Spain’s government has sharply criticised US military action in Venezuela, calling for restraint and a return to international law.
In a statement shared by Pedro Sanchez, the Foreign Ministry said Madrid was urging de-escalation, moderation and respect for international law.
It added that Spain is willing to help facilitate a peaceful and negotiated solution to Venezuela’s crisis.
The government stressed it is coordinating closely with EU partners and monitoring the safety of the Spanish community in the country.
Spain reiterated that it does not recognise the results of Venezuela’s 2024 elections, which it considers fraudulent.
It confirmed that Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares has spoken with opposition figure Edmundo Gonzalez, who has been living in Spain since last year.
PM Sanchez wrote in a post on X: ‘Spain did not recognise the Maduro regime, but neither will it recognise an intervention that violates international law and pushes the region toward a horizon of uncertainty and belligerence.
‘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.’
Coalition parties backing Sanchez condemned the US operation as a violation of international law and have called for Albares to explain the government’s position in parliament.
By contrast, Vox leader Abascal praised the arrest of Nicolas Maduro, writing on social media that ‘the world is a little freer today’ and arguing that Sánchez should now be ‘very worried’.
