Albanese calls for ‘peaceful, democratic transition’ of power in Venezuela after US capture of Nicolás Maduro | Venezuela

Australia’s prime minister said he supported a “peaceful, democratic transition of power” in Venezuela following the forcible capture of Nicolás Maduro by the US military and called for respect for international law.

Making a careful statement, Anthony Albanese said his government was “monitoring the developments” after the Venezuelan president and his wife were captured and transferred to the United States.

“We call on all parties to support dialogue and diplomacy to ensure regional stability and prevent escalation of tensions,” he said.

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Albanese said Australia had 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,” he said.

The Australian government’s Smartraveller website urges Australians not to travel to Venezuela.

“Do not travel to Venezuela due to the dangerous security situation, threat of violent crime, political and economic instability, and risk of arbitrary detention,” the advice reads.

“There are reports of military activity in and around Venezuela, including Caracas. The security situation is unpredictable and could deteriorate. Be prepared to shelter in place. Make sure you have adequate supplies, including food, water and medicine.”

Australia does not have an embassy in Venezuela. The website advised Australian citizens needing assistance to call the emergency consular assistance team on +61 2 6261 3305 from anywhere in the world or 1300 555 135 from within Australia.

Early on Saturday local time, the US military carried out a lightning raid on the Venezuelan capital and forcibly captured Maduro and his wife. The couple flew to New York, where they were to appear in court on drug and arms smuggling charges.

It is not clear who is in control in Venezuela.

Donald Trump said that after Maduro’s removal, the United States would “rule the country” indefinitely and seize Venezuela’s huge oil reserves.

But Maduro’s loyal vice president, Delcy Rodríguez, appeared on television and radio in Caracas and contradicted the US president, who described himself as the new president of Venezuela and said he was cooperating with the US. Rodríguez said Maduro is the “only” president of Venezuela and that the country will not be colonized.

The UN Security Council was to hold an emergency meeting on Monday.

Just last month, Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for her “tireless work to ensure a just and peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy.”

Other than Australia, other US allies have been more outspoken in supporting the transition of power in Venezuela.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said his government “will not shed any tears” over the end of the Maduro regime.

“The UK has long supported the transition of power in Venezuela,” Starmer said.

“We viewed Maduro as an illegitimate president and shed no tears over the end of his regime.

“This morning I reiterated my support for international law.

“The UK government will discuss the evolving situation with our US counterparts in the coming days as we seek a safe and peaceful transition to a legitimate government that reflects the will of the Venezuelan people.”

Starmer had previously refused to raise questions about whether US military action violated international law, saying he wanted to speak to Trump and his allies, whom he did not speak to on Saturday morning, to “establish the facts”.

Canadian foreign minister Anita Ananda said: “We have refused to recognize any legitimacy of the Maduro regime and oppose its repression of the Venezuelan people, including the persecution of dissidents and especially political leaders who oppose the regime.”

He also called for respect for international law and said Canada “stands with the Venezuelan people and their desire to live in a peaceful and democratic society.”