Here is an excerpt of the remarks by Paula Narvaez Ojeda, Chile's representative to the United Nations, at the UN Security Council emergency meeting on Venezuela in New York on Monday:

Chile would like to express our deep concern and firm condemnation of the unilateral military action taken by the United States in the territory of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.

We're also convinced that Latin America and the Caribbean must continue to be a zone of peace, because that zone of peace not only serves Latin America and the Caribbean, but the entire world. An armed conflict will have devastating humanitarian consequences in Venezuela and in the region. It will worsen the suffering of the civilian population and worsen even further the displacement, insecurity and vulnerability aspects of the situation.

We reiterate that any differences must be dealt with exclusively through peaceful means in respect of international law, the sovereignty of states, and the prohibition of the use or the threat of the use of force.

As was recently indicated by the heads of state of Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Uruguay and Spain, we express our concern with regard to any attempt to control government administration or foreign ownership of strategic assets. This would be against international law and would threaten the political, economic and social stability of the region.

Here is an excerpt of the remarks by Ambassador Hector Gomez Hernandez, representative of Spain to the United Nations, at the UN Security Council emergency meeting on Venezuela in New York on Monday:

Spain would like to express our profound concern about what's happened in Venezuela, and as the secretary general of the United Nations has noted, it constitutes a very worrying precedent with implications for the region and for the world.

We consider that these actions constitute a very troubling precedent for regional peace and security, and we recall that the natural resources of a country are part of its sovereignty.

We share the view that the fight against organized crime in the region is a priority, but that fight can only be waged through international cooperation.

UNITED NATIONS -- Venezuelan UN ambassador Samuel Moncada on Monday requested action from the Security Council following US strikes against his country over the weekend.

Venezuela urges the Security Council to fully assume its responsibility and act in accordance with the mandate conferred on it by the UN Charter, Moncada told an emergency meeting of the council.

"In that regard, we request that the government of the United States of America be demanded to fully respect the immunities of (Venezuelan) President Nicolas Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores, as well as their immediate release and safe return to Venezuela," said the ambassador.

Maduro and his wife were forcibly removed from Venezuela and brought to the United States.

Moncada demanded that the use of force against Venezuela be clearly and unequivocally condemned by the Security Council, and that the principle of non-acquisition of territory or resources by force be reaffirmed.

He also called for measures aimed at de-escalation, the protection of the civilian population, and the restoration of international law.

"Venezuela comes before this Council today with a deep conviction that international peace can only be sustained if international law is respected without exception, without double standards, and without selective interpretations," said Moncada.

He said that Saturday's military action against Venezuela constitutes a flagrant violation of the UN Charter, in particular, the violation of the principle of sovereign equality of states, of the prohibition of threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state, and of the duty to settle disputes by peaceful means.

The US move also seriously violates the Geneva Conventions and Protocols, the ambassador said.

"When force is used to control resources, impose governments, or redesign states, we are faced with a logic that harks back to the worst practices of colonialism and neocolonialism," he said. "This scenario not only threatens Venezuela, it threatens international peace and security as a whole."

If the kidnapping of a head of state, the bombing of a sovereign country, and the open threat of further armed action are tolerated or downplayed, the message sent to the world is a devastating one, namely that law is optional, and that force is the true arbiter of international relations, Moncada warned.

Here is an excerpt of the remarks by Ambassador Usman Jadoon, Acting Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the United Nations, at the UN Security Council emergency meeting on Venezuela in New York on Monday:

Pakistan views the recent development in Venezuela with profound concern. In a world already beset by multiple crises, escalating tensions and instability in the Caribbean do not augur well for regional and international peace and security.

Unilateral military action contravenes these sacrosanct principles and the doctrine of sovereign immunity. Such actions set dangerous precedents that risk eroding the foundations of the global legal framework. They also fuel instability, which — as history has shown time and again — can lead to unpredictable and uncontrollable outcomes for years to come.

Here is an excerpt of the remarks by South Africa's representative at the UN Security Council emergency meeting on Venezuela in New York on Monday:

The unilateral military strikes carried out by the United States of America against Venezuela and the abduction of President Nicolas Maduro and his spouse from Venezuelan territory for transfer to the United States wantonly violates the sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence of Venezuela. These actions are also in stark contrast of our established legal norms. Once again, the belief that might is right is reinforced and diplomacy is undermined.

Additionally, under international law, a state has exclusive jurisdiction over persons and conduct within its own territory. Any enforcement of domestic law, including arrest, by one state within the territory of another state without that state's consent is an unlawful violation of sovereignty. There are recourse mechanisms at the disposal of states to implement international law. This includes taking action by bringing a case before the International Court of Justice or seeking action from the UN Security Council.

