express our serious concern and condemn the unilateral military actions that took place in Venezuelan territory which violate the fundamental principles of international law, particularly the prohibition of the use of force and threat thereof and respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty of states enshrined in the UN Charter. | ||
| These actions are a very serious and dangerous precedent for regional and international peace and security based on rules and standards and they endanger the civilian population and against this backdrop we reiterate our staunch commitment to respect for international law, peaceful resolution of disputes and full respect for human rights. | ||
| The serious problems faced by Venezuela must be addressed through peaceful and gradual inclusive measures to reflect the legitimate aspirations of the people of Venezuela and aim at holding free elections, citizens' participation with support from the international community and not actions that may create dangerous precedents or escalate tensions in the region with serious consequences for the entire population. | ||
| Respect for international law does not admit any exceptions and problems must be always addressed within the legal framework which as nations we have all agreed to shoulder. | ||
| And we consider any scenario that involves direct external control of a sovereign state or of its strategic resources is a significant risk for regional stability and for international legal order. | ||
| It may create a precedent that is particularly concerning for our hemisphere. | ||
| And this also is taking place in an international context that is very complex because we have many geopolitical hotspots and a very concerning trend at turning to force as a mechanism for resolving any controversies. | ||
| Normalizing this type of dynamic weakens multilateralisms. | ||
| It fritters away at the trust between states and particularly has an impact on countries with less relative power. | ||
| Chair. | ||
| In the face of this complex scenario, we believe that the role that the multilateral mechanisms for dialogue and prevention is very significant. | ||
| And in our hemisphere, the OES may play a relevant role for contributing to reducing tensions and seeking out understanding to promote a sustainable, peaceful way out, avoiding further deterioration of the situation and maintaining open channels of communication. | ||
| This certainly concerns the threats of TOC and drug trafficking, which are a significant threat for democracy and stability, as well as institutionality in our countries, as well as building peaceful, inclusive societies. | ||
| And Chile therefore reiterates its will to placing a priority on respect for international law and compliance with international frameworks in force. | ||
| That said, it's indispensable for us to have an honest, critical reflection on the structural limitations of the very multilateral system itself. | ||
| This is a system that, even with its institutional standards and mechanisms aimed at preventing and managing these types of crises, was incapable of acting in a timely fashion in order to prevent the escalation of this level of extreme seriousness. | ||
| Please conclude, Ambassador. | ||
| When multilateralism is incapable of providing credible and timely solutions, this opens a vacuum for unilateral actions and the use of force in violation of international legal orders. | ||
| We reiterate our willingness to supporting any constructive initiatives and working side by side with countries of the region and the international community to promote stability and mutual understanding, as well as respect for the principles that sustain this organization in order to build the conditions necessary for a democratic, sustainable, peaceful way out of the crisis in Venezuela. | ||
| Thank you very much, Chair. | ||
| Thank you, Chair. | ||
| I ask you to please keep an eye on the clock. | ||
| We are granting exceptions if asked, but please keep in mind on the time limits. | ||
| Uruguay, please. | ||
| Thank you very much, Chair. | ||
| Uruguay, would like to wish you most success at the helm of the Permanent Council and Secretary General ASG, Secretary for Democracy. | ||
| Thank you very much for convening this special session of the Permanent Council for considering the events that recently took place in the Bulgarian Republic of Venezuela. | ||
| The Uruguayan government is watching very closely with great concern the events taking place in Venezuela, stemming from the military operations that took place in the early morning hours of January 3rd and how this may impact institutions right now in that country. | ||
| Against this backdrop, we would like to reiterate our staunch attachment to the fundamental principles of international law, particularly the prohibition of the use of force and threat thereof, respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty, as well as political independence of states enshrined in the United Nations Charter as well as the Charter of the OES itself. | ||
| Our position has been clear and reiterated. | ||
| We do not recognize the results of the national elections held in Venezuela on the 28th of July 2024. | ||
| And we know that there are serious human rights violations taking place that have been noted in that country, carried out by, which has been noted by international organizations. | ||
