Venezuela's acting President Delcy Rodriguez chaired her first cabinet meeting on Sunday, reaffirming the country's sovereignty amid heightened tensions following U.S. military actions against the country.
The meeting, attended by over 30 ministers and representatives, pledged to defend the nation and its people against external interference.
In a public statement, Rodriguez called for dialogue and mutual respect, urging the United States to engage in cooperation based on international law rather than conflict.
"Our peoples and our region deserve peace and dialogue, not war," she said, adding "Venezuela has the right to peace, development, sovereignty and a future."
Meanwhile, Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez, in a statement read out on national radio and television, also denounced that the U.S. troops sent to Venezuela early Saturday murdered "in cold blood" a large part of Maduro's security detail, soldiers and innocent civilians.
Venezuela's military expressed its full support for the state of external emergency declared by the Venezuelan government following the U.S. strikes on several locations within Venezuela.
"Our institution will continue to employ all its available capabilities for military defense, the maintenance of internal order, and the preservation of peace," the armed forces statement said.
Padrino said the armed forces had activated "the Full Operational Readiness Plan throughout the entire national territory and in perfect civilian-military-police coordination."
In the early hours of Saturday, the U.S. military forces carried out attacks and bombings in Caracas and other parts of the country and took Maduro and his wife by force.
Venezuela's acting president chairs first cabinet meeting amid heightened tensions with US
Leaders of seven European countries on Tuesday reaffirmed that Greenland "belongs to its people," stressing that issues concerning Denmark and Greenland must be decided solely by Denmark and Greenland, according to a joint statement.
The statement, released by Denmark's Prime Minister's Office, was signed by Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
"Greenland belongs to its people. It is for Denmark and Greenland, and them only, to decide on matters concerning Denmark and Greenland," the statement said.
The leaders underscored that Arctic security remains a key priority for Europe and is critical for international and transatlantic security. They noted that NATO has made clear the Arctic region is a priority and that European allies are increasing their presence there.
The statement noted that the Kingdom of Denmark, including Greenland, is part of NATO, and said security in the Arctic must be achieved collectively with NATO allies, including the United States, by upholding the principles of the UN Charter, including sovereignty, territorial integrity and the inviolability of borders.
Calling the United States an "essential partner," the leaders also referred to the 1951 defence agreement between Denmark and the United States.
The Prime Minister of Greenland Jens-Frederik Nielsen said on Tuesday that Greenland is open to dialogue and discussions with the U.S., but "they must take place through the proper channels and in respect of international law."
The PM also urged respect from the U.S. side, saying "Our country is not an object in great power rhetoric." Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry, who was appointed by President Donald Trump last month as the U.S. special envoy to Greenland, said that Trump "supports an independent Greenland with economic ties and trade opportunities for the United States," Reuters reported.
Trump said in a telephone interview on Sunday with The Atlantic that the United States "absolutely" needs Greenland. He also discussed the U.S. intervention in Venezuela.
Since taking office in January 2025, Trump has repeatedly expressed interest in gaining control of Greenland, saying that he would not rule out using "military or economic coercion" to achieve that goal.
European leaders reaffirm Greenland sovereignty, stress Arctic security
European leaders reaffirm Greenland sovereignty, stress Arctic security
