Former Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves has strongly condemned any attempt to capture Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, warning that such an action would constitute a serious breach of international law.
Gonsalves made the remarks on Monday during an Opposition Media Conference broadcast live on Facebook Live, where he addressed regional and international political developments.
Speaking forcefully, the former prime minister said that the seizure or forced removal of a sitting head of state would violate established principles of sovereignty and non-intervention enshrined in international law. He stressed that disputes involving governments must be resolved through diplomacy, dialogue, and lawful international mechanisms, not unilateral actions.
“You cannot simply capture or remove a duly constituted leader of a sovereign state without trampling on international law,” Gonsalves said. “Such actions set a dangerous precedent and undermine the global rules-based order.”
Gonsalves also cautioned Caribbean nations and the wider international community against supporting or legitimizing actions that could escalate tensions in the region. He emphasized that respect for sovereignty is particularly critical for small states, which depend on international law for their own protection.
The comments come amid ongoing international debate and pressure surrounding the political situation in Venezuela. Gonsalves reiterated his long-held position that engagement and peaceful negotiation remain the only sustainable path forward.
