Brussels: Europe and the Arabs

A statement issued by members of the Green Party group in the European Parliament expressed concern over developments in Venezuela, deeming the US military intervention a violation of international law. This followed earlier statements by leaders of EU member states and institutions emphasizing that Venezuelan President Maduro lacked legitimacy and affirming their support for a peaceful transition of power in the country.

In a statement distributed in Brussels, the co-chairs of the European Green Party, Vola Cetze and Ciaran Coff, expressed their deep concern regarding reports from Venezuela, asserting that the US military intervention in Venezuela constitutes a violation of international law. The statement, a copy of which we received, reads:

"Any detention of political actors, use of force, or restriction of fundamental freedoms must fully respect international law, human rights, and the authority of the United Nations." "The Venezuelan people have suffered immensely from authoritarian practices, political repression, and the erosion of democratic institutions. At the same time, we strongly condemn any external military intervention or coercive actions, including those by the United States, which destabilize the country and the region without a UN mandate and in violation of international law."

... "The only sustainable way forward is a peaceful, democratic transition based on free and fair elections, respect for human rights, and an inclusive dialogue led by Venezuelans themselves, with the support of the international community. The European Union must remain steadfast in its principles: a defender of democracy, human rights, and international law, without double standards, and a guarantor that all actions respect the authority of the United Nations," concluded Kjaeran Koff and Vola Tsetsi.

This followed a post by EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Maja Callas on the X website, in which she stated: “I spoke with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and our ambassador in Caracas. The EU is following the situation in Venezuela very closely.

The EU has repeatedly stated that Mr. Maduro lacks legitimacy and has advocated for a peaceful transition. In all circumstances, the principles of international law and the UN Charter must be respected. We call for restraint.

The safety of EU citizens in the country is our top priority.”

For her part, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said in another post: “We are following the situation in Venezuela very closely. We stand with the people of Venezuela and support a peaceful and democratic transition. Any solution must respect international law and the UN Charter. In cooperation with High Representative Callas and in coordination with EU Member States, we ensure that EU citizens in the country can count on our full support.” French President Emmanuel Macron said after a conversation with Maria Corina:

"I just spoke with Maria Corina, Nobel Peace Prize laureate. I fully support her call for the release and protection of political prisoners held by the Nicolás Maduro regime.

Like all Venezuelans, she can, with France's support, call for a peaceful and democratic transition that fully respects the will of the Venezuelan people.

The Venezuelan people are now free from the dictatorship of Nicolás Maduro, and they have nothing to celebrate.

By seizing power and violating fundamental freedoms, Nicolás Maduro has committed a grave insult to the dignity of his people."

For her part, Venezuelan opposition leader and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Maria Corina Machado said in a statement posted on social media that the time has come for popular sovereignty to prevail in Venezuela, and she called for the release of political prisoners and the return of exiles. Machado recognized Edmundo González Urrutia as the legitimate president and commander-in-chief of the armed forces following the July 28 elections and called on Venezuelans inside and outside the country to remain prepared for a democratic transition.

Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado declared, "The time for freedom has come."

Machado stated that Nicolás Maduro faces international justice for crimes committed against Venezuelans and citizens of other countries. According to her statement, given Maduro's refusal to accept a negotiated solution, the U.S. government has fulfilled its promise to "enforce the law."

U.S. President Donald Trump said he would consider the possibility of Venezuelan opposition leader and Nobel Peace Prize laureate María Corina Machado taking over the leadership of Venezuela.

"We can't risk allowing someone else to pick up where their predecessor left off in Venezuela," Trump added.

Speaking on Fox News, Trump continued, "We're going to be involved in who takes over in Venezuela, and we're making that decision right now." As US President Donald Trump stated, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro resisted arrest, and there was heavy gunfire, but Maduro was unsuccessful.

US Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman General Dan Keane explained, "We began working months ago to carry out the operation to arrest Maduro."

General Keane added during a press conference with US President Donald Trump that the operation in Venezuela was conducted with 150 aircraft, and that weather conditions were crucial to its success.

US Secretary of Defense Pete Heggist said, "We demonstrated the long arm of American justice." Heggist added during a press conference with US President Donald Trump in Florida that the operation in Venezuela was for the sake of peace.