The Party of European Socialists (PES) reaffirms that only an inclusive and fully democratic political process led by Venezuelans can deliver a fair and lasting solution to the unfolding crisis. Although Maduro's regime was defined by human rights abuses and based on unrecognised election results, the US's forced and deadly military intrusion into a sovereign nation sets a dangerous precedent, dramatically undermining respect for the UN Charter.

The PES issued its first call to respect international law just hours after Saturday's military operation by U.S. forces in Venezuela, which apprehended Nicolás Maduro and forcibly transported him and his wife to New York.

We continue to monitor the situation following President Donald Trump's announcement on Saturday that the United States would assume control of the country, amid media reports that nearly 80 people were killed in Venezuela during the operation.

PES President Stefan Löfven stated:

"Using military force against a sovereign country without a UN mandate - clearly in pursuit of regime change - jeopardises the very principles upon which the world was rebuilt after WWII.

Our appeal to uphold international law and the UN Charter is not mere rhetoric; it is a call to protect the very foundations of diplomacy and constructive international relations established decades ago, with the United States playing an essential role in it. Today, we are witnessing President Trump backing away from what the US, Europe and many other countries have created together.

The European Union faces a critical test of its values. The cautious stance of some EU Prime Ministers is deeply unsettling. Conversely, the clarity and resolve demonstrated by the Prime Minister of Denmark, Mette Frederiksen, and by the Prime Minister of Spain, Pedro Sánchez, set a standard that others must follow."

The PES commends Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen for her firm stand against any assaults on sovereignty. We support the Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, who joined the heads of state of Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, and Uruguay in signing a statement calling for a peaceful and democratic resolution to the crisis in Venezuela, reaffirming that Latin America and the Caribbean must remain a zone of peace, built on mutual respect.

The PES calls on all democratic nations to stand united against any violations of the UN Charter and international law to preserve global stability. Foreign policy requires legality, reliability, and multilateralism.