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Approves Economic Sanctions, Arms Embargo Against Venezuela

by VOA News

   The European Union approved economic sanctions, including an arms
   embargo on Venezuela Monday.

   EU foreign ministers meeting in Brussels announced the measures in
   response to regional elections last month, which they say worsened the
   country's crisis.

   The weapons ban is intended to prevent the government of President
   Nicolas Maduro from purchasing military equipment that could be used
   for repression or surveillance.

   The sanctions also include setting up a system for asset freezes and
   travel restriction on some past and present Venezuelan officials close
   to Maduro.

   Spain has long pushed for sanctions on those close to Maduro, but the
   EU has been divided over whom to target.

   Ministers, however, said in Monday's statement that they would focus on
   security forces and government ministers and institutions accused of
   human rights violations, and the disrespect of democratic principles or
   the rule of law.

   Last Thursday, the U.S. imposed financial sanctions on 10 current and
   former Venezuelan officials because of corruption and abuse of power
   allegations related to Maduro's crackdown on the opposition.