Reuters: U.S. may impose sanctions against the government of Venezuela
Sources in the US administration reported that the reason for the restrictions is “the persecution of the opposition by the authorities of the Latin American Republic.”
MOSCOW, June 4. /TASS/. The US administration may introduce sanctions against Venezuela, including high-ranking officials and the Venezuelan state oil company PDVSA. The reason for the imposition of economic restrictions is “the persecution of the opposition by the authorities of the Latin American republics,” Reuters reported, citing unnamed representatives of the White house.
A final decision on the imposition of sanctions against the oil industry is still pending. The opponents of this measure, according to the source Agency, the fear that such action on the part of Washington will only exacerbate the situation in the country. Sanctions would include a ban on imports of Venezuelan oil and the ban on the activities of PDVSA in the United States.
“This idea is considered, — quotes Agency the words of the representative of the White house. — I don’t think we’re ready to take such a decision, but all remain possible options. We want to prosecute criminals.”
Sources in the US administration confirmed that sanctions can be imposed on Venezuelan officials suspected of corruption, drug trafficking and of involvement in political repression.
Since early April, Venezuela is shaken by anti-government protests. The reason for them was the Supreme court’s decision expands the powers of President Nicolas Maduro and limiting the functions of Parliament and the intention of the President to convene a Constitutional Assembly to amend the basic law of the country.
The clashes according to official figures killed 64 people, almost 1.2 thousand people were injured.
18 may the US imposed sanctions against Chairman and seven other members of the Supreme court of South American Republic. It was alleged that these people are responsible for a number of judicial decisions, usurped the authority of the legislature of the National Assembly (unicameral Parliament) of Venezuela, who was elected in a democratic way.