Croatia’s Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs has said that the situation in Venezuela has for years been marked by a deep political, economic and institutional crisis, resulting in the serious weakening of state institutions, economic decline, human rights violations and a prolonged humanitarian emergency that has driven mass migration.
In an official statement, the ministry stressed that the regime of Nicolás Maduro lacks democratic legitimacy, as it did not emerge from free and fair elections. Deep internal political divisions, coupled with differing approaches by the international community towards the authorities in Caracas, have further complicated an already fragile situation.
The ministry also noted that the United States has for some time made serious allegations against Maduro and senior members of Venezuela’s leadership, including claims of links to organised crime, drug trafficking and violations of international sanctions regimes. These accusations form part of a broader political and legal dispute between Washington and the Venezuelan authorities and have been the subject of various diplomatic and legal proceedings.
Croatian authorities said they are closely monitoring developments and, in coordination with partners in the European Union, will continue to advocate that any action aimed at suppressing international illegal activities must be carried out in accordance with international law and fundamental principles, with full protection of the civilian population.
At the same time, Croatia has placed special emphasis on the safety and well-being of its citizens currently in Venezuela, as well as members of the Croatian diaspora living in the country. Croatian nationals in need of assistance have been advised to contact the Croatian Embassy in Brasília, as well as the European Union’s representation in Venezuela.
According to official estimates, around 5,000 people of Croatian origin live in Venezuela, although Croatian officials believe the actual number may now be lower due to years of economic hardship and a worsening humanitarian crisis, which has prompted many — particularly younger people — to emigrate, primarily to Spain and the United States.
Croatian Ambassador Ranko Vilović told RTL Danas that there are currently no reports of Croatian citizens being injured.
“The situation is currently calm. The streets are empty, people are staying in their homes, and there have been no new attacks or explosions,” Vilović said, adding, however, that the overall atmosphere remains extremely tense and filled with uncertainty.
He noted that, for now, apart from advising heightened caution, there are no additional recommendations. “Most members of the Croatian community in Venezuela are Venezuelan citizens, and this is their home,” the ambassador said.
@aljazeeraenglish US President Donald Trump has posted on his Truth Social platform that Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife have been ‘captured and flown out of the country’. Al Jazeera’s Shihab Rattansi reads Trump’s statement. #news #breakingnews #Venezuela #US ♬ original sound – Al Jazeera English