PNP calls on Gov't to 'unequivocally support' rule of law after US captures Maduro

The Opposition People’s National Party (PNP) is urging the Jamaican government “to stand up for and unequivocally support” long-standing principles of international law following the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro by the United States.

Maduro was captured by US forces om Saturday. On Monday, he appeared in a New York court, where he pleaded not guilty to drug trafficking charges that the Trump administration has used to justify seizing him in the oil-rich nation.

The US actions have sparked international debate about sovereignty, international rule of law, as well as heightened diplomatic tensions across the CARICOM region.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the PNP, Jamaica's main opposition party, said the events of January 3, underscored the need to reaffirm rule-based international governance, respect for national sovereignty, and strict limits on the use of force under international law.

"We recognize that the use of force to effect regime change or to secure other political or economic interests in the Caribbean threatens our region’s peace and security, and risks broader conflict and the further descent into a more dangerous and insecure world, to the common detriment of mankind," said the party, whose socialist roots historically drew it close to Venezuela, particularly under late leader Hugo Chávez. Chavez' initiatives including the PetroCaribe oil-for-social programmes helped support the economies of several Caribbean nations, including Jamaica.

The PNP said it remains committed to the principles of self-determination and a nation’s autonomy over its natural resources, while encouraging adherence to democratic norms and the protection of human rights.

The PNP also referenced a statement it said was issued by the Holness administration on the situation in Venezuela and urged the administration to be clear in its response.

The PNP added: "We reiterate our wish for a return to dialogue in the hope for a peaceful and amicable resolution to the situation in Venezuela. Jamaica remains ready, as we have previously stated, to be part of any process geared at a solution at the earliest."

Meanwhile, the opposition further called on CARICOM to "reassert" its commitment to restoring and preserving the Caribbean as a Zone of Peace, noting that these principles have long guided the regional bloc and served its collective interests.

"We reassert that smaller nations must of necessity rely on and stand by the rule of international law to protect our independence, sovereignty and legitimate interests, and must join in collective solidarity to preserve our common interests by steadfastly upholding these principles," the statement added.

CARICOM leaders have called for peaceful dialogue and reaffirmed the principles of sovereignty and respect for human dignity following the US military action in Venezuela.

“The region reiterates its call for peaceful dialogue through diplomatic channels to ensure Venezuela’s stability, good governance, democracy and prosperity for the people of Venezuela," the bloc said in a statement on Saturday. In an earlier statement that day, the group said "situation ...is of grave concern to the region with possible implications for neighbouring countries".

Maduro asserted in court on Monday that he remains the president of Venezuela.

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