LONDON

France's foreign minister on Saturday said that the US military operation that led to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro violates the principles of international law on the use of force.

On Maduro’s rule, Jean-Noel Barrot said that by seizing power from the Venezuelan people and depriving them of their fundamental freedoms, Maduro "inflicted a grave violation on their dignity and on their right to self-determination."

On the US social media company X, he said that France has consistently committed itself, notably through its mediation efforts, to upholding respect for the sovereignty of the Venezuelan people, whose voice must prevail.

However, Barrot pointed out the need to act in line with international law.

"The military operation that led to the capture of Nicolas Maduro contravenes the principle of non-use of force that underpins international law," he wrote.

He said: "France recalls that no lasting political solution can be imposed from the outside and that sovereign peoples alone decide their own future."

Barrot also warned that the growing number of violations of this principle by nations entrusted with the primary responsibility of permanent UN Security Council membership will have "serious consequences" for global security, sparing no one.

"France is preparing for this, but cannot bring itself to accept it," he said, adding that France reiterates its commitment to the UN Charter, which must continue to guide the international action of states, "always and everywhere."

French far-right National Rally (RN) leader Jordan Bardella criticized Maduro over "dictatorship" and "endless economic crisis," but said respect for international law and the sovereignty of states" cannot be applied selectively."

"The forcible overthrow of a government from the outside cannot constitute an acceptable response, only exacerbating the geopolitical instability of our time," he wrote on X.

Bardella said France must draw lessons from its strategic and geopolitical vulnerability, adding that it is vital to pursue a resolute effort to rearm the country, strengthen its industrial and military capabilities, and rebuild a diplomatic network "weakened by (President) Emmanuel Macron."

"At this juncture, we can only call for the Venezuelan people to be given the floor as soon as possible, so that they can emerge from this major crisis through a free, transparent, and fair democratic process," he said.

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

On his social media platform Truth Social, US President Donald Trump confirmed the "large scale" strike, adding that Maduro and his wife were "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.

Venezuela's Vice President Delcy Rodriguez said they were "unaware" of Maduro's whereabouts, demanding the Trump administration provide "proof of life” of the president.