Biden administration should end US sanctions and economic warfare against Venezuela — HCIF-PFS

Public Release Statement 4^th February, 2021

Freetown, Sierra Leone. West Africa

Call On The Biden Administration In Washington To End US Sanctions And Economic Warfare Against Venezuela

The Hugo Chavez International Foundation for Peace, Friendship and Solidarity (HCIF-PFS) wishes to send our warmest congratulations to Mr. Joe Biden on assumption of the post of President and Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces of the United States of America. He became the US 46^th President after his inauguration on 20^th January, 2021.

The Trump presidency will be remembered as an exceptional era that will not be easily forgotten in US history. The actions of the Biden administration in Washington will be measured in terms of its commitment to peace and save lives during this Covid-19 pandemic, which has created anxieties, fears, and uncertainties.

The corona virus pandemic is fast destroying lives and plunging national economies into the doldrums. Millions have died and more are still fighting to endure the pain, suffering and misery associated with the pandemic. We may not be able to control the situation but we can control ourselves: our thoughts, actions, and choices.

Our Organization is of the strong belief that the victory chalked by President Joe Biden in the November 2020 election was a result of the Trump administration’s betrayal of national conscience. We believe that the Biden administration will not repeat the undiplomatic blunders committed by its predecessor. One way to achieve these is for President Joe Biden not to allow corrupt and faithless officials to misrepresent him.

However, we want to share our views on a thorny issue that the Biden administration needs to tackle immediately. This concerns former Trump administration’s aggressive rhetoric and undeclared economic war against Venezuela, which courts for the Biden administration to turn new pages in the US relations with its neighbours, including Venezuela. This is critical for the stability of the Organisation of American States (OAS), and the US President can take actions to make a difference.

It is impossible to put into words the despair that millions of Venezuelans are going through right now. It has now become horrifyingly clear that the damage inflicted on ordinary Venezuelans by the former Trump administration has been one of destruction of lives and property. Over hundred thousand (100, 000) Venezuelans have died due to US sanctions and economic warfare. This is the truth and reality on the ground.

The outbreak of the corona virus pandemic has only robbed salt into injury. The truth is that Venezuela faces exceptional challenges, and this should prick the conscience of the Biden administration in Washington, to have a second look at US policy towards Venezuela. The lack of access to its foreign accounts to purchase the needed goods and items resulting from US devastating economic sanctions is pushing the Venezuelan government to look for alternative sources. The country’s health care personnel continue to endanger their lives and health to save compatriots. While, essential workers of all professions are continuing to brave the pandemic in order to provide basic living needs for the Venezuelan people.

The pains, suffering and tribulations the Venezuelan people are going through call for the Biden administration to waive US sanctions against the Latin American nation to ensure civilian access to urgently needed basic humanitarian items, including food, essential health supplies and Covid-19 medical support. The US Sanctions and other flawed policies against Venezuela are blocking urgent and effective responses to a rapidly spreading epidemic.

The call for easing of US unilateral sanctions and blockade against Venezuela is a naturally-acclaimed demand, which the Biden administration should give serious consideration to save lives. Under international law, a country or coalition of states enforcing economic sanctions should consider the impact on the human rights of the affected population, especially regarding their access to goods essential to life, including medicines and food. The US government is under international obligation to ensure that all sanctions imposed on Venezuela are lifted immediately to permit the shipment of anything the Venezuelan people need to protect themselves from the corona virus pandemic.

Thus, we add our voice to the growing call for easing of all US sanctions against Venezuela. The global fight against the corona virus pandemic would end to naught if sanctions still exist against other countries. The global pandemic can only be fought and won through joint efforts of all countries and international Organisations in a spirit of compassion, cooperation and solidarity.

This is our position!

Sender:……………………….

Alimamy Bakarr Sankoh

Consular-General and President

The Hugo Chavez International Foundation for Peace, Friendship and Solidarity (HCIF-PFS)