U.S. Senators from both parties unite, urging President Biden to reimpose sanctions on Venezuela.
Their concern targets the government led by Nicolás Maduro for undermining opposition figures ahead of the planned presidential election, which they believe will not be conducted freely or fairly.
Group, featuring Ben Cardin, Marco Rubio, and Bill Cassidy, expresses concerns over integrity of upcoming July presidential election.
They suggest targeting those responsible for oppressive actions with sanctions, stressing the importance of a prompt global reaction to hold the regime accountable.
This push comes after the Biden administration paused sanctions on Venezuela‘s vital oil and gas sector for six months starting in October.
This followed an accord aimed at facilitating new elections between Maduro’s administration and its opponents.
Pause set to end April 18; U.S. won’t extend without significant moves from Venezuela towards the agreement’s terms.
Since the accord, however, Maduro’s regime has taken steps to marginalize opposition voices.
In addition, these steps include barring the primary winner María Corina Machado and her deputy, Corina Yoris, from participation.
Additionally, they have detained nine of Machado’s main supporters.
These actions have elicited criticism from neighboring countries like Colombia and Brazil, spotlighting the Venezuelan government’s severe crackdown on dissent.