On January 3, answering a reporter's question asking about Vietnam's reaction to the current situation in Venezuela, Vietnamese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Pham Thu Hang stated clearly: "Vietnam is deeply concerned about information related to the current situation in Venezuela. Vietnam calls on relevant parties to respect international law, the United Nations Charter, including the principle of respecting national sovereignty, not to use force and threaten to use force in international relations. Vietnam calls on parties to exercise restraint, dialogue, and resolve disputes and disagreements on the basis of international law, contributing to ensuring peace, security, stability, and cooperation in the region and around the world".
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam recommends that Vietnamese citizens carefully consider going to Venezuela at the present time. Citizens in need of assistance can contact the Citizen Protection hotline: Vietnamese Embassy in Venezuela: +58 212 635 7402, Email: vnemb.ven@mofa.gov.vn. Citizen Protection Switchboard of the Consular Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs: +84 981 84 84 84; Email: baohocongdan@gmail.com.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also said that he is "extremely concerned" about the tense situation between the US and Venezuela in recent months, culminating in the US special forces attacking and arresting Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. Regardless of the situation in Venezuela, these developments create a dangerous precedent. The Secretary-General once again emphasized the importance of all parties fully respecting international law, including the United Nations Charter.
Along with Colombia, Venezuela requested the Security Council to hold an emergency meeting related to the US attack. The meeting is likely to take place on January 5.
European countries such as Switzerland have also called for de-escalation, restraint and respect for international law after developments in Venezuela. The Swiss Foreign Ministry emphasized respect for international law, including the ban on the use of force and respect for the territorial integrity of sovereign states.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez expressed disagreement with the US attack in Venezuela, criticizing "interference that violates international law and pushes the region to a future of instability and conflict, calling on all parties to think of the people, respect the United Nations Charter and build a fair and dialogue transition process".
The Russian and Chinese Foreign Ministries condemned the US attack on Venezuela, reaffirming solidarity with Caracas. Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide criticized the US use of force in Venezuela, saying that this action is not in accordance with international law, and affirmed that a peaceful transition process, through comprehensive political processes and respect for people's rights, is the only viable path for Venezuela.
Right in the US, on January 3rd, hundreds of people gathered outside the White House in Washington D.C. carrying the Venezuelan flag and banners such as "No war in Venezuela", "No bloodshed for oil" and calling on the US Administration to stop interfering in Latin America.
On the morning of January 4, Vietnam time, Mr. Maduro and his wife were taken to New York, where he will face charges of weapons and drugs at the Manhattan federal court next week. In Venezuela, Vice President Delcy Rodriguez was appointed by the Supreme Court to hold the role of interim President.
Previously, Mr. Trump said the US would directly "operate" Venezuela until there is a safe, appropriate and cautious power transfer process. Mr. Trump said he would allow large US oil and gas corporations to take over and invest in Venezuela's energy infrastructure to "start creating money for the country", while affirming that the embargo on all Venezuelan oil is still maintained.
