US increases sanctions against Venezuela, blocks travel to key officials
U.S. Special Representative for Venezuela Elliott Abrams gave a briefing on Friday regarding the crisis in Venezuela.
Abrams began by noting the veto at the UN Security Council by Russia and China, blocking a resolution the U.S. presented, adding that Russia’s plan received only 4 votes and was “pathetic.”
He then turned to the new visa and travel restrictions on President Nicolas Maduro officials and their families. A move designed to block a flee from the country, leaving the chaos and seeking asylum with the loot stolen from the impoverished nation.
“…The United States has imposed new visa restrictions on individuals responsible for undermining Venezuela’s democracy. We are applying this policy to numerous Maduro-aligned officials and their families. Maduro supporters that abuse or violate human rights, steal from the Venezuelan people, or undermine Venezuela’s democracy are not welcome in the United States. Neither are their family members who enjoy a privileged lifestyle at the expense of the liberty and prosperity of millions of Venezuelans. The United States will continue to take appropriate action against Maduro and the corrupt actors and human rights violators and abusers who surround him.”
Abrams then detailed the new sanctions: “…Treasury today announced additional sanctions. The United States also took action against six security officials of the illegitimate Maduro regime, individuals associated with the obstruction of the entry of international humanitarian aid into Venezuela or violence against those who attempted to deliver the assistance. Sanctions were imposed on Richard Jesus Lopez, commanding general of the Venezuelan National Guard; Jesus Maria Mantilla, commander of the Strategic Integral Defense Region Guayana; Alberto Mirtiliano Bermudez, division general for the Integral Defense Zone in Bolivar State; Jose Leonardo Norono, division general and commander for the Integral Defense Zone in Tachira State; Jose Miguel Dominguez, chief commissioner of the FAES, the special forces in Tachira; and Cristhiam Abelardo Morales, the national police director.”
The issue of aid was a heated topic, as one reporter pressed for the administration’s stance on aid from Russia.
“Well, the problem we have with various kinds of aid is where does it go. We know very clearly that for years the regime has corruptly sold some aid that’s delivered and has used other portions of the aid exclusively for supporters of the regime – in other words, it becomes a political weapon rather than a means of improving the life of most Venezuelans. And I think it’s fair to ask that question about any aid that’s given to or through the regime. Obviously we are in favor of giving humanitarian assistance to Venezuela. We are not in favor of giving it to this corrupt regime.”
Full transcript HERE