Bahrain, Colombia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Latvia and Liberia on Friday began to assume responsibilities as non-permanent members of the UN Security Council.
Their two-year term officially started on January 1, but Friday is the first working day of the council for 2026 after the Christmas and New Year break.
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5 countries assume responsibilities as UN Security Council non-permanent members
5 countries assume responsibilities as UN Security Council non-permanent members
5 countries assume responsibilities as UN Security Council non-permanent members
5 countries assume responsibilities as UN Security Council non-permanent members
A flag installation ceremony was held to mark the start of their responsibilities.
The five countries replaced Algeria, Guyana, the Republic of Korea, Sierra Leone and Slovenia.
The 15-member Security Council has five permanent members -- Britain, China, France, Russia and the United States -- and 10 non-permanent members elected for two-year terms by the UN General Assembly. Five non-permanent members are replaced every year.
5 countries assume responsibilities as UN Security Council non-permanent members
5 countries assume responsibilities as UN Security Council non-permanent members
5 countries assume responsibilities as UN Security Council non-permanent members
5 countries assume responsibilities as UN Security Council non-permanent members
The United Nations (UN), the European Union (EU) and the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), the supreme organ of the Caribbean Community, have joined the forces to condemn the U.S. military operation in Venezuela and its capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife on Saturday,terming the move as a serious breach of international law and a threat to regional stability.
The U.S. move came amid six months of threats and pressure tactics and the escalating tensions between the two countries.
In his response, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said in a statement on Saturday that he is deeply alarmed by the recent escalation in Venezuela, culminating with the U.S. military action in the country on Saturday, which has potential worrying implications for the region.
"Independently of the situation in Venezuela, these developments constitute a dangerous precedent," said the statement issued by UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric.
"The secretary-general continues to emphasize the importance of full respect -- by all -- of international law, including the UN Charter. He's deeply concerned that the rules of international law have not been respected," the statement said.
The secretary-general calls on all actors in Venezuela to engage in inclusive dialogue, in full respect of human rights and the rule of law, it added.
Meanwhile, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Saturday that the EU is closely monitoring the situation in Venezuela.
The EU stands with the Venezuelan people and supports a peaceful and democratic transition, and any solution must respect international law and the UN Charter, she noted.
Also on Saturday, the European Parliament made strong criticism of the U.S. military intervention in Venezuela, noting that such actions seriously violate international law, further destabilize the region, and undermine the West's own credibility.
Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, chair of the Committee on Security and Defense of the European Parliament, said on Saturday that the U.S. President Donald Trump's administration was "blatantly trampling on international law."
She emphasized that legitimizing the U.S. approach would "completely destroy any credibility the West has left."
She also called on Europe to accelerate the development of a common foreign policy and a robust security policy.
Furthermore, CARICOM on Saturday convened an emergency meeting regarding the U.S. military action against Venezuela.
In a statement posted on social media, the organization said that CARICOM is closely monitoring the developments in the regional situation.
The unfolding events have raised serious concern across the region and could have implications for neighboring countries, the statement said.
CARICOM will continue to obtain the latest information and keep people in the region informed of further developments, it added.
UN, EU, supreme organ of Caribbean Community condemn US military operation in Venezuela
