Statement by the Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Hon. Alvin Botes on the occasion of the Special Meeting on the Defence of the Norms of the Charter of the UN and International Law, 21 July 2019
Chairperson,
Hon Ministers,
Distinguished Delegates,
Let me start by taking this opportunity to thank the Hon Minister of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela for the very extensive briefing on the situation in the fraternal Republic of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.
We are indeed extremely concerned about the senseless and unrelenting political and economic pressure exerted on the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.
South Africa condemns in the strongest terms efforts to engineer regime change in Venezuela which is in violation of the principles of International Law, especially, the respect for sovereignty and non-interference in the internal affairs of sovereign States. In this regard, our Movement should defend the principles of the UN Charter in relation to the territorial integrity I’d states and sovereignty.
We also condemn the illegal, and unlawful economic blockade and sanctions imposed on Venezuela.
We reiterate our solidarity with the people and government of the people of the Bolivarian Republic. In this regard, South Africa is working with the government of Venezuela and the UN to provide assistance to the people of Venezuela.
In accordance with the founding NAM Principles on solidarity, non-interference, and respect for sovereignty of nations, we support the Declaration sponsored by Venezuela in this regard, which should bind all members of our Movement to defend Venezuela against this contrived aggression.
We are heartened by the olive branch given by the government of Venezuela to the opposition in order to find a political solution to the situation in Venezuela. In this regard we welcome the initiative of Norway, which is facilitating political dialogue to resolve the political situation in Venezuela.
I thank you.
ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION
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