This would be a regression into a world preceding the United Nations, a world that gave us two brutal world wars, and an international system prone to severe structural instability and lawlessness. We cannot afford to proceed into a complex future without the stability and protection afforded by international law.

Here is an excerpt of the statement by France's representative at the UN Security Council emergency meeting on Venezuela in New York on Monday:

The military operation which has led to the capture of Nicolas Maduro runs counter to the principal of peaceful dispute resolution and runs counter to the principal of non-use of force. The proliferation of violations of the Charter of the United Nations and the violation of international laws by a state vested with the responsibility as a permanent member of the Security Council chips away the very foundation of the international order.

Here is an excerpt of the remarks by Vassily Nebenzia, Russia's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, at the UN Security Council emergency meeting on Venezuela in New York on Monday:

The assault against the leader of Venezuela, which was compounded by the deaths of dozens of Venezuelan and Cuban citizens, was seen by many as a harbinger of a return to an era of lawlessness and US domination by force, chaos and injustice, which continues to inflict suffering on dozens of countries in various regions of the world.

There is no justification for the crime cynically perpetrated by the United States in Caracas, nor can there ever be any.

We firmly condemn the act of armed aggression by the United States against Venezuela in breach of all norms of international law. Given the confirmed reports that the abducted President of Venezuela, Nicolas Maduro, and his spouse are being held in the United States (and as of today, as we know, in New York), we call upon the US leadership to immediately release the legitimately elected president of an independent State and his spouse.

UNITED NATIONS -- A Chinese envoy on Monday strongly condemned the US military action against Venezuela.

"China is deeply shocked by and strongly condemns the unilateral, illegal, and bullying acts by the United States," said Sun Lei, the charge d'affaires of China's Permanent Mission to the United Nations.

Sun made the remarks at an emergency meeting of the Security Council following the US assault on Venezuela.

NEW YORK -- Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on Monday pleaded not guilty to all US charges during his first court appearance in New York.

"I am innocent, I am not guilty," Maduro told the court, adding that he was "kidnapped" at his home in Caracas and that he remains the president of Venezuela, according to media inside the courtroom.

Maduro's wife, Cilia Flores, said at court that she is completely innocent of the charges brought against her by the United States.

The next hearing on the case against Maduro is scheduled for March 17.

Protesters gathering outside the court were shouting slogans and holding banners of "Free Maduro," "No War on Venezuela," and "USA hands off Venezuela."

"The charges are completely outrageous," Sydney Loving, one of the protesters told Xinhua. "We're against any intervention like that on a sovereign nation."

"To kidnap a president of another country is absolutely crossing red line. It definitely violates international law," she said.

In the early hours of Saturday, US military forces carried out attacks and bombings in Caracas and other parts of Venezuela and took Maduro and his wife by force, before putting them in custody in New York.

The US attacks have shocked the international community, triggering a steady stream of condemnation and serious concerns worldwide.

On Saturday, people took to the streets across more than 100 US cities, including Washington, Boston, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Chicago and Miami, protesting against the US military operation on the oil-rich South American nation, demanding the US government to free Maduro.

NEW YORK -- Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro made his first court appearance Monday morning in New York after he was seized by US forces in his country.

UNITED NATIONS -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Monday voiced deep concern over the lack of respect for international law in the US military action against Venezuela on Saturday.

"I remain deeply concerned that rules of international law have not been respected with regard to the Jan 3 military action," said Guterres in a statement to the Security Council, read on his behalf by Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs Rosemary DiCarlo.

The UN Charter enshrines the prohibition of the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state, the UN chief added.

"The maintenance of international peace and security depends on the continued commitment of all (UN) member states to adhere to all the provisions of the charter," said Guterres.

The UN chief also expressed deep concern about the possible intensification of instability in Venezuela, the potential impact on the region, and the precedent that the US military action on Venezuela may set for how relations between and among states are conducted.

He called on all Venezuelan actors to engage in an inclusive, democratic dialogue in which all sectors of society can determine their future, and urged Venezuela's neighbors, and the international community more broadly, to act in a spirit of solidarity and in adherence to the principles, laws and rules erected to promote peaceful coexistence.

"In situations as confused and complex as the one we now face, it is important to stick to principles. Respect for the UN Charter and all other applicable legal frameworks to safeguard peace and security. Respect for the principles of sovereignty, political independence and territorial integrity of States. The prohibition of the threat or use of force," the UN chief said.

