Mexico, Cuba and Colombia put on notice
US President Donald Trump has warned the governments of Mexico, Cuba and Colombia that their countries could face US action following the military operation in Venezuela in which American forces seized President Nicolás Maduro and conducted a ‘large scale strike’.
The attack comes after Trump suggested the US is willing to put “boots on the ground” in the region due to suspicions of narco-terrorism and drug influence.
Cuba: “I think Cuba is going to be something we’ll end up talking about, because Cuba is a failing nation right now,” Trump said when asked how Cuba should interpret the Venezuelan operation, according to Fox News.
The MAGA chief also said he wants to “help” the people in Cuba: “We want to help the people. It’s very similar in the sense that we want to help the people in Cuba, but we want to also help the people that were forced out of Cuba and living in this country.”
Colombia: Trump also criticised Colombian President Gustavo Petro, claiming the Latin American country has at least three major cocaine factories.
“He’s making cocaine. They’re sending it into the United States. So he does have to watch his a**,” Trump said.
Petro is an ally of Maduro and has accused the US of violating UN principles, claiming one strike off Venezuela’s coast targeted civilians.
Mexico: Trump also spoke about Mexico, alleging that President Claudia Sheinbaum is not in control of her country because drug cartels dominate it. “We could be politically correct and be nice and say, ‘Oh yeah she is.’ She is very frightened of the cartels,” Trump said.
He added, “They’re running Mexico. I’ve asked her numerous times would you like us to take out the cartels. ‘No, no, no, Mr. President, no, no, no, please.’ So we have to do something.”
The operation drew condemnation from the three countries, which said it threatens regional stability. Mexico’s ministry of foreign affairs said Latin America and the Caribbean “is a zone of peace, built on the basis of mutual respect, the peaceful settlement of disputes and the prohibition of the use and threat of force.”
Petro said Colombia’s commitment to “peace, respect for international law, and the protection of life and human dignity.” Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel called the attack as “cowardly, criminal and treacherous.”
Several members of Congress also criticised the action, which was carried out without congressional approval, and many Democrats accused Trump of starting another unnecessary war.
Venezuela should remain an independent country: Pope Leo
VATICAN CITY, JAN 4 (REUTERS): Pope Leo on Sunday called for Venezuela to remain an independent nation and said he was following developments after the United States’ toppling of President Nicolas Maduro with a “soul full of concern”.
Addressing pilgrims at St. Peter’s Square during his Sunday prayer, the first American pope urged respect for human rights, the rule of law and Venezuela’s constitution. “We must not delay in overcoming violence and embarking on paths of justice and peace, while guaranteeing the country’s sovereignty,” he said.
Pope Leo, who has criticised some of Trump’s policies, had earlier urged the US president not to oust Maduro through military force. “The good of the beloved Venezuelan people must prevail over every other consideration,” the pontiff said.
World leaders react to US attack on Venezuela
US action a ‘dangerous precedent’: UN chief
UNITED NATIONS/NEW YORK, JAN 4 (PTI/AGENCIES): The United States’ military action against Venezuela early Saturday over drug trafficking allegations triggered sharp international reactions, ranging from strong condemnation to cautious support for a democratic transition.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed deep concern over the escalation culminating in the capture of President Nicolás Maduro, warning that the developments set a “dangerous precedent” and raised serious questions over respect for international law and the UN Charter. His spokesperson said Guterres was “deeply alarmed” by the US action and its potential regional implications. He urged all actors in Venezuela to pursue inclusive dialogue, uphold human rights and respect the rule of law. UN human rights chief Volker Türk also called for restraint and adherence to international human rights law.
China said it was “deeply shocked” and strongly condemned the US use of force, calling it a grave violation of Venezuela’s sovereignty and international law. Russia demanded the release of Maduro and his wife, describing them as legitimately elected leaders and calling for dialogue.
Brazil termed the action an “unacceptable line” that threatened peace in Latin America, while President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva urged UN intervention and dialogue.
France welcomed the end of what it described as Maduro’s “dictatorship” but stressed that any transition must be peaceful and democratic. The UK reiterated it viewed Maduro as illegitimate and supported a transition, while emphasising international law.
Italy cautioned that external military action was not a solution, Canada welcomed prospects for democracy with respect for law, Mexico stressed sovereignty, and the European Commission and Australia called for restraint and dialogue.