Hispanic, Latino countries against use of force in Venezuela

MADRID, Jan 4 (KUNA) -- Spain and five Central/South American countries stated on Sunday rejection of military operation carried out by the United States against Venezuela in the small hours of yesterday.
The unilateral US operation constitutes a serious violation of the principles of the international law, and a direct threat to regional peace and security, said a joint statement signed by Spain, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico and Uruguay.
Use, or threat to use, force runs counter to the UN Charter and the principle of respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states; it is a serious precedence that put in peril the safety of civilians, according to the statement.
The crisis in Venezuela should be resolved with peaceful means exclusively through dialogue and negotiation with due respect for the will of the Venezuelan people away from any foreign military interventions.
The statement called for launching a comprehensive Venezuelan-led political process that could lead to a democratic, negotiated and durable solution based on the rules of international law and respect for human dignity.
The Caribbean and Latin America is a region of peace that favors mutual respect and peaceful solutions to disputes, the statement pointed out.
Stressing the need regional unity in the face of challenges that might destabilize the region, the statement urged the United Nations to help deescalate the dispute and preserve peace in the region.
The signatories of the statement voiced concern about the foreign attempts to take over the strategic natural resources of Venezuela in violation of the international law, which could jeopardize the political, economic and social stability in the region. (end) hnd.gb