Japan PM says to make diplomatic efforts on Venezuela stability, democracy

TOKYO - Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said Sunday that Japan will make diplomatic efforts toward restoring democracy to Venezuela and stabilizing the situation there, after the United States captured the South American country's President Nicolas Maduro in a military operation a day earlier.

Takaichi wrote on social media that Japan has "consistently respected fundamental values and principles such as freedom, democracy and the rule of law." She added that Tokyo will work closely with other Group of Seven nations and relevant countries regarding the situation in Venezuela.