Venezuela Hopes Biden Will Reconsider Trump’s ‘Unrealistic’ Policy 

Carlos Ron, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of Venezuela for North America, hopes that US President-elect Joe Biden’s administration will reconsider the “unrealistic policy” against Venezuela. He also expects a decrease in drug charges and other Trump administration sanctions that “stem from unrealistic allegations without evidence.”

Ron stated that Venezuela has always been ready for dialogue with the United States. As long as it is a dialogue based on mutual respect.

If they decide to continue a policy of aggression against the Venezuelan people, the country will continue its defense policy.

Venezuela’s opposition faces an uncertain future after parliamentary elections

Despite having the largest proven oil reserves globally, Venezuela is waging a war of survival against US sanctions to save its rapidly devaluing currency. It is working to alleviate extreme poverty and stop people’s migration. 

On December 6, the country held parliamentary elections. Seven years into Nicolas Maduro’s presidency, the authoritarian leader was widely expected to control Venezuela’s opposition-held parliament; and he did. The PSUV, ruling Unified Socialist Party, and other pro-government parties accumulated 67.6% of the vote. 

Mike Pompeo, US Secretary of State described the poll as a political farce designed to look like legislative elections and an effort to establish a puppet National Assembly beholden to Maduro. Though anticipated, the results have caused a new era of uncertainty for the opposition movement seeking to remove Maduro.

Carlos Ron accused opposition politicians of insisting on unconstitutional means of action against the government. He referred to means such as an invasion or a coup. They cannot win an election because they cannot convince the Venezuelan people, Ron insisted. He said all these attempts are outside politics. In fact, they are outside the scope of legality and are a desperate effort to change Venezuela’s Government.

The oil crisis in the country

Ron stated that media reports about China and Russia planning to avoid doing more business with Venezuela for fear of violating US sanctions are not true. According to him, the country’s strong relationship with China, Russia, and Iran persists. The government is trying to find ways to increase cooperation. 

Instability in the Middle East disrupts oil supply

Ron also mentioned that the US blockade and its policy of threatening companies and countries so that they do not do business with Venezuela are responsible for most of his nation’s economic problems. When Citgo, an oil company, was stolen from Venezuela and handed over to the opposition, the country lost specific gasoline refining capabilities. So now the government has to import some components of the refinery process carried out in Venezuela.