Diaz-Balart: Oil Sanctions Critical to Pressure Maduro Regime, Protect People’s Resources

WASHINGTON ­­– Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (FL-25) issued the following statement after the Trump Administration announced it was imposing sanctions against Venezuela’s oil sector. After Venezuela’s National Assembly Leader Juan Guaidó assumed the constitutional role as Venezuela’s interim President, the Venezuelan people intensified their demands for Nicolas Maduro to step down. Human rights groups report that Maduro and his thugs are responsible for at least 29 murders that have occurred since last week’s protests began.

"For too long, Maduro and his cronies have plundered state resources that belong to the people, corrupting Venezuela’s governmental and financial institutions. Human rights groups have reported ruthless media censorship, assaults on Venezuela’s democratic institutions, arbitrary arrests, extrajudicial killings, and torture. These sanctions will cripple the state-owned oil sector, preventing the regime from funding global terrorism, narcotrafficking, and repression against its own people. The Chavez-Maduro regime has exploited and illegally stolen the oil-rich country’s resources for far too long, and the sanctions will also protect it from further plundering. I commend the Trump Administration once again for today’s bold leadership in standing with the people of Venezuela and opposing their oppressors of the Maduro regime. Time is running out for the Chavez-Maduro regime, and those responsible for these crimes will be held accountable. Those in the military should not turn their weapons against their own countrymen who are simply demanding freedom and real elections.

“An overwhelming majority of nations in our hemisphere have recognized the legitimacy of interim President Juan Guaidó, and have begun working with him toward a transition toward democracy. Now is the time for others in the international community to stand with him and stand with democracy for the people of Venezuela. Hopefully, the Chavez-Maduro nightmare is nearing its end. I will continue to work with my colleagues and the administration to promote a free, prosperous future for the people of Venezuela.”

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