Venezuela: Maduro pleaded not guilty as UN, EU calls for dialogue

The former President of Venezuela, Nicolas Maduro has pleaded not guilty to charges of narco-terrorism in his first court appearance at the United States District Court in Manhattan on Monday,

Maduro who was captured and flown to the United States on drug and terrorism crimes stated:

“I am innocent, I am an honest man, I am the president. I am the president of Venezuela, and I consider myself a prisoner of war. I was taken from my home in Caracas.”

In a report gathered, the former President told the court that he had not previously seen the indictment and was unaware of his legal rights.

The report also said Maduro’s wife, Cilia Flores, pleaded not guilty to charges of illegal cocaine trafficking in the United States while both husband and wife are requesting consular assistance from the Venezuelan embassy.

Reacting to US strike in Venezuela, the European Union Commission and the United Nations have called to engage in an inclusive, democratic dialogue in which all sectors of society can determine their future.

The European Union in a statement on Monday supported by 26 member states also called for calm and restraint by all actors, to avoid escalation and to ensure a peaceful solution to the crisis.
The EU recalled that, under all circumstances, the principles of international law and the UN Charter must be upheld.

It added that members of the United Nations Security Council have particular responsibility to uphold those principles, as a pillar of the international security architecture.

The EU who repeatedly stated that Nicolás Maduro lacks the legitimacy of a democratically elected president and has advocated for a Venezuelan-led peaceful transition to democracy, respectful of its sovereignty, said the Venezuelan people’s right to determine their future must be respected.
The Commission shared the priority of combating transnational organised crime and drug trafficking, pose a significant security threat worldwide.

At the same time, the EU stressed that these challenges must be addressed through sustained cooperation in full respect of international law and the principles of territorial integrity and sovereignty.

“We’re in close contact with the United States, as well as regional, international partners to support, 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 the country to restore democracy and 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”.

The Commission concluded that EU Member States’ consular authorities are working in close coordination in order to protect the safety of its citizens, including those illegally detained in Venezuela.
The United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres while speaking at the UN Security Council on Monday remained concern that rules of international law have not been respected with regard to the 3 January US military action in Venezuela.

He stressed the imperative of full respect, by all, for international law, including the Charter of the United Nations, which provides the foundation for the maintenance of international peace and security.

Gutteres said, “The Charter enshrines the prohibition of the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state. Maintenance of international peace, security depends on the continued commitment of all Member States to adhere to all the provisions of the Charter”.
The UN Chief said the situation is critical, but still possible to prevent a wider and more destructive conflagration while called on Venezuelan actors to engage in an inclusive, democratic dialogue in which all sectors of society can determine their future.

Gutteres also urge Venezuela’s neighbors, and the international community more broadly, to act in a spirit of solidarity and in adherence to the principles, laws and rules erected to promote peaceful coexistence.

He welcomed and ready to support all efforts aimed at assisting Venezuelans in finding a peaceful way forward, stating that it is important to stick to principle of respecting the UN Charter and all other applicable legal frameworks to safeguard peace and security.