The power of the law must prevail, said Guterres, adding that international law contains tools to address issues such as illicit traffic in narcotics, disputes about resources and human rights concerns. "This is the route we need to take," he said.

UN Security Council holds an emergency meeting on Venezuela

OSLO -- Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen said on Sunday night that the "immediate and repeated rhetoric" from the United States concerning Greenland is "completely and utterly unacceptable."

"Now it's enough," Nielsen said in a statement posted on Facebook, adding, "No more pressure. No more hints. No more fantasies about annexation."

He said that when the president of the United States talks about "we need Greenland" and connects Greenland with Venezuela and military intervention, it's wrong.

"Threats, pressure and talk of annexation do not belong anywhere between friends," Nielsen said.

U.S. President Donald Trump said in a telephone interview on Sunday with The Atlantic that the United States "absolutely" needs Greenland. He also discussed the U.S. intervention in Venezuela.

In response, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said in a statement that the United States has no right to annex Greenland, urging Washington to stop making threats against a close ally and the Greenlandic people.

Last month, Trump announced the appointment of Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry as the U.S. special envoy to Greenland, renewing diplomatic tensions.

Since taking office in January 2025, Trump has repeatedly expressed interest in gaining control of Greenland, saying that he would not rule out the use of "military or economic coercion" to achieve that goal.

Greenland, a former Danish colony, became an integral part of the Kingdom of Denmark in 1953. It was granted home rule in 1979, expanding its autonomy, though Denmark retains authority over foreign affairs and defense.

NEW YORK -- Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro made his first appearance Monday morning at a New York courthouse after he was seized by US forces in his country.

Photos from US media show Maduro landed in Manhattan by a helicopter from a Brooklyn detention center and was placed in an armored car, accompanied by heavily armed law enforcement officers.

Protesters gathering outside the court were shouting slogans and holding banners writing "Free Maduro" and "USA hands off Venezuela."

US troops carried out a raid on Saturday to kidnap Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, and flew them out of Venezuela, then put them in custody in New York.

Venezuela's Maduro arrives at federal courthouse in New York

In an exclusive interview, Paulo Navas of Venezuela's Siguaraya TV gave an on-the-ground account of the United States' blatant use of force against Venezuela and the kidnapping of President Nicolas Maduro, which he dubbed as outright "colonialism."

"This is an attack on sovereignty and independence," Navas told China Daily's Zhao Manfeng. "It blatantly violates international law."

"It is military intervention. It is colonialism in the 21st century. Chile and Panama have lived through this," he said.

Navas concluded with a warning to the international community: "What happened in Venezuela could happen in any other country, as Donald Trump has named other countries in Latin America."

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GENEVA -- The Swiss Federal Council announced in a statement on Monday that it has frozen all assets held in Switzerland by Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.

The statement said that, in accordance with the relevant federal act, the Federal Council has decided to freeze all assets held in Switzerland by Maduro and other persons associated with him.

The statement noted that the freeze takes effect immediately and will remain valid for four years until further notice.

US troops carried out a raid on Saturday to kidnap Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, and flew them out of Venezuela, then put them in custody in New York.

The US forcible seizure of Maduro and his wife has stunned the world and sparked widespread outrage.

China stated it would continue to maintain cooperation with Venezuela, after the United States shocked the world by carrying out a strike in the Latin American country and seizing Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife.

"Cooperation between China and Venezuela is between two sovereign states and under the protection of international law and the laws of the two countries," Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said on Monday.

"No matter how the political situation in Venezuela may evolve, China will remain committed to deepening practical cooperation with Venezuela in various fields," Lin said. "China's lawful interests in Venezuela will be protected in accordance with the law."

Lin reiterated China's grave concern over the US forcibly seizing Maduro and his wife and taking them out of Venezuela.

China supports the United Nations Security Council in convening an emergency session over the US' military strike on Venezuela, and backs the Security Council in playing its due role, Lin said.

China stands ready to work with the international community to uphold the UN Charter and international justice, he added.

BEIJING -- China supports the United Nations Security Council to hold an emergency meeting on the US military action against Venezuela, and backs the Security Council in fulfilling its due role in accordance with its own responsibilities, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian told a news briefing here on Monday.

Lin noted that China is ready to work with the international community to firmly uphold the UN Charter, defend the bottom line of international morality, and safeguard international fairness and justice.

The UN Security Council will hold an emergency meeting on Monday on the US operation against Venezuela, the council presidency told Xinhua on Saturday.

BEIJING -- China respects Venezuela's sovereignty and independence, and believes that the Venezuelan government will properly manage its internal affairs in accordance with its constitution and laws, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said here Monday.