South American countries reject US sanctions on Venezuela
(VOVworld) - South American governments have rejected US lawmakers’ plans to impose sanctions on Venezuela due to this country’s on-going political crisis. Foreign ministers from the 12-member Union of South American Nations issued a statement Friday saying that the proposed bill would violate Venezuela’s internal affairs and undermine efforts by regional diplomats and the Vatican to foster dialogue between the government and opposition. The statement said sanctions will obstruct Venezuelan people in overcoming their difficulties through a path of independence, democracy and peace.
The US House of Representatives is expected to debate next Wednesday a bipartisan bill that would order the Obama administration to ban visas and freeze the assets of Venezuelan officials who’ve committed power abuse during the past three months of unrest in the country. A similar bill has been approved at the Senate foreign relations committee.