Could Armed Intervention in Venezuela Lead to a Humanitarian Catastrophe?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Brazil's President Lula warns against military action in Venezuela.
- Such intervention could lead to a humanitarian catastrophe.
- Latin America is concerned about external military presence.
- Lula advocates for diplomacy over military intervention.
- US actions have drawn condemnation from multiple Latin American nations.
Foz Do Iguacu, Dec 21 (NationPress) Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva declared on Saturday that any military action in Venezuela would result in a humanitarian disaster for the region, establishing a precarious precedent on a global scale.
During his address at the 67th Summit of Heads of State of Mercosur and Associated States, Lula highlighted the threats and military maneuvers from the United States against Venezuela, which include a naval blockade and increased military pressure on the Caribbean nation, as reported by the Xinhua news agency.
Latin America is alarmed by the military involvement of a non-regional power, Lula emphasized, asserting that the only doctrine that aligns with the interests of the region is the pursuit of a prosperous and peaceful South America.
“The boundaries of international law are being challenged. An armed intervention in Venezuela would lead to a humanitarian catastrophe for the hemisphere and set a dangerous precedent globally,” he stated.
Lula mentioned a recent phone call with US President Donald Trump, where he communicated that diplomacy is a more effective and less costly avenue than military action.
The Trump administration has obstructed oil tankers traveling to or from Venezuela and has labeled the government of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro as “a foreign terrorist organization.”
Numerous Latin American nations and regional bodies have condemned US actions, advocating for dialogue and urging the United Nations and the international community to intervene.