2015: President Maduro Prepared Venezuela for an Attack from the US After President Obama declared that Venezuela was an “Extraordinary Threat” to the US

On March 9, 2015 President Obama signed Executive Order 13692 declaring a National Emergency due to the “unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States posed by the situation in Venezuela.” He activated The International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) and sanctioned seven Venezuelan officials

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro called the US sanctions “the most aggressive, unjust and harmful step that has ever been taken by the US against Venezuela.” [3]

On March 15, the Venezuelan National Assembly approved an Enabling Law which granted Maduro decree powers for nine months to defend against threats from the US. The Law required 60% approval. Maduro noted that, in contrast, Obama’s Emergency Decree required no congressional approval.

 The US sanctions were widely discussed by the Venezuelan people:

•        “Maduro was quick with fiery denunciations of Washington and what he alleged were its plans to invade…. No one is talking this week about empty food shelves or unemployment. All they’re talking about are the American sanctions.” [1]

The main opposition coalition, Democratic Unity (MUD)distanced itself from Obama’s action saying “Venezuela is not a threat to any country.” [2]

Maduro mobilized Venezuela’s Defense Forces for two weeks of preparations for potential US aggression. More than 100,000 soldiers and civilian militia members marched on May 22 to demonstrate their readiness.

Maduro honored the seven sanctioned officials calling them “heroes.” Maduro referred to the US sanctions imposed on them ironically as a “decoration from the American Empire.” [3] In a televised address, Maduro named one of the seven officials (Gustavo Gonzalez) as the new Interior Minister.

 

1.     Washington Post, New U.S. Sanctions lost in Venezuela’s Translation, March 11, 2015

2.     New York Times, Obama Hands Venezuelan Leader a Cause to Stir Support, March 11, 2015.

3.    BBC, Venezuelan leader Maduro condemns new US sanctions, March 10,2015

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