Belgian foreign minister: “Hold Maduro accountable with respect for international law”
“The Venezuelan people deserve a democratic and legitimate regime. Maduro must be held accountable for his actions, but international law must be respected.” That declared Belgian foreign minister Maxime Prévot in response to the US military operation in Venezuela. Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro and his wife are reportedly on their way to New York.
On Friday night, the United States carried out a military operation involving attacks on the Venezuelan capital Caracas and the capture of Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro. Maduro and his wife are reportedly on their way to New York on a US warship. There, they will both be charged with narco-terrorism.
“The Venezuelans deserve a democratic and legitimate regime, which they have been lacking with Maduro. Maduro must be held accountable for his actions,” stated foreign minister Maxime Prévot in a response on X. “At the same time, as tirelessly repeated by Belgium, international law must be respected, in all circumstances."
“We all have an interest in a respected rules-based order,” Prévot added. "We hope for a swift de-escalation and for a peaceful transition. The civilian population must be spared.” The minister also emphasises that he is continuing to monitor the situation closely and that “the safety of our citizens remains our top priority”.
US president Donald Trump stated in an interview with Fox News that the United States will be “very involved" in the Venezuelan oil industry in the aftermath of the military operation.
If it is up to Trump, the United States will in any case have a hand in the next steps. Trump does not want anyone to replace Maduro who will continue Maduro's policies. When asked whether he would support opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, who is currently in Norway, to take over the helm, Trump replied: “We have to look at that now.”
Belgian foreign minister Maxime Prévot © BELGA PHOTO EMILE WINDAL