St Vincent was among the ALBA-TCP countries on Thursday that rejected the decision of the United States to revoke operating licences in the Venezuelan oil and gas industry.
“Once again, this action makes evident the attitude of the U.S. government in attempting to discretionally use the spurious oil licences with the aim of extorting the Venezuelan government,” ALBA-TCP said through a statement.
This organisation also pointed out that Washington’s use of licences seeks “to influence the Venezuelan sovereign actions and decisions, based on the manipulation of the U.S. unilateral coercive measures, which clearly constitute a flagrant violation of international law.”
The Barbados Agreement, which the government delegation and the opposition signed, recognized the efforts of all parties participating in the Venezuelan presidential elections to uphold their commitments.
“We demand respect for the Venezuelan government and people, reject the interference of the United States in its internal affairs, and demand the lifting of the criminal, illegal, and unfair unilateral coercive measures that harm the Venezuelan people,” the statement stressed.
Previously, Washington relaxed its sanctions in October 2023, when the U.S. Treasury Department temporarily authorised “General Licence 44,” which allows transactions with the oil and gas sector in the South American country.
Although this licence was due to expire on Thursday, President Joe Biden’s administration decided to prolong the sanctions, arguing that Venezuela was not respecting Barbados’ commitments.
After the renewal of the U.S. sanctions, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro responded firmly, saying that “there is no sanction or threat that will harm us in our effort to build a productive economic model. We only depend on our work and unity.”
