Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs: The Use or Threat of Force Undermines the Principles of Sovereignty and Diplomacy

JAKARTA - The Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday confirmed that the Indonesian Government was monitoring the situation in Venezuela, stressing that the use or threat of force undermined the principles of sovereignty and diplomacy.

Speaking in a video statement, the spokesperson for the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Yvonne Mewengkang, revealed, "The Indonesian government continues to closely monitor the developments in Venezuela."

"Indonesia strongly calls on all parties to comply with international law, including the principles enshrined in the UN Charter and international humanitarian law, in particular the protection of civilians whose safety and condition must remain the highest priority," said Yvonne.

This statement follows the weekend attack on Venezuela by the United States, which was followed by the arrest of President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, who were then taken to New York.

Venezuelan authorities said the attack left dozens dead, both civilians and military, including on President Maduro's guards.

"Any action involving the use or threat of force risks creating a dangerous precedent in international relations, undermining the principles of sovereignty and diplomacy, and can disrupt regional and global stability and peace," said Yvonne.

"Indonesia asks all parties to refrain and prioritize dialogue, as well as respect the rights and will of the Venezuelan people, in exercising sovereignty and determining their own direction and future," said the spokesperson for the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The United States on Saturday launched an attack on the Venezuelan capital, Caracas, followed by the arrest of President Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores.

The New York Times quoted Venezuelan officials who spoke anonymously as saying at least 40 people were killed in the US attack, including civilians and soldiers.

President Maduro is accused of smuggling cocaine into the US and a number of other crimes, in an indictment launched by federal prosecutors in the Southern District, New York.

The Venezuelan Minister of Defense asked the world to pay attention to what was happening to his country's sovereignty and constitution, following the United States' attacks over the weekend.

Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez said on Sunday that most of the security team of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro were killed during a US military operation.

In a televised speech, Defense Minister Padrino accused the US military personnel who carried out the operation of "ruthlessly killing most of the security team (Maduro), soldiers, and innocent civilians," Anadolu quoted.

However, the Venezuelan Minister of Defense did not provide further details about the number of casualties.

Furthermore, Minister of Defense Padrino also referred to President Maduro as the "authentic and legitimate leader" of the country.

Minister of Defense Padrino also demanded the "quick" release of President Maduro and his wife.

"We demand that the world pay close attention to everything that is happening to Venezuela, to its sovereignty and Constitution," he said.

President Trump accused President Maduro of overseeing drug shipments to the US and holding power illegally through electoral fraud.

On the other hand, President Maduro, who is currently detained in a New York detention facility on drug charges, has denied the allegations, and officials in Caracas have called for his release.

He is awaiting trial on Monday on drug charges, after US President Donald Trump ordered his removal from Venezuela and said the US would take control of the country.

After the US arrested Maduro, the Venezuelan Supreme Court ordered Vice President Delcy Rodriguez to "immediately" take over the interim presidency.

Separately, the U.N. Security Council plans to meet on Monday to discuss the U.S. attack, which Secretary-General Antonio Guterres described as a dangerous precedent. Russia and China, both major backers of Venezuela, have criticized the U.S.