PH urges US, Venezuela to respect int'l law, restore peace

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) expressed concern Monday about the escalating conflict between the United States and Venezuela, calling on both parties to respect international law and to restore peace and order. 

Following the US’ attack on Venezuela, the DFA said that the Philippines views with concern the events in the South American nation and its consequential impact on peace and stability in the region, as well as on the rules-based international order.

“While acknowledging the United States' underlying security considerations, the Philippines stresses the relevant principles of international law, including the independence and sovereign equality of states, the peaceful resolution of disputes, the prohibition against the threat or use of force, and non-interference in the domestic affairs of sovereign states,” the DFA said in a statement. 

“The Philippines calls on concerned parties to respect international law, including the UN Charter, exercise restraint to prevent escalation of conflict, restore peace and order in Venezuela and promote the safety and well-being of all the people, including the Filipinos living in Venezuela and the surrounding countries,” it added. 

US President Donald Trump on Saturday (Sunday morning in Manila) said the United States would take over Venezuela, following what he described as a “successful” overnight military operation that led to the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, in Caracas.

Maduro was brought to the US to face various charges, including narco-terrorism conspiracy.

The Venezuelan leader, however, has denied the allegations, saying Washington was intent on taking control of his country’s oil reserves. 

The DFA earlier said it is closely monitoring the situation in Venezuela following the US’ attack. There are over 70 Filipinos currently in Venezuela.

The Philippine Embassy in Colombia said Monday that all Filipinos in Venezuela are safe amid the tension following the attack by the US. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News