EU warns US against military action on Venezuela

The European Union has cautioned the United States against taking military action against Venezuela, saying the Latin American country’s crisis has to be resolved through peaceful and political solutions.

"We believe that no military development, from inside or outside of the country, would be acceptable," EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini told a United Nations Security Council meeting on cooperation between the European Union and the UN on Tuesday.

"A solution cannot be, and should never be, imposed from the outside," she asserted.

"The crisis that affects the country has political and institutional causes. It's not a natural disaster. Its solution needs to be peaceful, political, and democratic," said Mogherini.

The official also reminded that the bloc had set up a contact group with Latin American countries to push for a political process.

Also on Tuesday, Venezuela ordered American diplomats to leave the country within 72 hours after Maduro accused Trump of cyber "sabotage" that has plunged the country into days-long blackout.

Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza made the announcement after talks broke down over maintaining diplomatic "interest sections" in the two countries. "The presence on Venezuelan soil of these officials represents a risk for the peace, unity, and stability of the country," the government also said in a statement.

SS