US condemns ban on Venezuelan opposition leader’s candidacy and puts sanctions relief under review

By REGINA GARCIA CANO
Associated Press

CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) — The U.S. government has condemned the decision of Venezuela’s highest court to block the presidential candidacy of opposition leader María Corina Machado. But the Biden administration on Saturday remained noncommittal on reimposing economic sanctions against Venezuela as it has threatened to do if the government of President Nicolás Maduro fails to level the playing field before a planned election. U.S. State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said that Washington is “currently reviewing” its Venezuela sanctions policy. Machado is a longtime government foe and former lawmaker. She won the presidential primary organized by the faction of the opposition backed by the U.S.