| Yet, without prejudice, we must note the flagrant violation of international law and the basic principles established in the UN Charter and the OAF Charter. | ||
| In particular, in Article 2, number 4 of the UN Charter, which establishes that the members of the organization in their international relations shall abstain from turning to force or the threat thereof, violating the political independence or territorial integrity and sovereignty of any other state or any other way that is incompatible with the purpose of the United Nations. | ||
| In line with our pacifist tradition, Uruguay reiterates its attachment to international law and respect thereof. | ||
| This is a highly concerning president for peace and security internationally, and they create a risk for the civilian population with an impact on regional stability as well. | ||
| My government also reiterates, as it has in recent hours, that we need to ensure protection for human rights and ongoing defense of democratic coexistence in our region in any country that may be impacted by this situation. | ||
| We also reiterate the character of LAC as a zone of peace built on non-intervention, mutual respect, peaceful resolution of disputes. | ||
| And this has historically been a shared heritage in our region. | ||
| We reiterate that the situation in Venezuela must be resolved by peaceful means through dialogue, negotiation, processes that must be led by the Venezuelans themselves, as well as with full sovereignty over their own natural resources and strategic resources in that country. | ||
| And we reiterate that only an inclusive political process will allow us to re-establish democratic order sustainably, ensure a peaceful political transition which re-establishes democracy, protects for human rights, and that includes the freedom of all political prisoners. | ||
| That is the only way toward peace and development for the people of Venezuela. | ||
| And we staunchly believe that re-establishing democracy, which is representative and reflects the principles of the OAS Charter, is indispensable for peace, stability, and prosperity in Venezuela and the region. | ||
| And we would like to also reiterate the call made by our president at the United Nations and other diplomatic efforts which may come up in the coming hours involving the region in order to implement good faith, good offices in order to reduce tensions, preserve peace, and protect human rights. | ||
| Uruguay understands that the OAS does have the legal framework and institutional capacities to provide its cooperation and spare no efforts for democratic restoration and respect for human rights. | ||
| Against that backdrop, Uruguay reiterates its full willingness to collaborate in any regional or multilateral efforts aimed at a peaceful resolution in line with international law and the will of the people of Venezuela. | ||
| Thank you very much. | ||
| Thank you, Uruguay. | ||
| Jamaica. | ||
|
unidentified
|
Mr. Chair, Secretary General and Assistant Secretary General, Excellencies and colleagues, we appreciate the opportunity to add our collective and individual voices to this issue. | |
| I've been requested to read in the statement of CARICOM to this meeting on behalf of the Ambassador of St. Kitts and Neves, who is the current chair of the CARICOM Caucus. | ||
| The statement of the 3rd January remains and is as follows. | ||
| The Bureau of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community, Jamaica, St. Kitts and Neves and St. Lucia, convened on Saturday, the 3rd of January 2026, following U.S. military action in Venezuela. | ||
| The Caribbean community is firmly committed to the fundamental principles of international law and multilateralism enshrined in the UN Charter, including sovereignty and territorial integrity of states and respect for human dignity. | ||
| The region reiterates its call for peaceful dialogue through diplomatic channels to ensure Venezuela's stability, good governance, democracy, and prosperity for the people of Venezuela. | ||
| CARICOM remains ready to support all such efforts in a spirit of cooperation and mutual respect. | ||
| The Bureau of Heads of Government assures that every effort is being taken to ensure the safety and security of citizens of the region. | ||
| The Bureau will continue to monitor the multifaceted impact of this evolving situation and the implications for economic activity within the community, particularly air travel. | ||
| I thank you. | ||
| Thank you very much. | ||
| Canada and thank you for sending us a text from CARICOM. | ||
| Thank you very much, Chair. | ||
| Please allow me to wish you most success as Chair of the Permanent Council. | ||
| And you can certainly count on support from me personally and my delegation. | ||
| Canada salutes the ongoing engagement of the OAS in addressing the conflict of Venezuela and making it a priority in its agenda in order to defend democracy, human rights in our region. | ||
| We call on all stakeholders to show restraint, respect international law, and seek a peaceful negotiated solution to the crisis. | ||
| Canada places great importance on resolving disputes through multilateral engagement, and the recent developments are a critical turning point for Venezuela. | ||
| The de facto regime in Venezuela has no democratic legitimacy, and it is responsible for human rights violations, the destruction of the Venezuelan economy, and arbitrary detention of hundreds of dissidents. | ||
