Anthony Albanese has urged Donald Trump and Venezuelan leaders to keep talking and back a peaceful, democratic transition after US forces captured the South American country’s president, Nicolás Maduro.
The US President said his country would “run” Venezuela after a months-long campaign by the Trump administration to oust its leader. Mr Maduro and his wife arrived in New York under heavy police escort early on Sunday morning, Australian time.
The Maduro government accused the US of kidnapping its leader and first lady.
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Mr Albanese said Australia was monitoring the developments in Venezuela that unfolded late on Saturday and overnight.
“We urge all parties to support dialogue and diplomacy in order to secure regional stability and prevent escalation,” the Prime Minister said in a statement.
“Australia has long held concerns about the situation in Venezuela, including the need to respect democratic principles, human rights and fundamental freedoms.
“We continue to support international law and a peaceful, democratic transition in Venezuela that reflects the will of the Venezuelan people.”
Pro-government armed civilians deployed in Caracas, Venezuela, after US President Donald Trump announced that President Nicolás Maduro had been captured. Credit: Cristian Hernandez/AP
His response echoes that of the European Union, which called for restraint and respect for international law.
France, Russia and China condemned the incident, while a spokesman for Antonio Guterres said the United Nations Secretary-General was “deeply alarmed” by the strike because it could lead to a “dangerous precedent”.
Opposition Leader Sussan Ley and shadow foreign affairs minister Michaelia Cash welcomed the news that Mr Maduro was in custody and would face court in the US.
“Under his rule, Venezuela has endured years of repression, systemic human rights abuses, corruption, and the crushing of basic democratic freedoms – driving immense suffering and forcing millions to flee,” they said in a joint statement.
“The Venezuelan people deserve the chance to restore their sovereignty through a peaceful return to democracy, through genuinely free and fair elections, conducted without intimidation or violence, and with credible international scrutiny.
“We should live in a world where dictators and despots face justice for their crimes.”
Fire at Fuerte Tiuna, Venezuela’s largest military complex. Credit: STR/AFP
Official travel advice for Venezuela warns that “the security situation is unpredictable and may worsen” and says any Australians in the country should keep their identity documents, including their passport, handy and leave as soon as possible if safe.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s Smartraveller website has listed Venezuela as a “do not travel” destination since at least 2019.
Australia doesn’t have an embassy or consulate in Venezuela.
Any citizens in the country who need help, or their families, should contact the 24-hour emergency consular assistance team at +61 2 6261 3305 from anywhere in the world or 1300 555 135 from within Australia.
