The president of Venezuela, Nicolás Maduro, condemned this Thursday the inaction of the United Nations in the Gaza Strip and called for a new international monetary system, speaking at a meeting of the BRICS group in the Russian city of Kazan.
“Every time a high-precision missile falls on an apartment building in Gaza and kills men, women and children, every time a missile falls on Beirut or southern Lebanon, those missiles set fire to and destroy the United Nations system.” United,” Maduro assured when speaking during the event in which both members of the BRICS and dozens of countries interested in joining or cooperating with that group participate.
The Venezuelan president asked to raise his voice and seek a “practical and bold” plan for the refoundation of the United Nations system that is currently “dying,” he said.
“Where is the United Nations Justice system? Is it only (serving) to release documents, communications? And are the lives of the boys and girls of Palestine worthless?” Maduro asked.
On the other hand, he advocated the creation of a new international payments system.
“We must move forward with a new payment system that replaces the (current) payment systems, which sometimes turn into weapons to attack,” he said.
He regretted that the Latin American country was expelled from all global payment systems as part of “aggressions, economic punishments.”
Likewise, he advocated for “a new inclusive economy of independent countries that aspire to social happiness and dignity.”
Russian President Vladimir Putin yesterday received Maduro, who is making his first trip abroad since the July political crisis in the Caribbean nation.
“Venezuela is one of Russia’s old and reliable partners in Latin America and in the world in general,” Putin said during the meeting held in the Russian city of Kazan.
At that meeting, the Venezuelan president described the BRICS summit as “historic” and noted that “it is a great message of hope for the people of the world.”
Coinciding with Maduro’s trip to Russia, Venezuela’s democratic opposition, represented by the leaders of the movement Edmundo González Urrutia and María Corina Machado, today won the Sakharov Prize for freedom of conscience, awarded each year by the European Parliament for an exceptional contribution. in the field of human rights.
Moscow / EFE
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Interview with Dr. Elena Morales, International Relations Expert
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Morales, for joining us today. We just heard about Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro’s recent remarks at the BRICS meeting in Kazan. What are your thoughts on his condemnation of the UN’s inaction in the Gaza Strip?
Dr. Morales: Thank you for having me. Maduro’s statement reflects a growing frustration among certain world leaders regarding the perceived ineffectiveness of the United Nations in addressing conflicts like those in Gaza and Lebanon. His choice of words underscores a broader discourse about international responsibility and the need for urgent action to protect civilian lives.
Editor: He also called for a new international monetary system. How might this relate to his overall message?
Dr. Morales: This call for a new monetary system may be seen as an attempt to challenge the existing global financial order, which many leaders, especially from developing nations, feel is dominated by Western powers. By linking economic reforms to humanitarian issues, Maduro is seeking to unify nations under a common cause—one that aims not only to reshape financial systems but also to bring attention to humanitarian crises.
Editor: Some might argue that Maduro’s criticism of the UN could seem self-serving, given Venezuela’s own political and economic challenges. How should we interpret his statements in this context?
Dr. Morales: That’s a valid point. Maduro’s government has faced significant international scrutiny for its domestic policies, including accusations of human rights violations. His rhetoric can be interpreted as an effort to deflect attention from his administration’s issues by positioning himself as a champion of the oppressed on the global stage. Yet, it’s essential to consider the underlying sentiments shared by many nations that feel marginalized in international discussions.
Editor: The BRICS group itself is expanding its influence on the global stage. What implications might Maduro’s remarks have for the future of BRICS?
Dr. Morales: Maduro’s strong statements could resonate with other BRICS nations that share a critical view of Western-led institutions. His appeal for “a practical and bold plan” suggests a desire for a collective approach to reforming international systems. If BRICS continues to embrace this narrative, it could strengthen their geopolitical influence, especially among countries seeking alternatives to current global governance models.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Morales, for your insights. It seems that global dynamics are evolving, and leaders like Maduro play a crucial role in shaping the discourse.
Dr. Morales: Absolutely, and it will be important to watch how these discussions unfold in international forums going forward. Thank you for having me.
Editor: Some might argue that Maduro’s criticism of the UN could seem self-serving, especially given his own government’s history of human rights concerns. How do you view this dichotomy?
Dr. Morales: That’s a very valid point. While it is crucial to hold the UN accountable for its inaction, it’s equally important to scrutinize the motives behind such criticisms. Maduro’s government faces significant allegations regarding human rights abuses, which makes it hard for many to take his concerns at face value. However, the frustration expressed by multiple leaders regarding the UN’s shortcomings in conflict zones should not be dismissed outright just because of their political backgrounds. The challenge lies in discerning genuine calls for reform amidst political posturing.
Editor: Maduro’s comments coincide with his first foreign visit since a political crisis in Venezuela. What implications do you think this trip to Russia and the BRICS summit could have for Venezuela?
Dr. Morales: Maduro’s trip is significant for several reasons. It suggests a strategic pivot towards alliances with non-Western powers, such as Russia and other BRICS nations. This could bolster Venezuela’s geopolitical stance and provide it with economic alternatives, especially amid sanctions from Western countries. Additionally, showcasing unity with BRICS may position Venezuela as a leader among like-minded nations advocating for a multipolar world, which could have long-term implications for international relations.
Editor: Lastly, can you comment on the juxtaposition of Maduro’s remarks with the news of Venezuela’s opposition winning the Sakharov Prize for freedom of conscience? What does this indicate about the current political climate in Venezuela?
Dr. Morales: The award highlights a complex and divided political landscape. While Maduro is pushing an agenda of solidarity and reform on the international stage, his opposition is gaining recognition for its struggle for human rights and democratic values. This dual narrative signals that within Venezuela, there are competing visions for governance and society. It could be both an opportunity and a challenge for Maduro—an opportunity to rally support for his initiatives, but also a challenge as increasing international focus on human rights may complicate his efforts to maintain legitimacy at home. The global attention can serve as both a call for action and a reminder of the ongoing dissent against his administration.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Morales, for your insights on this complex situation. We appreciate your time.
Dr. Morales: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to discuss these important global issues.