Pakistan issued a stern warning at the United Nations, cautioning that a path of confrontation and “zero-sum” policies in the increasingly tense Caribbean region could prove dangerous, and urgently appealed to all parties to de-escalate the situation.

Addressing an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council on the situation in Venezuela, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, expressed deep concern over recent unfortunate incidents that have escalated tensions in the region. He called on all concerned parties to exercise maximum restraint and to refrain from actions that could further aggravate matters.

Ambassador Ahmad clarified that it has always been Pakistan’s position that good-faith negotiations are the only viable path to a sustainable and lasting resolution of differences. He urged the parties towards a peaceful settlement.

‘We encourage the parties to utilize all available diplomatic means and to promote constructive engagement and dialogue within the framework of international law,’ the Ambassador said. He added that they could also benefit from the assistance of the United Nations, its Secretary-General, or relevant regional organizations.

He pointed out that this call for a peaceful solution is in line with the collective commitment of Security Council Resolution 2788, which was adopted three months ago under Pakistan’s presidency.

While acknowledging that international organized crime, including drug trafficking, poses a serious threat to societies, the ambassador stressed that the international response must adhere to the principle of “shared and collective responsibility” and respect international law, including the UN Charter.

The ambassador pointed out that the world is already navigating a divided and confrontational global environment, making it imperative to uphold the sanctity of the UN Charter and its fundamental principles.

He concluded by stating that any action contrary to these principles could set dangerous precedents and lead to consequences that could destabilize the entire region. He urged all parties to respect the imperatives of peaceful coexistence and to choose the path of cooperation, so that the Caribbean may truly become a “zone of peace.”