Cuba and Venezuela Condemn US Assassination in Iraq

January 4, 2020

Venezuela

The Venezuelan government has condemned the military attack carried out by the United States against Baghdad, Iraq, in which the Quds Force commander Major-General Qassem Soleimani was assassinated and called for respecting international law in order to preserve peace.

In a statement issued by Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza, Venezuela expressed its firm condemnation of the incident which occurred during this Friday morning, local time in Iraq, when a missile attack was registered near Baghdad International Airport and the car in which Soleimani was staying was hit.

“This is an action that clearly raises tensions in the region, without any basis in international law, directed directly against a military chief and a group of high-ranking officials of a sovereign country, in a conflict zone,” the statement says.

Venezuelan authorities lamented the deaths caused by the U.S. aggression led by the president Donald Trump, conveying their condolences and solidarity to the people, as well as to the governments of Iraq and Iran.

The Government also “called for respect for international law and for all actors involved to contribute to the preservation of peace in the Middle East.”

Cuba

Cuba has rejected the attack, ordered by U.S. President Donald Trump, against the airport of Baghdad, the Iraqi capital, which resulted in several deaths.  Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez wrote on Twitter that the island strongly condemns the airstrike and the use of missiles for selective assassination.

The minister of foreign relations stressed that this action represents a severe escalation in the Middle East region where a conflict could break out with incalculable consequences for international peace and security.

The Pentagon confirmed that the attack was aimed at annihilating top Iranian military leader, General Qasem Soleimani, who has great prestige in countries of the region for commanding actions against terrorist groups such as the so-called Islamic State.

His assassination provoked strong rejection in the governments of Iraq and Iran and massive protests, especially in Tehran.

Source: Radio Habana Cuba, Cuba and Venezuela