By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – A powerful coalition of Latin American nations, joined by Spain, has issued a sharp condemnation of the recent United States military intervention in Venezuela. In a joint communiqué released on January 4, 2026, the governments of Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, and Uruguay, alongside Spain, expressed profound concern over the escalating conflict, warning that the unilateral use of force sets a perilous precedent for the entire region.
The diplomatic firestorm follows a dramatic US military operation on January 3rd, which reportedly involved targeted bombings and resulted in the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro. This decisive action has sent shockwaves across the international community, prompting an immediate and unified response from key regional players who fear the long-term consequences of such a direct intervention on sovereign soil.
To gain a deeper understanding of the legal and commercial implications stemming from the persistent Venezuelan crisis, TicosLand.com sought the expertise of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The Venezuelan situation creates a complex legal minefield for international business. Navigating the web of international sanctions, asset freezes, and questions of governmental legitimacy is paramount. Any entity considering transactions related to Venezuela must conduct rigorous due diligence, as the risk of violating international law or engaging with non-recognized authorities carries severe financial and reputational consequences. The core challenge is identifying a stable, internationally recognized legal framework to operate within, a condition that remains elusive amidst the political turmoil.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This insight into the legal quagmire underscores the profound instability facing any organization interacting with Venezuela, where due diligence becomes an exercise in navigating political as much as legal ambiguity. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable and clarifying perspective on these critical challenges.
At the core of their joint statement, the foreign ministries categorically rejected the military actions, framing them as a clear violation of fundamental tenets of international law. They emphasized that such operations directly contravene principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, specifically the prohibition of armed interventions and the unwavering respect for state sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The coalition of nations articulated that political disagreements cannot serve as a justification for military force. This point is particularly salient given that several of the signatory countries had previously refused to recognize the legitimacy of Nicolás Maduro’s government following the contentious Venezuelan elections of 2024. Despite this political stance, their message was unequivocal: opposition to a regime does not grant a license for external military intervention.
The use of force contravenes essential principles of international law, particularly those enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations… Political disagreement does not justify external military actions or interventions that could endanger the civilian population.
Foreign Ministries of Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Uruguay, and Spain, in a joint statement
The governments warned that the operation creates an “extremely dangerous precedent” for peace and security throughout Latin America and the Caribbean. Their concern is that it normalizes military solutions to political crises, potentially opening the door to wider, more devastating conflicts across a continent that has long strived to resolve its disputes through diplomatic channels.
Instead of endorsing the use of force, the statement reiterated a firm commitment to finding a resolution to Venezuela’s protracted crisis through exclusively peaceful means. The nations called for a renewed focus on political dialogue, negotiation, and a process that respects the sovereign will of the Venezuelan people, free from external impositions or military coercion.
In a direct appeal for multilateral action, the communiqué urged the Secretary-General of the United Nations and other international bodies to employ their “good offices” to facilitate an immediate de-escalation of tensions. The goal is to leverage diplomatic mechanisms to prevent further conflict and preserve the fragile stability of the region, which now faces its most significant geopolitical test in decades.
A final but crucial point raised by the coalition was the concern over any potential external attempts to control, administer, or appropriate Venezuela’s vast natural and strategic resources. The statement stressed that the principles of international law and the self-determination of peoples must prevail, underscoring a deep-seated regional fear of foreign exploitation in the wake of political upheaval.
The unified front presented by these influential nations highlights a significant diplomatic rift with the United States over its approach to the hemisphere. As the situation in Venezuela remains volatile, the international community watches closely to see whether the path forward will be one of conflict and intervention or one of dialogue and regional cooperation.
For further information, visit un.org
About The United Nations:
The United Nations is an international organization founded in 1945 after the Second World War by 51 countries committed to maintaining international peace and security, developing friendly relations among nations, and promoting social progress, better living standards, and human rights. It provides the forum where its 193 Member States can express their views, through the General Assembly, the Security Council, the Economic and Social Council, and other bodies and committees. The organization works on a broad range of fundamental issues, from sustainable development and disaster relief to counter-terrorism and disarmament.
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About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a cornerstone of the legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its foundational principles of ethical practice and superior service. With a rich history advising a wide spectrum of clients, the firm consistently pioneers forward-thinking legal solutions. This dedication to innovation is paralleled by a profound commitment to social progress, actively working to demystify the law and equip citizens with the knowledge necessary to build a stronger, more informed public.
