The Patriotic National Movement (PNM) and Bolivarian Solidarity of Sri Lanka, in a joint letter to UN Secretary General António Guterres, has warned that the failure on the part of the UN to decisively act may set a dangerous precedent, encourage unilateral actions and weaken the collective security framework upon which global stability depends.
The following is the text of the statement issued by Dr. Wasantha Bandara and Jeewantha Jayatissa, respectively, on behalf of the two organisations in the wake of US military action against Venezuela: We write to you with grave concern regarding reports published by various international media and agencies alleging military actions undertaken by the Government of the United States of America against the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.
According to these reports, air strikes conducted by the United States security forces have targeted both civilian and military locations in Caracas, the capital of Venezuela. If verified, such actions would constitute a serious violation of Articles 1 and 2 of the Charter of the United Nations, which uphold the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the prohibition of the use of force.
Furthermore, it has been publicly claimed by the President of the United States that President Nicolás Maduro of Venezuela and his spouse were apprehended and removed from the country. Such an action, if substantiated, would represent an unprecedented and deeply alarming development in international relations—namely, the unprovoked use of military force against a sovereign state and the forcible removal of a sitting Head of State.
These developments, taken together, pose a profound challenge to international law and the credibility of the multilateral system. The apparent inability of the international community to respond decisively risks undermining the authority of the United Nations and eroding global confidence in its mandate to preserve peace and security.
In this context, we respectfully urge Your Excellency, in your capacity as Secretary-General of the United Nations, to convene an urgent and appropriate multilateral consultation and to employ all mechanisms available under the Charter to uphold international law and prevent further escalation. Failure to act decisively may set a dangerous precedent, encourage unilateral actions and weaken the collective security framework upon which global stability depends.
As national organisations in Sri Lanka attentive to global public opinion, we respectfully submit the following measures for your consideration, which we believe are essential to restoring confidence in the United Nations at this critical juncture: (a) To demonstrate the impartiality and integrity of the United Nations, urgently convene the United Nations General Assembly to deliberate on the situation and, if appropriate, adopt a resolution in accordance with international law (b) To acknowledge prevailing global concern that the reported loss of civilian life resulting from indiscriminate bombardment, as well as the alleged forcible detention of a Head of State, may constitute war crimes under international law, and to affirm that accountability must apply without exception and (c) To guide the General Assembly and the Security Council, in accordance with established international norms, toward the consideration of an independent judicial mechanism or special tribunal to investigate these allegations.
We trust in your leadership and moral authority at this pivotal moment and remain hopeful that the United Nations will act decisively to uphold the principles upon which it was founded.
Please accept, Your Excellency, the assurances of our highest consideration.”
