Maduro supports Russia’s stand against a US military strike on Syria
The US had threatened strikes, accusing the Syrian regime of killing hundreds in a poison-gas attack on August 21, 2013. However, Russia, an ally of Damascus, proposed that Syria hand over its chemical arsenal. The US and Russia are due to meet later to discuss that plan.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has since made a direct personal appeal to the American people over the Syrian crisis. He wrote in the New York Times that a US military strike against Syria could unleash a new wave of terrorism.
Several sections of the Virgin Islands society, including the Arab population, have been expressing their views on the issue and the USA’s intention. Mr Maduro, during his talk show aired on CBN Channel 51 on Saturday September 7, 2013 added his voice and had issued a call for the UN to position itself not to let the USA have the upper hand of things.
“Right now you have the USA wanting to move in on Syria but a number of other countries in the world are telling her not yet, not under what terms they are thinking about,” noted Maduro. He argued that Syria was not the first country to have ever used chemicals in warfare.
“Which was the first country in the world to use chemical warfare? What was used in Vietnam? Agent Orange! A lot of people died as a result of it. Which was the first country in this world to use nuclear bombs? Same country!”
He said the United Nations is supposed to stand up and help countries to solve their problems and it should not be there to allow countries to bully other countries to suit their wants and wishes. “What should be happening right now in Syria is that all countries in the world should be coming together to see how they can help Syria solve its problems, not to go to war with Syria. Every country has the right to rule itself and so does Syria,” contended Mr Maduro.
On Wednesday, envoys of the five permanent UN Security Council members met in New York to discuss Russia’s proposal. One criticism of the plan was that the UN envoys' talks were largely symbolic and that the serious questions would be left for Geneva.
Diplomats predict that talks at the UN Security Council will continue for several days after the Geneva meeting before any resolution can be put to a vote.
France has already been working on a draft resolution that would be enforced by Chapter VII of the UN charter, which would in effect sanction the use of force if Syria failed in its obligations.
However, Russia has already indicated that this would be unacceptable, as would any resolution blaming the Syrian government for chemical attacks. Russia, supported by China, has blocked three draft resolutions condemning the Assad government.
“No country should be allowed to do things like to go into another country and take out its leader, carry them home and try them unfairly,” Mr Maduro further stated. “I have always spoken about this and I will continue to speak about it even if it costs my life.”
The local talk show host pointed to instances where he alleged the Government of the USA had gone into other countries taking back non-Americans to the USA and trying them unfairly. “The United Nations should not be allowing these things to continue in the world otherwise it is not a good thing.”
Mr Maduro said he supports the stand that Russia is taking in the issue as he noted that for the USA to go ahead with its plans would be ‘catastrophic’. He said there is a peaceful way in which the matter can be and should be dealt with and it is the UN that has to lead the way. “These are the things ladies and gentlemen that are important to us and we are not mindful,” he said.
Efforts to get the position of the Virgin Islands Government on the US/Syria issue have been unsuccessful.
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14 Responses to “Maduro supports Russia’s stand against a US military strike on Syria”
correct. I agree with you 100%. Who cares what this lunatic thinks.
On a smaller scale, when BVI gov or police let people get away with white collar crime, corruption or even car violations, it gets harder to enforce because "everyone does it". BVI is a far cry from Syria but the principle is the same. Let's hope for a peaceful solution. At least Obama isn't too proud (like Bush) to re-consider things.