| Speaker | Time | Text |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Judicial 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. | ||
| In addition, the juridical committee reiterated that understanding that regulating the use of force by the Charter is related strictly to other principles of international order, in particular the inviolability of territories of states, non-aggression, | ||
| non-intervention in domestic affairs, non-recognition of territorial acquisitions obtained by force, the obligation to resolve international disputes peacefully, the idea of collective security as a shared action against an aggressor. | ||
| And the committee also reiterated that the prohibition on the use of force and its exceptions apply to all states. | ||
| The hemispheric system may not be given exceptions to that prohibition in any specific circumstances, which would simply lead to an expansion or distortion of those standards. | ||
| Condemnation of the use of force is in line with the position that Brazil has always adopted in the recent situations we've seen in other countries. | ||
| Rejecting the use of force has become particularly relevant in this area of the West LAC when CELAC declared this geographic space a zone of peace. | ||
| The action that just took place not only violates the prohibition of the use of force, but it also reminds us of the worst moments of interference in Latin American politics. | ||
| Latin America and the Caribbean are also a zone guided by the principle of self-determination of peoples. | ||
| Brazil does not believe that the solution to the situation in Venezuela goes through the creation of protectorates in that country. | ||
| Within the broader LAC region, South America has a particular history of overcoming rivalries and conflicts, and our countries have learned throughout history that resolving our conflict goes through cooperation. | ||
| Mercosur is one of the most symbolic expressions of that with very concrete results. | ||
| The success of Latin America and the path toward cooperation and peace and we will continue to defend the South American heritage of peace. | ||
| We've defended and we will continue to defend with great determination at the same time non-intervention in South America. | ||
| The attack on Venezuela for the very first time in South America brought back the shocking images of an armed military aggression from abroad and this is unprecedented and particularly alarming that these images, which generally come from other parts of the world, were taking place in a neighboring country with which we share a 2,200 kilometer land border. | ||
| We are very concerned by these facts. | ||
| I remind you of the words of President Lula during the last Mercosur summit held in December in Foj de Aguaso. | ||
| Building a prosperous and peaceful South America is the only doctrine that brings us together. | ||
| That is why we are determined to act in the continent of South America in the broader space of Latin America and the Caribbean to preserve our regional heritage of peace and we will not hesitate to support the principles of our federal constitution such as non-intervention, peaceful dispute resolution and defense of peace. | ||
| We staunchly believe, therefore, that it is only through an inclusive political process led by the Venezuelans themselves, free of foreign interference, will we be able to find a solution that respects the will of the people of Venezuela and the human dignity of that country. | ||
| Thank you very much, Chair. | ||
|
unidentified
|
Gracias and Bajor. | |
| Thank you, Ambassador Benoni. | ||
| Paraguay has the floor. | ||
| Chair, the delegation of the Republic of Paraguay reiterates its commitment to democracy, the rule of law, and respect for human rights, which guides our foreign policy and our essential values of the inter-American system. | ||
| This commitment has led Paraguay to also be on guard because of the illegitimate regime of Nicolas Maduro, which has systematically undermined democratic institutions and damaged the Venezuelan people and harmed them. | ||
| We hope that now that we have him out of the way, and which our government has said is a narco-terrorist regime, we can have the reinstatement of democracy in Venezuela and also respect for fundamental freedoms and human rights. | ||
| We also hope that we see the release of all political prisoners soon, any process that allows for those who are in exile to go back so that at the same time we can deal with humanitarian crisis and humanitarian assistance of recent years. | ||
| We need to point out that the Venezuelan crisis is not a recent phenomenon. | ||
| Rather, it is the consequence of a prolonged process through which a transnational organized criminal organization has been operating the state and annulling the popular will and turning the state into a platform for transnational organized crime. | ||
| This has allowed for the consolidation of a dictatorship and undermining of popular will. | ||
| The Charter of the OAS and the Inter-American Democratic Charter provide clearly that representative democracy and respect for human rights are essential conditions for the legitimacy of the exercise of power. | ||
| Chair, at this decisive time, we urge everyone to look towards the well-being of the Venezuelan people. | ||
| We must have an orderly and peaceful reinstatement of democracy. | ||
| It must contribute to greater stability in the region. | ||
| As a nation that went from an authoritarian regime to a full democracy, Paraguay is making available to the international community our experience. | ||
| We believe that the process of democratic transition can be strengthened when based on historical memory and respect for fundamental liberties. | ||
| Chair, Paraguay wants to clearly express that we support Venezuelan people. | ||
| They deserve to live in peace and dignity and in democracy. | ||
| And we are committed to the values of the OAS Charter and the Inter-American Democratic Charter. | ||
| We will continue to work together with this organization for a freer, more just, and more democratic region. | ||
| Thank you. | ||
| Thank you, Paraguay. | ||
| Trinidad and Tobago has the floor. | ||
|
unidentified
|
Chair, the delegation of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago expresses its gratitude for the convening of this special meeting of the Permanent Council to allow for an exchange of views on the recent developments in the Bolivia-Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. | |
| Trinidad and Tobago has been a long-standing proponent of the peaceful coexistence of states in the international arena. | ||
| Our enduring relationship and partnership, as well as strong fraternal ties with both Venezuela and the United States, are indicative of this. | ||
| However, we have equally acknowledged the notion that real regional peace has been elusive within the Southern Caribbean. | ||
