The European Union on Monday approved new sanctions against Venezuela and added 19 officials in the government of President Nicolás Maduro to its list of people subject to restrictive measures for their role in “acts and decisions that threaten democracy” in the country after the fraudulent elections held in December.
Tag: Nicolás Maduro

Venezuela — Chevron Meeting with US Officials Over Venezuela Oil Sanctions
Chevron wants the US government to ease Venezuelan oil sanctions in order to help the company wade out of deep waters. This is according to a new Bloomberg report. It indicates that officials from the company have been meeting with US government officials in order to work out the issue.

Trump Offers Deportation Protections to Venezuelans
Former US President Donald Trump announced deportation protections for Venezuelans residing in the United States just hours before he left office. The latest move was aimed at underscoring the US government’s commitment to take down the Nicolas Maduro administration.

Venezuela — Russia Supports Maduro-Dominated Assembly
Russia has today expressed its readiness to cooperate “closely” with the Venezuelan National Assembly, dominated by supporters of President Nicolas Maduro, and to strengthen “strategic relations” between the two countries. The National Assembly took office Tuesday in Caracas.

Report: UAE a New Hub for Embargoed Shipping Companies
The United Arab Emirates has become a new hub for shipping companies looking to avoid US sanctions. This is as revealed in a new Reuters investigative report. It divulges how a collective of shipping companies previously embargoed by the US are taking advantage of UAE registration loopholes.

Maduro: Colombia Planning Attacks Against Venezuelan Military
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has asserted that Colombia is planning to attack the Venezuelan military in coming weeks. According to his statement, the longtime adversary is plotting to use trained mercenaries to carry out the assault. His statement comes at a time when tensions between the two nations are at an all-time high.

Venezuela — National Assembly Votes to Extend its Term
Venezuela’s opposition has voted in favor of a term extension for the National Assembly beyond 2020. The opposition-held National Assembly is headed by opposition leader Juan Guaido. A collective of major western powers, including the United States and the United Kingdom, recognize him as the country’s legitimate leader.

Venezuela — Capriles Says Guaido has Failed
Former Venezuelan opposition presidential candidate Henrique Capriles has called for the disbandment of the country’s interim government. Speaking to the BBC about the country’s crestfallen state of affairs, Capriles has said that there is no need for the interim government, which was set up in 2019, to continue to exist.

Venezuela — EU, US Reject “Fraudulent” Election
The European Union has unanimously rejected the results of the Venezuelan legislative elections held on Sunday. The vote gave the incumbent President, Nicolás Maduro, a massive win, hence ultimate control of the National Assembly. Earlier, the EU had warned that the elections should be postponed and conducted in a “fair and transparent” way.

Treasury Department Sanctions CEIEC
The United States imposed sanctions on Chinese state-owned company China Electronics Import and Export Corporation (CEIEC) on Monday, accusing it of supporting Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro’s attempts to restrict internet access and conduct digital surveillance of the regime’s political opponents, undermining democracy.

Leopoldo Lopez Leaves Spanish Embassy in Caracas, Goes to Madrid
The Venezuelan opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez yesterday left the residence of the Spanish ambassador in Caracas, where he had been a guest since April 30, 2019, when he led a civic-military uprising with Juan Guaido that sought to overthrow Venezuelan President, Nicolas Maduro.

UK Court Overturns Venezuelan Gold Ruling
A British appeals court on Monday overturned an earlier lower court ruling, which had granted Venezuela’s self-declared President, Juan Guaidó, access to the more than 30 tons of Venezuelan gold that are deposited in the Bank of England. The ruling thus presents a new twist in the conflict.

EU Draws Ire for ‘Clandestine’ Mission to Venezuela
The European Union has come under heavy criticism from the European People’s Party (EPP) after organizing a diplomatic mission to Venezuela. The move, according to the party leaders, is inappropriate and sends a message to Nicolas Maduro’s regime that he is the recognized leader of the nation.

Venezuela Accuses the US of Causing Insecurity
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has accused the United States of spreading insecurity around the world as it seeks to impose its will upon smaller nations that have resisted its policies. He said that the world is less peaceful now because of the aggression projected by the United States.

