ANDThe United States will impose new sanctions on Venezuelan officials given that “Nicolás Maduro and his representatives have decided to use violent repression and seize power at all costs,” senior US government administration officials said on Wednesday. USA in a media space to which EL TIEMPO had access.
According to the criteria of
According to the information, These are 21 Venezuelan security and cabinet officials aligned with Nicolás Maduro. Among these, 15 heads of the Bolivarian National Guard, the Bolivarian National Police, the National Intelligence Service, the Bolivarian Militia and the General Directorate of Military Counter-espionage, who will be sanctioned by the United States Department of the Treasury.
Joe Biden, president of the United States, and Nicolás Maduro, president of Venezuela.
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“This is not something that the United States will tolerate, nor will other countries in the region tolerate it. Therefore, the United States has taken measures to increase pressure against Maduro and his representatives, responsible for the electoral fraud that occurred on July 28 and after brutal repression in which we have witnessed in recent months”, underlined the officials in the meeting with journalists.
Those sanctioned by the US
- Carlos Eduardo Aigster Villamizar
- Angelo Daniele Ballestrini Jaramillo
- Daniella Desiree Cabello Contreras
- William Alfredo Castillo Bolle
- Aníbal Eduardo Coronado Millán
- Jesús Ramín Fernández Alayón
- José Julio Garcia Zerpa
- José Yunior Herrera Duarte
- Pablo Ernesto Lizano Colmenter
- Javier José Marcano Tabata
- Alberto Alexander Matheus Meléndez
- Ricardo José Menéndez Prieto
- Freddy Alfred Nazaret Ñañez Contreras
- America Valentina Pérez Dávila
- Luis Gerardo Reyes Rivero
- Josè Alfredo Rivera Bastardo
- Alexis José Rodríguez Cabello
- Dilio Guillermo Rodríguez Díaz
- Orlando Ramón Romero Bolivar
- Rubén Santiago Servigna
- Jesus Rafael Villamizar Gomez
Officials explained that the sanctioned individuals are part of the security apparatus and are also responsible for the repression of peaceful protesters. But “officials aligned with Maduro who have been responsible for anti-democratic acts” were also included.
So far there are more than 180 Venezuelan officials and 100 Venezuelan entities subject to sanctions.
“Democratic governments in the region and around the world have pressed Maduro as a united front for transparency and the restoration of democracy in Venezuela. The Organization of American States, for example, adopted a resolution on this issue by consensus,” they said the American representatives.
They also underlined that during the United Nations General Assembly in September, more than 50 countries and the European Union called on Venezuela to end political repression and respect the election results and that this week, in the meeting of Foreign ministers of the G7 powers called on Venezuela to release political prisoners.
ANA MARÍA RODRÍGUEZ BRAZÓN – EL TIEMPO CORRESPONDENT – CARACAS
What are the implications of U.S. sanctions on Venezuelan officials for the country’s political situation?
Interview Transcript: Time.news Editor and Venezuela Expert
Time.news Editor: Good evening and welcome to Time.news. Today, we have with us Dr. Maria Ramirez, a seasoned expert on Venezuelan politics and international relations. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Ramirez.
Dr. Maria Ramirez: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to be here.
Editor: Let’s dive right in. The U.S. administration recently announced a new round of sanctions targeting 21 Venezuelan officials due to the ongoing violent repression and power seizure by Nicolás Maduro. What does this mean for U.S.-Venezuela relations?
Dr. Ramirez: This new wave of sanctions marks a significant escalation in the U.S. response to the Maduro regime’s actions. By targeting specific officials, especially those associated with the security apparatus, the U.S. is signaling its intent to hold Maduro and his inner circle accountable for their human rights violations and electoral fraud. It certainly complicates diplomatic relationships further, pushing Venezuela deeper into isolation.
Editor: Among those sanctioned are high-ranking officials from various security forces. Why target these individuals in particular?
Dr. Ramirez: The individuals targeted, including heads of the Bolivarian National Guard and the National Intelligence Service, are directly involved in the oppressive tactics employed by the Maduro regime. By holding these officials accountable, the U.S. aims to weaken the regime’s grip on power and bolster the message that violent repression will not be tolerated internationally.
Editor: Interestingly, there seems to be a growing consensus among regional countries against Maduro’s approach. What implications does this have?
Dr. Ramirez: Indeed, the growing alignment among countries in the Americas against Maduro is significant. It suggests a collective regional sentiment rejecting the undemocratic and violent tactics employed by his government. This alignment not only increases pressure on Maduro but could also foster stronger cooperation to address the humanitarian crisis in Venezuela as well as potential support for democratic transitions.
Editor: There’s been talk of the U.S. increasing pressure against Maduro due to electoral fraud and repression. Do you believe this approach will yield tangible results?
Dr. Ramirez: Pressure tactics, including sanctions, have had mixed success in similar contexts. While they can cause internal friction and lower morale among state officials, they also risk solidifying support for Maduro among his base who may rally against perceived external intervention. It’s a delicate balance, requiring the U.S. to also consider diplomatic overtures that could encourage dialog and a peaceful transition.
Editor: What are the potential repercussions for the Venezuelan populace as these sanctions are enforced?
Dr. Ramirez: Sanctions often exacerbate issues for the general populace, as the economy is already strained. While the intention is to pressure the regime, the most vulnerable can end up suffering the consequences. It’s crucial for international actors to plan supplemental aid and support mechanisms to mitigate humanitarian impacts while promoting accountability for the regime.
Editor: Lastly, what are the prospects for a resolution in Venezuela given the current climate?
Dr. Ramirez: The prospects are uncertain, but there is a growing urgency on the international stage for a resolution. If the U.S. and regional partners can successfully unify their efforts and back a credible opposition, there is hope for a democratic transition in the future. However, it will require strategic planning, broad-based support, and a commitment to the Venezuelan people’s needs to ensure that the outcome is not merely a change of faces in government but a genuine shift toward democracy.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Ramirez, for your insights. It’s clear that the situation in Venezuela is complex and ever-evolving. We appreciate your expertise on this challenging issue.
Dr. Ramirez: Thank you for the opportunity. It’s a critical time for Venezuela, and I hope for a peaceful resolution soon.