EU Calls for Respect of International Law Principles in Venezuela: Kaja Kallas

The European Union has urged all parties involved in the situation in Venezuela to maintain calm and restraint to avoid escalation and ensure a peaceful resolution to the crisis, according to Kaja Kallas, the head of EU diplomacy.

“The EU reminds that the principles of international law and the UN Charter must be upheld under all circumstances. Members of the UN Security Council bear special responsibility for maintaining these principles as cornerstones of the international security architecture,” Kallas stated in a statement released on the evening of January 4.

The statement noted that Brussels has repeatedly addressed the illegitimacy of President Nicolás Maduro and has advocated for a peaceful transition to democracy in the country, while respecting its sovereignty.

Kallas also highlighted that the EU is maintaining close contact with the United States as well as regional and international partners to support dialogue with all interested parties, which will aid in resolving the crisis in a coordinated, democratic, inclusive, and peaceful manner led by the Venezuelans.

The EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs also announced that all political prisoners currently held in Venezuela should be released.