Venezuela to Manufacture Own Defense Weapons
The Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro announced on September 25, his new order to create a Military Science Council to work on the country’s own weapons system. The announcement was commemorated to the 15th anniversary of the operational strategic command of the armed forces of the Republic.

Venezuela — Pompeo Asks Maduro to Leave Office
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has asked Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro to leave office in order to liberate his nation from the devastating sanctions imposed by the US. The US official said this while visiting Guyana. According to Pompeo, Maduro was preventing economic progress in his nation by holding on to power.

More Details About US Spy Caught in Venezuela
News outlets aligned to the ruling Socialist Party in Venezuela have revealed more details about the US spy captured near the Amuay and Cardon oil refineries a few days ago. The initial statement indicated that the man was found with a substantial amount of money in dollars as well as specialized equipment.

Venezuela Says It Has Captured Spy Near Refinery
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has announced that a US spy has been caught spying close to the Amuay and Cardon refineries. According to his statement, the man is linked to the CIA. He was reportedly found with a sizeable amount of money as well as specialized weapons. No further details have been revealed except that he is in detention.

Maduro: Buying Missiles From Iran ‘A Good Idea’
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, in response to remarks by his Colombian counterpart that Venezuela was considering buying Iranian missiles, described the idea as “good” and called on his defense minister to negotiate with Iran. On Saturday described, the Venezuelan President called the purchase of missiles from Iran as a “good idea”.

Venezuelan Opposition Vows Boycott of December Elections
The Venezuelan opposition officially stated on Sunday that it would not participate in the legislative elections scheduled for December this year. The Venezuelan opposition considers the said elections as a “fraudulent process.” The statement was signed by 27 opposition parties.

US Negotiations with Venezuela Stymied by Bounties
The US government recently issued a $5 million bounty for information leading to arrest and incarceration of Venezuelan Chief Justice Maikel José Moreno Pérez. The chief judicial officer is accused of receiving significant amounts of assets to influence the ruling of judicial cases in the country.

Efforts to Secure Release of Americans in Venezuela Fail
Former New Mexico governor Bill Richardson has just concluded a visit to Venezuela to negotiate the release of eight prisoners. Seven of them are Americans. According to Richardson, he had a meeting with Venezuelan President Nicholas Maduro. Richardson described the president as friendly and cordial.

Britain Sides with Guaido in Venezuelan Gold Dispute
A British court has ruled against an application by Venezuela’s central bank for a refund of €890 million in gold reserves. According to the ruling by the British high court, Venezuela’s existing gold reserves in the UK will be given to the parallel government of Venezuela, led by Juan Guaido.

UK Court Rules Against Maduro in Quest for Gold
A court in Britain today ruled that it is opposition leader Juan Guaidó, and not President Nicolás Maduro, who has authority over Venezuela’s gold reserves deposited at the Bank of England. The London Commercial Court ruled that the government had “unequivocally recognized opposition leader Juan Guaidó as president,” rather than Maduro.

Maduro Orders EU Ambassador to Leave Venezuela
Venezuela’s president, Nicolás Maduro, has ordered the European Union (EU) ambassador in Caracas, Isabel Brilhante Pedrosa, to leave the country within 72 hours. Maduro gave the order on Monday following Brussels’ imposition of sanctions on 11 Venezuelan officials.

Forced Disappearances on the Rise in Venezuela
There is a sharp increase in forced disappearances in Venezuela. This is according to a new report released by the Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights organization. It highlights that the despotic government, led by President Nicolás Maduro, is detaining more civilians without cause.

Trump Not Interested in Installing Guaidó in Venezuela
US President Donald Trump has indicated that he has little interest at the moment to influence Venezuelan politics or usurp Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro from power. He has also publicly pronounced that he is not particularly interested in installing opposition leader Juan Gerardo Guaidó Márquez.

