The US government has reimposed sanctions on the Bolivarian revolution in Venezuela due to the lack of compliance with the Barbados Agreements between the government and opposition. This decision was met with defiance by Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, who stated that they are not anyone’s colony and that the empire trying to harm them is only harming itself.
In response, the Venezuelan government terminated an immigration agreement with the United States. Additionally, Jorge Rodríguez, head of the Chavista negotiating delegation, issued threats, including the possibility of sentencing opposition leader Maria Corina Machado 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 a deadline set by the National Electoral Council for presidential nominations in Venezuela. The opposition is facing challenges in selecting a viable candidate while Chavismo seems comfortable with current scenario. The US sanctions serve to maintain pressure on Maduro regime and limit electoral route.