EU envoys approve sanctions on Venezuela

Members of the European Union have announced their support for a series of sanctions by the bloc against Venezuela as the South American country continues to clash with the Western governments over an ongoing crackdown on the opposition.

EU ambassadors agreed on Wednesday to impose the sanctions on Venezuela, which include an arms embargo and a ban on European companies exporting electronic surveillance equipment to the country.

Two diplomats speaking on condition of anonymity said the measures were adopted unanimously by the ambassadors in Brussels. EU foreign ministers should formally approve the sanctions on Monday.

Western governments have criticized Venezuela for months for a crackdown on the dissent, saying President Nicolas Maduro is using allegations of sabotage against the opposition to consolidate his power.

The EU sanctions follow a similar move by the United States. An EU diplomat said the bloc will create a blacklist for sanctioned Venezuelan individuals and entities.

“The political aim remains to force the government to get round the negotiating table with the opposition and contribute to getting out of the current political crisis,” a diplomatic source said, adding, "It's a gradual, flexible and reversible tool.”

Maduro and the opposition have repeatedly clashed over the past years as Venezuela continues to suffer from an economic crisis that is mostly created by a global slump in global oil prices. Maduro says the opposition has capitalized on the economic woes to undermine his government’s socialist agenda. He also accuses the United States and allies in Europe of offering support to the opposition. Maduro has repeatedly said that West’s sanctions would not work.

More than 125 people have been killed in clashes in Venezuela over the past months while the anti and pro-government camps continue to stage rallies on the streets. Thousands of people have also been arrested while the violence has left behind widespread property destruction across the country.

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