Ruling party lawmakers on the 6th stated regarding the ouster of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro by the United States that “we express deep concern that the use of force lacking international legal procedures could seriously threaten international peace and stability.”

Sixty-eight Democratic Party lawmakers, including Lee Yong-seon and Lee Jae-gang, said in a statement released that day titled ‘Statement expressing concern about the situation in Venezuela and urging compliance with international norms’ that “this situation has serious flaws in light of the UN Charter Article 2(4) principle prohibiting the use of force and Article 2(7) principle of non-intervention in domestic affairs.”

Regarding the drug trafficking charges cited as grounds for the arrest of President Maduro, the lawmakers stated that “they do not meet the requirements for the exercise of self-defense under international law,” and that “forcible rendition within the territory of another state without following that state judicial procedures runs counter to the principle of respect for sovereignty.”

The lawmakers noted, “The lack of democratic legitimacy shown by the Maduro regime and its repression of human rights cannot avoid criticism from the international community,” and pointed out, “However, the regime’s misrule cannot serve as grounds to justify a unilateral military operation against a sovereign state.”

They continued, “The restoration of democracy in Venezuela must be left to the choice of the Venezuelan people themselves,” and argued, “It must be achieved through peaceful and diplomatic means.”

They added, “This situation is concerning because it could become a precedent that justifies similar armed interventions in the future,” and said, “If the perception spreads that a particular great power can violate the sovereignty of another country based on a unilateral judgment, this will lead to instability across the international order.”

They went on to say, “The Republic of Korea, which rests on the ROK-US alliance, likewise cannot help but closely monitor the impact that these changes may have on the situation in Northeast Asia and on the Korean Peninsula.”

The lawmakers stated, “We urge the international community to cooperate jointly for a peaceful resolution of the situation in Venezuela and the restoration of democracy,” and said, “We also ask our government, as a responsible member of the international community, to make every diplomatic effort in a direction that respects the values of international law and the UN Charter.”

The ruling Democratic Party has emphasized a responsible government response, including securing the safety of Korean nationals in Venezuela. Unlike progressive opposition parties that criticized the United States as engaging in imperialist behavior, the Democratic Party has kept its distance from criticizing the United States, in consideration of the ROK-US alliance and uncertainties in the international community.