Tehran - BORNA - In a statement shared by Foreign Minister Yvan Gil Pinto, the Venezuelan government said the sanctions were coercive, contrary to international law, and reflective of an “erratic foreign policy lacking autonomy,” while denouncing the EU for growing irrelevance as an international actor.
The Council, which serves as the EU’s political arm, had announced on Monday that it would extend the sanctions until January 10, 2027, alleging “persistent actions undermining democracy and the rule of law” and human rights violations under President Nicolas Maduro’s administration.
First imposed in 2017, the sanctions include an embargo on arms and military equipment, restrictions on exports of data-x-items such as light weapons, ammunition, and surveillance technology, and travel bans and asset freezes targeting various individuals.
As of January this year, 69 people were subject to asset freezes and travel bans, according to the EU.
The Council claimed that Venezuela had to revisit its human rights approach and democratic standards before the sanctions were lifted.
Caracas, though, rejected the claims, insisting the sanctions had already failed to achieve their stated goals and served only to highlight the EU’s lack of independent decision-making. By the latter, it was referring to Brussels’ following in the United States' footsteps in trying to mount pressure on the Latin American nation.
The sanction renewal came amid heightened pressure from Washington.
The administration of US President Donald Trump has massed forces off Venezuela’s coast and threatened land attacks.
Trump administration officials have framed the deployment of US forces in and around Venezuela as part of a broader effort to deter drug smuggling. However, Caracas and analysts say the pressure is aimed at toppling the government of President Nicolas Maduro.
Other than military threats, Washington has also imposed sanctions on Caracas. In a recent move, the Trump administration announced financial bans on three of Maduro’s nephews and six oil tankers and shipping firms.
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