Hungary opts out of EU statement on US action in Venezuela Kaja Kallas, the EU’s High Representative for
Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, issued a joint statement Sunday night on the US inter-
vention in Venezuela, backed by 26 of the EU’s 27 member states.
Hungary was the only member state not to support the declaration.
Prime Minister Viktor Orbán told his Monday morning press conference that there is no need for a common position, since foreign policy is a sovereign matter.
In the statement, the EU urged all parties to remain calm and exercise restraint to prevent further escalation, stressing the need for a peaceful resolution to the crisis.
The declaration reiterated the EU’s longstanding position that it does not recognise Nicolás Maduro as the democratically elected and legitimate president of Venezuela.
At the same time, it underlined that the Venezuelan people have the right to determine their own future and to achieve a democratic system through a peaceful transition.
While acknowledging the importance of international efforts against organised crime and drug trafficking, the EU stressed that such actions must respect international law, as well as the sovereignty and territorial integrity of
states.
The statement also highlighted the obligation of all actors to fully respect human rights.
According to the 26 supporting member states, restoring democracy in Venezuela is only possible by respecting the will of the Venezuelan people.
The document also calls for the unconditional release of all political prisoners.