Duval Times

U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) has criticized the Biden Administration for its recent announcement of four General Licenses that allow Venezuelan transactions in the petroleum and gold industries, as well as trading in the Maduro regime's sovereign debt. Rubio argues that these concessions only serve to help Maduro maintain his authoritarian grip on Venezuela.

Rubio's statement comes in response to the administration's decisions to ease sanctions and open communication channels with Maduro's regime. According to Rubio, these actions grant legitimacy to a criminal dictatorship that has committed crimes against humanity and continues to detain political prisoners, including Americans.

In his statement, Rubio accuses the Biden Administration of being "complicit in prolonging the Venezuelan people's agony under the illegitimate grip of dictator Nicolás Maduro." He further criticizes President Biden for undermining the upcoming primary elections in Venezuela by giving in to the regime's demands.

Rubio points out the release of Maduro's convict nephews and the lifting of targeted sanctions as examples of the administration's concessions. He also warns that the granting of licenses for petroleum, gas, and gold may lead to the release of Alex Saab, who is believed to be Maduro's financier and money launderer.

Rubio's concerns revolve around the potential consequences of these concessions. By allowing Venezuelan transactions in key industries and trading in the regime's sovereign debt, the Biden Administration may inadvertently be providing financial support and resources to Maduro's dictatorial regime. This, in turn, could further enable Maduro to maintain his oppressive hold on power.

The senator's strong criticism highlights the ongoing tensions between the Biden Administration and the Venezuelan regime. Rubio, along with others, believes that the concessions made by the administration only serve to prolong the suffering of the Venezuelan people and strengthen Maduro's authoritarian rule.

As the situation in Venezuela continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how the Biden Administration will respond to these concerns and whether any adjustments will be made to its approach towards Maduro's regime.

For additional details, please follow this link: https://www.rubio.senate.gov/rubio-bidens-concessions-help-maduro-maintain-authoritarian-grip-on-venezuela/