On September 12th, the U.S. Departments of Treasury and State announced new sanctions and visa restrictions targeting officials aligned with Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. This action is in response to allegations of election manipulation and the subsequent repression following the recent elections in Venezuela.

The U.S. is collaborating with international partners to enhance efforts aimed at holding Maduro and his representatives accountable. Democratic nations across the region are united in demanding transparency and an end to the ongoing repression, with strong support from the United States. Notably, the Organization of American States recently adopted a resolution led by the U.S., which garnered consensus from member states.

In a significant show of international concern, over 50 countries supported a statement from Panama at the UN Security Council last week. As the UN General Assembly approaches, the U.S. is intensifying diplomatic efforts to maintain pressure on the Venezuelan government.

The recent elections, held on July 28th, resulted in a clear victory for consensus candidate Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia, reflecting a desire among the Venezuelan populace for peaceful democratic change rather than continued rule by Maduro. The U.S. government emphasized its commitment to advocating for Venezuelan-led discussions that respect the will of the people, aiming for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing crisis and a return to democratic norms.

The meeting also highlighted ongoing human rights violations in Venezuela, with further discussions expected on the implications of the election and the international community's response.