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Peters: NZ concerned at US action in Venezuela

New Zealand urges adherence to international law after US forces captured Venezuela's president amid drug trafficking claims and oil reserve interests, monitoring situation closely.

  • On January 3, 2026, New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters said New Zealand is actively monitoring developments in Venezuela and urged all parties to comply with international law.
  • On Saturday, US forces attacked Caracas and captured the Venezuelan president and his wife, citing alleged drug offences amid months of US accusations and Trump’s interest in Venezuela’s oil.
  • Professor Alexander Gillespie of the University of Waikato said the US military action appears unlawful in theory and cautioned that self-defence claims stretch the doctrine beyond prior understanding.
  • The United Nations will hold an emergency meeting tomorrow, and New Zealand advised its citizens not to travel to Venezuela, providing a +64 99 20 20 20 consular line.
  • Analysts note legal retaliation faces limits because the US holds a veto on the UN Security Council, while Gillespie warned the arrest could encourage Russia, China and Iran to intervene unilaterally.
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RNZ broke the news in New Zealand on Saturday, January 3, 2026.
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