New Delhi, Jan 5: Iran and China, both close allies of Venezuela, have called for the immediate release of former president Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, following their detention by the United States.
China’s foreign ministry said Washington’s actions were a “clear violation of international law and basic norms governing international relations,” adding that Beijing is closely monitoring the security situation in Venezuela, BBC reported.
It urged the US to “cease efforts to subvert the Venezuelan government” and resolve disputes through dialogue and negotiation, reiterating similar appeals made over the weekend. Iran described the detention as an abduction. “It’s nothing to be proud of; it’s an illegal act,” foreign ministry spokesman Esmail Baqaei was quoted by AFP as saying, adding that “as the Venezuelan people have emphasised, their president must be released.” The statements come amid heightened tensions, with Iran itself recently facing warnings from US President Donald Trump over possible American intervention if peaceful protesters are killed.