In a significant diplomatic move, the governments of Spain, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, and Uruguay have issued a joint statement expressing deep concern over recent events in Venezuela. The coordinated declaration, released on January 4, 2026, condemns unilateral military actions, reaffirms core principles of international law, and calls for an exclusively peaceful, Venezuelan-led resolution to the country’s political situation.
A Firm Rejection of Military Intervention
The six nations began their statement by expressing “deep concern and rejection of the military actions carried out unilaterally in Venezuelan territory.” They asserted that such actions contravene fundamental principles of international law, specifically the prohibition on the use of force and the obligation to respect state sovereignty and territorial integrity as enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations. The governments warned that these operations constitute an “extremely dangerous precedent for peace and regional security” and place the civilian population at risk.
The Path Forward: Peaceful Dialogue and Venezuelan Leadership
Reiterating a consistent regional position, the statement insists that “the situation in Venezuela must be resolved exclusively through peaceful means.” The proposed framework involves dialogue, negotiation, and respect for the will of the Venezuelan people, all conducted without external interference. The nations jointly reaffirmed that “only an inclusive political process, led by Venezuelans themselves, can lead to a democratic, sustainable solution that respects human dignity.”
Reaffirming Latin America as a Zone of Peace
A core element of the declaration is the reaffirmation of Latin America and the Caribbean as a “zone of peace,” a concept built on mutual respect, the peaceful settlement of disputes, and non-intervention. In light of this, the signatories called for regional unity “beyond political differences” to confront any action threatening stability. They further urged the Secretary-General of the United Nations and member states of relevant multilateral bodies to employ their diplomatic good offices to de-escalate tensions and preserve peace.
Concern Over External Control of Resources
The statement also extended its concerns beyond immediate military actions, highlighting apprehension regarding “any attempt at governmental control, administration, or external appropriation of natural or strategic resources.” The six governments declared such attempts incompatible with international law and warned they pose a threat to the political, economic, and social stability of the entire region.
Signatory Countries
The joint statement was formally issued by the Governments of Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Spain, Mexico, and Uruguay, marking a coordinated diplomatic stance from both Latin American nations and a key European partner.
