The ANC has called for the immediate release of captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife. “The ANC further calls on peace-loving people in our country, across the continent and in the world, including in the US, to call for the immediate and unconditional release of President Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores,” said ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula. Addressing the media on the outcomes of the party’s national executive meeting which took place on Monday, Mbalula said the party condemns the “recent acts of aggression” directed at Venezuela, saying they constitute a serious violation of international law, national sovereignty and the principles governing peaceful relations between states.
“The kidnapping of President Maduro, his wife Cilia and son Ernesto undermines the UN Charter and threatens global peace and stability at a time when the world requires co-operation, restraint and dialogue. “The ANC urges the UN and the UN Security Council to act swiftly and decisively to uphold international law, prevent further escalation and a humanitarian crisis and ensure protection of civilian lives.” Mbalula expressed solidarity with the people of Venezuela, adding they continue to endure sustained political, economic and diplomatic pressure. “As a liberation movement forged in the struggle against colonialism, apartheid and external domination, the ANC recognises that such aggression is seldom accidental.
It is often driven by contests over strategic resources, control of markets and resistance to the independent development paths chosen by sovereign nations of the Global South.” International law should be respected by all states, without exception or selectivity. “The principles of sovereign equality, non-interference and peaceful resolution of disputes are the bedrock of a just, international order. “Their selective application erodes trust, fuels instability and disproportionately harms developing countries and oppressed people across the globe.” The ANC cautioned that the situation must be understood within the broader economic and geopolitical struggle.
Read Full Article on TimesLIVE
[paywall]
The party charges that Venezuela was being targeted for its insistence on sovereignty over its natural resources and its economic policy choices. Mbalula said the ANC was vindicated, as the latest development confirmed the real contest was over economic justice and who benefits from global wealth.
[/paywall]
