U.S. slaps new sanctions on Venezuela
Exports of gold will now be targeted
WASHINGTON — The Trump administration hit Venezuela with economic sanctions Thursday to block its exports of gold, a lifeline commodity for the embattled leftist government of President Nicolas Maduro, but put off targeting its oil exports, the mainstay of its economy.
President Donald Trump’s national security adviser, John Bolton, announced the sanctions as he outlined a Latin America strategy that seeks to isolate and punish leftist governments in Venezuela, Cuba and Nicaragua while embracing rightwing leaders in Colombia, Chile and soon Brazil.
Branding the three leftist-ruled countries as a “troika of tyranny,” Bolton sought to emphasize the “destructive” influence that
Cuba plays in Venezuela and, to a lesser extent, in Nicaragua. Cuban military, intelligence and medical personnel have been operating for years in Venezuela to shore up Maduro and, before him, the late Hugo Chavez.
Bolton also praised the presidentelect of Brazil, Jair Bolsonaro, as a “like-minded” partner, citing his recent electoral victory as one of several “positive signs” for the region. A former military officer who praises far-right dictatorships, Bolsonaro is perhaps best known for insulting comments he has made about women, gays and people of color.
On Monday, Trump had tweeted that he had a “very good conversation” with Bolsonaro. “We agreed that Brazil and the United States will work closely together on Trade, Military and everything else! Excellent call, wished him congrats!
A senior administration official said Thursday that the White House is confident that Brazil’s “strong institutions” will preserve order in the hemisphere’s second-largest democracy.
The penalties against Venezuela were in an executive order signed by Trump and released Thursday.