Serbia breaks ranks with EU by honouring Maduro’s inauguration

Serbia, an EU candidate country, was the only European country apart from Russia and Belarus to attend the inauguration of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, which was boycotted by the vast majority of the international community.

Maduro's inauguration was attended by the speaker of the Serbian parliament, Ana Brnabić, as the personal envoy of President Aleksandar Vučić.

Maduro has been accused of electoral fraud in Venezuela and his re-election has been strongly contested by the US and the EU, which have refused to recognise the results.

On Saturday, Brnabić spoke to Maduro after his inauguration, Serbian agency BETA reported.

She reportedly congratulated him, wished him a successful mandate and, on behalf of Vučić, stressed the importance of strengthening political dialogue and deepening cooperation between Serbia and Venezuela, with mutual interest in the further development of friendly relations.

Maduro reportedly thanked Vučić, calling him a great friend of Venezuela and its people. He also pointed out that cooperation between both countries at all levels is very important, and stressed cooperation in the field of tourism, according to the release.

EXPO 2027 to be hosted by Belgrade represents an excellent opportunity to improve economic cooperation, he said, adding that Venezuela would be happy to participate in that world exhibition.

Brnabić reportedly thanked Maduro for Venezuela's support for Serbia's territorial integrity and sovereignty, as it is among the countries that does not recognise Kosovo's independence.

The country’s state television announced that 10 heads of state had attended Maduro's inauguration. But far more governments around the world have rejected his claims of victory, pointing to evidence that his opponent, Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia, had won the election.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement that Maduro's inauguration was illegitimate, adding that the US would not recognise him as president.

The Biden administration, Canada, the UK and the EU on Friday announced a new package of sanctions against more than 20 Venezuelan officials, accusing them of threatening Venezuela's democracy.

Hundreds of Venezuelans took to the streets to protest against Maduro during his inauguration.

(Georgi Gotev | Euractiv)