The EU recalls that, under all circumstances, the principles of international law and the UN Charter must be upheld, the EU statement said.

In response to the escalating tensions in Venezuela, Southeast Asian countries including Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore have expressed concern and called on all parties involved to exercise restraint and resolve the conflict peacefully, based on respect for international law and the UN Charter.

The Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Sunday that Thailand is closely monitoring the situation in Venezuela and called on the US, Venezuela, and all relevant parties to avoid escalating conflict, prioritize the protection of civilians, and respect the will of the Venezuelan people.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim expresses his views on his personal Facebook page. Screenshot from FB: VOV/Bangkok

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim expressed deep concern over the news that Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife were arrested in a US military operation on Saturday. He said the “forcible removal” of a sitting head of government through external action “erodes fundamental restraints on the use of power between states and weakens the legal framework that underpins international order.”

On the same day, the Singapore Ministry of Foreign Affairs voiced grave concern over the US military intervention in Venezuela. Singapore is deeply committed to international law and the principles of the UN Charter that safeguard the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states, especially small states, it said. 

The Venezuelan military on Sunday recognized Vice President Delcy Rodriguez as the country's interim leader. Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez expressed support for the Supreme Court's ruling appointing Rodriguez as interim president for 90 days.