Reuters. August 1, 2019
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S.
President Donald Trump said on Thursday he was considering a quarantine or
blockade of Venezuela, as the United States steps up pressure on President
Nicolas Maduro to relinquish power.
Trump did not elaborate on
when or how such a blockade could be imposed, and his administration has so far
focused on diplomatic and economic pressure against Maduro while steering clear
of any military action.
Asked by a reporter whether he
was considering such a measure, given the amount of involvement by China and
Iran in Venezuela, Trump said: “Yes, I am.” He gave no details.
Venezuela’s Information
Ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The United States and most Western countries recognize opposition politician Juan Guaido as the rightful leader of Venezuela.
Trump has slapped a series of
escalating sanctions on Venezuela to pressure Maduro to step down and has
previously declined to rule out military action. But U.S. officials have made
clear that they are focused on economic and diplomatic measures and have shown
no significant signs of taking up military options.
Washington’s Latin American
allies have also cautioned against U.S. military intervention.
Russia, China and Iran have expressed support for Maduro and Russia has dispatched small numbers of troops to the South American country.
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