Since the early 2000s, United States officials have expressed concerns with Venezuela’s lack of cooperation on antiterrorism and counternarcotic efforts, its lack of full compliance with the Trafficking Victims Protection Act, and the increasing repression within the country. As a result, numerous sanctions related to terrorism, drug trafficking, trafficking in persons, antidemocratic actions, human rights violations, and corruption have been imposed on the Venezuelan government and on certain individuals and companies conducting business with the Venezuelan government. Most recently, on January 28, 2019, the U.S. announced sanctions on Venezuela’s state oil company, thereby blocking the company’s accounts in the U.S. and generally prohibiting U.S. persons from engaging in transactions with the company.
On January 23, 2019, the United States joined other countries in recognizing the head of Venezuela’s National Assembly as the country’s interim president, and our county no longer recognizes the Maduro regime as the government of Venezuela. Despite shortages of food and medicines and increased poverty within Venezuela, the Venezuelan government has rejected offers of humanitarian aid from the U.S. and has physically blocked access into the country for the delivery of aid.
This item allows for a discussion of actions by the County, which may be necessary or permissible, considering the recent sanctions and the County’s financial dealings with Citgo Petroleum Corporation, which utilizes a pipeline at Port Everglades. |