US to announce new Venezuela sanctions, call for vote delay

AFP  |  Washington 

Vice will announce new US sanctions against and call for a "sham" May election to be delayed.

The vice "will announce new kingpin sanctions and call to suspend (Nicolas) Maduro's elections," an official told AFP.

Pence's address is expected to focus, in part, on holding "undemocratic actors" accountable.

The OAS has been deadlocked between members keen to punish for democratic backsliding, and long-standing Maduro allies who want to prop up the regime.

Amid swelling international criticism, Venezuela in April 2017 announced its withdrawal from the OAS, which it accuses of interference. The process will take two years.

A Pence said they expect the Venezuelan delegation to walk out during his speech.

Pence's address comes two weeks before a divisive presidential poll in Venezuela, scheduled for May 20.

The vote is being boycotted by the opposition and branded illegitimate by much of the international community.

US lawmakers are calling on the to take a harder line on Maduro's regime.

US Senator has gone as far as calling for to press for regime change.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

First Published: Tue, May 08 2018. 04:51 IST