| Trinidad and Tobago continues to recognize the importance of collective efforts aimed at addressing the threat posed by transnational organized crime. | ||
| It is against this backdrop that we reiterate our support for the efforts led by the United States toward disrupting and dismantling the transnational criminal networks that have been recognized here at the OS and across the hemisphere as forces of instability and insecurity. | ||
| At the same time, Trinidad and Tobago places significant value on maintaining constructive and respectful relations with the Republic of Venezuela. | ||
| As a close neighbor, our country remains deeply invested in regional stability. | ||
| The delegation of Trinidad and Tobago wishes to underscore its long-standing relationship with both the United States and Venezuela and stands ready to work collaboratively with all partners who share the aspiration of a safer, more prosperous and stable Americas. | ||
| Thank you. | ||
| Thank you, Trinidad and Tobago. | ||
| Ecuador has the floor. | ||
| Thank you, Chair. | ||
| We wish you great success at the head of the Permanent Council and that we show, you have showed today your calm despite the crisis. | ||
| Peace is not based on decrees and much less on repeated statements on principles and how we need to respect them. | ||
| Yes, we need to have respect and use principles, but we need decisive action. | ||
| And Paul Valderie referred to the future, and he said that in the future, Elikard also talked about rules, and he said that there is sometimes a shadow over principles, and many times the exercise of power is not in keeping with international law. | ||
| And so we need to really think about the duty to act, given a prolonged threat to security and to democracy, given the international collapse, and also potential links to hostile actors, even with narco-policy, narco-terrorism, international organized crime based on a political regime. | ||
| And these principles and the hierarchy must guide us. | ||
| However, we cannot forget that based thereon, we can justify inaction or putting up with organized crime. | ||
| We would like to say we have solidarity with those who have suffered violations of human rights under this dictatorship, which we hope will be ending. | ||
| It's a complex situation. | ||
| Sometimes the truth is difficult to find. | ||
| It is gray. | ||
| We hope that Venezuela knows where it's going and how it can go somewhere. | ||
| What can we do at the OAS? | ||
| We understand that the truth of the inter-American system is not based on just declared principles, rather, in mechanisms to bring about actions and those who govern those actions. | ||
| So, in order to move forward as a negotiation forum, we need to construct democracy. | ||
| We need a governmental transition. | ||
| And we hope, with the support of all Venezuelans and the historical commitment of all of us here, can we together then construct a better future? | ||
| And we can look at the UN data. | ||
| We see the data about migrants. | ||
| We see that in 32 million people, this was the population of Venezuela, 8 million left. | ||
| So, one in four people left the country. | ||
| And these are not exact these figures, but we can nonetheless know that there was a huge humanitarian crisis and that people were asking, they were begging us for help. | ||
| And this is not just an internal affairs problem. | ||
| We all know about the problem. | ||
| We've been impacted by it. | ||
| Eight million migrants, together with the deterioration of institutions, has led to incredible challenge. | ||
| And these demand multilateral responses. | ||
| We have political prisoners, according to data. | ||
| As of 2025, there were more than 8,000 political prisoners. | ||
| We hope that they are released. | ||
| We don't want to read again what can happen, like in 1984, but in Latin America. | ||
| Ethical principles are not just rigid rules. | ||
| These just guide us. | ||
| They guide our action. | ||
| And we need to base our actions on them. | ||
| But this is in keeping with our reality. | ||
| Ecuador therefore hopes that we can be, with a critical eye, work for a free and democratic Venezuela. | ||
| And to this end, we want the OAS there supporting the democratic transition. | ||
| The Republic of Ecuador is supporting the hope of Venezuelan people to rebuild their state, to live in democracy. | ||
| Let us not forget that Venezuela for many years took our exiles when we are those who exiled themselves, when we had to live under dictatorships. | ||
| And our president, President Navoa, Venezuela, has an ally in Ecuador. | ||
| The story of the three kings, the three wise men, it guides us. | ||
| Please finish. | ||
| Well, thank you, Ecuador. | ||
| Panama has the floor. | ||
| Thank you very much, Chair. | ||
| The Republic of Panama thanks you for convening this special session of the Permanent Council to consider the recent events that have taken place in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. | ||
| This is a very serious issue for our region and for the inter-American system. | ||
| Panama is very concerned about the situation in Venezuela and its effects go beyond its borders and represent a real risk for peace, democratic stability, and hemispheric security. | ||
| The gravity of the facts cannot be minimized or ignored by this organization as a constant principle of our foreign policy, the Republic of Panama and our President, Jose Raú Molina Quintero, who is governing our foreign policy together with our foreign minister Acha, are firmly committed to multilateralism, | ||
| sovereignty of states, and respect for international law, and particular principles enshrined in the OAS Charter and the Inter-American Democratic Charter. | ||
| These are essential pillars for peaceful coexistence, representative democracy, and protection of human rights. | ||
| In this context, Panama believes it is indispensable to point out that the situation in Venezuela is framed in a regime that was not elected and there is no democratic institutions in the last year. | ||
| The devoiding of institutions has gone forward. | ||
| We've had the closing of political spaces and repressive use of law enforcement, which is regrettable. | ||
| We reiterate very clearly that we do not recognize an authoritarian and illegitimate regime which is maintaining the Venezuelan people in a political, social, and humanitarian crisis, which is the gravest and most serious in our region. | ||
| We must demand the immediate release of all people who have been detained for political reasons. | ||
| The imprisonment of people for exercising human rights is a violation of human rights and of democracy. | ||
| Here at this forum, we demand the immediate release of all political prisoners with guarantees for their security and for due process. | ||
| Chair, esteemed colleagues, the Republic of Panama would like to also be clear on this point. | ||
| Panama has someone who was arbitrarily detained in Venezuela, Almedo Núñez. | ||