| It is also responsible for the migration of millions of people throughout the entire hemisphere due to the humanitarian crisis and violent repression. | ||
|
unidentified
|
As stated by our Prime Minister, Canada has long supported a peaceful, negotiated, and Venezuelan-led transition process that respects the democratic will of the Venezuelan people. | |
| We stand by the Venezuelan people's sovereign right to decide and build their own future in a peaceful and democratic society. | ||
| They deserve a future built on justice, accountability, and fundamental freedoms. | ||
| We encourage member states to coordinate diplomatic efforts, to share information, and to support initiatives that promote dialogue. | ||
| Canada will continue to work with regional and international partners to support such efforts, to restore democratic governance and to protect human rights. | ||
| We commend the resilience of the Venezuelan people and reaffirm our unwavering commitment to stand with them during this critical time. | ||
| Thank you, Mr. Chair. | ||
| Thank you very much, Canada. | ||
| Guatemala is recognized. | ||
| Thank you very much, Chair, distinguished representatives, delegates. | ||
| Guatemala has been consistent in rejecting the authoritarian regime of Nicolas Maduro in Venezuela and the violence and political persecution that has been unleashed on peaceful protests throughout the elections held on July 20, 2024, in which the will of the Venezuelan people was not respected. | ||
| And that is why Guatemala does not recognize the electoral result, nor Maduro as president. | ||
| We want to underscore the importance of the Venezuelan people, which now have an opportunity in front of them to rebuild their democratic institutionality while the international community has a commitment to support their efforts in the framework of international law. | ||
| At the same time, we reiterate our support for the rights of the Venezuelan people to freely decide their future through authentically democratic processes that respect popular will. | ||
| It's fundamental that any solution respects and reflects the legitimate aspirations of Venezuela to live in democracy in an environment of freedom, justice, and respect for human dignity with support and constructive contributions from the international community. | ||
| We reiterate our commitment to multilateralism and respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity of states, legal equality among nations, non-intervention in domestic affairs, prohibition on the use of force and threat thereof, and peaceful dispute resolution. | ||
| The government of the Republic of Guatemala reiterates its conviction that peace and respect for international law must prevail in any way above military confrontation at the same time as members of the OAS. | ||
| Guatemala underscores the collective responsibility to act in line with the principles and purposes of the Inter-American Democratic Charter, including the defense of democracy, representative democracy, respect for human rights, the principle of non-intervention, and strengthening and preserving democratic institutionality as the path toward peaceful coexistence in our hemisphere. | ||
| Guatemala calls for regional collaboration in the framework of the OAS, underscoring its role in addressing this problem as a priority within the framework of international respect and the principle of peaceful dispute resolution. | ||
| Chair. | ||
| Permanent representatives, we sustain that political dialogue that is genuine, diplomacy, and multilateral mechanisms must be the path toward a true solution that allows a peaceful and orderly transition with full respect for the will of the Venezuelan people. | ||
| Along those lines, we recognize the role of the OAS as an essential space for consultation, understanding, and seeking consensus to contribute to avoiding further escalation while protecting the civilian population. | ||
| Guatemala reiterates its solidarity with the people of Venezuela and their legitimate wish to live in freedom and democracy with dignity. | ||
| In that sense, and as member state of an organization that promotes peace and the rule of law, we urgently call on any action to be aimed at resolving the Venezuelan crisis in the framework of regional collaboration and in line with international law and peaceful dispute resolution, avoiding any unilateral actions that may complicate the situation. | ||
| Independently of the issue that we are addressing right now and given our own experience, Guatemala considers that transnational organized crime and drug trafficking are obviously a significant threat for our region, as the sequester of some institutions in our country have shown. | ||
| Therefore, LAC needs to address the reality of the growing influence of organized crime and drug trafficking in our political systems. | ||
| That is why we reiterate our willingness to support any initiative aimed at resolving the crisis, respecting international law, and finding a peaceful solution to the crisis. | ||
| We staunchly believe that only through understanding cooperation and respect for the principles of democracy will we be able to move forward toward peace and stability as well as the well-being of the people of Venezuela and the hemisphere. | ||
