Twenty-six EU states call for respect for international law
“The European Union calls for calm and restraint by all actors, to avoid escalation and to ensure a peaceful solution to the crisis. The EU recalls that, under all circumstances, the principles of international law and the UN Charter must be upheld,” the joint statement from EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said.
The statement, endorsed by all EU members except Hungary, highlighted the “particular responsibility” of UN Security Council members to uphold international law as a cornerstone of global security.
“The EU has repeatedly stated that (Venezuela's captured President) Nicolas Maduro lacks the legitimacy of a democratically elected president and has advocated for a Venezuelan-led peaceful transition to democracy in the country, respectful of its sovereignty. The right of the Venezuelan people to determine their future must be respected,” the statement added.
It emphasized tackling transnational organized crime and drug trafficking through sustained cooperation while fully respecting international law and the principles of territorial integrity and sovereignty.
“We are in close contact with the United States, as well as regional and international partners to support and facilitate dialogue with all parties involved, leading to a negotiated, democratic, inclusive, and peaceful solution to the crisis, led by Venezuelans,” the statement said.
The EU also urged respect for the Venezuelan people’s will to “restore democracy and resolve the current crisis” and called for the unconditional release of all political prisoners. It added that EU consular authorities are coordinating closely to protect EU citizens, including those illegally detained in Venezuela.
The statement follows US President Donald Trump’s announcement that his military operation in Venezuela resulted in the capture of President Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores, who were flown to New York and are now held at a Brooklyn detention center. They face US federal charges related to drug trafficking and alleged collaboration with gangs designated as terrorist organizations. Maduro has denied the accusations, and officials in Caracas have called for the couple’s release.
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