South Africa voices grave concern over U.S. "invasion" of Venezuela

South Africa on Saturday voiced grave concern over the "military invasion" carried out by the United States against Venezuela, as well as the capture of President Nicolas Maduro and his wife.

JOHANNESBURG, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- South Africa on Saturday voiced grave concern over the "military invasion" carried out by the United States against Venezuela, as well as the capture of President Nicolas Maduro and his wife.

The U.S. actions constitute a manifest violation of the Charter of the United Nations, which requires all member states to refrain from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state, the Department of International Relations and Cooperation said in a statement.

The UN Charter does not authorize external military intervention in matters that fall essentially within the domestic jurisdiction of a sovereign nation, the statement added.

"History has repeatedly demonstrated that military invasions against sovereign states yield only instability and deepening crisis. Unlawful, unilateral force of this nature undermines the stability of the international order and the principle of equality among nations," the statement said.

South Africa called on the UN Security Council to urgently convene to address the situation.

The U.S. military launched a series of attacks against Venezuela early Saturday morning, during which Maduro was captured and flown out of the country along with his wife. U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi said Maduro will face trial in the United States.

The military action against the South American nation has drawn widespread international condemnation, with multiple countries calling for a coordinated global response. ■