The Government of Belize has called for restraint and a swift return to constitutional order in Venezuela following U.S. military operations that resulted in the removal of the country’s president over the weekend.
In a statement issued Monday, January 5, Belize said it has been closely monitoring developments in the southern Caribbean over the past four months and had repeatedly expressed concern about the buildup of military assets in the region. According to the government, military operations were carried out in Venezuela early Saturday morning, January 3, 2026, culminating in the removal of the president.
Belize said it aligns itself with a statement issued by the Bureau of CARICOM Heads of Government on January 3 and will continue to engage with CARICOM and other states across the hemisphere as the regional implications of the situation unfold.
The government reaffirmed its commitment to international law and the United Nations Charter, describing both as essential to maintaining international peace and security.
Belize also urged all parties involved in the crisis to exercise restraint, respect international law and pursue a constructive dialogue aimed at resolving the situation within the framework of international legal norms.
Highlighting the longstanding relationship between the two countries, the government noted that Belize and Venezuela have historically shared friendly and cooperative bilateral relations and expressed its hope for a return to constitutional order as soon as possible. The statement said that respect for the Venezuelan constitution and the will of the Venezuelan people should guide future actions.
Belize further reiterated its commitment to the Caribbean as a Zone of Peace.
The government also assured that all Belizean students who had been studying in Venezuela are currently safe and are in Belize.