| He has been imprisoned without being accused of anything, without due process, without access to consular protections or to an attorney. | ||
| This is a direct violation of the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations and of international law. | ||
| And there is international responsibility on the part of the Venezuelan government. | ||
| And then we have the human impact of this multi-faceted crisis, which has led millions of Venezuelans to abandon their country. | ||
| We are the chair of the Committee on Migratory Affairs. | ||
| We underline that this is not just a crisis that concerns Venezuelans. | ||
| Rather, it is leading to instability in the region and has implications at many levels. | ||
| Power comes from the people, and the Venezuelan people clearly expressed themselves in the polls on July 28, 2024. | ||
| And disregarding this means that you are normalizing fraud, authoritarianism, and undermining the principle of free and fair elections. | ||
| Panama would like to state that the transition must be peaceful democracy and led up by Venezuelans with the responsible support of the international community and regional mechanisms, including this organization. | ||
| There cannot be an authentic transition without real democracy and respect for popular will. | ||
| Chair, esteemed colleagues, Panama speaks from experience. | ||
| Our country knows in its recent history the consequence of the interruption of constitutional regimes. | ||
| And in 1989, we had historical events that marked us, and then we had to recover democracy, led up by a legitimate government by Guillermo Indaridadi, in order to reinstate our institutions and the rule of law. | ||
| During that period, the now president of Panama, Jose Raú Molino Quintero, played an important role in defending democracy and strengthening the rule of law in Panama. | ||
|
unidentified
|
Thank you, Ambassador. | |
| Please, let's keep an eye on the clock to all of the delegations. | ||
| El Salvador is recognized. | ||
| Chair, Secretary General, ASG, ladies and gentlemen, permanent representatives, permanent observers, El Salvador is appearing today with a sense of historic responsibility and morality. | ||
| Venezuela is not facing a regular political crisis. | ||
| Rather, in Venezuela, they are facing an ideological crisis. | ||
| This has been consolidated. | ||
| It's destroyed institutions, expelled over 7 million Venezuelan citizens, and it has turned its state into a platform for transnational organized crime. | ||
| These are facts that we all recognize. | ||
| El Salvador has learned that impunity strengthens criminality, and that is why when a state tolerates armed groups controlling territory, when it justifies the illegality in the name of stability, it is not saving a crisis, it is promoting it. | ||
| And that's what has happened in Venezuela. | ||
| And today, not only the Venezuelans, but the entire region are now paying the consequences. | ||
| The recent capture of Maduro to respond to justice for serious crimes committed is a point of inflection in the Venezuelan crisis. | ||
| His capture is the expected consequence after over 10 years of authoritarian regime that has destroyed democracy, violated human rights, and turned the government into a tool for corruption. | ||
| Chair, El Salvador today reiterates its commitment to peace, security, and stability in the region. | ||
| No one, no matter how powerful they are, is above the law. | ||
| The people of Venezuela deserve peace, social development, economic development, justice, and security. | ||
| The OAS cannot simply send out a symbolic communique. | ||
| No, we need real, firm decisions, commitments to the principles of democracy enshrined in our Democratic Charter. | ||
| My delegation recognizes that Venezuela is facing a critical moment of transition right now, and that is why we will support any step aimed at ensuring a restoration by the Venezuelan people of constitutional order, legitimate, transparent, peaceful processes. | ||
| The people of Venezuela and the entire hemisphere deserve a region in which the principles of democracy, legality, and respect for human dignity are not just aspirations but a reality. | ||
| El Salvador reiterates today its commitment to those values. | ||
| Thank you very much, Chair. | ||
| Thank you, Ambassador Honduras. | ||
| Thank you very much, Chair. | ||
| Congratulations for taking the chairmanship, though it is during a difficult time. | ||
| Salute. | ||
| I'd like to salute the Secretary General, ASG, and everyone who is with us today at the head table. | ||
| Before convening this meeting, the Honduran government had already spoken with regard to the kidnapping of President, the constitutional president of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, Nicolas Maduro Moros and Nicolas Maduro Moros and his wife Celia. | ||
| And so I will now read the tweet from President Samaro Castro. | ||
| The military aggression from the United States against the people of Venezuela and the kidnapping of President Maduro and his wife Celia Flores is an attack on the sovereignty and independence of the peoples of LAC as well as an absolute violation of the UN Charter and international law. | ||
| We condemn this barbarism and we express our solid love to the people of Venezuela and President Nicolas Maduro and his wife. | ||
| We cannot allow a return to imperial colonialism. | ||
| Honduras has also been a victim of foreign intervention and direct meddling by the U.S. President Donald Trump, who threatened the people of Honduras during our elections with his intention to vote with the intention to vote for Moncada and seriously harming our fragile democracy. | ||
|
unidentified
|
Thank you very much. | |
| Thank you, Ambassador. | ||
| Argentina is recognized and then we will hear from the Secretary General. | ||
| Then we will hear from the permanent observers. | ||
| Chair, we wish you most success in your new position and we know that you will lead this permanent council with professionalism, independence, as you have already stated. | ||
| Secretary General, Madam ASG, dear colleagues, special greetings to the new ambassador from Peru, who just joined us at this home of the Americas. | ||
| We express, and we have on many occasions, our concern with the political institutional situation in Venezuela. | ||
| This is not circumstantial rattle. | ||
| Rather, it goes back to the commitments shouldered by all states here in the OES Charter and the San Jose of Costa Rica Compact, as well as the Inter-American Democratic Charter. | ||
| The principles enshrined in these documents are what the very illegitimate regime of Maduro rejected when he sought to join this organization while in Venezuela. | ||
| They were breaking down the rule of law, institutions, democracy. | ||
| They were systematically refusing fundamental freedoms to millions of Venezuelans. | ||
| They were appropriating the resources of that country. | ||
