World reacts to US strikes on Venezuela

Following are reactions to Saturday's U.S. strikes on Venezuela.

FRENCH PRESIDENT EMMANUEL MACRON
"The transition to come must be peaceful, democratic, and respectful of the will of the Venezuelan people. We hope that President Edmundo González Urrutia, elected in 2024, will be able to ensure this transition as quickly as possible," Macron wrote on X.


GERMAN CHANCELLOR FRIEDRICH MERZ
Merz said the legal assessment of the U.S. operation is complex and "we will take our time" to evaluate it, adding that principles of international law must apply. He urged that "a transition to a government legitimised by elections must be ensured" and warned that "political instability must not arise in Venezuela".


SPANISH PRIME MINISTER PEDRO SANCHEZ
"Spain did not recognize the Maduro regime. But neither will it recognize an intervention that violates international law and pushes the region toward a horizon of uncertainty and belligerence", Sanchez wrote on X.

UN SECRETARY-GENERAL ANTONIO GUTERRES
"These developments constitute a dangerous precedent," Guterres' spokesperson said. "The Secretary-General continues to emphasize the importance of full respect - by all - of international law, including the UN Charter. He’s deeply concerned that the rules of international law have not been respected."

ISRAELI PRIME MINISTER BENJAMIN NETANYAHU
"Congratulations, President @realDonaldTrump for your bold and historic leadership on behalf of freedom and justice. I salute your decisive resolve and the brilliant action of your brave soldiers."

CHINESE FOREIGN MINISTRY
"China is deeply shocked and strongly condemns the use of force by the U.S. against a sovereign country and the use of force against the president of a country," a ministry statement said.

SOUTH AFRICAN DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
"South Africa calls on the UN Security Council, the body mandated to maintain international peace and security, to urgently convene to address this situation," a statement by the South African department of international relations said.

More reactions at the link

https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/world-reacts-us-strikes-venezuela-2026-01-03