ISLAMABAD: The European Union and China have called for calm and restraint in Venezuela following the aftermath of the US intervention in the country.
The statement, issued by EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission Kaja Kallas, is supported by 26 EU member states, including Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, and Sweden.
Kallas shared the statement on her social media account, X, on Monday.
In the statement, the EU emphasized that all actors must avoid escalation and work toward a peaceful resolution to the crisis.
It reiterated the importance of upholding international law and the UN Charter, noting that members of the United Nations Security Council bear a particular responsibility in maintaining the international security framework.
Blatant use of force
China condemned the “blatant use of force against Venezuela”, which “violates international law and basic norms in international relations”, said the China Foreign Office Spokesperson in a statement on X.
It said that the move “infringes upon Venezuela’s sovereignty and threatens peace and security” in Latin America and the Caribbean region.
“China calls on parties to respect Venezuela’s right to independently choosing development path, and work for stability and the return of order in Venezuela”, said the statement.
The statement added that it supports the UN Security Council “in holding an emergency meeting to discuss the U.S. military strikes on Venezuela” and supports the “Council in playing its due role according to its mandate.”
“China is ready to work with the international community to firmly defend the UN Charter and the fundamental principles of international justice”, concluded the statement.
Venezuelan-led transition to democracy
The EU has consistently stated that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro lacks the legitimacy of a democratically elected leader and has advocated for a Venezuelan-led transition to democracy that respects the country’s sovereignty.
The statement stressed that the Venezuelan people’s right to determine their own future must be respected.
The EU also highlighted the importance of combating transnational organized crime and drug trafficking while stressing that such challenges must be addressed in full respect of international law, territorial integrity, and sovereignty.
Unconditional release of political prisoners
Kallas’ statement noted that the EU is in close contact with the United States, as well as regional and international partners, to support dialogue with all parties, aiming for a negotiated, democratic, inclusive, and peaceful solution led by Venezuelans themselves.
The statement underlined that respecting the will of the Venezuelan people is essential for restoring democracy and resolving the ongoing crisis.
It also called for the unconditional release of all political prisoners currently detained in Venezuela and confirmed that EU Member States’ consular authorities are coordinating efforts to protect the safety of EU citizens, including those detained illegally in the country.
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