US Ally Criticizes US Over Venezuela Sanctions

Finland's President, Alexander Stubb, has publicly emphasized the need to respect international law. This statement follows a recent US decision to reimpose oil sanctions on Venezuela. President Stubb reiterated the European Union's official position. The EU does not recognize the 2018 re-election of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro as legitimate. However, Stubb stressed that any transition of power must be democratic. He also underscored the importance of maintaining a rules-based international order. This term refers to a global system where all countries follow agreed-upon laws and norms. The comments highlight a policy difference between the US and its European allies on Venezuela. The EU supports a democratic solution but has not reinstated the economic sanctions that the US just revived.