| Thank you very much. | ||
| Thank you, Ambassador. | ||
| Thank you, Guatemala. | ||
|
unidentified
|
The United States, Mr. Chair, Secretary General, and fellow permanent representatives, the United States welcomes the opportunity to address the situation in Venezuela with the organization, an organization whose founded purpose is to uphold peace, security, and democracy across our hemisphere. | |
| Let me be clear: the United States did not invade Venezuela. | ||
| This was a targeted law enforcement action resulted in the arrest of an indicted criminal and his co-conspirator with the objective of bringing them to face American justice. | ||
| I invite you all to read the indictments March 2020 and January 26, all 25 pages of heinous crimes against the lives of Americans and deaths. | ||
| This action was not taken lightly. | ||
| President Trump offered Maduro multiple off-ramps. | ||
| Maduro refused to take them. | ||
| Please remove her from the room. | ||
| Please remove this individual from the session, please. | ||
| Like the millions of people who don't have home here, please remove this woman. | ||
| Security, please. | ||
| Remove this woman. | ||
| Please, security, remove this woman as soon as possible. Please, security. Please, security. Please, security. | ||
| I would ask security to please security. | ||
|
unidentified
|
If you care about the Venezuelan people, you will limit the brutal sanctions that have been half the traffic for the Venezuelan people. | |
| Madam, we cannot allow this session to be interrupted in this fashion. | ||
| Please suspend. | ||
| The session is suspended. | ||
| I apologize, Ambassador of the United States, for that interruption. | ||
| And we will give you back the use of the floor. | ||
|
unidentified
|
Thank you. | |
| And I understand there are many raw emotions. | ||
| And as I stated and will repeat for the significance and importance, I invite you all to read the indictments, all 25 pages of heinous crimes against the lives of Americans, the deaths of Americans. | ||
| This action was not taken lightly. | ||
| President Trump offered Maduro multiple off ramps. | ||
| Maduro refused to take them. | ||
| This was not an interference in democracy in Venezuela. | ||
| It actually removed the principal obstacle to it. | ||
| Nicolas Maduro did not represent democratic order. | ||
| He destroyed it. | ||
| The inter-American Democratic Charter is clear. | ||
| The peoples of the Americas have the right to democracy, and their governments have an obligation to promote and defend it. | ||
| The United States stands firm in these commitments, and its recent actions are consistent with that commitment. | ||
| This very body does not recognize him as the President of Venezuela. | ||
| In fact, this was the head of a criminal enterprise that hollowed out the Venezuelan state and enabled transnational crime, narcotics trafficking, corruption, and repression, whose effects have been felt by every country in our region. | ||
| Acting against that threat was an armed conflict against the sovereign people. | ||
| It was a U.S. law enforcement action against organized crime. | ||
| As Secretary Orubio stated, this is our neighborhood. | ||
| This is where we live. | ||
| And we are not going to allow Venezuela to be turned into an operating hub for Iran, for Russia, for Hezbollah, China, the Cuban intelligence agents that control that country. | ||
| You cannot continue to have the largest oil reserves in the world under the control of adversaries of the Western Hemisphere. | ||
| While the people of Venezuela have no electricity, substandard quality of life, and its profits don't benefit the people of Venezuela, the profits are stolen by a handful of oligarchs around the world, including those inside of Venezuela. | ||
| We want a better future for Venezuela and a democratic future, which is all of our benefit. | ||
| And one immediate step towards achieving that goal is the immediate release of all political prisoners, approximately 1,000 political prisoners we are asking to be released. | ||
| We further take this opportunity to reaffirm our strong support for the IACHR's request for an on-site visit to the detention center. | ||
| The United States stands with the people of Venezuela and all the people of the hemisphere. | ||
| And this body, we request this body to do the same. | ||
| I also call upon the Organization of American States, who has unparalleled expertise in the electoral process, to extend its resources to the people of Venezuela. | ||
| Thank you, Mr. Chair. | ||
| Thank you, Ambassador. | ||
| Mexico is recognized. | ||
| Thank you very much, Chair of the Permanent Council. | ||
| I'd like to take this opportunity to wish you most success in your work at the helm of this Permanent Council, and we express our full willingness to work with you in whatever it may be. | ||
| And also, I salute the Secretary General and the ASG, as well as the many permanent representatives of the various member states of the OAS. | ||
| Mexico is grateful to Colombia as chair of the Permanent Council for convening this special meeting, which we co-sponsored. | ||
| The aim is to address the unilateral military aggression that took place in Venezuela. | ||
| And these unfortunate actions require a reflection at the hemispheric level that is responsible, attached to international law, and aimed at preserving democracy, peace, and stability in the region. | ||
