Guterres stressed, through his spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric, that recent events constitute “a dangerous precedent” for the international order and insisted on the need for “full respect, by all,” for international law, including the UN Charter.

“The Secretary-General is deeply concerned that the norms of international law have not been respected,” said the spokesperson, without going into detail about the scope or circumstances of the US military action, nor about possible concrete responsibilities.

Guterres reiterated his appeal to all parties involved in the country to strive for a “political and peaceful” solution.

“The Secretary-General urges all actors in Venezuela to commit to an inclusive dialogue, with full respect for human rights and the rule of law,” Dujarric said.

Diplomatic sources consulted by EFE indicated that the UN is closely monitoring developments and that the Security Council will meet urgently this afternoon to analyse the situation.