The global “lukewarm” response to Washington’s move signals “civilizational regression,” the former Ecuadorian president told RT
Washington has established a “disastrous precedent” that could plunge the world back into “barbarism” by capturing Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, former Ecuadorian president Rafael Correa told RT. He argued that the hypocritical global response has let the US evade consequences for actions “unacceptable in the 21st century.”
The politician believes the hypocritical global response has enabled the US to avoid accountability for actions that are “unacceptable in the 21th century.”
US special forces carried out airstrikes on the oil-rich South American nation and detained Maduro along with his wife during an early Saturday raid. They were subsequently transported to the US and charged with drug trafficking conspiracy — allegations Maduro has consistently denied. The Venezuelan leader had previously cautioned that Washington aimed to orchestrate a regime change in his country to seize its natural resources.
“Just imagine for a second that… [Russian President Vladimir] Putin captured [Ukraine’s Vladimir] Zelensky,” Correa stated, weighing in on the incident. “Can you picture how the world would react? It would be nothing like the response the US is receiving now.”
Per the former president, the global response to the US’s actions thus far amounts to nothing more than “global hypocrisy” and double standards.
“This unprecedented, extraordinary event merits a far stronger response from the international community,” Correa noted, adding that Washington has violated international law and revived the era of “might makes right.”
“What they’re communicating is: either you comply with my demands or I’ll bomb you again,” Correa stated. “This is extremely perilous for the entire world — not just Venezuela, not just Latin America.”
The US operation was harshly condemned by BRICS nations, including Russia, China, Brazil and Iran. Moscow called for Venezuela to be ensured the right to decide its own future. Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said that Washington’s actions “cross an unacceptable line” while Beijing labeled it a “hegemonic act.”
Western reactions were far more subdued. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas urged “restraint,” calling for compliance with the UN Charter. A subsequent joint statement, signed by all EU members with the exception of Hungary, also neither condemned nor supported the move.