Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has angrily rejected new sanctions against his nation signed into law by US President Barack Obama on December 18. The bill was passed by US Congress last week, authorising sanctions against Venezuelan officials.
Via Twitter, Maduro said: “President Obama has taken a false step against our country by signing the sanctions, despite the national and continental rejection of them.
“On the one hand, he recognises the failure of the aggression against and blockade of Cuba … which with dignity, has resisted and won, and on the other hand he has started a stage of increased aggressions against [Venezuela].
“These are the contradictions of an empire that tries to impose its domination in whatever way it sees fit, underestimating the strength and awareness of our homeland.
“That’s why, I reject these insolent measures taken by the imperialist elite of the United States against Venezuela. The homeland of Bolivar should be respected.
“Imperialists of the north, anyway they can, will keep on failing. Our America will never again be a colony of anyone, we swear by it.”
The US claims the sanctions are in retaliation for the so-called repression carried out by government officials earlier this year.
Between February and April, some right-wing opposition supporters took part in blockades, burning more than 100 public buses, stations, and buildings, shot at Chavista marchers, and physically and verbally attacked people trying to get to school or hospitals.
Forty-three people were killed, the majority being civilians and members of the pro-government national guard. The government arrested some of the people perpetrating violence, although most have been released.
The US santions would deny visas and freeze assets of government officials.
On December 15, Venezuelans marched against the sanctions. Demonstrators also celebrated 15 years since the new Bolivarian constitution was adopted, giving citizen much broader rights and the ability to participate in decision making.
Several other Latin American nations have also denounced the US sanctions.
[Reprinted from TeleSUR English.]
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