Malaysian civil society and academics denounce US military action in Venezuela as illegal, urging UN intervention and respect for sovereignty.
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian civil society leaders and academics have issued a strong condemnation of a United States military operation in Venezuela.
They described the action as an unprovoked and illegal act that constitutes a serious violation of international law.
The group warned that the operation threatens global peace and stability.
“This act of aggression constitutes a flagrant violation of the United Nations Charter and fundamental principles of international law,” they said in a joint statement.
Signatories include Polity executive chairman Nurul Izzah Anwar and ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights co-chair Charles Santiago.
Other signatories are Third World Network executive director Chee Yoke Ling and Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin professor Dr Mohd Afandi Salleh.
Malaysian Humanitarian Aid and Relief president Jismi Johari and Sahabat Alam Malaysia president Meenakshi Raman also endorsed the statement.
The group called for an immediate end to all military actions against Venezuela.
They demanded the withdrawal of foreign forces from Venezuelan territory and airspace.
The statement also called for full respect for Venezuela’s sovereignty and political independence.
“The world must not stand silent,” the group urged.
They called on people of conscience, civil society organisations, and member states to join them in condemning the action.
The leaders urged the United Nations Security Council and General Assembly to convene urgently.
They said the bodies must address what they described as a breach of international peace and security.
The group also called for accountability for any violations of international law.
