CAPE TOWN, Jan. 6 (Xinhua) -- South Africa's ruling African National Congress (ANC) on Tuesday strongly condemned U.S. "imperialist aggression" against Venezuela, warning that such actions violate international law and threaten global peace and stability.
In a statement, the ANC said it "condemns the recent acts of aggression directed at the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, which constitute a serious violation of international law, national sovereignty and the principles governing peaceful relations between states."
It described the kidnapping of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his family as an act that "undermines the United Nations Charter and threatens global peace and stability at a time when the world requires cooperation, restraint and dialogue."
The ANC expressed solidarity with the Venezuelan people, saying they continue to face sustained political, economic and diplomatic pressure.
Drawing on its own history as a liberation movement, the party said "such aggression is seldom accidental," but is "often driven by contests over strategic resources, control of markets, and resistance to the independent development paths chosen by sovereign nations of the Global South."
"International law must be respected by all states, without exception or selectivity. The principles of sovereign equality, non-interference and peaceful resolution of disputes are the bedrock of a just international order," the ANC reiterated. "Their selective application erodes trust, fuels instability and disproportionately harms developing countries and oppressed people across the globe."
The party called on the United Nations and the UN Security Council to act "swiftly and decisively" to uphold international law, prevent further escalation and protect civilian lives, and urged peace-loving people worldwide to demand the "immediate and unconditional release of President Maduro."
Reaffirming its commitment to a just, multipolar international order, the ANC said only collective action and principled cooperation can advance a more peaceful, equitable and sustainable world. ■
