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By APD writer Aditya Nugraha
BRUSSELS, Sept. 27 (APD) - The European Union (EU) issued a warning on Friday that it would apply new economic sanctions against the administration of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, saying that severe situation in the country must end with a transition to new elections.
The statement marks a more severe tone from the EU that has so far mainly sought to help mediate peace talks. Besides making the statement, the EU also imposed sanctions on seven Venezuelan security and intelligence officers in the day.
“The EU confirms its readiness to work on further targeted measures to foster such a negotiated transition,” EU said in the statement.
Talks to agree a new presidential election were essential to overcome the economic and political crisis in Venezuela, which faces hyperinflation and food shortages.
The imposition of sanctions over the seven Venezuelan security and intelligence officers has added EU restrictive measures against Venezuelan officers to 25. In November 2017 EU has placed an arms embargo against Caracas.
Apart from the warning EU also promised to hold a joint aid donor conference with the United Nations next month, aimed at raising more funds for Venezuelans, including for the 4 million Venezuelan refugees who have fled to neighboring countries.
Much of EU’s diplomacy was focused on trying to agree on a negotiated end to the crisis and move towards a timetable for new presidential elections.
(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)
