World reacts to US ‘aggression’ against Venezuela
RUSSIA MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS:
“This morning, the United States carried out an armed attack against Venezuela. This is extremely worrying and condemnable.
“The excuses used to justify such actions are unfounded. Ideological hostility prevailed over commercial pragmatism and the desire to build relationships based on trust and predictability.”
KAJA KALLAS, HIGH REPRESENTATIVE OF THE EUROPEAN UNION FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS:
“I met with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and our ambassador in Caracas. The EU is closely monitoring the situation in Venezuela.
“The EU has repeatedly stated that Mr. Maduro lacks legitimacy and advocates a peaceful transition. In all circumstances, the principles of international law and the UN Charter must be respected. We call for moderation.”
IRAN SUPREME LEADER Ayatollah Ali Khamenei:
“The important thing is that a person who understands that the enemy is trying to impose something arrogant on the country, the authorities, the government and the nation must stand tall against the enemy and open his chest in resistance. We will not bow to the enemy.”
SPANISH MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS:
“Spain calls for de-escalation and moderation, and for action always in accordance with international law and the principles of the UN Charter.”
RODERICH KIESEWETTER, LEADING MEP OF GERMANY’S CONSERVATIVE CHRISTIAN DEMOCRATIC UNION:
“With President Trump, the United States is abandoning the rules-based order that has shaped us since 1945.
“Trump is destroying what’s left of trust in the United States.”
REFORMING ENGLAND NIGEL FARAGE, LEADER OF THE UK PARTY
“America’s actions overnight in Venezuela are unorthodox and against international law, but that could be a good thing if they make China and Russia think twice.
“I hope the Venezuelan people can now turn a new page without Maduro.”
ITALIAN OPPOSITION PARTY LEADER AND FORMER PRIME MINISTER GIUSEPPE CONTE:
“America’s aggression against Venezuela has no legal basis. We are faced with a blatant violation of international law, which documents the dominance of the militarily strongest and best equipped… I hope that the entire international community will speak out and everyone will understand that no one can feel safe anymore if the rules apply only to enemies and not friends. Nor can the illiberal nature of a government’s rule justify an attack on a sovereign state.”
MARC WELLER, International Law Program Director at Chatham House Think Tank, UK
“International law prohibits the use of force as an instrument of national policy. Except for the UN’s Chapter VII authority, force may only be used in response to an armed attack or possibly to rescue a population under imminent threat of annihilation.”
“Obviously, the armed operation against Venezuela meets neither of these requirements. The U.S. interest in suppressing the drug trade or allegations that Maduro’s government is an inherently criminal enterprise provide no legal justification.”
INDONESIA MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS Spokesperson YVONNE MEWENGKANG:
“Indonesia calls on all parties involved to de-escalate tensions and prioritize a peaceful solution through dialogue, while prioritizing the protection of civilians.”
“Indonesia emphasizes the importance of respecting international law and the principles of the UN Charter.”
