United States (US) Secretary of State Mike Pompeo offered to lift sanctions on Venezuela if it accepts a plan for a transitional government. The offer was resoundingly rejected, with Venezuelan Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza tweeting, “The Bolivarian government reiterates that Venezuela does not accept, nor will it ever accept any tutelage, from any foreign government.”
Pompeo’s “Democratic Framework for Venezuela” outlines a power-sharing government, comprised of the opposition and some members of President Nicolás Maduro’s Socialist Party. Under the plan, elected members of the national assembly would create a council of states for a transitional government until presidential national elections are held, likely within 6 to 12 months, as per Pompeo’s judgment. The president of this transitional government would not be eligible to run in those elections.
The US’ offer comes against a backdrop of increasing calls from the United Nations and other groups to ease sanctions on Venezuela, which is reeling from a protracted economic crisis that has been amplified by plummeting oil prices. Venezuela’s problems have been compounded further by the onset of the coronavirus crisis as its healthcare system is inadequately prepared and resourced to deal with a pandemic. In addition, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) rejected Maduro’s request for a $5 billion loan, citing a ‘lack of clarity’ on who is the legitimate leader of Venezuela–Nicolás Maduro or Juan Guaidó.
Trump’s hardline stance on Venezuela and his focus on removing Maduro from power are seen by some as a move to gain support among Venezuelans in Florida. Florida is seen as a swing state in the 2020 Presidential election.
Last week, the US Department of Justice indicted Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and four of his aides, accusing them of narco-trafficking. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced a cash reward of $55 million for information leading to their arrest or conviction. In response, Maduro called Trump a “racist cowboy”, while Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza said that the move indicated the US’ “desperation” and “obsession”.
US Offers to Lift Sanctions on Venezuela if it Accepts Transitional Government
Last week, the US indicted Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and four of his aides.
April 1, 2020
IMAGE SOURCE: LASZLO BALOGH / GETTY IMAGESUS Secretary of State Mike Pompeo