Charles to Rowley: Don’t mix up UN, OAS and Rio Treaty
Recently the PM, during a talk show interview, stated that the UN’s treaty is bigger than the Rio Treaty, and that the ‘treaty’ we have with the United Nations tells us that the government of Venezuela is the Maduro government.
However, there is no single overreaching UN treaty per se. There is the United Nations Charter which we assume is what the PM was referring to.
“What the PM has failed to understand is that there is no hierarchy. They are different multilateral treaty regimes with differing aims and objectives.
The PM is in error by seeking to portray the issue of obligations and responsibilities of TT, with respect to the Venezuelan crisis, as a question of choosing between two conflicting international instruments,” says MP Charles, former TT Ambassador to the UN.
“Furthermore, the UN has confirmed that the United Nations Organisation is neither a State nor a Government, and therefore does not possess any authority to recognize either a State or a Government.”
One of the driving forces behind countries forming Treaties outside of the UN, is the red tape involved in obtaining assistance in cases that threaten a country’s security, for example invasions.
Moreover, the veto power held by the five permanent members of the UN Security Council (China, Russia, France, UK, USA) can result in difficulty in reaching a consensus on issues that may touch and concern international peace and security.
That is why nations who are under threat of invasions or territorial disputes join in a mutual defence treaty which provides them with external assistance, in the event that conflict arises.
In fact, the UN encourages the formation of regional arrangements and treaties to resolve disputes before going to the UN Security Council, as stated in Articles 52 and 33 of the UN Charter. (attached for reference)
An example of such a treaty is the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).
Unlike Rowley’s regime, if any member of the NATO treaty is called upon to act based on this agreement, they will do so unilaterally. They will not renege on their obligations and cite nonexistent conflicts with the UN charter.
That is the difference between serious Governments and this Rowley administration.
The PM has stated on numerous occasions that TT will act with neutrality concerning Venezuela. However, following his administration’s disregard of recent decisions made by our fellow OAS members, Rowley has essentially stated his Government’s position.
They are on Maduro’s side and they are willing to defy our allies to show that support.
The PM continues to risk the diplomatic standing of our country due to his arrogance and our Nation’s international reputation continues to plummet under his watch.