The Nationalist Party has called for a democratic and peaceful transition in Venezuela, fully respecting international law.

In a military strike, the U.S. captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, and took them out of the country to face justice in the United States on Saturday. The couple faces U.S. charges of participating in a narco-terrorism conspiracy. President Donald Trump says the U.S. is "going to run" Venezuela until a transition of power can take place, but it's not clear what that will mean on the ground in the South American country.

Contacted, a spokesperson for the Nationalist Party said that "Malta, in line with the European Union, has never recognised Nicolas Maduro as the legitimate president of Venezuela. The PN has always believed in democracy and in the right of every country to be governed through democratic means." The PN is closely following developments in Venezuela, the spokesperson added.

"It is clear that the people of Venezuela are yearning for democracy. However, under all circumstances, any transition must be democratic and peaceful, fully respecting human rights, international law, and accountability."