Canada urges US to show respect for international law after the apprehension of Venezuelan President Maduro

UPDATE WITH PRIME MINISTER MARK CARNEY'S STATEMENT

By Merve Aydogan

HAMILTON, Canada (AA) - Canada on Saturday called for adherence to international law following the latest US military operation in Venezuela that led to the capture of President Nicolas Maduro and his wife.

Condemning the Maduro regime, Prime Minister Mark Carney, in a post on US social media company X, accused the Venezuelan leader of "grave breaches of international peace and security, gross and systematic human rights violations, and corruption."

"Canada has not recognised the illegitimate regime of Maduro since it stole the 2018 election. The Canadian government, therefore, welcomes the opportunity for freedom, democracy, peace, and prosperity for the Venezuelan people," he said.

Expressing support for a negotiated solution that "respects the democratic will of the Venezuelan people," Carney also said: "In keeping with our long-standing commitment to upholding the rule of law, sovereignty, and human rights, Canada calls on all parties to respect international law."

In a separate statement, Foreign Minister Anita Anand said: "Since 2019, when Canada closed its embassy in Venezuela, we have refused to recognize any legitimacy of the Maduro regime and opposed its repression of the Venezuelan people, including the persecution of dissenters and particularly political leaders opposed to the regime."

Emphasizing Canada's "commitment to upholding the rule of law and democracy," she said Ottawa "calls on all parties to respect international law, and we stand by the people of Venezuela and their desire to live in a peaceful and democratic society."

"Canada is engaging with its international partners and monitoring developments closely," Anand said, adding that her country stands ready to help those Canadians in need via "consular officials and embassy in Bogota, Colombia."

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