The Venezuelan government has demanded the immediate release of Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, during a UN Human Rights Council session, condemning their detainment as arbitrary and calling for the end of sanctions against the country.
During the inauguration session of the UN Human Rights Council, the Venezuelan government made a forceful plea for the immediate release of not only Nicolás Maduro but also his wife, Cilia Flores. Their detention by U.S. military forces on January 3 in Caracas was described by Venezuela’s Foreign Minister Yvan Gil Pinto as arbitrary and a violation of their rights, occurring amidst what he claims were efforts to respect human rights and sovereign equality among nations.
In his address, Minister Pinto outlined the Venezuelan government's stance, which includes a call for the cessation of all sanctions imposed by the United States, arguing that these sanctions infringe upon the country's sovereign rights. He characterized the detention of Maduro and Flores as a severe incident that has resulted in significant casualties, raising serious concerns over the use of force and respect for diplomatic immunity.
Despite these tensions, Pinto acknowledged the opening of a diplomatic channel with the United States aimed at resolving differences, emphasizing that Venezuela seeks dialogue on equal terms rather than from a position of subordination. This development signals ongoing complexities in U.S.-Venezuela relations and highlights the contentious nature of international diplomacy surrounding human rights and governance in the region.
