PYONGYANG, Jan 4: North Korea on Sunday strongly condemned the United States for what it described as “the most serious form of encroachment of sovereignty,” following Washington’s military operation that resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.
In a statement issued by the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), a foreign ministry spokesperson warned that US actions have worsened regional instability and undermined international order.
“We are paying attention to the gravity of the present Venezuelan situation caused by the US high-handedness act, in connection with the increase of instability to be added to the already weakened regional situation,” the spokesperson stated.
The statement added that “the incident is another example that clearly confirms once again the rogue and brutal nature of the US, which the international community has so frequently witnessed for a long time”.
Calling it a US “hegemony-seeking act,” the DPRK statement emphasized it constituted a “wanton violation” of the United Nations Charter and international law, particularly principles respecting sovereignty, non-interference and territorial integrity.
North Korea warned that developments in Venezuela could lead to “catastrophic consequences” for both regional and international relations if left unchecked. Pyongyang urged the global community to respond to the situation and recognize its seriousness.
“The Foreign Ministry of the DPRK strongly denounces the U.S. hegemony-seeking act committed in Venezuela as the most serious form of encroachment of sovereignty and as a wanton violation of the UN Charter and international laws with respect for sovereignty, non-interference and territorial integrity as their main purpose,” the statement declared.
The ministry added: “The international community should recognise the seriousness of the present Venezuelan situation, which caused a catastrophic consequence to fixing the structure of regional and international relations, and raise voices of due protest and denunciation against the U.S habituated violation of the sovereignty of other countries”.
The condemnation came on the same day North Korea launched ballistic missiles into the East Sea, as South Korea’s leader began a state visit to China, Pyongyang’s chief ally
