The countries of the Western Balkans reacted differently to the military action of the United States (U.S.) in Venezuela, which was carried out on Saturday, and after which Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro was arrested and transferred to detention in New York.
U.S. President Donald Trump announced that the U.S. would take over the administration of Venezuela until, as he stated, an “appropriate transition of power,” and emphasized that the U.S. would use that country’s rich oil resources after Maduro’s overthrow.
Maduro was taken to a detention center in New York on Sunday, and today he also appeared before a court, where he will face charges related to drug trafficking and illegal weapons.
U.S. authorities had previously accused him of leading a so-called “narco-state” and of systematically abusing electoral processes in Venezuela.
Following the move by the U.S., reactions from countries in the region followed:
Kosovo
The President of Kosovo, Vjosa Osmani, said via the X network that Kosovo strongly supports the U.S. and President Trump in actions against, as she stated, the narco-terrorist regime in Venezuela. She emphasized that Trump stood on the side of the citizens of Venezuela and opposed a regime that, according to her words, threatens the security not only of the U.S. but also of the wider international community.
A similar position was expressed by Kosovo’s Prime Minister in a technical mandate, Albin Kurti, who emphasized that Kosovo supports the U.S. operation aimed at drug trafficking in Venezuela. Kurti assessed that prosecuting state structures involved in crime is crucial for the fight against global drug trafficking.
Albania
Albania’s Minister for European Affairs, Elisa Spiropali, said that Albania stands without reservation alongside the U.S. and President Trump in their, as she said, decisive steps against the narco-terrorist regime in Venezuela. She particularly praised the role of U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio in the fight against authoritarian regimes, corruption, and international criminal networks, emphasizing that the people of Venezuela have the right to freedom, democracy, and the rule of law.
North Macedonia
The Minister of Foreign Affairs of North Macedonia, Timco Mucunski, welcomed the news of Nicolas Maduro’s arrest and his facing justice. He also expressed support for U.S. efforts to dismantle criminal networks linked to the Venezuelan regime, emphasizing that Skopje stands with the U.S. and the citizens of Venezuela in the fight for freedom and democratic values.
Serbia
Unlike most countries in the region, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic condemned the arrest of Nicolas Maduro, calling it proof that the international legal order and the principles of the United Nations (UN) no longer function. Vucic emphasized that Serbia wants good relations with the U.S., but that it has an obligation to point out, as he said, violations of international law. He assessed that in today’s world, the “law of force” dominates, which, according to his words, represents the basic principle of contemporary global politics.
Bosnia and Herzegovina
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) called on all involved parties to act with prudence, responsibility, and restraint in order to prevent further escalation of the conflict and additional suffering of the population. The statement expressed support for the people of Venezuela, as well as for the stability of that country and the wider region.
In the same context, it was stated that Nicolas Maduro ruled in an authoritarian manner, relying on fear, repression, the army, the police, and complete control of the media, and that his remaining in power is not the result of free and fair elections, but of electoral manipulation and the systematic persecution of political opponents and students. It is added that similar methods are used by other authoritarian leaders, including some from the regional political environment, and it is emphasized that the U.S. is a key strategic partner of BiH.
Croatia
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Croatia announced that, in cooperation with the European Union (EU), it is closely monitoring developments in Venezuela. They emphasized that the fight against international illegal activities must be conducted in accordance with international law, with the protection of the civilian population. A special focus, as they stated, has been placed on the safety of Croatian citizens and expatriates living in Venezuela.
The statement also notes that the regime of Nicolas Maduro lacks democratic legitimacy, and that the long-standing political, economic, and institutional crisis, accompanied by human rights violations and a difficult humanitarian situation, represents one of the main causes of mass migration from that country.
Montenegro
There has so far been no official reaction from Montenegro, N1 writes.
