UPDATES WITH MORE REACTIONS; ADDS DECK; REVISES HEAD, THROUGHOUT
By Beyza Binnur Donmez
GENEVA (AA) - Spain said Saturday it was closely monitoring the situation in Venezuela following US strikes on the South American country, stressing the need for de-escalation, respect for international law, and a negotiated solution to the crisis.
In a statement, the Spanish Foreign Ministry said it is “following closely the situation in Venezuela, in a coordinated manner with our partners in the European Union and the countries of the region.”
The ministry said it remains in contact with Spain’s diplomatic missions in the country, adding that it is paying close attention to the safety of Spanish nationals.
“In permanent contact with our Embassy and Consulate in Caracas and the consular emergency unit, we are monitoring the situation of the Spanish community in the country,” the statement said.
It confirmed that Spanish diplomatic personnel as well as their families are safe.
Madrid called for restraint and adherence to international norms, saying Spain “calls for de-escalation and moderation, and to always act with respect for international law and the principles of the UN Charter.”
The statement said Spain is willing to help facilitate dialogue, and “is prepared to offer its good offices to achieve a peaceful and negotiated solution to the current crisis.”
Reiterating its position on Venezuela’s political situation, the ministry said: “Spain recalls that it has not recognized the results of the elections of July 28, 2024 and has always supported initiatives to achieve a democratic solution for Venezuela.”
US President Donald Trump confirmed the "large scale" strike on his social media company Truth Social, saying Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife had been captured and flown out of the country.
Earlier, Venezuela’s government accused the US of attacking civilian and military installations in multiple states, and declared a national emergency.
The attacks came after months of tension with the US, which accused Maduro of being involved in drug trafficking.
- Left-wing MEP asks EU to respond to US strikes
Spanish Member of European Parliament (MEP) and Podemos lawmaker Irene Montero submitted a written question to the European Commission over US strikes in Venezuela, calling them a violation of international law.
Montero said the US actions "seriously violate Articles 1 and 2 of the UN Charter," and asked what measures the EU's high representative for foreign affairs, Kaja Kallas, would take to guarantee peace and respect Venezuela's sovereignty, including ensuring "the release of its president."
She also questioned whether the EU should consider suspending political and strategic relations with the US, and whether member states should reconsider their NATO membership, "given its involvement in conflicts that threaten world peace."
Iratxe Garcia Perez, also a Spanish MEP, called the situation in Venezuela "alarming."
"Democracy is never built through bombs or force, nor to serve Trump's interests. Intl. law and the UN Charter must be respected," she said on X.
Underlining that Venezuelans deserve "a peaceful and a democratic transition," she said the "EU must lead through dialogue and mediation."