TIWN
Washington, April 6 (IANS) The US Treasury on Friday listed Venezuela-related companies and vessels as its designated targets in a new round of sanctions to pile up pressure on the Maduro government.
The two companies blacklisted operated in the oil sector of the Venezuelan economy and were accused of shipping oil to Cuba, according to a statement released by the Treasury. One vessel owned by one of the companies was also designated.
Besides, the Treasury designated 34 vessels that belonged to Petroleos de Venezuela S.A. (PDVSA), a Venezuelan state-owned oil company that was added to America's blacklist in January, Xinhua news agency reported.
As a result of the sanctions, all property of those entities that are in the US would be blocked. Also, US persons are generally prohibited from all dealings that involve any property of theirs.
"Treasury is taking action against vessels and entities transporting oil, providing a lifeline to keep the illegitimate Maduro regime afloat," said Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin in the statement.
Mnuchin also accused Cuba of being "an underlying force fueling Venezuela's descent into crisis." Washington has singled out Cuba and Russia as chief backers of the Venezuelan government.
The US has been pursuing a policy of economic sanctions and diplomatic isolation against the Venezuelan government in support of the opposition leader Juan Guaido. The Trump administration recognized Guaido as the nation's "interim president" on January 23, days after incumbent President Nicholas Maduro was inaugurated for a second term.
In response to Washington's support for Guaido, Maduro announced that he was severing "diplomatic and political" ties with the US.
- With April series having expired, expect markets to turn volatile
- IMF expects India to rev up global growth as China falters, backs Modi government's economic policies
- realme set to shake up market: Launching fastest entry-level 5G smartphone 'C65' under Rs 10k
- India's industrial production accelerates to 5.7pc in Feb
- India records 17 pc jump to become 4th largest exporter of digital services: WTO report