Venezuela lodges complaint with UN Security Council over U.S. actions

CARACAS, Oct. 10 (Xinhua) -- Venezuela's ambassador to the United Nations, Samuel Moncada, on Friday accused the United States at the UN Security Council of taking actions that threaten peace in Venezuela and across the region.

"These are not isolated incidents -- they represent a growing threat to the peace and security of our nation and the entire region," Moncada said during an emergency session of the UN Security Council requested by Venezuela.

He warned that the buildup of U.S. military forces just miles off Venezuela's coast has raised fears of an imminent armed attack. "It is reasonable to believe that a military assault on Venezuela could occur soon. That is why we are here," he said.

Moncada urged the Security Council to act to prevent further escalation, saying that Washington has targeted Venezuelans "inside and outside our territory," branding them a threat "without any evidence."

He claimed that U.S. forces recently struck four boats in the Caribbean, killing 21 civilians, without providing identification or proof of their alleged criminal ties.

"There is no conflict. The United States is manufacturing one under the false pretext of combating drug trafficking," Moncada said, adding that the real objective is to gain control over natural resources in violation of international law.

Moncada called for dialogue but said Venezuela would exercise its right to self-defense under international norms. ■