| The persistence of impunity and the projection of organized transnational crime through drug trafficking networks have been themselves a concrete threat to the well-being of the Americas. | ||
| And on December 23rd, the UN Security Council, my country, expressed our serious concern, sitting that the impacts of this regime go beyond domestic and they have a negative impact on stability in LAC. | ||
| Previously, in the framework of the latest regular General Assembly of that organization, we and other countries expressed our condemnation of the criminal terroristic activities carried out by Trender Aragua, as well as other stakeholders, including governments that had facilitated, tolerated, or provided material support and safe refuge for that organization and its affiliates. | ||
| That is why we greatly value the determination demonstrated by the President of the U.S. and his government and the recent actions adopted in Venezuela, which led to the capture of the dictator, Nicolas Maduro, also the leader of Cartel de los Soles. | ||
| And this, like Trendar Aragua, was declared a terrorist organization by the Argentine government in 2025. | ||
| We also note that these events are a decisive step forward against drug trafficking, which besets the region, while at the same time opening the door to a new era in which the people of Venezuela are able to fully recover their democracy and the rule of law, as well as respect for human rights. | ||
| Putting an end to the oppression they've suffered for so many years at the hands of this authoritarian regime, which has sunk its people into poverty, led 8 million Venezuelans to escape their country. | ||
| Chair, President Millé has been very clear in Argentina with our position, and we've denounced the lack of freedoms and serious human rights violations that are taking place. | ||
| We've contributed actively and with determination and responsibility to the international efforts aimed at a return of democracy to Venezuela. | ||
| On the 28th of July 2024, we saw presidential elections take place in Venezuela, and many electoral observers were there to try to ensure transparency. | ||
| But Maduro did not recognize the genuine results. | ||
| He hid the tallies and declared himself as a president in an illegitimate, illegal government. | ||
| In March of 2024, Argentina provided refuge to six leaders of the opposition. | ||
| We were one of the countries that asked for a special session of the Permanent Council in order to denounce the fraud that sought to fritter away the popular will express at the latest general elections in which Edmundo Gonzalez Rutia was elected as president of Venezuela. | ||
| This led to the expulsion of our diplomatic corps from Venezuela and also safe passages and any normal relations with exiles who were living in exile in the residence of the Argentine ambassador in Caracas. | ||
| We denounce the situation in this body and on many occasions we have noted that the constant human rights violations and against people in that country must be addressed. | ||
| In particular, the arbitrary detention and forced disappearance of Venezuelan citizens and those of other countries such as Argentine Noel Gallo. | ||
| In this, we want to be emphatic. | ||
| This situation is something that needs to end, and we request firmly the immediate freeing of Argentine citizens as well as their safe and swift return to our country to return to their family. | ||
| And on many occasions, we have noted that the diplomacy of silence is unacceptable while at the regional level we have denounced practices that were considered state terrorism and crimes against humanity. | ||
| The silence of the OAS has been resounding in our society, questioning the very purpose of this organization. | ||
| Chair, that is why we must now act as it is expected. | ||
| The challenges that we face due to the chaos on Venezuela should lead to shared action in order to ensure that the scourge of drug terrorism no longer affects our citizens. | ||
| We return democracy, freedom, and create real peace in the region. | ||
| Following the lessons learned in which we underestimated the instrument of preventive diplomacy, we must explore how we at the OAS can become a facilitator to contribute to supporting a transition process to democracy in Venezuela. | ||
| Similarly, the Inter-American Convention on Human Rights must insist on an in-situ visit in order to verify the status of political prisoners of the regime. | ||
| And this was suggested at a timely fashion in this very institution by our country. | ||
| We will continue to work day and night to ensure that the Venezuelans are able to recover their full democracy and freedom, reiterating that there is no room for error with new dictatorial experiences in our continent. | ||
|
unidentified
|
Thank you very much, Chair. | |
| Thank you, Argentina. | ||
| As I already stated, the Secretary General now has the floor, Albert Ramdin, and then we will hear from the observer states. | ||
| Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. | ||
| And let me begin by congratulating you on your chairmanship today in a special session of the Permanent Council. | ||
| We salute your leadership, and I look forward to cooperating with you. | ||
| I also like to acknowledge already the effective leadership of your predecessor, Ambassador Tomas Pascual. | ||
| Thank you very much for that cooperation. | ||
| ASG Laura Hill, distinguished permanent representatives, distinguished permanent observers, delegates, staff of the OES, ladies and gentlemen. | ||
| Mr. Chairman, today with this gathering, I believe the value of multilateralism and inter-Americanism has been once again demonstrated as a valuable instrument in our hemisphere. | ||
| I believe that today member states have presented their analysis, their arguments, and their positions with regard to recent developments in our region, especially in this case in Venezuela. | ||
| That openness is not a courtesy, it is a cornerstone of our collective legitimacy and our capacity to solve real problems. | ||
| Therefore, I thank Member States for their views as expressed, their constructive suggestions, and looking forward to a future. | ||
| And the Secretariat will certainly be guided by your views as expressed today in this special Permanent Council. | ||
| But, distinguished Permanent Representatives, we must be more than a forum for statements. | ||
| Exchanging information and viewpoints is essential, no doubt. | ||
| As I said, exchanging information and viewpoints are essential, but not sufficient to improve the lives of the people of the Americas. | ||
| Our words must lead to coordinated, principled, and sustained action. | ||
| We are not here out of goodwill and solidarity alone. | ||
| We are here because the OES Charter mandates it, because Member States themselves want it this way. | ||
| Let me be clear: the OES Charter and the Inter-American Legal Framework are not a suggestion, but an obligation and a moral responsibility. | ||
| It reflects the very purpose for which the OES was created in 1948, still valuable today. | ||
