Venezuelan Ambassador in Belize Denounces U.S. Move as Illegal ‘Invasion’

Venezuela’s ambassador to Belize, Gerardo Algote, delivered a fiery statement this week, claiming he represents “the voices of the Venezuelan people” and accusing U.S. troops “who invaded my country” of kidnapping President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Celia Flores on January 3rd.

President Donald Trump described the operation as “one of the most stunning, effective, and powerful displays of American military might and competence in American history” during an official press briefing following the attack.

Speaking exclusively on Open Your Eyes, Algote called the attack a “vulgar display of power” involving bombings that he claims killed civilians and damaged infrastructure.

Algote framed the incident as a direct breach of international law, citing violations of the UN Charter, the Geneva Conventions, and human rights law, including the immunity of a sitting head of state. “The absolute prohibition of the use or threat of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of a state was breached. Article 2, paragraph 4,” he said, referencing the United Nations Charter.

He also pointed to UN resolutions that prohibit the use of force and the acquisition of territory by military means, warning that such actions undermine the foundations of global security. A concern which was echoed in statements by UN officials following the strikes.

Despite the political crisis, Algote stressed that Venezuela continues to maintain economic ties with the United States through oil trade. He pointed to Chevron as a longstanding partner. “We continue to sell oil based on previously established agreements with Chevron…This is not new for us,” he said. Algote added, “At this moment, we are selling and their paying. The rest of this is propaganda, just propaganda.”

He said Venezuela seeks respectful trade and diplomacy. “If we could find good-quality American products and cheaper, you think it’s bad for us? Let’s improve the bilateral commerce. Why not?” he asked.

At the same time, Algote acknowledged the toll of international sanctions. “How you could develop a country with more than 1,000 sanctions against your economy? Of course, it would produce a process of migration,” he said, suggesting sanctions are the main driver of Venezuelan emigration.

However, Venezuelan migrants and international agencies point to long‑standing economic collapse and political repression under Maduro’s government as major causes of the crisis. According to the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR), more than 7.9 million Venezuelans have left the country over the years.