Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has issued a measured response to the dramatic capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro by United States forces, calling for a peaceful and democratic transition of power in the South American nation.
Australia's Cautious Stance on a Dramatic Intervention
In a statement released following the news, Mr Albanese confirmed his government was closely monitoring developments after President Maduro and his wife were reportedly seized in a lightning raid on Caracas and transported to the US. The Prime Minister stopped short of explicitly endorsing the US military action, instead emphasising the need for dialogue and diplomacy.
"We urge all parties to support dialogue and diplomacy in order to secure regional stability and prevent escalation," Albanese stated. He reiterated that Australia has long held concerns about the situation in Venezuela, highlighting the need to respect democratic principles, human rights, and fundamental freedoms.
The Australian leader affirmed support for international law and a peaceful, democratic transition in Venezuela that reflects the will of the Venezuelan people. This cautious tone contrasts with more forthright statements from some other Western allies.
Travel Warnings and Regional Uncertainty
The Australian government's official travel advice for Venezuela remains stark. The Smartraveller website strongly advises Australians not to travel to the country, citing the dangerous security situation, threat of violent crime, political and economic instability, and risk of arbitrary detention.
The advisory has been updated following recent events, noting reports of military activity in and around the capital, Caracas. It warns that the security situation is unpredictable and may deteriorate further, instructing any Australians in the country to be prepared to shelter in place with adequate supplies.
Australia does not maintain an embassy in Venezuela. Citizens in need of emergency consular assistance are directed to contact the 24/7 emergency team from overseas on +61 2 6261 3305 or on 1300 555 135 from within Australia.
International Reactions and Power Vacuum
The operation, which occurred in the early hours of Saturday local time, has thrown Venezuela into a state of political confusion. The US government states that Maduro and his wife were flown to New York to face arraignment on drugs and weapons trafficking charges.
Former US President Donald Trump declared that the US would indefinitely "run the country" following Maduro's removal and would seize Venezuela's substantial oil reserves. However, this claim was directly contradicted by Maduro's vice-president, Delcy Rodríguez, who appeared on Venezuelan media asserting that Maduro remains the country's "only" president and vowing resistance to what she termed colonisation.
The United Nations Security Council is scheduled to hold an emergency meeting on Monday to address the crisis. The dramatic intervention follows the recent awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize to Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado for her work towards a democratic transition.
Other key US allies have been more direct in their support for the change in power. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated his government would "shed no tears" over the end of Maduro's regime, which the UK considered illegitimate. Similarly, Canada's Foreign Minister Anita Ananda reiterated Canada's non-recognition of the Maduro regime's legitimacy, while also urging respect for international law.
The global community now watches closely as the situation in Venezuela continues to unfold, with questions of sovereignty, international law, and regional stability hanging in the balance.