Axios: Trump Open to Meeting with Maduro
The President of the United States, Donald Trump, has stated that he is open to an eventual meeting with his Venezuelan counterpart, Nicolás Maduro, in an interview published on Sunday. The move by Trump in a way reduces the weight of his Venezuelan opponent Juan Guaidó.

Venezuela Continues to Receive Help Despite Sanctions
Iran is reportedly sending a ship ferrying cargo to Venezuela. The move comes amidst growing sanctions on vessels and companies involved in facilitating bilateral trade between the two nations. Last week, the US Treasury Department enacted sanctions targeting four shipping companies.

Venezuelan Parliament Recognizes Juan Guaido as President
Venezuela’s Supreme Court, which is loyal to President Nicolas Maduro, has approved Luis Parra as the President of the National Assembly. However, the opposition-dominated parliament did not recognize the court’s decision, and reaffirmed Juan Guaido’s authority.

Venezuelan Supreme Court Orders Guaidó Removed
The Venezuelan Supreme Court of Justice (TSJ) ruled on Wednesday that the self-proclaimed interim president, Juan Guaidó, is not the legitimate president of the country’s National Assembly, the country’s Parliament. As per the court’s ruling, the legislative presidency is now in the hands of deputy Luis Parra, who had initially been elected to the post in a controversial session on January 5.

Venezuelans Losing Hope in Guaidó’s Leadership
Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Gerardo Guaidó Márquez is recognized by the United States, and a slew of other western nations, as the rightful leader of Venezuela. The US government has imposed a series of economic sanctions on the ruling regime in a bid to usurp rival Nicolas Maduro and his cohorts from power.

Venezuela: EU Comes Out in Favor of American Framework
The European Union considered an American proposal for a “democratic transition” in Venezuela on Friday, which they believe is aimed at achieving a peaceful solution to the crisis the country is experiencing. It involves “a negotiated path towards a democratic government.”

Maduro Indicted, Krekar Extradited, on Terror Charges
The United States Department of Justice has indicted Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro for “narcoterrorism.” The US Attorney General William Barr made the announcement on Thursday. The United States has also promised a bounty of up to $15 million for information leading to the arrest of Maduro, as announced by the US State Department.

Coronavirus: The Situation in Venezuela is Dire
Venezuela is experiencing possibly the worst humanitarian crisis in the world, sans the Covid-19 situation. The Latin-American nation is not only struggling to contain the epidemic but also trying to tackle deep-seated economic issues that have plagued it for years. They include US sanctions, prevalent corruption, a skyrocketing inflation rate that has surpassed 10 million percent in the past decade, and a collapsed infrastructural system.

Trump, Bolsonaro Sign Defense Agreement, Keep Pressure on Maduro
Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro signed a defense agreement in Miami Sunday, enabling joint development of military capabilities with the United States. The signing took place a day after U.S. President Donald Trump received Bolsonaro at his residence and Mar-a-Lago golf club in Palm Beach, near Miami.

Guaido Supporters Occupy Venezuelan Embassy in Brazil
Suрроrtеrѕ оf Venezuelan dіѕѕіdеnt Juаn Guaido оссuріеd a раrt of thе Vеnеzuеlаn embassy in Brazil оn Wеdnеѕdау mоrnіng, аftеr mеmbеrѕ оf thе expedition team opened dооrѕ tо them tо ѕhоw thеіr loyalty to thе opposition lеаdеr. A Brazilian роlісе ѕоurсе said the grоuр wаѕ “trуіng tо nеgоtіаtе реасеfullу” wіth ѕuрроrtеrѕ оf Prеѕіdеnt Nicolas Mаdurо іnѕіdе thе еmbаѕѕу, whеrе the ѕіtuаtіоn ѕееmѕ аmbіguоuѕ. Meanwhile, bilateral tаlkѕ have bеgun between the BRICS countries іn thе Brаzіlіаn саріtаl.

El Salvador Expels Venezuelan Diplomats
El Salvador’s President, Nayib Bukele, has ordered that all Venezuelan diplomats appointed by President Nicolas Maduro must leave the country within two days. Bukele argues the decision is in line with the position of the current Salvadorian government, which does not recognize the legitimacy of Maduro’s regime.

