• MEP Irene Montero questions legality of US actions, urging EU measures to protect Venezuela's sovereignty, international law

GENEVA

The Spanish prime minister on Saturday said his country did not recognize Venezuela’s Nicolas Maduro "regime," but also that it will not recognize an intervention that "violates international law," referring to the overnight US airstrikes on the country.

"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," Pedro Sanchez wrote on the US social media company X.

His remarks came after US President Donald Trump said that the US will "run" Venezuela until an interim period following the capture of Nicolas Maduro, president of the South American country.

The US carried out a "large-scale strike" on Venezuela, with President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores also "captured and flown out" of the country, according to Trump.

"We call on all actors to think of the civilian population, to respect the United Nations Charter, and to articulate a fair and dialogued transition," said Sanchez.

Earlier on Saturday, the Spanish prime minister called for a de-escalation of tensions and responsible behavior.

"International law and the principles of the UN Charter must be respected," he said, noting that the government is closely monitoring the situation.

The Spanish Embassy and consulates are operational, he added.

Capturing president, wife 'very dangerous'

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.”

The country's health minister, Monica Garcia, described the capture of the Venezuelan president and his wife as "very dangerous."

"Regardless of one's opinion of Maduro, the capture and kidnapping of a head of state sets a very dangerous precedent," she said on X. "We are witnessing a demonstration of absolute and unlawful power that could be repeated anywhere in the world."

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 the US strikes on 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 EU foreign policy chief 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, another 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."

Earlier Saturday, Venezuela’s government accused the US of attacking civilian and military installations in multiple states, and declared ‌a national ‌emergency.

US President Donald Trump later confirmed the "large scale" strike, adding that President Nicolas Maduro and his wife had been "captured and flown out of the country."

The attacks came after months of growing US pressure on Maduro, who Washington accuses of being involved in drug trafficking. The Venezuelan leader had denied the claims and expressed readiness for talks.