Statement by Permanent Representative of Slovenia to the United Nations Samuel Žbogar at the UNSC meeting on the threats to international peace and security

I want to thank Assistant Secretary-General Khiari for his briefing.

Colleagues,

Slovenia remains gravely concerned about the current tensions in the Caribbean region, which have intensified since the Council last discussed the situation. Steps involving an increased military presence carry a serious risk of unintentional escalation and must be avoided to ensure that the Southern Caribbean does not become a theatre of confrontation.

We reaffirm our position on the obligation of all Member States, large and small, to respect international law, particularly the Charter of the United Nations.

Principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence form the cornerstone of the collective security framework and must be respected – not only when one feels threatened.

We note that international law also serves as the anchor in addressing maritime security challenges, including efforts to suppress illicit traffic in narcotic drugs, as well as ensuring the safety of maritime navigation.

Colleagues,

Slovenia is deeply troubled by the potential wider repercussions of these tensions for a region already facing unprecedented migration pressures.

At this critical moment, it is imperative that Member States exercise restraint and work to de-escalate the situation in order to preserve regional stability. Measures typically reserved for wartime undermine Latin America and the Caribbean as a Zone of Peace and should be avoided to the fullest extent possible. 

On the other hand, we remain deeply alarmed by the persistent humanitarian and human rights challenges confronting the Venezuelan people, as reported by the High Commissioner for Human Rights as well as today by Assistant Secretary-General Khiari.

Against a backdrop of worsening economic and social hardship, restrictions on political and civic space continue to intensify.

We are equally concerned by reports of the detention of dozens of foreign citizens who have been denied communication and access to their diplomatic and consular representatives – a clear breach of fundamental obligations under international law, in particular those enshrined in the Vienna Conventions.

We call on the Venezuelan authorities to fully uphold these obligations and, based on the rule of law, create the conditions necessary for a credible, inclusive, and meaningful political dialogue that respects the will of Venezuelan people.

To conclude, as in any other conflict, there is no military solution to disagreements between the United States and Venezuela, and the tensions in the Caribbean.

We welcome and encourage initiatives by regional leaders aimed at pursuing peaceful avenues for de-escalation.

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