Venezuela: Maduro and his wife 'captured' will face terrorism charges • FRANCE 24 English

Key Concepts

• International Law Violation: The US operation in Venezuela is argued to be a clear breach of the UN Charter, specifically Articles 2 and Chapter 7.
• Sovereignty: The core issue revolves around the violation of Venezuelan sovereignty through a military action within its borders.
• Narco-Trafficking as Pretext: The US justification based on narco-trafficking is dismissed as a politically motivated argument lacking legal basis.
• Monroe Doctrine & its Corollary: The operation is framed as a reassertion of US dominance in the Western Hemisphere, echoing historical policies.
• UN Security Council Response: The potential for condemnation and action within the UN Security Council is a key focus.
• Domestic US Politics: The influence of US domestic political considerations, particularly regarding Florida and figures like Marco Rubio, is highlighted.

The US Operation in Venezuela: A Violation of International Law

The interview with Guiam Long, a senior fellow at the Center for Economic and Policy Research and former Ecuadorian foreign minister, centers on the recent US operation in Venezuela, which he unequivocally describes as a “very blatant, illegal act and violation of international law.” He argues this represents “one of the most flagrant examples of a violation of international law of the last few years.” The operation, framed by the US as a capture and arrest, is characterized by Long as an “abduction” or “kidnapping” of a standing head of state.

Long specifically cites violations of Article 2 and Chapter 7 of the UN Charter, emphasizing that the action was not an act of self-defense, nor was it sanctioned by the UN Security Council. He anticipates forceful reactions from the international community, noting the Venezuelan foreign minister’s request for an emergency UN Security Council meeting. However, he expresses concern over the initially muted response from the European Union, specifically referencing the statements of Mrs. Kalas and Mrs. Vonda as insufficiently forceful. He also points to the potential sensitivity surrounding the timing of the operation, given the recent arrival of a special envoy from Chinese President Xi Jinping in Venezuela, suggesting the US action could be perceived as a deliberate provocation towards China.

Justification and Legal Basis (or Lack Thereof)

Long dismisses the US’s justification for the operation – allegations of Venezuelan involvement in narco-trafficking – as a pretext primarily intended for domestic consumption. He states that the “expert community” disagrees with the US administration’s assessment, acknowledging that some drugs transit through Venezuela, but emphasizing that the majority (5-80%) originates in Colombia. He clarifies that most Colombian cocaine doesn’t transit through Venezuela, but rather southwards from Venezuela to countries like Ecuador and Peru, ultimately exiting via Pacific ports, primarily destined for Europe (the largest consumer) and then the US.

He argues that invoking narco-trafficking as a justification for invasion or extrajudicial killings is “not a serious one” and lacks “any legal grounding or force.” He links the operation to US domestic politics, specifically highlighting the influence of figures like Marco Rubio, whose family ties to Cuba and Venezuela shape his perspective, and who views Venezuela as a stepping stone to influencing Cuba.

UN Security Council and International Reactions

Regarding the anticipated UN Security Council meeting, Long predicts strong condemnation from China and Russia. He believes the responses from other “global south” countries, including Colombia (currently on the Security Council), and European states like France and the United Kingdom will be particularly significant. He expresses hope for a “strong condemnation” of the US actions, but again voices concern over the initial lack of condemnation from European officials like Mrs. Kalas.

He notes that previous US interventions in the Caribbean have raised questions about legality, but this operation represents a new escalation.

Historical Significance and the Reassertion of US Power

Long emphasizes the historical significance of the operation, stating it is the first time in over a century that the US has militarily attacked a South American state. He contrasts this with previous interventions in the Caribbean, and notes that the last significant US attack and occupation of a Latin American state was Panama in 1989-1990 (a country with 2.5 million inhabitants, compared to Venezuela’s 28 million).

He frames the operation as a reassertion of US power in the Western Hemisphere, linking it to the Monroe Doctrine and its corollary, signaling a desire for US dominance. He points out that the US has been unsuccessful in achieving economic dominance in the region, with most South American countries having stronger trade ties with China. Therefore, the operation represents a “use of a big stick rather than rather than the use of a carrot.”

He highlights the reactions from Brazilian President Lula and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum as evidence of the regional concern, and anticipates further reactions from other Latin American states. He concludes that the event marks a “historic day” and will necessitate a reassessment of how South American countries deal with the threat of potential US military intervention.

Technical Terms & Concepts

• UN Charter: The foundational treaty of the United Nations, outlining its principles and structure.
• Article 2 (UN Charter): Deals with the sovereign equality of states and non-interference in their internal affairs.
• Chapter 7 (UN Charter): Deals with actions with respect to threats to the peace, breaches of the peace, and acts of aggression. Requires authorization from the Security Council for military intervention.
• Narco-Trafficking: The illegal production, transportation, and distribution of narcotics.
• Monroe Doctrine: A US foreign policy principle opposing European colonialism in the Americas.
• Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine: An extension of the Monroe Doctrine asserting the right of the US to intervene in the domestic affairs of Latin American countries if they are unable to govern themselves.
• Extrajudicial Killing: The killing of a person by a government authority without the due process of law.

Logical Connections

The interview follows a logical progression: establishing the illegality of the US operation under international law, debunking the US justification, analyzing the potential international response, and finally, contextualizing the event within a historical framework of US-Latin American relations. The discussion of domestic US politics provides a crucial layer of understanding, explaining the motivations behind the operation beyond the stated pretext. The anticipation of reactions from various international actors (UN Security Council, EU, China, Russia, Latin American states) builds upon the initial assessment of the operation’s illegality.

Data & Statistics

• Colombian Cocaine Transit: 5-80% of Colombian cocaine transits through Venezuela.
• Cocaine Flow Direction: 70-80% of cocaine leaving Venezuela flows south to Ecuador and Peru.
• Venezuelan Population: 28 million inhabitants.
• Panamanian Population (1989-1990): 2.5 million inhabitants.

Conclusion

Guiam Long presents a scathing critique of the US operation in Venezuela, arguing it represents a significant violation of international law and a dangerous reassertion of US power in the Western Hemisphere. He effectively dismantles the US justification based on narco-trafficking, highlighting the political motivations driving the action. The interview underscores the potential for a fractured international response, with concerns over the initially tepid reaction from the European Union and the potential for escalation given the involvement of China. The operation is framed as a historic moment with potentially far-reaching consequences for US-Latin American relations, demanding a reassessment of regional security dynamics.