U.S. Considers Imposing Non-Sectoral Sanctions on Venezuela

U.S. President Barack Obama’s administration and Congress are to work together on the possible extension of sanctions on Venezuela provided that they are individual, not sectoral and do not harm the average citizens of that country, a senior U.S. official has said. On Monday, a U.S. Department of State official said on grounds of anonymity that the administration supports Congress’ intent to impose sanctions on Venezuela, depending on the timing. In a recent Senate appearance, U.S. Deputy National Security Advisor Antony Blinken said the White House was willing to work with Congress on the sanctions issue. According to the State Department official, a sanctions law could be very useful depending on how it is drafted and when it is used. “We don’t want to do anything to hurt the Venezuelan people,” he added. More…