UN chief calls for restraint, immediate de-escalation in Caribbean

UNITED NATIONS, Dec. 17 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for restraint and the immediate de-escalation of the situation in the Caribbean, a UN spokesperson said Wednesday.

In response to questions over the latest U.S. moves against Venezuela, Farhan Haq, deputy spokesperson for the UN chief, told reporters at a daily briefing that Guterres is following the current situation very closely and is engaging with relevant parties.

The secretary-general calls on all stakeholders to honor their obligations under international law, including the UN Charter and any other applicable legal framework, to safeguard peace in the region, said Haq.

He said that Guterres believes that any difference must be resolved by peaceful means.

If Venezuela brings the issue to the United Nations, much of that will probably be an issue to consider for the members of the Security Council, said the spokesperson.

Haq added that, at this stage, it is critical to continue diplomatic engagement and pursue a peaceful way forward through dialogue.

On Tuesday, U.S. President Donald Trump said he ordered a total blockade of all sanctioned oil tankers traveling to and from Venezuela, escalating a months-long pressure campaign against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.

In response, Venezuela denounced the U.S. move, calling it a violation of international law and vowing to raise the issue before the United Nations. ■