| The position of Mexico is staunch, clear, and historic. | ||
| For my country, non-intervention in the internal affairs of other states is not just a constitutional principle of our foreign policy in Mexico. | ||
| It is one of the principles that guide our relations throughout the world. | ||
| Preventing threats and the use of force against sovereignty, territorial integrity, or the political independence of any state is a fundamental part of international law without regard for which country or government is involved. | ||
| Sovereignty and self-determination of peoples are not options and they are non-negotiable. | ||
| They are legal principles. | ||
| They are fundamental. | ||
| They must always be respected with no exceptions. | ||
| From Mexico's perspective, the events that took place in Venezuela violate Article 2 of the UN Charter and the Charter of the Organization of American States, as well as the principles and essential aims enshrined in our international treaties of both organizations, which are binding and which all member states commit to respect. | ||
| This also cannot be justified as a legitimate defense. | ||
| Those principles establish that international law is something that should guide the behavior of all states in their relations. | ||
| International order is based on respect for the legal personality, sovereignty, and independence of states, and in compliance with international obligations and good faith must guide our relations between states. | ||
| With that in mind, Mexico reiterates its urgent call for respecting international law, not repeating any aggressive acts against the people and government of Venezuela, and at all times ensuring that peaceful channels for resolving these controversies prevail. | ||
| History has shown that only peoples themselves can define their own path ahead, and they must have sovereignty over their natural resources, defining their own form of government as well as their economic, social models without outside pressure. | ||
| We must also note that regime change from outside and extraterritorial measures are not just violations of international law. | ||
| Historically, they have worsened conflicts and frittered away at the social fabric in states. | ||
| The history of LAC is resolute. | ||
| Intervention has never brought democracy. | ||
| It has never brought well-being, and it has never brought lasting stability. | ||
| Despite the political differences between our governments, Latin America and the Caribbean have forged a path ahead as a zone of peace, as noted in Resolution AG-RS 2862, adopted by the General Assembly of the OAS in 2014. | ||
| That resolution consolidates our continent as a zone of peace based on respect for the principles and standards of international law, including international instruments in which member states are parties and the principles and aims of the Charter of the United Nations as well as the OAS Charter and our conviction that peaceful solution of disputes is necessary. | ||
| Collectively, we have, for decades now, turned to political and legal mechanisms available for dispute resolution. | ||
| Violation of this balance places the political stability and security of our region at great risk, as well as the well-being of our peoples. | ||
| That these acts are being justified is denying the history of our region. | ||
| Against that backdrop, we express our serious concern with the events over the last several days, which have led to an escalation and expansion of military actions to other countries of our region, now thus directly threatening the peace and stability of the Americas. | ||
| On the other hand, our region can and must move forward with a new vision based on cooperation to preserve sovereignty, ongoing dialogue between the equal parties, and understanding and mutual respect. | ||
|
unidentified
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Chair. | |
| Mexico reiterates that the situation in Venezuela must be resolved exclusively through peaceful means, through dialogue, negotiation, and respect for the will of the Venezuelan people without any external meddling or interference. | ||
| And only through an inclusive process led by the Venezuelan people themselves can we seek a democratic sustainable solution. | ||
| Mexico reiterates its willingness to support any effort aimed at facilitating, mediating, or supporting to contribute to preserving regional peace and avoiding greater conflict. | ||
| As stated by the Mexican president, the history of Latin America is clear and resolute. | ||
| Intervention has never brought lasting stability or well-being, and only peoples themselves can build their own future, decide their path forward, exercise sovereignty over their natural resources, and freely decide the way of government that they choose. | ||
| Self-determination of peoples are not negotiable. | ||
| They are not optional. | ||
| These are fundamental principles of international law and they must always, without exception, be respected. | ||
| Unilateral action, invasion may not be the foundation of international relations in the 21st century as they bring neither peace nor development. | ||
| Mexico staunchly sustains that Latin America is not part of any doctrine or powers. | ||
