US reimposes oil sanctions on Venezuela ahead of election
MIAMI (AP) — The Biden administration on Wednesday reimposed crushing oil sanctions on Venezuela, admonishing President Nicolás Maduro’s attempts to consolidate his rule just six months after the U.S. eased restrictions in a bid to support now fading hopes for a democratic opening in the OPEC nation.
A senior U.S. official, discussing the decision with reporters, said any U.S. company investing in Venezuela would have 45 days to wind down operations to avoid adding uncertainty to global energy markets. The official spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss U.S. policy deliberations.
In October, the U.S. granted Maduro’s government relief from sanctions on its state-run oil, gas and mining sectors after it agreed to work with members of the opposition to hold a free and competitive presidential election this year.
While Maduro went on to schedule an election for July and invite international observers to monitor voting, his inner circle has used the ruling party’s total control over Venezuela’s institutions to undermine the agreement. Actions include blocking his main rival, ex lawmaker Maria Corina Machado, from registering her candidacy or that of a designated alternative. Numerous government critics have also been jailed over the past six months, including several of Machado’s aides.
Related articles
- Scotland Yard is set to pay a large sum of money to a French publisher arrested by counter-terror of2024-05-01
- A travel expert is warning Brits of new European holiday rules to be aware of before jetting off thi2024-05-01
Mercedes upgrades its electric EQS to give the EV a huge 511 mile
If you can afford the astronomical price tag, buyers of this electric car won't ever have to worry a2024-05-01Will the Bank of England cut interest rates soon? This is Money podcast
The Bank of England held interest rates again this week as inflation dropped once more. So, are we o2024-05-01Chinese astronauts return to earth after six months in space
BEIJING (AP) — China’s Shenzhou-17 spacecraft returned to Earth Tuesday, carrying three astronauts w2024-05-01Astronaut Thomas Stafford, commander of Apollo 10, dies aged 93: Air Force three
Astronaut Thomas Stafford, commander of Apollo 10 mission, died at the age of 93 on Monday. Stafford2024-05-01
atest comment