UN experts question US actions in Venezuela

Two experts from the United Nations (UN) expressed concern this Thursday about the intensification of U.S. military operations in Venezuelan territory, as well as about the recent statements of President Donald Trump, who expressed his willingness to carry out attacks and impose control of the country's airspace.

Experts George Katrougalos, committed to promoting a just international system, and Ben Saul, Special Rapporteur on the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms while Countering Terrorism, both recalled that, according to Article 1 of the 1944 Convention on International Civil Aviation, every State has full authority over the airspace that covers it. They emphasized that any attempt to limit or close this airspace constitutes a direct violation of this agreement.

They also noted that Article 2 of the UN Charter prohibits the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of States. They emphasized that unilateral measures that interfere with sovereignty, including air traffic control, compromise regional stability and generate negative impacts on the Venezuelan economy.