Today, member countries of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) met virtually to discuss American action in Venezuelan territory
Brazil will participate tomorrow (5) in the , convened at the request of Colombia, to discuss the escalation of the crisis in Venezuela following the United States military operation. Neither of the two countries, Brazil and Colombia, currently holds a permanent or rotating seat on the body. Meanwhile, today, member countries of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) met virtually, with the participation of ministers, to assess the developments of the North American attack on Venezuelan territory.
In the document, the governments express their repudiation of the unilateral military actions carried out by the United States, classifying them as a violation of the fundamental principles of the United Nations Charter, especially sovereignty, territorial integrity and the prohibition of the use of force.
The text also warns that the offensive represents a dangerous precedent for regional peace and security and puts the civilian population at risk.
The note avoids mentioning Nicolás Maduro by name, reflecting the lack of international consensus on the Venezuelan regime. Maduro was captured in the early hours of Saturday, in Caracas, during the American operation, along with his wife, and taken to the United States to stand trial on drug trafficking charges. President Donald Trump claims that Maduro ran the so-called Cartel de los Soles.
Despite the accusations, there is consensus in the international community that the strategic interest of the United States is linked to Venezuelan oil. In a statement to the press this Saturday, Trump stated that the US will govern Venezuela until there is a political transition and that the country’s oil will “flow again”, with American oil companies heading production and infrastructure.
The Brazilian government assesses that Venezuela should not surrender to American pressure and considers that it is clear that the offensive is economically motivated. President Lula instructed his ministers to adopt a critical stance towards the United States operation, a line that will be defended by Brazil at the UN Security Council meeting.
The Brazilian government also recognized on Saturday, after the second meeting between Lula and ministers, Delcy Rodríguez as interim president of Venezuela, taking into account the internal support shown after the Venezuelan Council meeting held after the attack.
In a speech, Delcy Rodríguez stated that the country “will never be another’s colony” and declared that Venezuela will defend itself from American intervention, calling for resistance from ministers and the population.
In the released note, the countries also reinforce that the Venezuelan crisis must be resolved exclusively by peaceful means, through dialogue and negotiation, without external interference. The text reaffirms Latin America and the Caribbean as a zone of peace and expresses concern about any attempt to externally control natural resources, classifying this practice as incompatible with international law.
