French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot has emphasized that only sovereign people themselves can decide their future, rejecting the notion that external military intervention can create legitimate political change in Venezuela. His statement following Saturday’s operation that captured President Nicolás Maduro reflects core principles of French foreign policy regarding self-determination.
Barrot’s position stresses that the military operation violates the fundamental principle prohibiting the use of force in international relations, and that no lasting political solution can be imposed from outside regardless of intentions. This stance aligns with broader European concerns about sovereignty violations and the precedent set by unilateral American military action.
The French emphasis on self-determination resonates with UN Charter principles and international legal norms that have governed relations between nations since World War II. UN Secretary General António Guterres has warned that the operation sets a dangerous precedent, with his spokesperson emphasizing the critical importance of respecting established legal frameworks.
US Attorney General Pam Bondi has announced that Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores will face drug trafficking charges in New York, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirming the charges relate to narcotics operations. President Trump stated the couple is currently aboard a ship being transported to the United States for prosecution.
The international response has been characterized by widespread condemnation from major powers and international organizations, while some right-wing governments offered support. Latin American reactions have split along ideological lines, with Colombia mobilizing its armed forces in anticipation of refugee flows and security analysts questioning whether external force can achieve democratic transformation.