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US seeks UN draft resolution calling for Venezuela elections
UNITED NATIONS, United States, Feb 10, 2019 (BSS/AFP) – The United States
has presented a draft resolution at the United Nations Security Council
calling for international aid deliveries and a presidential vote in
Venezuela, triggering a Russian counter-proposal.
While no date has yet been set for a vote on the American draft, and
negotiations are ongoing, Russia is likely to use its veto power to block it
as part of its support of Nicolas Maduro’s regime, diplomats said.
The text, a copy of which was obtained by AFP on Saturday, expresses “full
support for the National Assembly as the only democratically elected
institution in Venezuela.”
The legislative body’s chairman, Juan Guaido, has declared himself interim
president of Venezuela, challenging Maduro’s rule.
The draft resolution stresses “deep concern with the violence and excessive
use of force by Venezuelan security forces against unarmed, peaceful
protesters.”
It also “calls for the immediate start of a political process leading to
free, fair and credible presidential elections, with international electoral
observation, in line with Venezuela’s constitution.”
The text also requests that UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres “utilize
his good offices” to obtain such elections.
It also “stresses the need to prevent further deterioration of the
humanitarian situation in Venezuela and to facilitate access and delivery of
assistance to all in need in the entirety of the territory of Venezuela.”
On Friday, Moscow proposed an alternative resolution to the American one,
diplomats said. It expresses “concern over the threats to use force against
the territorial integrity and political independence of… Venezuela,”
according to a draft seen by AFP. The draft also criticizes “attempts to
intervene in matters which are essentially within the domestic jurisdiction
of… Venezuela.” Calling for a “peaceful” resolution of the stalemate in
Venezuela, it “supports all initiatives aimed at reaching a political
solution amongst Venezuelans to the current situation… through a genuine
and inclusive process of national dialogue.”
However, a diplomat told AFP that if put to a vote, the Russian text would
fail to obtain the minimum of nine votes to pass without another veto-
wielding country blocking it.
Humanitarian aid sent by the United States recently arrived in the
Colombian city of Cucuta at the border with Venezuela, but Maduro has refused
to let in the shipments.
Guaido said Friday he was ready to take any necessary measures, including
authorizing a US military intervention, to force Maduro from power and
alleviate the humanitarian crisis.
BSS/AFP/MSY/0810 hrs