The Bolivarian Government affirmed this Monday that energy should not become a weapon of war or an instrument of political coercion. This statement comes in the context of the total blockade of Venezuelan coasts ordered by US President Donald Trump and the attacks on oil tankers in national waters.
Foreign Minister Yván Gil read a letter sent by President Nicolás Maduro to all member countries of the United Nations (UN), a few hours before the extraordinary emergency meeting to address the situation in Venezuela.
In the text, the president warns of an escalation of extremely serious actions by the US government, which "threaten to destabilize the entire region and the international system as a whole."
The official letter denounces the "hijacking" and "theft" of oil tankers carrying some four million barrels; it also rejects the order to impose an absolute naval blockade against the tankers that transport the country's energy.
"Venezuela reaffirms its commitment to peace, but also declares with absolute clarity that it is prepared to defend its sovereignty, its territorial integrity and its resources in accordance with international law," the document states, also warning that these aggressions will not only affect Venezuela.
The text confirms that the blockade and piracy against national energy trade will harm the supply of oil, increase market instability and hit the world's economies, especially those of the most vulnerable countries.
Finally, Venezuela respectfully calls on the international community to condemn these acts of aggression.
In his letter, President Maduro demands an immediate end to the military deployment, blockades, and armed attacks. He also proposes activating the mechanisms of the multilateral system to investigate, sanction, and prevent the recurrence of such acts. He further emphasizes the importance of defending peace in Venezuela and the entire region, as well as safeguarding international law and the stability of the world and the global energy market.