| In a more complex world, multilateral institutions are not optional. | ||
| They are indispensable. | ||
| We have heard all those sentiments expressed today here. | ||
| So if democracy, fundamental principles of international law and the inter-American legal framework are at stake, like it has happened before in our hemisphere, now in Venezuela, the hemisphere must act collectively to return to accepted norms and principles. | ||
| This will require constructive engagement among the OES Member States, full support, and certainly also in Venezuela. | ||
| We must reaffirm the importance of unity within the American region, recognizing that diversity of views exists while underscoring the shared responsibility to preserve peace and stability in the hemisphere. | ||
| I wish to recall that member states are the basis of that unity and there is a shared adherence to international law and the inter-American legal framework, which provides a common point of reverence for dialogue and collective consideration, including respect for sovereignty, human rights, and democratic governance. | ||
| And as we go forward, Mr. Chairman, we must consider in what way we all can find the moment to reaffirm the collective commitment of Member States to these norms and values that underpin our unity and peaceful coexistence in our hemisphere. | ||
| We must find a way to get back to that rule-based system. | ||
| I'd like to emphasize that the Americas have historically aspired to remain a zone of peace and that safeguarding this condition continues to be in the collective interest of all member states. | ||
| Now, with respect to Venezuela, our commitment is clear. | ||
| Morally, we owe the Venezuelan people our solidarity. | ||
| Strategically, a stable, democratic, and prosperous Venezuela is in the interest of every single member states around this table. | ||
| At a minimum, we share responsibility for finding solutions that deliver concrete improvements to people's lives, respecting the inalienable right of the Venezuelan people to determine its own government and its own leadership in a representative democracy. | ||
| We must also acknowledge and welcome the expressions of willingness by several member states stated here today to cooperate in good faith and in diverse ways during this particular sensitive period. | ||
| We must recall that the strength of the inter-American system lies not in uniformity of views, but in the capacity of Member States to engage constructively despite ideological differences. | ||
| Therefore, we encourage Member States to continue using this forum to listen to one another, seek areas of convergence, and avoid actions that could deepen divisions or heighten tensions. | ||
| We must also reaffirm that maintaining the Americas as a hemisphere of peace is a shared achievement and a shared responsibility requiring cooperation, prudence and sustained management and engagement. | ||
| We must know that cooperation does not require consensus on all issues, but rather a commitment to peaceful processes, mutual respect and institutional dialogue. | ||
| Therefore, we invite Member States individually and collectively to consider how their engagement within their own approaches and principles can contribute to stability, dialogue and constructive outcomes. | ||
| Mr. Chairman, following the private meeting of yesterday and some of the requests made regarding the capabilities of the OES Secretariat to assist in restoring democracy, I'd like to say the following. | ||
| The Organization of American States, based on its responsibility, mandates and the provisions of our Charter, is here to safeguard democracy, defend human rights, promote development and stability, and strengthen multi-dimensional security to keep our hemisphere a zone of peace. | ||
| This is not only a Venezuelan issue. | ||
| It is a hemispheric responsibility. | ||
| The stability of our region depends on our collective response. | ||
| A stable democratic Venezuela is good for its people and good for the whole hemisphere. | ||
| In these circumstances, the role of the Organization of American States, in our view, will be key as an institutional space for dialogue, reflection, and collective engagement, consistent with its mandates and the confidence placed in it by the Member States. | ||
| We must highlight the potential value of the OAS as an honest broker, able, when so requested and agreed, to facilitate dialogue, support peaceful approaches, and help reduce tensions. | ||
| In line with the Charter of the Organization of American States, we act as a cooperative partner, as a trusted partner to our member states, in fulfilling this mandate, fully respecting the principles of sovereignty, non-intervention, and constitutional order. | ||
| Let me also say that we have been, and we will continue to do so, monitoring the human rights situation and documenting and publicly denouncing abuses consistent with the Venezuelan states' commitments under the inter-American human rights system, with particular attention to political prisoners. | ||
| As I stated before in the Permanent Council on October 8th, I strongly support the Inter-American Commission's of Human Rights request to conduct an in-local visit to Venezuela to assess the situation. | ||
| But I believe we can do more. | ||
| Within this context and subject to relevant political conditions and of course formal requests, the OES stands ready to support Venezuela and our member states through complementary and mutually reinforcing lines of action aimed at restoring confidence, strengthening democratic institutions, improving public management and fostering sustainable governance. | ||
| Just to provide the first list of ways to help, We offer our good offices to facilitate an inclusive dialogue platform among the actors of Venezuelan society. | ||
| This platform would provide a space to identify priorities, assess needs, and define a shared roadmap going forward. | ||
| This dialogue can help build confidence and strengthen institutions, including the judiciary, democratic checks and balances, and mechanisms that uphold the rule of law and defend human rights. | ||
| We have the capabilities and proven experience to provide legal and institutional support, advisory services, and technical cooperation to reinforce the independence of the judiciary and the rule of law. | ||
| This includes access to public information, integrity frameworks, and anti-corruption standards. | ||
| The OES can assist in preventing, managing, and peacefully resolving social and political conflicts through mediation, dialogue facilitation, consensus-building methodologies, and institutional tools that bolster democratic stability and peace building. | ||
| We can support a democratic transition in depth, strengthening institutions, supporting institutional reforms, assisting election readiness, building capacities, observing the electoral process, and so much more. | ||
