US Balkan Allies Recognise New Venezuela President

Shortly after Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido declared himself the rightful President of the country, instead of incumbent Nicolas Maduro, Albania and Kosovo joined a host of other countries around the world in recognising his claim.

The Prime Minister of Albania, Edi Rama, said that Albania recognised the act. "On behalf of the people of #Albania I wish Juan Guaido and the brave Venezuelans success in getting rid of the illegitimate power that has turned their country into a hell for its own people," he wrote on Twitter.

#Albania recognizes Juan Guaidó as the Interim President of Venezuela. On behalf of the people of #Albania I wish to @JGuaido and the brave venezuelans to succeed in getting rid of the illegitimate power that has turned their country in a hell for its own people #VenezuelaLibre

— Edi Rama (@ediramaal) January 24, 2019

Guaido has declared himself president with the strong support of the United States, Canada, Brazil and most other countries in Latin America, with the exception of Mexico, Cuba and some other left-wing states supporting Maduro's Socialist regime.

Kosovo followed promptly in the wake of its key US ally, despite Venezuela not having recognised Kosovo's independence.

Foreign Minister and Deputy PM Behgjet Pacolli wrote on Thursday: "On behalf of the people and government of Kosovo to Juan Guaido and the people of Venezuela: we wish you all the best in your path to restore democracy and we stand with you until #Libertad is restored."

#Kosovo officially recognizes Juan Guaidó as the Interim President of Venezuela. On behalf of the people & gov of #Kosovo to @JGuaido & the people of Venezuela: we wish you all the best in your path to restore democracy...