A UN Security Council online meeting on Venezuela accusation of an incursion of mercenaries into Venezuelan territory (Photo: UN)

In a letter sent to the Council on May 13, the Venezuelan government said they had successfully foiled an attempted infiltration on May 3 and May 4 by a mercenary group from Colombia, which Caracas says was organized by the US and Colombia, who have denied responsibility for the incident.

Ambassador Dang Dinh Quy, Head of the Vietnamese Delegation to the United Nations, said Vietnam strongly condemns using or threatening to use force against any nation’s territorial integrity, independence, sovereignty, or internal affairs, which violates the basic principles of international law and the UN Charter. Ambassador Quy urged all parties to refrain from using or threatening to use force, and avoid any action that could increase instability in Venezuela. Quy said he supports efforts by the Constitutional Government and other organizations in Venezuela to seek long-term solutions through peaceful means in accordance with international law and the UN Charter.

Priority should be given, he said, to constructive anti-COVID-19 cooperation and humanitarian assistance, consistent with Venezuela's needs and international standards for humanitarian aid.