Belgian Foreign minister: 'Hold Maduro accountable with respect for international law'
Belgium's Foreign minister, Maxime Prévot, has called for international law to be respected while holding Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro to account, following his capture and removal by the US.
On Friday night, the US carried out a military operation involving attacks on the Venezuelan capital, Caracas, and the capture of Maduro. Maduro and his wife are reportedly on their way to New York on a US warship, where 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,” Prévot said 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,” he 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 said in an interview with Fox News that the US would be “very involved" in the Venezuelan oil industry in the aftermath of the operation.
He 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