| Our continent belongs to the people in each of our countries that make up our hemisphere, and we will continue to defend that as a fundamental principle of our foreign policy as well as our domestic policy. | ||
| Thank you very much. | ||
| Thank you, Mexico. | ||
| I would now like to give to Peru the use of the floor. | ||
| And given the interruption that we suffered, the new ambassador has not been able to present his credentials. | ||
| But Ambassador Coronado, you have the floor. | ||
| Thank you very much, Chair. | ||
| The Mission of Peru, thanks you for convening this important session. | ||
| This is a sensitive topic for the hemisphere. | ||
| And thank you, Chair. | ||
| And I'd like to wish you great success at the head of the Permanent Council. | ||
| And we support you. | ||
| Before I begin, Chair, the delegation of Peru would like to respectfully ask the Chair for a moment of silence for the victims of those who have suffered human rights abuses by the regime of Nicolas Maduro. | ||
| I think that this shows that we support human rights and human dignity. | ||
| Yes, Ambassador, we do allow this moment of silence. | ||
| Thank you. | ||
| Thank you. | ||
| Thank you, Ambassador. | ||
| Please resume, Ambassador. | ||
| Thank you. | ||
| Thank you very much, Chair. | ||
| Peru would like to begin by recalling that we always respect international law and the values enshrined in the UN Charter and the Charter of the OAS. | ||
| In keeping with this, my country upholds and is committed to the rule of law, human rights, and democracy. | ||
| In keeping with the Inter-American Democratic Charter, Peru has always defended hemispheric democracy and reiterates that we want to see the recovery of democracy in Venezuela through a peaceful transition. | ||
| We have sustained and said that this transition must be a Venezuelan transition led up by Venezuelans and based on popular will that's been expressed in the polls. | ||
| This commitment is not just abstract. | ||
| For humanitarian reasons, Peru has taken in one and a half million Venezuelan citizens who were forced to abandon their country due to the crisis caused by Nicolas Maduro. | ||
| This reality reinforces our conviction and our willingness to cooperate constructively for a multilateral effort aimed at reinstituting democracy and economic and social stability in the country. | ||
| In that framework, Peru has been clear. | ||
| Nicolas Maduro has been dictatorial and was exercising power illegitimately. | ||
| He did not win the elections in 2024, and we have been firm in condemning him for trying to perpetuate himself in power. | ||
| For this reason, we recognize Edmundo Gonzalez as the winner of the elections in Venezuela. | ||
| In the current context, Peru believes that we must reiterate the transition must go forward in Venezuela and must be inclusive of all sectors in the country and must lead to the full respect of those who express themselves at the poll. | ||
| Peru believes that this is an opportunity to be able to strengthen the role of the OAS as the main political forum in the region. | ||
| Beyond any questioning, the OAS must be the forum for collective action and deliberation and to strengthen regional cooperation given the common challenges among those transnational organized crime and humanitarian crises caused by migration from Venezuela. | ||
| We want an active and coherent OAS that is aimed at result and they can help have this peaceful democratic transition to the benefit of Venezuelans and us. | ||
| We believe this is an opportunity, an historical opportunity, and in that sense, within the framework of a democratic transition, it will be very important that the OAS reflects from a human rights perspective what mechanisms can support Venezuelans, those who want to go back to their country with dignity, with security, and with full respect for international law. | ||
| Finally, Peru would like to state that it is willing to constructively participate in these conversations. | ||
| We are convinced that a coordinated response with other nations will be key to help those Venezuelans return to their country and to consolidate a sustainable democratic transition in our brother country, Venezuela. | ||
| Thank you. | ||
| Thank you. | ||
| Peru. | ||
| Bolivia, you have the floor. | ||
| Thank you, Chair. | ||
| The Plurinational State of Bolivia would like to say it decisively supports the Venezuelan people. | ||
| We recognize the bravery of a nation which has gone down, is now going down the path to have a restitution of the constitutional order. | ||
| The crisis in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela is not an accident. | ||
| It is the direct cause of the collapse of democracy. | ||
| We see that the consolidation of criminal structures have captured the institutions in Venezuela. | ||
| We believe it is imperative to recognize that we are facing a systematic violation of human rights in Venezuela, especially those of political and civil rights. | ||
| We believe that the beginning of a real democratic transition is not an option. | ||
| It is an unavoidable need. | ||
| It is the only way we can put an end to a narco-state to also get rid of corruption and reestablish institutional legitimacy that comes from the sovereign will of the Venezuelan people. | ||
| Bolivia will not just keep this to words. | ||
| We will act to support the international community and the Venezuelan people, support the actions necessary to lead to democracy. | ||
