https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/world-reacts-us-strikes-venezuela-2026-01-03/
JOINT STATEMENT FROM BRAZIL, CHILE, COLOMBIA, MEXICO, SPAIN AND URUGUAY:
"We express our deep concern and rejection of the military actions carried out unilaterally in the territory of Venezuela, which contravene fundamental principles of international law."
"Such actions set an extremely dangerous precedent for regional peace and security and for the rules-based international order, in addition to endangering the civilian population."
"We reiterate that the situation in Venezuela must be resolved exclusively by peaceful means, through dialogue, negotiation, and respect for the will of the Venezuelan people in all its expressions, without external interference and in accordance with international law."
FRENCH PRESIDENT EMMANUEL MACRON
"The transition to come must be peaceful, democratic, and respectful of the will of the Venezuelan people. We hope that President Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia, elected in 2024, will be able to ensure this transition as quickly as possible," Macron wrote on X.
GERMAN CHANCELLOR FRIEDRICH MERZ
Merz said the legal assessment of the U.S. operation is complex and "we will take our time" to evaluate it, adding that principles of international law must apply. He urged that "a transition to a government legitimised by elections must be ensured" and warned that "political instability must not arise in Venezuela".
SPANISH PRIME MINISTER PEDRO SANCHEZ
"Spain did not recognize the Maduro regime. But neither will it recognize an intervention that violates international law and pushes the region toward a horizon of uncertainty and belligerence", Sanchez wrote on X.
UN SECRETARY-GENERAL ANTONIO GUTERRES
"These developments constitute a dangerous precedent," Guterres' spokesperson said. "The Secretary-General continues to emphasize the importance of full respect - by all - of international law, including the UN Charter. He’s deeply concerned that the rules of international law have not been respected."
ISRAELI PRIME MINISTER BENJAMIN NETANYAHU
"Congratulations, President @realDonaldTrump for your bold and historic leadership on behalf of freedom and justice. I salute your decisive resolve and the brilliant action of your brave soldiers."
CHINESE FOREIGN MINISTRY
"China is deeply shocked and strongly condemns the use of force by the U.S. against a sovereign country and the use of force against the president of a country," a ministry statement said.
SOUTH AFRICAN DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
"South Africa calls on the UN Security Council, the body mandated to maintain international peace and security, to urgently convene to address this situation," a statement by the South African department of international relations said.
RUSSIA FOREIGN MINISTRY
"This morning, the United States committed an act of armed aggression against Venezuela. This is deeply concerning and condemnable."
"The pretexts used to justify such actions are unfounded. Ideological animosity has prevailed over business pragmatism and the willingness to build relationships based on trust and predictability."
"In the current situation, it is important, first and foremost, to prevent further escalation and to focus on finding a way out of the situation through dialogue."
ARGENTINE PRESIDENT JAVIER MILEI, IN MEDIA INTERVIEW
"What we have to understand is that it's the collapse of the regime of a dictator that was rigging elections, that in the last election was badly defeated and, despite that, he clung on to power."
"That's why I'd say that today's news is excellent news for the free world."
MEXICAN MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
"The Mexican government strongly condemns and rejects the military actions carried out unilaterally in recent hours by the armed forces of the United States of America against targets in the territory of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, in clear violation of Article 2 of the Charter of the United Nations."
CANADIAN FOREIGN MINISTER ANITA ANAND
"Canada calls on all parties to respect international law and we stand by the people of Venezuela and their desire to live in a peaceful and democratic society. Canada is engaging with its international partners and monitoring developments closely."
PARAGUAY GOVERNMENT
"Paraguay is closely monitoring current developments in Venezuela and calls for prioritizing democratic means that guarantee an orderly transition."
BOLIVIA'S FOREIGN AFFAIRS MINISTRY
"Bolivia reiterates its commitment to peace, democracy, and coordination with the international community for humanitarian assistance, the protection of the civilian population, and support for a credible and definitive process of institutional reconstruction".
PANAMA'S PRESIDENT JOSE RAUL MULINO ON X
"In light of the events that took place early this morning in Venezuela, my government reiterates our position in favor of democratic trials and in favor of accepting the legitimate wishes of the Venezuelan people, as expressed emphatically at the polls, where Edmundo Gonzalez was elected."
PERU'S FOREIGN MINISTRY
"The Government of Peru calls for a prompt solution to the political situation in Venezuela, in favor of a transition with full respect for international law and human rights, as well as attention to the legitimate and genuine aspirations of the Venezuelan people to live in democracy with the support of the regional community."
BRITISH PRIME MINISTER KEIR STARMER
"I want to establish the facts first. I want to speak to President Trump. I want to speak to allies. I can be absolutely clear that we were not involved ... and I always say and believe we should all uphold international law," Starmer said in a statement to British broadcasters.
BRAZIL'S PRESIDENT LUIZ INACIO LULA DA SILVA ON X
"The bombings on Venezuelan territory and the capture of its president cross an unacceptable line. These acts represent a grave affront to Venezuela's sovereignty and yet another extremely dangerous precedent for the entire international community."
"Attacking countries in flagrant violation of international law is the first step toward a world of violence, chaos, and instability, where the law of the strongest prevails over multilateralism."