| Specifically in the inter-electoral sphere, the OES can provide independent technical cooperation to support the integrity, transparency, and credibility of electoral processes and electoral authorities, with the objective of fostering public confidence in democratic outcomes. | ||
| Finally, the OES, in collaboration with regional and international specialized agencies, can contribute meaningfully, in our view, to addressing migration-related challenges and the situation of groups in conditions of vulnerability in support of social cohesion and democratic resilience. | ||
| This is a short list, a high-level overview of what the OES Secretariat can provide in creating a space for democratic return of the Venezuelan society and providing legitimacy to those who are going to govern. | ||
| So the OES stands ready to assist in this process. | ||
| Let me also recall, Permanent Representative, distinguished ambassadors, that in all we do, we must acknowledge the right of the Venezuelan people to determine their own future, including through peaceful means and democratic processes in accordance with applicable principles. | ||
| We must affirm that discussions and efforts should remain guided by the interests and well-being of the people of Venezuela with due consideration to the broader regional context. | ||
| We are convinced that Venezuela's path must be grounded in the will of its people. | ||
| Existing institutional arrangements, including the country's constitutional order, provide an important basis upon which we can build. | ||
| Sustainable stability and democratic legitimacy can only be achieved through peaceful means, inclusive dialogue and strong institutions. | ||
| In our view, it should start now. | ||
| Recent reports, on top of all what we already knew, are giving us reasons to be concerned. | ||
| Repression and political prosecution cannot be tolerated in Venezuela or anywhere else in our hemisphere. | ||
| So, In our view, we must find a way for continued collective engagement, for open channels of communication, and thoughtful coordination with member states. | ||
| We must emphasize that progress, where possible, will depend on shared responsibility, collective unity, sustained dialogue, and a commitment to peaceful and lawful approaches. | ||
| I would like to conclude by reiterating our readiness as a secretariat within its mandates, keeping in mind the guidance you have provided, and of course, at the request of member states, and in this case, also Venezuela, to support dialogue and contribute to efforts aimed at preserving peace, democracy, and stability for Venezuela and for the hemisphere as a whole. | ||
| I'd like to finish, Mr. Chairman, with a statement made by Simón Bolívar, given more than 200 years ago in the Congress of Angostura. | ||
| But I believe the statement has still currency in the current situation. | ||
| And the statement reads as follows: Each nation may govern itself according to its character and circumstances, but all require order, justice, and cooperation if freedom is to endure. | ||
| Without unity of purpose and adherence to common principles, no republic can hope to achieve stability, much less peace. | ||
| I thank you very much. | ||
| Thank you, Secretary General. | ||
| Thank you so much. | ||
| We would now like to give the floor to the permanent observers. | ||
| Spain has the floor. | ||
| Thank you, Chair. | ||
| I would like to wish you great success in this new period. | ||
| And of course, Spain will be here to collaborate with you. | ||
| Spain thanks you for giving us the floor at this meeting of the Permanent Council. | ||
| Our concern about what has happened in Venezuela, which has implications for the region and the world, means that we must think about ensuring the respect for international law and the principles of the UN Charter, specifically sovereignty and territorial integrity of states and the prohibition of the use and the threat of the use of force. | ||
| As we reiterated in the joint statement that came out with Mexico, Uruguay, Chile, Colombia, Brazil, LAC is a region of peace or a zone of peace and it should continue to be. | ||
| Therefore, we believe what has happened in Venezuela is a very concerning precedent for peace and regional security. | ||
| And we recall that natural resources of the country are part of this sovereignty. | ||
| We understand that the fight against transnational organized crime is a priority. | ||
| This, however, can only be done through international cooperation, as Spain does with countries of Latin America and the Caribbean. | ||
| We also understand that it's a priority to defend fundamental freedoms and human rights in the region. | ||
| And so we work closely with institutions and bodies of the OAS that work on these issues. | ||
| This is especially needed in Venezuela. | ||
| Spain wants to work for peace, stability, democracy, progress, and social justice. | ||
| And that cannot be imposed by force. | ||
| That can only come about through extensive dialogue amongst Venezuelans with a Venezuelan solution that is peaceful and democratic. | ||
| The voice of the Venezuelan people must guide their future. | ||
| Spain did not recognize the elections in 2024 in Venezuela, and we have firmly condemned all violations, the threat of violations of human rights. | ||
| We have given asylum to opposition leaders who were persecuted, and we have talked about how we are against abuses of human rights and abuses of Venezuelans. | ||
| However, we must respect international law. | ||
| Spain will work to unify Venezuelans, and we want to see peace and dialogue because force will never bring more democracy. | ||
| Thank you very much. | ||
| Thank you, Ambassador. | ||
| France has the floor. | ||
| Chair, Secretary General, Assistant Secretary General, Permanent Representatives, colleagues, France has shown its solidarity with Venezuelans for this long-standing crisis. | ||
| And on 28 July 2024, the Venezuelan people went to the polls in a peaceful way to determine the future of their country. | ||
| And Nicolas Maduro did not respect their will. | ||
| The electoral process had many irregularities and there was a flagrant absence of transparency. | ||
| We see the aspirations of democracy by the people and Maduro has always repressed these, repressed opposition and civil society. | ||
| And we see many arbitrary detentions. | ||
| France has been clear that these practices were unacceptable and human rights must be guaranteed. | ||
| Chair, the military operation that led to the capture of Nicolas Maduri contravenes the principles of international law. | ||
| The multiplication of violations of the UN Charter and international law by states that are permanent members of the UN Security Council undermines international order. | ||
| Contravening the principles of UN Charter, which includes sovereignty and territorial integrity of states, saps the energy of the UN. | ||
| We want to respect and see respect of the Inter-American Democratic Charter, the UN Charter, and peaceful settlement of disputes. | ||
