The United States is ready to change its sanctions policy against Venezuela depending on what happens on presidential elections in the Latin American country tomorrow, high-ranking American officials told reporters last night, quoted by world agencies and BTA.
Washington will monitor the post-election transition period and adjust its response accordingly, the officials added, speaking on condition of anonymity.
"In the post-election period, we will evaluate and update our sanctions policy, if necessary, based on our foreign policy goals," one of the officials stressed.
"The United States will not make premature assessments of the presidential elections in Venezuela. We are aware that these are important choices that Venezuelans and only Venezuelans will have to make," he added.
"At the same time, we believe it is vital that the results of this election reflect the true sentiments of the voters,", the official said, expressing hope that the expression of will will take place "without fraud or coercion". "The United States is on the side of those who respect and protect the democratic processes in Venezuela," he said.
"The United States is ready to work with the winner of this election, provided there is a transparent and fair election process monitored by domestic and international observers," the senior official added.
Meanwhile, Panamanian President Jose Raul Molino said last night that a plane carrying former Latin American presidents who were to observe Venezuela's elections tomorrow was unable to take off due to a blockade of Venezuelan airspace.
Venezuela's state aerospace service said the country's airspace was operating normally and denied the Panamanian president's claims.