site.btaBSP-United Left on US Operation in Venezuela: Disputes between States Are Settled through Diplomacy, Negotiations

In a declaration on the US operation in Venezuela of January 3, the BSP - United Left coalition said that disputes between countries should be resolved through diplomacy, dialogue, and negotiations. The declaration, published by the formation's press centre, reads that the Bulgarian Socialist Party and BSP - United Left are deeply concerned and strongly object to the US military operation on the territory of the sovereign Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, which led to the detention of President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores, as well as to civilian casualties.

"Such actions are an unacceptable and dangerous precedent that undermines the international legal order and violates the principles of the UN Charter," the declaration reads. "Regardless of the internal political problems in Venezuela and the criticism of the Maduro regime, the use of military force with the obvious aim of changing the government is a serious violation of international law and creates the risk of escalating the conflict and destabilising the region."

The BSP - United Left expect the UN to play an active role in overcoming the consequences of Nicolas Maduro's removal from office in order to avoid Venezuela becoming a scene of geopolitical conflict and internal instability. 

The coalition considers it unacceptable to apply double standards when it comes to violations of international law and military intervention in a sovereign state, the declaration reads further. "The BSP, as part of the Party of European Socialists, supports the clear positions of left-wing European leaders who insist that Latin America and the Caribbean remain a zone of peace based on mutual respect and sovereignty," the position states.

The BSP - United Left confirms its readiness to support efforts to end the confrontation and restore the diplomatic process, including through active political action by European institutions and within the Party of European Socialists and the Socialist International.