| We must be guided by these principles always. | ||
| Respect must be shown for this. | ||
| Chair, we reiterate our attachment to the will of the Venezuelan people, the transitation, or the transition rather, that we hope is going to happen now must be peaceful and it must respect the will of the people. | ||
| This transition must be led by and for Venezuelans. | ||
| France is ready with other states and the European Union to support dialogue so there can be reinstatement of democracy in Venezuela. | ||
| And we want to support stability in the region. | ||
| Thank you very much. | ||
| Thank you very much, France. | ||
| The European Union has the floor. | ||
|
unidentified
|
Thank you, Chair, Secretary General, Assistant Secretary General, colleagues. | |
| The European Union calls for calm and restraint by all actors to avoid escalation and to ensure a peaceful solution to the crisis. | ||
| The EU recalls that under all circumstances, the principles of international law and the UN Charter must be upheld. | ||
| Members of the United Nations Security Council have a particular responsibility to uphold those principles as a pillar of the international security architecture. | ||
| The EU has repeatedly stated that Nicolas Maduro lacks the legitimacy of a democratically elected president and has advocated for a Venezuelan-led peaceful transition to democracy in the country, respectful of its sovereignty. | ||
| The right of the Venezuelan people to determine their future must be respected. | ||
| The EU shares the priority of combating transnational organized crime and drug trafficking, which pose a significant security threat worldwide. | ||
| At the same time, the EU stresses that these challenges must be addressed through sustained cooperation in full respect of international law and the principles of territorial integrity and sovereignty. | ||
| We are in close contact with the United States as well as regional and international partners to support and facilitate dialogue with all parties involved, leading to a negotiated democratic, inclusive, and peaceful solution to the crisis led by Venezuelans. | ||
| Respecting the will of the Venezuelan people remains the only way for Venezuela to restore democracy and to resolve the current crisis. | ||
| At this critical time, it is essential that all actors fully respect human rights and international humanitarian law. | ||
| All political prisoners currently detained in Venezuela must be unconditionally released. | ||
| EU member states' consular authorities are working in close coordination in order to protect the safety of EU citizens, including those illegally detained in Venezuela. | ||
| Thank you. | ||
| Thank you. | ||
| The representative of China has the floor. | ||
|
unidentified
|
Mr. Chair, I request the floor because the remarks concerning China made by the respected representative of the United States concerning China is unnecessary, unjustified. | |
| and untrue, to which the Chinese side would like to express its strong dissatisfaction and opposition. | ||
| Instead of fabrication and criticism, the United States should reflect on its own arbitrary and hegemonic action. | ||
| The use of force against the sovereign state and its leader is hegemonic and it strongly seriously violates international law, tramps on the sovereignty of the country, and threatens peace and security in the region. | ||
| The Chinese side is strongly opposed to it. | ||
| We urge the United States side to abide by international law, purpose and charges of the UN, and stop interfering in other countries' sovereignty and security, and try to solve the issue through dialogue and negotiation. | ||
| The sovereignty of Venezuela should be respected, as well as the right of the country to conduct its affairs according to its own law. | ||
| Cooperation between China and Venezuela is conducted between sovereign states and on the basis of laws and regulations of both countries. | ||
| Any such cooperation, being it with Venezuela or any other country in the region, should and China's legitimate rights and interests should be protected according to law. | ||
| Having said that, In conclusion, I would like to stress that China has always conducted its exchange and cooperation with countries in the region and with OAS on the basis of equality, mutual respect, and mutual benefit. | ||
| It never seeks spheres of interest nor target any other party. | ||
| Its presence in the region brings tangible results and benefit to the people in the region. | ||
| And it's commended and welcomed by the people in the region. | ||
| And countries in this region have their right to choose their development mode and to choose their partner for cooperation. | ||
| In the future, China will continue to deepen its exchange and cooperation with Latin American and Caribbean and the countries in the region and with OAS on these principles, on the basis of these principles, and to seek development and prosperity and to bring benefit to the peoples in the region as a lasting good friend and good partner. | ||
| Thank you very much. | ||
| Gracias. | ||
| Thank you to the representative of China. | ||
| Germany has the floor. | ||
|
unidentified
|
Thank you, Mr. Chairman, Secretary General, ASG, colleagues. | |
| For the sake of time, Germany would like to fully associate itself with the remarks made by the representative of the European Union. | ||
| But having had the benefit of hearing the Secretary General, I would just like to state for Germany that we would very much like to see an active role by the OAS in, as this debate has shown, quite a fractured situation to bring voices together and to fulfill its role to act, as the Secretary General has said, as an institutional space to help facilitate a stable, democratic and prosperous Venezuela. | ||
| And Germany, as having been one of the strongest supporters, also financial supporters of the OAS within the past five years, stands ready to support these endeavours and is looking forward to hearing ideas about more concrete steps in that direction. | ||
| Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. | ||
| Thank you, Germany. | ||
| I'd like to give the floor to Switzerland. | ||
|
unidentified
|
Mr. President, for convening this meeting and also to the Secretary General for his remarks. | |
| Switzerland is following the situation in Venezuela with concern. | ||
| It calls for de-escalation, restraint and compliance with international law, including the prohibition of the use of force and the principle of respect for territorial integrity in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations and the OAS Charter. | ||
| Switzerland expresses its concern about the military operations in Venezuela on January 3, 2026, which it considers a violation of international law and which carries the risk of setting a dangerous precedent. | ||
| Switzerland has repeatedly offered its good offices to all sides and is endeavoring to find a peaceful solution to the situation and would also welcome an active role of the OAS. | ||
