U.S. Walks out of CD in Protest at Former Maduro Regime Presidency
Ambassador Robert Wood, U.S. Permanent Representative to the Conference on Disarmament, says the United States will refuse to take part in any CD session presided over by representatives of the Former Maduro regime.
“The United States therefore condemns, in the strongest terms, Venezuela’s presidency of this body while it is represented by members of the illegitimate Maduro regime,” Ambassador Wood said. “As such, we will boycott the CD for the next four weeks – the duration of Venezuela’s presidency. “
“The United States unequivocally deplores the unconscionable acts carried out under the Maduro regime in Venezuela. History has shown that a regime that oppresses its people and blatantly disregards the rule of law at home has contempt for international obligations and norms. The CD cannot move forward when held captive under the yoke of illegitimate leadership.”
Because of the boycott, the United States did not read its prepared statement before the CD today, but the as-prepared statement is available on the U.S. Mission website: geneva.usmission.gov/2019/05/28/2019-session-of-the-confe...
U.S. Mission Photo/Eric Bridiers