UN Chief meets Venezuelan ambassador: Guterres offers support for national dialogue

Key Concepts

• UN Secretary-General’s Position: Non-interference in Venezuela’s internal affairs, support for inclusive national dialogue.
• Sovereignty over Natural Resources: The UN’s stance that natural resources belong to the people of the country from which they originate.
• Humanitarian Crisis in Venezuela: Significant need for humanitarian aid affecting a large portion of the population.
• Good Offices: The UN’s offer to facilitate dialogue between parties in Venezuela.
• US Military Action: Referenced as a point of discussion between the Secretary-General and the Venezuelan Ambassador.

Meeting Between Gutierrez and Ambassador Monada

UN Secretary-General Antonio Gutierrez held a 45-minute private meeting with Samuel Monada, Venezuela’s ambassador to the United Nations, at UN headquarters in New York. While details remain confidential due to the closed-door nature of the discussion, sources indicate the conversation was “productive.” During the meeting, Gutierrez reaffirmed his publicly stated position regarding the US military action in Venezuela. He also offered the “good offices” of the UN – meaning the services of a designated representative – to facilitate a potential “inclusive national dialogue” within Venezuela. “Good offices” represent a diplomatic tool used by the UN to mediate disputes and encourage peaceful resolutions.

UN Response to Oil Tanker Seizure & Sovereignty

The UN addressed the recent seizure of two oil tankers by the United States, framing it within a broader principle. The UN’s position, consistently applied to situations in Venezuela and Syria, is that “the oil in Venezuela belongs to the Venezuelan people just as the oil in Syria belongs to the Syrian people and the natural resources of any country belong to the people of that country.” This statement underscores the UN’s commitment to national sovereignty over natural resources, a core tenet of international law. The UN did not characterize this as a new “reaction” but rather a reiteration of an existing, consistent policy.

Humanitarian Situation in Venezuela

The UN highlighted the severe humanitarian crisis unfolding in Venezuela. An estimated 7.9 million Venezuelans – representing more than one quarter of the country’s population – are currently in need of humanitarian assistance. This figure underscores the scale of the crisis and the urgent need for aid. The UN is currently in a “wait and see mode” regarding the political situation, suggesting a cautious approach to direct intervention. However, the humanitarian needs are being actively monitored and addressed.

Reporting & Call to Action

Gabrielando, reporting from Alazer at the United Nations in New York, delivered this update. The report concluded with a call to action, encouraging viewers to subscribe to Alazer for “reliable news, expert insight,” and to “like, share” the content to “stay ahead.”