Spain Leads Opposition to Trump on Venezuela

Spain is leading the opposition to Donald Trump regarding Venezuela, seeking a solution without external intervention, according to statements by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez.

Five Latin American countries – Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Uruguay – and Spain issued a joint statement rejecting "any attempt to control" Venezuela. The statement was issued after a US military operation and the arrest of President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores, who are expected to be tried in New York on charges of "narco-terrorism."

Pedro Sánchez stressed that the situation in Venezuela must be resolved exclusively by peaceful means, through dialogue and respect for the will of the people, without external interference and in accordance with international law.

Donald Trump stated that he would allow American oil companies to exploit Venezuela's oil resources, which hold 17% of the world's crude oil reserves, and that the US would "administer the country" until the transition.

The joint statement expresses concern about any attempt at government control or external ownership of Venezuela's natural resources.