Latin American Leaders Criticize U.S. Executive Order Declaring Venezuela a Threat to U.S. National Security

By Jenny Park

Earlier this month, the U.S. imposed sanctions on seven Venezuelan officials suspected, by the U.S., of committing human rights abuses in an executive order. President Obama explained in the order that these human rights abuses pose an “extraordinary threat” to U.S. national security. Venezuela and its regional allies, including Cuba, criticized the executive order as Venezuela never had, has, or will have any plans to attack the U.S., let alone “hurt anyone.” Nicaragua and Ecuador accused the U.S. of hypocrisy, viewing the U.S. as the true threat to global security.