US reimposes sanctions on Caracas due to elections of main candidates and oil exports, with an impact on the powerful sector.
The Minister of Petroleum of Venezuela, Pedro Tellechea, stated this Tuesday that the country is ready to face any situation, including the return of American sanctions on its exports of Venezuelan oil.
Last week, the United States began reimposing sanctions on Caracas after the country's top court South American country confirmed the ban on the candidacy of the main opponent in the next presidential elections. The measure aims to block the participation of the opposition candidate, generating more political tensions in the Venezuela.
US State Department will not renew license allowing Venezuelan oil exports
The US State Department said it does not intend to renew a broader license which made it possible Venezuelan oil flow freely to your chosen destinations when it expires on April 18. This decision comes amid actions by Nicolás Maduro and his representatives in Venezuela, which include the arrest of members of the democratic opposition and the banning of candidates from competing in the presidential election this year, contradicting agreements signed in Barbados, according to the State Department.
Revocation of General License 44 due to lack of progress between Maduro and the opposition Unitary Platform
In the absence of progress between Maduro and his representatives and the opposition Unitary Platform, the United States will not renew the license when it expires on April 18. Venezuela faces this decision by claiming to be prepared for any circumstance, with a powerful sector ready to face any situation, according to Minister Tellechea.
Recognition of the agreement signed in Barbados allowed an increase in Venezuelan oil exports
The US granted sanctions relief to the OPEC member country in October, recognizing an agreement signed in Barbados with Maduro's government that included the release of political prisoners, the presence of international observers and conditions for a fair presidential election. Since October, Venezuela's oil exports have increased slightly, with more cargoes destined for the US and Europe, its preferred markets before sanctions.
Commentary on the impact of energy sanctions on Venezuela
Tellechea stated that the US would also feel the impact of reimposing energy sanctions on Venezuela, adding that the country will not 'kneel down' just because someone tries to dictate which countries it can do business with.
(Reporting by Deisy Buitriago)
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Source: CNN Brazil
