Belize Solidarity Group Condemns Attack on Venezuela’s President

The Venezuelan Embassy in Belize shared an online statement attributed to a group calling itself the ‘Solidarity Group of Belize and Venezuela.’ The group strongly condemned what it described as an “attack and capture” of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.

The statement claimed the actions were “a flagrant violation of international law and fundamental human rights” and described reported deaths as “crimes against humanity”.

It also pointed to decades of cooperation between Belize and Venezuela and cited Petrocaribe, Operación Milagro, and cultural, educational, and housing initiatives as key benefits to Belize.

“More recently, in 2022, Prime Minister John Briceño’s visit to Caracas reaffirmed cooperation in trade, tourism, education, housing, and the revitalization of Petrocaribe, demonstrating that our relationship remains alive and expanding,” the statement read. “Just as Belize values its independence, we extend that same respect to our brothers and sisters in Venezuela.”

News 5 contacted Foreign Minister Francis Fonseca to ask whether the government was aware of the statement and whether the statement reflected government policy.

Fonseca told News 5, “No, I have not seen any statement and do not know who this group is.”

In a separate interview on January 7th, Fonseca outlined Belize’s official position on Venezuela, stressing concern over democratic principles. “We’re very concerned whenever there’s any erosion of fundamental principles,” he said. “For us what is important is how we move forward? How do we have a return to constitutional order? How do we ensure that moving forward that it is the people of Venezuela who determine what the future of Venezuela will be and how Venezuela will be governed in the future?”

Fonseca said Belize is addressing the situation by engaging international partners to support a peaceful, people-led resolution in Venezuela.