GOB Calls for Restraint Following “Removal” of Maduro

The Government of Belize has issued an official statement on the recent military actions carried out by the US in Venezuela. The Briceño Administration is urging respect for international law and a swift return to constitutional order following “the removal of the President”. 

On Saturday, the United States carried out a large-scale overnight military operation involving more than 150 aircraft to capture Nicolás Maduro, an effort senior US officials said took months of planning and was unprecedented in scope.

The statement said Belize has been monitoring the buildup of military assets in the southern Caribbean over the past four months and expressed concern about the implications for regional stability.

Belize confirmed it is aligned with the position taken by the Bureau of CARICOM Heads of Government, which issued its own statement on January 3. The government said it will continue to engage with CARICOM and other states in the hemisphere as the situation develops.

“Belize has always been, and remains, committed to the principles of international law and the UN Charter, which we believe are fundamental to the maintenance of international peace and security,” the statement read. The government called on all parties to exercise restraint, respect international law, and engage in constructive dialogue to resolve the crisis.

Belize noted its historically friendly and cooperative relations with Venezuela and said it hopes to see a return to constitutional order guided by the Venezuelan constitution and the will of the people.

The government also reassured the public that all Belizean students who had been studying in Venezuela are currently safe in Belize.