Should the EU Urge De-Escalation in Venezuela?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Brussels, Jan 3 (NationPress) European Council President Antonio Costa expressed on Saturday that the European Union (EU) is observing the unfolding circumstances in Venezuela with considerable concern and has called for de-escalation.
"The European Union advocates for de-escalation and a resolution that fully respects international law and the principles set forth in the United Nations Charter," he stated on X.
Costa affirmed that the bloc will persist in its support for a peaceful, democratic, and inclusive resolution in Venezuela, backing the initiatives led by EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, in collaboration with member states, to safeguard the welfare of European citizens residing in the nation.
Earlier on that day, Kallas emphasized that the EU is meticulously monitoring the situation and urged for restraint, reiterating that the tenets of international law and the United Nations Charter must be upheld.
Kallas mentioned her discussions with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and the EU Ambassador in Caracas, emphasizing that ensuring the safety of EU nationals in Venezuela is the bloc's foremost priority, as reported by Xinhua news agency. US President Donald Trump claimed on Saturday that a significant operation had been conducted against Venezuela, resulting in the capture of its President Nicolas Maduro, who, along with his spouse, was reportedly evacuated from the country.
Trump stated, "The United States of America has successfully executed a large-scale strike against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolas Maduro, who has been captured alongside his wife and flown out of the Country," as per his post on Truth Social, adding that this operation was executed in collaboration with US Law Enforcement.
Additionally, he announced a press conference scheduled for 11 am local time (1600 GMT) on Saturday at Mar-a-Lago, Florida.
Venezuela condemned the military aggression by the United States on Saturday, following reports of loud explosions and sightings of aircraft over the capital, Caracas, earlier that day.