Carney welcomes Maduro’s removal ahead of Ukraine talks in Paris

Carney said on Tuesday that the removal of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro was “welcome news,” arguing it creates an opportunity for democratic transition and greater regional stability.

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Prime Minister Mark Carney said on Tuesday that the removal of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro was “welcome news,” arguing it creates an opportunity for democratic transition and greater regional stability, as he spoke to reporters in Paris ahead of Ukraine peace talks.

“I’ll say a couple of things,” Carney said. “One is that from our perspective, the removal of an illegitimate, corrupt, repressive government or leader, Mr. Maduro, is welcome news.”

Carney said the development opens the door for political change in Venezuela and said Canada supports a transition led by Venezuelans themselves.

“It creates the possibility for democratic transition in Venezuela,” he said. “We very much support that. We’re available to support that. And we urge that to happen in a peaceful transition.”

He said such a process would offer the best chance for long-term stability and prosperity.

“That’s the best prospect for greater prosperity for the Venezuelan people and to respect the will of the Venezuelan people,” Carney said.

Carney also linked political change in Venezuela to positive economic prospects, including increased oil production.

“A functioning, not corrupt Venezuelan economy will produce more oil,” he said. “It will be better for the Venezuelan people. It will be more stable for the Western Hemisphere. That’s all a good thing.”

The remarks came as Carney arrived in Paris for talks with international leaders focused on ending Russia’s war in Ukraine and strengthening support for Kyiv. The meetings bring together Ukraine’s closest allies to discuss diplomatic and security pathways as the conflict approaches its fourth year.

Carney’s comments on Venezuela drew criticism from Canadian left-wing activists, commentators, and opposition politicians, who argued the reported U.S. operation that led to Maduro’s removal violated international law.