The US government has reinstated sanctions against Venezuela due to the government’s lack of compliance with the Barbados Agreements, according to recent reports. The decision was met with opposition from Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, who stated that his country is not anyone’s colony and that the empire trying to harm them will only be hurting themselves.
Following this announcement, the Venezuelan government terminated its immigration agreement with the United States. Additionally, Jorge Rodríguez, head of the Chavista negotiating delegation, made threats against opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, including the possibility of sentencing her to “capital punishment” if she were imprisoned in the US.
The dismantling of general license 44 on oil and gas transactions will be carried out gradually by the US. Companies operating in Venezuela have until May 31 to close their energy production and export operations. The US retains the option to approve licenses for companies already operating in Venezuela, including American oil company Chevron.
Washington’s decision comes just before the deadline set by the National Electoral Council for presidential nominations in Venezuela. The opposition is struggling to find a viable candidate while Chavismo seems comfortable with the current scenario. The US sanctions serve as pressure on the Maduro regime and limit their ability to hold free and fair elections.
Various analysts and political consultants have weighed in on the impact of these sanctions and ongoing political situation in Venezuela. The opposition is having difficulty finding a unified candidate while Chavismo is trying to maintain control over power. The future of Venezuela’s political landscape remains uncertain as these sanctions continue to play a significant role in shaping events on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean.