| The call for respect for international law applies to all sides. | ||
| Switzerland has on several occasions called for the respect of human rights and of the will of the people as expressed in elections. | ||
| It has repeatedly condemned various actions by the government of Nicolas Maduro, such as arbitrary arrests and disregard for fundamental human rights in various multilateral forums. | ||
| It has also called for the respect for democratic values and the transparency of the electoral process. | ||
| On January 3rd, 2026, the Federal Council decided to freeze any potential assets in Switzerland belonging to Nicolas Maduro and a few other individuals associated with him with immediate effect. | ||
| The Federal Council's aim is to ensure that no assets that could be found in Switzerland can be transferred out of the country and no members of the current Venezuelan government are affected by the freeze. | ||
| Should future legal proceedings reveal that the funds are of illegal origin, Switzerland will endeavor to ensure that they benefit the Venezuelan people. | ||
| Freezing of assets complements the sanctions against Venezuela that have been in place since 2018 under the Swiss Embargo Act. | ||
| I thank you. | ||
| Thank you. | ||
| And Italy has the floor. | ||
| Thank you, Chair. | ||
| Secretary General. | ||
| From the beginning, Italy has been closely following developments in Venezuela, which has an important and historical Italian community. | ||
| And we have always supported the aspirations of Venezuelan people to have a democratic transition. | ||
| Italy has condemned the repression of the Maduro regime that have been committed in the past. | ||
| The Italian government also believes that it is a priority to fight transnational organized crime and fight drug trafficking. | ||
| These are threats to international security. | ||
| Now we have a new era opening up for the Venezuelan people, and we hope that the situation evolves peacefully, which will allow for a quick restoration of democratic institutions in the country in the current political context. | ||
| And with respect to the international community, Italy believes that we must have the immediate release of all political prisoners, among which there are many Europeans who were illegally detained and imprisoned in Venezuela. | ||
| Thank you very much, Chair. | ||
| Thank you, Italy. | ||
| If delegations would like to have their interventions circulated, please send them to the General Secretariat. | ||
| We will copy them and we will send them out in original version to everyone. | ||
| I cannot close out this special session without thanking very sincerely, and I think I speak on behalf of everyone, Ambassador Tomas Pascual for his excellent management at the head of the Permanent Council of the OAS during the last three months, during which he showed his leadership and commitment to the organization, | ||
| and his dedication, his strategic vision have been fundamental to move forward in the common objectives of the organization. | ||
| We hope, Ambassador Tomas, that now, since you are at the head of the group of 10 and you're the vice chair, you'll be able to continue to show your dynamism and bring about positive results here at the organization, which are great, of a great benefit to all of us. | ||
| And we will continue to closely follow the events in Venezuela. | ||
| And this session is hereby adjourned. | ||
| Have a wonderful day, everyone. | ||
|
unidentified
|
Wednesday, Minnesota government officials testify at a hearing examining the use of federal funds for social services in their home state. | |
| Hosted by the House Oversight Committee, watch the hearing live at 10 a.m. Eastern on C-SPAN 3, C-SPANNOW, our free mobile app, and online at c-span.org. | ||
| C-SPAN's Washington Journal, our live forum inviting you to discuss the latest issues in government, politics, and public policy, from Washington to across the country. | ||
| Coming up Wednesday morning, Florida Republican freshman Congressman Randy Fine on the U.S. military action in Venezuela and role going forward. | ||
| Then Creighton University professor and international law expert Michael Kelly talks about the legality of the U.S. capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. | ||
| Stephen Newcomb of Axios will discuss the congressional reaction to the Trump administration's actions in Venezuela amid briefings on Capitol Hill and a Senate vote on a war powers resolution this week. | ||
| Also, Washington Examiner Congressional Reporter Lauren Green previews Wednesday's House Oversight Hearing on fraud allegations at multiple Minnesota child care centers. | ||
| And Florida International University's Eduardo Gamara on the history of American interventions in Latin America and the Caribbean. | ||
| C-SPAN's Washington Journal. | ||
| Join in the conversation live at 7 Eastern Wednesday morning on C-SPAN, C-SPAN Now, our free mobile app, or online at c-span.org. | ||
| Congressman Doug LaMalfa has died at the age of 65. | ||
| The Republican lawmaker was in the middle of his seventh term representing California's first congressional district. | ||
| Mr. LaMalfa was a fourth-generation rice farmer and prior to being elected to Congress was a former state legislator as well. | ||
| In addition to serving on the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committees, LaMalfa was well known for his ability to connect with presidents at the annual State of the Union address to lobby directly for his district. | ||
| His office released a statement that reads in part, Congressman LaMalfa cared deeply for the people he served and worked tirelessly to hold the government to its word to fix our failing forests, build water storage, and leave people to be free to choose what is best for themselves. | ||
| His tragic and unexpected passing leaves a deep impact on many. | ||
| Republican Doug LaMalfa of California has died at age 65. | ||
| In one of his final House floor speeches, Representative LaMalfa talked about affordability and the cost of living in California. | ||
| Affordability, the buzzword these days. | ||
| Let's drill down, so to speak, on energy costs. | ||
| Now, my home state of California is the producer of a great amount of our awesome ag products, our fruits, vegetables, tree, nut crops. | ||
| And when we have what we're about to see in California, two different refineries are slated to close, Philip 66 in the south and a Valero one up north. | ||
| Those two refineries are approximately 20% of the fuel supply for the state. | ||
| Also, California's refinery capacity affects Nevada and Arizona as they're right next door and part of the shipment of our oil products goes there. | ||
| So, when we are on schedule to see these closed down, because they can't afford to do business in my home state anymore, the rest of the country under the awesome energy policy we've Had for about the last 11 months. |