Venezuela Wins Seat on UN Human Rights Council Despite Human Rights Abuses
Venezuela won a contested election to a seat on the UN Human Rights Council Thursday, a move the opposition has called “incoherent.” The governing regime is currently being investigated for “human rights violations and crimes against humanity.”

Maduro in Moscow, Meets with Putin in “the Russian Homeland”
Nicolas Maduro, whose powers as President of Venezuela are not recognized by many countries, including the United States, met with Russian leader Vladimir Putin. Maduro flew to Moscow yesterday.

Venezuela’s Maduro to Skip UN General Assembly in New York
Nicolas Maduro, the President of Venezuela, announced that he would not go to New York during this years’ session of the UN General Assembly, in which leaders from around the world are expected to participate. The event is scheduled for September 23rd. Maduro, however, took part in last year’s event.

Maduro Opts Out of Peace Dialogue in Barbados in Protest of US Sanctions
The Venezuelan government has officially distanced itself from participating in the new round of talks with the opposition held in Barbados, the Caribbean. The mediation efforts are being spearheaded by Norway, and initially scheduled to take place on Thursday (today) and Friday. The late Wednesday decision by the Maduro Government came a day after the United States announced sanctions on individuals and companies negotiating with the Venezuelan Government.

Trump Pushes Venezuela’s Maduro to the Wall, Slams the Country with Fresh Sanctions
It is now even more evident that the push by the US to have Venezuela’s President Nicholas Maduro vacate office is still actively on. In the most recent move to frustrate Maduro’s administration, US President Donald Trump has imposed a total blockade on the state assets of the Venezuela government in the US. The move by Trump is most likely aimed at imposing a future total embargo on Venezuela. Before Venezuela’s inclusion on the list, the blockade of state assets in the US was only effective on; Cuba, Syria, Iran, and North Korea.

Unrest Around the World – A Country by Country Look
Today following the world news can be seen in a world at unrest. In these countries especially is apparent World Unrest:
Khazakhstan – The world’s largest land locked country and the ninth largest in the world with an area of 2,724,900 square kilometers. It is a democratic secular republic with a diverse heritage. After the elections resulting in the overwhelming victory of interim president Toqaev began wave of protests against the lack of fairness in the elections.

Trump’s Trade Wars, Tariffs, Sanctions, Bans; What’s Next?
President Donald Trump (R) lifted his tariffs against Mexico and Canada, but is he scaling up on China. So what about cars, steel, aluminium, washing machines, Iran, North Korea, Venezuela, Cuba and Huawei?
Trade Wars
Cars: Trump asked for and received a government study on car imports. He was particularly angered last November when General Motors announced that it was closing car assembly plants in Ohio, Michigan and Maryland. Trump has threatened to impose a 25% tariff on imported cars in retaliation for GM’s moves.

Opposition Government in Venezuela Moves to Reduce Maduro’s Communication Influence
The interim government of Venezuela, constitutionally appointed by the National Assembly and presided over by Juan Guaido, announced this week the creation of the National Communication Center in an effort to continue limiting the public capacity of the illegal regimen of Nicolas Maduro.

Rival Marches in Venezuela on Wednesday Could Lead to Violence
Things may be coming to a head in Venezuela on Wednesday as the major forces at odds in that country have both decided to hold major rallies on May Day (May 1).
Venezuela’s opposition leader Juan Guaidó, 35, has called for huge protests on Wednesday to demand the resignation of the current President Nicolas Maduro. The regime, in turn, has asked its Chavista supporters (referring to supporters of the late president and Maduro’s predecessor Hugo Chavez) to take to the streets on Wednesday in a show of support.

Venezuela: The World’s Richest Country in Resources with the Worst Economy in Generations; What Happened?
- Venezuela has the largest oil reserves of any country in the world, with more than 300 billion barrels of proven reserves. In 2011, the country surpassed Saudi Arabia to top the list of countries having the largest oil reserves, but the development of this huge reserves has taken a backseat due to political unrest over the past few years.