UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer issued the following statement yesterday:
‘The UK has long supported a transition of power in Venezuela. We regarded Maduro as an illegitimate President and we shed no tears about the end of his regime.
‘I reiterated my support for international law this morning. The UK government will discuss the evolving situation with US counterparts in the days ahead as we seek a safe and peaceful transition to a legitimate government that reflects the will of the Venezuelan people.’
Other political leaders have been braver in their condemnation:
First Minister John Swinney has commented on the unfolding situation in Venezuela, urging the international community to ensure that de-escalation, diplomacy and democracy are the foundations of what follows.
YOUR PARTY leader Jeremy Corbyn said: The US has launched an unprovoked and illegal attack on Venezuela. This is a brazen attempt to secure control over Venezuelan natural resources.
“It is an act of war that puts the lives of millions of people at risk — and should be condemned by anyone who believes in sovereignty and international law.”
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Senator Bernie Sanders’ statement on President Trump’s actions in Venezuela
Former Democrat US Presidential candidate Kamala Harris said: “Donald Trump’s actions in Venezuela do not make America safer, stronger, or more affordable.
“That Maduro is a brutal, illegitimate dictator does not change the fact that this action was both unlawful and unwise.
“We’ve seen this movie before. Wars for regime change or oil that are sold as strength but turn into chaos, and American families pay the price. The American people do not want this, and they are tired of being lied to.
“This is not about drugs or democracy. It is about oil and Donald Trump’s desire to play the regional strongman. If he cared about either, he wouldn’t pardon a convicted drug trafficker or sideline Venezuela’s legitimate opposition while pursuing deals with Maduro’s cronies.
“The President is putting troops at risk, spending billions, destabilizing a region, and offering no legal authority, no exit plan, and no benefit at home.
“America needs leadership whose priorities are lowering costs for working families, enforcing the rule of law, strengthening alliances, and — most importantly — putting the American people first.”
SCOTTISH GREENS: ‘Trump’s illegal invasion and occupation of Venezuela must end. We stand in full solidarity with the people of Venezuela.
“This kind of blatant US imperialism cannot be allowed to stand.’
The UN has issued the following statement:
‘The Secretary-General is deeply alarmed by the recent escalation in Venezuela, culminating with today’s United States military action in the country, which has potential worrying implications for the region.
‘Independently of the situation in Venezuela, these developments constitute a dangerous precedent. The Secretary-General continues to emphasize the importance of full respect – by all – of international law, including the UN Charter. He’s deeply concerned that the rules of international law have not been respected.
‘The Secretary-General calls on all actors in Venezuela to engage in inclusive dialogue, in full respect of human rights and the rule of law.’
AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL said: “Today’s military action by the Trump Administration in Venezuela, which resulted in the capture of Nicolás Maduro and Cilia Flores, raises grave concerns for the human rights of the Venezuelan population and most likely constitutes a violation of international law“.
