EU calls for restraint in resolving the crisis in Venezuela

“The EU calls on all parties to remain calm and exercise restraint to avoid escalation and ensure a peaceful resolution of the crisis,” noted Kallas.

This statement was supported by all EU countries except Hungary.

Kallas emphasized that it is necessary to respect the right of the Venezuelan people to determine their own future.

The EU has repeatedly stated that Nicolás Maduro has “no legitimacy as a democratically elected president” and has supported a peaceful transition to democracy led by the Venezuelans themselves, Kallas reminded.

“Respecting the will of the Venezuelan people remains the only way to restore democracy in Venezuela and resolve the current crisis,” the statement said.

It emphasizes that “at this critical moment, it is crucial for all parties to fully respect human rights and international humanitarian law.”

It also contains a call for the unconditional release of all political prisoners in Venezuela.

The EU maintains close contacts with the United States, as well as with regional and international partners, to support and facilitate dialogue with all involved parties, “which would lead to a negotiated, democratic, inclusive, and peaceful resolution of the crisis under the leadership of the Venezuelans,” added Kallas.

Earlier, it was reported that during a military operation, the U.S. detained Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife on Saturday. They were taken to New York, where they face charges of drug trafficking in the U.S.

The Supreme Court of Venezuela appointed Vice President Delcy Rodríguez as interim president.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that Washington is ready to work with Rodríguez and other Venezuelan leaders, emphasizing that the U.S. will judge them by their actions, not by their public statements.