January 6, 2026 | 10:01 am
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Twenty-six member countries of the European Union (EU) on Sunday night urged restraint and called for respect for international law following the United States' attack on Saturday towards Venezuela.
"The European Union calls for calm and restraint by all actors, to avoid escalation and to ensure a peaceful solution to the crisis. The EU recalls that, under all circumstances, the principles of international law and the UN Charter must be upheld," read the joint statement issued by the EU's foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, as quoted by Anadolu.
The statement, supported by 26 member countries excluding Hungary, also reminded of the "particular responsibility" of the UN Security Council members to uphold the principles of international law "as a pillar of the international security architecture."
"The EU has repeatedly stated that (Venezuela's captured President) Nicolas Maduro lacks the legitimacy of a democratically elected president and has advocated for a Venezuelan-led peaceful transition to democracy in the country, respectful of its sovereignty. The right of the Venezuelan people to determine their future must be respected," the statement read.
The statement emphasized the need to address and combat "transnational organised crime and drug trafficking" through sustained cooperation, "in full respect of international law and the principles of territorial integrity and sovereignty."
"We are in close contact with the United States, as well as regional and international partners to support and facilitate dialogue with all parties involved, leading to a negotiated, democratic, inclusive, and peaceful solution to the crisis, led by Venezuelans," it underscored.
The statement also urged respect for the will of the Venezuelan people to "restore democracy and resolve the current crisis."
"All political prisoners currently detained in Venezuela must be unconditionally released. EU Member States’ consular authorities are working in close coordination in order to protect the safety of EU citizens, including those illegally detained in Venezuela."
The statement comes after President Donald Trump said that the US military action in Venezuela resulted in the capture of President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. He also asserted temporary American control over the country, with US forces if necessary.
Maduro and Flores arrived in New York on Saturday night and were detained in a holding facility in Brooklyn. They face US federal charges related to drug trafficking and allegations of collaboration with gangs designated as terrorist organizations.
Maduro has denied the allegations, and officials in the Venezuelan capital, Caracas, along with China and Malaysia, have called for the release of the couple.
Read: Nicolas Maduro Trial: 'I'm a Prisoner of War'
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