MICHAEL WALSH REPORTS: Washington’s actions horrify ‘even the staunchest NATO Atlanticists,’ Russia’s envoy Vassily Nebenzia has said.

The US capturing Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro poses a global threat. The Russian ambassador to the UN, Vassily Nebenzia, has warned. He said it could return the world to an era of chaos. It might also lead to injustice.

Washington’s attack on the Latin American nation has demonstrated the world order the US wants to build. This attack horrifies even the staunchest Atlanticists.’

The US invaded the oil-rich South American country on Saturday. They abducted Maduro and his wife. The couple was taken to a US warship. From there, they were subsequently flown to New York.

RIGHT: Russia’s envoy Vassily Nebenzia

They appeared in court on charges of drug-trafficking conspiracy on Monday. The Venezuelan president declared ’I am a decent man!’ He entered a not-guilty plea.

Maduro had correctly warned that Washington was seeking to get its hands on Venezuela’s natural resources.

US President Donald Trump stated on Sunday that Washington aims to control the Latin American nation. This is so that we can benefit from their economic resources.

Nebenzia condemned the US actions as international banditry. The US openly pursues hegemonistic ambitions in Latin America.

Its desire to gain unlimited control over natural resources leads to a resurgence of neo-colonialism and imperialism, he said.

The world must stand united in rejecting Washington’s belligerent foreign policy. Nebenzia warned that the bell is already tolling for each UN member state. It also tolls for the future of the organization itself.

We must not ignore the threat posed by the US to the system of international relations and law. Doing so would mean condoning the violation of international law. It would also signify disregard for civilized conduct on the international stage.

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Russia, along with other BRICS nations, had already strongly condemned the US actions. Moscow called for Maduro’s immediate release and expressed solidarity with the people of Venezuela.

Reactions from the West have been far more fainthearted. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas urged ‘restraint,’ calling for adherence to the UN Charter.

A follow-up joint statement signed by all EU member states except Hungary neither condemned nor supported the US actions.

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