Australia urges diplomacy as Venezuelan leader captured
Australia has called for a transition of power that “reflects the will of the Venezuelan people” after the United States captured the South American country’s president and threatened to immediately bring him under its control.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the federal government was monitoring developments in Venezuela after President Donald Trump described the “large-scale” attack in Caracas as US forces smuggled Nicolas Maduro and his wife out of the country.
Mr. Trump also said he plans to tap Venezuela’s significant oil reserves and sell its resources to other countries to pay for the U.S. operation.
“We call on all parties to support dialogue and diplomacy to ensure regional stability and prevent escalation of tensions,” Mr Albanese said on Sunday. he said.
“Australia has long-standing concerns about the situation in Venezuela, including the need to respect democratic principles, human rights and fundamental freedoms.
“We continue to support a peaceful, democratic transition in Venezuela that reflects international law and the will of the Venezuelan people.”
The federal government’s advice website SmartTraveller warned Australians on Sunday against traveling to the Latin American country due to the unpredictable security situation.
At least seven explosions were heard in Caracas on Saturday night, Australian time, as low-flying US planes flew over the capital.
Venezuelan officials said some were killed, but the extent of casualties remains unclear.
Australia does not have an embassy or consulate in Venezuela and anyone needing assistance in the region has been asked to contact the government’s emergency consular assistance team.
Other leaders of Western nations took a similarly cautious tone; but Mr Albanese’s UK counterpart, Keir Starmer, publicly branded Mr Maduro an “illegitimate president” and said the UK “will shed no tears over the end of his regime”.
In October, the Venezuelan government announced it would close its Australian embassy for a “strategic reallocation of resources” as tensions between the United States and Mr. Maduro’s administration continued to escalate.
Mr. Trump said the United States would “govern the country until we can have a safe, appropriate and reasonable transition,” but did not provide further details on how that would happen.
Mr. Maduro’s government appears to still be in charge, and all eyes are on Vice President Delcy Rodriguez.
The United States has previously accused Mr. Maduro of running a narco-state and rigging the country’s 2024 national elections, allegations the ousted president has denied.
