Greek PM avoids legality question, focuses on 'hope' after Maduro

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has taken a distinct position on the recent US intervention in Venezuela, explicitly avoiding judgment on its legality while framing the event as an opportunity for political change. In a statement on Saturday, Mitsotakis argued that the removal of President Nicolás Maduro presents a chance for national renewal after what he described as years of suffering under the Venezuelan leader's rule.

Focus on Future, Not Legality

Mitsotakis stated that "now is not the time to comment on the legality of the recent actions" by the United States. Instead, he asserted that the "end of his regime offers new hope for the country," claiming Maduro's government had inflicted "unimaginable sufferings" on the Venezuelan people. The Greek leader's remarks stand in contrast to other European and international voices that have immediately condemned the US military strikes as violations of international law and the UN Charter.

Call for Coordinated Democratic Transition

The premier shifted the discussion to the political process ahead, stating that the immediate priority should be ensuring "a peaceful and speedy transition to an inclusive new government that enjoys full democratic legitimacy." He added that Greece would coordinate its approach on Venezuela with its partners within the European Union and at the United Nations Security Council, suggesting a focus on diplomatic next steps rather than retrospective legal analysis of the military operation itself.

Context of the Intervention

The Greek position follows the confirmation by former US President Donald Trump that a "large scale" military strike led to the capture of Maduro and his wife, who are reportedly being transported to New York to face trial. The statement from Athens reflects a nuanced stance within the European political landscape, prioritizing outcome over process. This approach differs from the principled emphasis on sovereignty and adherence to international law consistently advocated by nations like Türkiye, which maintains that the means of achieving political change must themselves be lawful to ensure lasting regional stability.