UN draft resolution calls for Venezuela elections

United Nations, Feb. 10: The US has presented a draft resolution at the United Nations Security Council calling for international aid deliveries and a presidential vote in Venezuela, triggering a Russian counter-proposal.

While no date has yet been set for a vote on the American draft, and negotiations are ongoing, Russia is likely to use its veto power to block it as part of its support of Nicolas Maduro’s regime, diplomats said.

The text expresses “full support for the National Assembly as the only democratically elected institution in Venezuela.” The legislative body’s chairman, Juan Guaido, has declared himself interim president of Venezuela, challenging Maduro’s rule. The draft resolution stresses “deep concern with the violence and excessive use of force by Venezuelan security forces against unarmed, peaceful protesters.”

It also “calls for the immediate start of a political process leading to free, fair and credible presidential elections, with international electoral observation, in line with Venezuela’s constitution.”

It also “stresses the need to prevent further deterioration of the humanitarian situation in Venezuela and to facilitate access and delivery of assistance to all in need in the entirety of the territory of Venezuela.”

On Friday, Moscow proposed an alternative resolution, diplomats said.

It expresses “concern over the threats to use force against the territorial integrity and political independence of... Venezuela,” according to a draft.

NO DATE has yet been set for a vote on the American draft

RUSSIA IS may use its veto power to block it to support of Nicolas Maduro