
US Considers New Visa Restrictions and Oil Sanctions on Venezuela Amid Post-Election Standoff By Reuters
The U.S. government is carefully considering the possibility of implementing additional sanctions on individuals in Venezuela and revoking licenses for oil companies operating in the country, as a response to what it sees as a fraudulent election, according to a senior official’s remarks on Friday.
Brian Nichols, the U.S. assistant secretary of state for Western Hemisphere affairs, discussed this during a webcast briefing with reporters. He stated, “The use of either individual sanctions or the revocation of licenses related to sectoral sanctions are something that we’re studying very closely,” when asked about new visa restrictions and the termination of oil licenses.
Nichols also emphasized that the U.S. will collaborate with allies who share concerns regarding this situation. His comments follow the disputed election held in Venezuela on July 28.
Electoral officials and the country’s highest court declared President Nicolas Maduro the winner of the election, citing a 52% vote. However, local vote tallies have not been disclosed as promised.
After the election, the opposition shared scanned copies of voting machine receipts, which they claim show a significant victory for their candidate, Edmundo Gonzalez.