Paris: France's Foreign Ministry has expressed its "regret" over the recent US military action in Venezuela, highlighting concerns about the disregard for international law. Pascal Confavreux, the ministry's spokesperson, emphasized this position during an interview with the TV channel TF1.
According to Anadolu Agency - English, Confavreux stated, "International law was not respected in the means of action used. We regret that." He further elaborated that the captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro had "lost his popular legitimacy and had not recognized the July 2024 elections," adding that Maduro had engaged in political imprisonments. Despite these criticisms, Confavreux expressed no remorse over Maduro's capture, stating, "So, we are not going to regret him."
Confavreux reiterated France's commitment to observing the situation and stressed the need for a "peaceful" transition in Venezuela. He remarked, "We are preparing for this advent of the law of the strongest, but we do not accept it."
In a related statement to BFMTV, government spokesperson Maud Bregeon highlighted that France "will not shed tears over the departure" of Maduro, labeling him a "dictator." Bregeon emphasized the importance of moving beyond the Maduro era by enabling a peaceful and democratic transition, which includes the release of political prisoners and the genuine recognition of the 2024 elections.
The comments came in the wake of US President Donald Trump's announcement that the military action resulted in the capture of Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. Trump has pledged to maintain American control over Venezuela if necessary, with the presence of US troops. Maduro and Flores, who are currently detained in Brooklyn, face US federal charges related to drug trafficking and alleged ties to gangs designated as terrorist organizations. Both have denied the accusations, and Venezuelan officials in Caracas have called for their release.