Sanctions on Human Rights Violators in Venezuela Is Long Overdue But Step in the Right Direction, Says Ros-Lehtinen

Statement

U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Chairman of the Middle East and North Africa Subcommittee, made the following statement regarding President Obama sanctioning human rights violators in Venezuela. Statement by Ros-Lehtinen:

"Last Congress, I led the push to get Venezuela sanctions passed and signed into law by the President. Two months ago, I wrote a letter to Secretary Kerry expressing my concern that the administration had not acted expediently to sanction the Venezuelan regime. Today, while it is long overdue, I welcome the news that the administration is finally taking a step in the right direction in announcing that Venezuelan officials in the intelligence service, national guard, public ministry, and armed services are being sanctioned.

"Today's actions by the administration highlight the abuses of just seven individuals in the Maduro regime who are responsible for perpetrating some of these crimes, but much more can be done and more individuals should be sanctioned. These punitive sanctions are a step forward in our effort to hold accountable repressive regimes in our own Hemisphere, but only just a small step. Maduro and his officials continue to undermine the U.S., stymie dissent by arbitrarily arresting opposition leaders, intimidate the media, and perpetrate human rights violations.

"I commend the Venezuelan-American community in the U.S., and especially in South Florida, that has been instrumental in advocating on behalf of the people of Venezuela and continue to stand in solidarity for their cause for justice and freedom."

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