PL MP Edward Zammit Lewis has spoken out over the situation in Venezuela.

Deposed Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro arrived in the United States to face criminal charges after being captured in an audacious nighttime military operation that President Donald Trump said would set the U.S. up to "run" the South American country and tap its vast oil reserves to sell to other nations.  The dramatic action capped an intensive Trump administration pressure campaign on Venezuela's autocratic leader.

"I am no fan of Maduro as he disrespected and oppressed his own people. The actions already taken however are tantamount to an affront on the international legal order, rule of law, the legitimate and moral authority of the UN, the general principles of sovereignty and equality of States," Zamit Lewis said.

"These actions create a dangerous precedent for defenceless, small but sovereign countries like Malta, who rely on the application of international law to safeguard their sovereignty, no matter what."

Zammit Lewis said that the coming hours will be critical for a peaceful, stable and democratic outcome for the people of Venezuela and for their self-determination, "surely not to be dictated by external factors."

"I am proud to be the first MP in the Maltese House of Representatives to have the political fibre to say it!"