Venezuela Issues Ultimatum in Response to US Sanctions: Deportation Flights at Stake
In a diplomatic standoff, Venezuela has sternly warned of a potential ban on deportation flights from the US as a retaliatory measure against the Biden administration’s decision to reimpose oil and gas sanctions on the economically distressed socialist nation.
This move comes in the wake of the US resuming deportations of Venezuelans on October 18, marking a significant shift in policy.
Deportation Resumes After Secret Deal: US-Venezuela Agreement Unravels Amid Broken Promises
The Biden administration initiated the deportation of Venezuelans following a secret deal with the Nicolas Maduro regime, where the dictator pledged to facilitate free elections in exchange for relief from sanctions.
This development led to a substantial decline in illegal border crossings by Venezuelans, with October witnessing a 74 percent reduction.
The deportation strategy proved effective at a crucial time when Venezuelan border crossings had surged to surpass Mexicans in September 2023.
Sanctions Relief Expires: White House Allows Suspension to Lapse Amid Maduro’s Agreement Breach
Despite initial optimism surrounding the US-Venezuela agreement, Maduro’s failure to uphold commitments, including the imprisonment of political opponents, prompted the Biden administration to consider reimposing sanctions.
As reported by Bloomberg, the White House is set to let the six-month sanctions suspension expire in April. Venezuela’s Vice President Delcy Rodriguez condemned the move, labeling it as “rude and improper blackmail.”
Venezuela’s Ultimatum: Threats of Deportation Flight Ban Amid Economic Aggression
Vice President Delcy Rodriguez issued an ultimatum, expressing Venezuela’s rejection of what she termed as “economic aggression.”
In response to potential intensified sanctions, Rodriguez stated that if economic aggression persists after February 13, Venezuela would revoke deportation flights of its migrants from the US.
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