A new setback in the relationship between the United States and Venezuela has unfolded. The U.S. government has initiated the reapplication of economic sanctions on Caracas, just three days after the Supreme Court confirmed the disqualification of opposition presidential candidate María Corina Machado.
The initial sanctions primarily impact the mining sector. As per a statement from the U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control, any American company engaged with the state-owned enterprise Minerven must conclude transactions with it by February 13. This decision follows multiple warnings from Washington to Caracas, urging a reversal of the sanctions easing that began last year following the Barbados Agreements between the government and the Venezuelan opposition.
Machado, selected as the opposition’s unity candidate in October, had previously faced disqualification by Venezuela’s General Comptroller’s Office (CGR) in June, barring her from running for elected office for a period of 15 years. The prohibition on Machado and Capriles, coupled with the reintroduction of sanctions, represents a setback for the potential normalization of relations between the U.S., Venezuela, and the opposition.
Beyond electoral assurances, Washington had insisted that Caracas lift disqualifications on opposition members, ease restrictions, and release political prisoners and Americans unjustly detained. In return, the White House had eased certain harsh sanctions affecting the Venezuelan economy, including restrictions on oil and gas sales abroad.
In December, the U.S. released Colombian businessman Alex Saab, a crucial ally of Maduro, in exchange for several Venezuelans and Americans detained in the South American country. However, recent events suggest a halt in progress toward potential normalization.
Just before the Monday reinstatement of sanctions, John Kirby, the White House National Security spokesperson, stated that the measures imposed by the U.S. would hinge on Maduro and his government. Kirby mentioned, “They have until spring to honor their commitments. They have decisions to make before we measure what decisions we will make.”
Deterioration of the political climate:
On Monday, Jorge Rodríguez, head of the Venezuelan government delegation in negotiations with the opposition, cautioned that Venezuela would respond severely if the U.S. were to resume or enforce new sanctions against the country. Rodriguez emphasized, “If there is any aggressive action, our response will be severe, reciprocal, and forceful,” during a press conference.
On the same day, Machado reiterated her determination to participate in the upcoming presidential elections despite the confirmed veto by the Supreme Court. She asserted, “Whether Maduro likes it or not, he will face me, and we will defeat him in the presidential elections,” dismissing the possibility of anyone replacing her as the opposition’s candidate from the Democratic Unity Platform.
