US Has 'Tremendous Leverage' On Possible New Sanctions Against Venezuela - Official

Faizan Hashmi Published January 24, 2019 | 01:24 AM

WASHINGTON (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 24th January, 2019) The United States has many tools if it decides to impose new sanctions against Venezuela amid the unrest in the country, a senior US administration official said during a conference call on Wednesday.

Earlier in the day, US President Donald Trump recognized Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido as the interim president of the country.

"In regards to the sanctions...if you look at what we have done, there is still a tremendous amount of leverage and there's still a tremendous amount of magnitude in our tool box in that regard," the official told reporters.

The official said that all options are on the table if incumbent President Nicolas Maduro attempts to harm any members of the National Assembly or other legitimate government officials during the transition of power.

Media reports have suggested that the United States may impose an oil embargo against Venezuela if Maduro takes severe actions.

On Tuesday, Venezuela's National Assembly adopted a statement accusing Maduro of "usurping" power and that all his decisions rendered void. Maduro replied he would hold the National Assembly accountable for ridiculing the country's constitution.

Venezuela's Supreme Court on Monday ruled that the leadership of the opposition-controlled National Assembly was illegitimate and its decisions "void."