The United States has announced the reinstatement of sanctions against Venezuela’s oil and gas sectors, in response to the continued repression of the opposition by Nicolas Maduro’s government.
As the expiry of a major oil sanctions license approaches, the US and Venezuela are negotiating intensively without reaching agreement on a renewal conditional on competitive presidential elections.
Venezuela is challenging the sovereignty of Essequibo, a territory controlled by Guyana, at the International Court of Justice, despite its rejection of the court’s jurisdiction.
Venezuela steps up its military presence near Guyana, in response to the arrival of a British patrol boat, against a backdrop of territorial claims and negotiations with the United States.
Tensions between Venezuela and Guyana are escalating around the Essequibo, drawing the attention of the UN Security Council and prompting international calls for calm.