‘US Coup Attempt in Venezuela Aimed at Dominating Oil Resources’

Addressing a Tuesday meeting of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) about Venezuela, held at the United Nations Trusteeship Council, Eshaq Al-e-Habib called for an end to the US’ hostile, illegal and provocative policies.

The Iranian envoy described the current developments in Venezuela as a domestic issue that does not threaten regional or international peace and security, MNA reported.

Al-e-Habib further emphasized that no foreign action can be taken without the explicit consent of the government and no one can instruct Venezuelans what to do or not do, which system to choose or what policies to adopt.

“Most importantly, no country or organization has the right to determine which of the national institutions of another country is democratic or legal. According to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, only the ‘will of the people’ will be the basis of legitimacy of the state,” he stated.

“It is an inherent right that shouldn’t be subject to a condition such as the recognition of a foreign country or organization and should be strongly respected by every UN member state,” the Iranian envoy said, adding, “Hence, all the hostile policies of the United States and its illegal and provocative actions must be stopped.”

On January 23, Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guido announced himself as interim president with the support of the US and its allies. This act has been referred to as ‘the coup against the elected president, Nicholas Maduro.’

Many countries, including Iran, Russia, China, Cuba, Turkey, South Africa, and Uruguay, have condemned the US position, stressing the need to respect Venezuela’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.