| We believe this is indispensable to exercise fundamental rights and human rights. | ||
| The priority is to have a process for institutional rebuilding that is credible and that can be verified. | ||
| We reiterate our historical commitment to the defense of democracy, international law, human rights, and the right to peace in our region. | ||
| We appeal to the international community to act in a coordinated and responsible way with the hope that soon we will have a Venezuelan delegation at this organization once again. | ||
| Thank you very much. | ||
| Thank you. | ||
| Bolivia. | ||
| Belize has the floor. | ||
|
unidentified
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Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman, Madam Assistant Secretary General. | |
| Mr. Chairman, Belize fully aligns and associates itself with the statement already delivered by the distinguished ambassador of Jamaica on behalf of CARICOM. | ||
| In addition to that, I would like to read the statement issued by the government of Belize on the matter before us issued yesterday. | ||
| Over the last four months, the government of Belize has been monitoring closely and has consistently expressed its concern about the build-up of military assets in the southern Caribbean. | ||
| On early Saturday morning, military operations were carried out in Venezuela, resulting in the removal of the president. | ||
| Belize aligns itself with the statement issued by the Bureau of CARICOM Heads of Government on January 3rd, 2025. | ||
| Belize will continue to engage with CARICOM and other member states in the hemisphere on the implications for the region. | ||
| Belize has always been and remains committed to the principles of international law and the UN Charter, which we believe are fundamental to the maintenance of international peace and security. | ||
| We call on all parties to exercise restraint, to respect international law, to engage in a constructive dialogue to resolve the crisis in Venezuela within the framework of international law. | ||
| Belize and Venezuela have historically shared friendly and cooperative bilateral relations, and as such, we would like to see a return to constitutional order as soon as possible. | ||
| Respect for the Venezuelan Constitution and the will of the Venezuelan people should guide future actions. | ||
| Belize reiterates its commitment to our region as a zone of peace. | ||
| Thank you, Mr. Chairman. | ||
| Thank you, Belize. | ||
| Costa Rica has the floor. | ||
| Good morning, Chair, Secretary General, Assistant Secretary General. | ||
| Good morning, everyone. | ||
| Costa Rica has closely followed the recent events in Venezuela, including the arrest of Celia Flores and Nicolás Maduro. | ||
| We firmly call upon all for a peaceful democratic transition to reinstate the rule of law and institutions. | ||
| We reiterate our willingness to contribute to a sustainable, peaceful solution based on international law, the UN Charter, and the Inter-American Democratic Charter. | ||
| We also reiterate our support for multilateral negotiations to be able to support democracy and peace. | ||
| Thank you. | ||
| Thank you. | ||
| Brazil has the floor. | ||
| Thank you, Chair. | ||
| This is a serious moment that evokes a period we thought we had outgrown, but has once again cast a shadow over LAC and the bombing in Venezuelan territory and the kidnapping of its presidents goes beyond a red line. | ||
| These acts are a serious attack on the sovereignty of Venezuela and threaten the international community with an extremely dangerous precedent. | ||
| Military aggression creates a world in which survival of the fittest prevails over multilateralism. | ||
| We cannot accept the argument that the ends justify the means. | ||
| This rationale is illegitimate and opens the door to giving the strongest the right to define what is fair or unfair, what is right or wrong, and ignoring national sovereignty, dictating decisions that should be made by the weakest. | ||
| National sovereignty sustained on international law and multilateral institutions is fundamental so that peoples can exercise their right to self-determination. | ||
| Multilateralism, despite its imperfections, is the only instrument available to ensuring rationality, equality, and justice between nations. | ||
| If we lose that, Chair, we will lose not just independence but also national dignity. | ||
| We will be mere witnesses as our own destiny is determined. | ||
| The strength of arguments will give way to the argument of force, and relations of cooperation may turn into simply relations of subordination. | ||
| We all bore witness to the collapse of international order following World War II and the disorder that filled the void will once again be unfair, violent, and oppressive, and led by the walled jungle. | ||
| Chair, the UN Charter and hemispheric obligations were clearly violated and we remind you of the recent resolution 297/2025 of the Inter-American Juridical Committee, which unanimously reiterated that the use of force in international relations is prohibited except in legitimate cases of self-defense against armed aggression or collective action authorized by the UN Security Council. | ||
| The general rule, therefore, is the prohibition on the use of force in international relations and exceptions must be guided by the UN Charter. |