Venezuela slams U.S. maritime blockade as violation of international law

Venezuela on Wednesday rejected U.S. President Donald Trump's order to impose a maritime blockade against the country, deeming it a grave, reckless move in violation of international law.

A day after Trump's order, the ruling United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV) issued a statement, calling Trump's decision a violation of the principles of free trade and freedom of navigation, and revealing that Washington's true motives are to appropriate Venezuela's energy and natural resources.

Venezuela will not accept any form of intervention and will continue to defend its independence against any colonial or imperial threat, it said.

Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez on Wednesday told a press conference that Washington's action revealed "desperation," describing Trump's announcement as "delusional."

He said the Caribbean Sea is governed by international laws regarding freedom of navigation, cooperation, and trade, and not a region under the exclusive control of any single power.

"The president of the United States has said that we are the thieves of the oil that lies beneath our soil. That is completely incoherent," said the official.

The truth was exposed to the international community, said Padrino, as it became clear that the escalating pressure and hostility against Venezuela is motivated by the United States' intention to seize Venezuelan oil.

He said, Washington's lawless conduct poses a real risk to the stability of Latin America and the Caribbean, as well as to global energy security, by violating fundamental principles of international law.

Also on Wednesday, thousands of Venezuelans rallied in Caracas to reject "the U.S. threats" of a naval blockade, voicing support for national sovereignty.

Caracas Mayor Carmen Melendez told the crowd that Venezuela is facing a dangerous escalation and called for unity among organized communities.

"All communes must speak out against these violent threats by those who see themselves as supremacist rulers of the world," Melendez said, adding that defending the country is a collective responsibility.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum on Wednesday called on the United Nations to seek peaceful solutions to disputes and prevent the United States from going to war in Venezuela.