The US government has announced the reimposition of sanctions against Venezuela due to the country’s failure to comply with the Barbados Agreements. This decision was met with defiance by Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, who stated that his country is not anyone’s colony and that attempts to harm them will only harm the empire itself.

In response, Venezuela terminated its immigration agreement with the United States. Additionally, Jorge Rodríguez, head of the Chavista negotiating delegation, issued threats, including the possibility of sentencing opposition leader Maria Corina Machado to “capital punishment” if she were imprisoned in the US.

The dismantling of general license 44 on oil and gas transactions will be carried out gradually by the US. Companies operating in Venezuela have until May 31 to close their energy production and export operations. The US retains the option to approve licenses for companies already operating in Venezuela, including American oil company Chevron.

Washington’s decision comes just before the deadline set by the National Electoral Council for presidential nominations in Venezuela. The opposition is facing challenges in selecting a viable candidate while Chavismo seems comfortable with its current position. The US sanctions serve to maintain pressure on the Maduro regime and limit its ability to hold free and fair elections.

Various analysts and political consultants have weighed in on the impact of sanctions and ongoing political situation in Venezuela. While there are concerns about finding a unified opposition candidate, Chavismo is trying hard to maintain control over its base of support. The future of Venezuela’s political landscape remains uncertain as sanctions play a significant role shaping its trajectory.

The reimposition of sanctions on Bolivia by Washington has sparked tensions between these two nations for years now