In a compelling address during the ‘Dialogue for the Americas: Conversation with OAS Secretary General,’ Albert Ramdin, the Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS), emphasized the critical need for Venezuela and the United States to resolve their disputes through diplomatic channels rather than military confrontation. Ramdin, who assumed his role on May 26, 2023, stressed that the Americas must remain a ‘zone of peace’ and warned against the devastating consequences of war.
Ramdin’s remarks come amid escalating tensions in the Caribbean, where the US has significantly increased its military presence. President Donald Trump has deployed an amphibious squadron, a nuclear-powered attack submarine, P8 Poseidon reconnaissance aircraft, destroyers, and the USS Gerald Ford aircraft carrier to the region, ostensibly to combat Latin American drug cartels. However, Venezuela perceives this buildup as a threat to its sovereignty, accusing the US of attempting to oust President Nicolas Maduro.
The US military has conducted airstrikes on vessels in international waters, claiming they were involved in drug trafficking, though no evidence has been provided. These actions have drawn sharp criticism from the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, who condemned the strikes as violations of international human rights law and called for their immediate cessation.
Ramdin acknowledged the global consensus on combating transnational organized crime but cautioned that the methods employed must align with international law and human rights standards. He highlighted the inherent imbalance in the fight against crime, where governments are bound by legal constraints while criminal organizations operate with impunity. Ramdin advocated for a new legal framework that empowers governments to tackle crime more effectively while respecting human rights.
The Secretary General also addressed the divided stance within the Caribbean Community (Caricom) regarding the US military buildup. While Caricom leaders have discussed the issue, no unified position has been reached. Ramdin expressed optimism that Caricom would eventually find common ground, emphasizing the importance of dialogue to prevent escalation and maintain regional peace.
In conclusion, Ramdin reiterated his commitment to fostering a safer hemisphere, urging all nations to prioritize diplomacy and unity. ‘We must keep the hemisphere as a zone of peace,’ he declared, warning that failure to do so could lead to dire consequences for the region.