After U.S. President Donald Trump announced the operation that led to the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, the European Union on Saturday called for restraint and respect for international law in Venezuela, reports LETA citing AFP.
The EU has repeatedly pointed out that Mr. Maduro lacks legitimacy and has advocated for a peaceful transformation in Venezuela, wrote EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell on the X platform after a conversation with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
"In any case, it is necessary to respect the principles of international law and the UN Charter. We call for restraint," she emphasized.
Borrell stated that the EU is closely monitoring the rapidly changing situation and that she has already discussed the developments with the EU representative in Venezuela. The safety of EU citizens, she said, is "our top priority."
The EU did not recognize the disputed results of the 2024 elections, in which Maduro secured a third term, and imposed sanctions on dozens of Venezuelan officials for undermining democracy in the country.
However, the bloc of 27 countries did not officially recognize opposition candidate Edmundo González as the legitimate leader of Venezuela, as the U.S. did.
González entered the presidential race at the last moment, replacing opposition leader María Corina Machado, who was banned from participating in the vote.
After the elections, González left Venezuela and headed to Madrid, which expressed its willingness to act as a mediator following Maduro's takeover on Saturday.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer also stated on Saturday that all countries must adhere to international law.
"First and foremost, I want to establish the facts, talk to President Trump, talk to allies," Starmer said a few hours after the U.S. strike on Venezuela.
"I can state very clearly that we were not involved in this. And, as you know, I have always asserted and continue to assert that we all must adhere to international law," he emphasized.
