After election in Venezuela, United States has taken on South American country with furr economic sanctions. Or states announced that y would cancel ir diplomatic relations with Venezuela. President Nicolás Maduro was confirmed on Sunday evening with 67.7 percent of votes in office. The opposition and observers accuse him of tampering.

US President Donald Trump signed a decree to tighten up existing sanctions. The government in Caracas should make access to money more difficult, stated representatives of US government. Companies and citizens of United States are thus prohibited from selling for government of Venezuela owned or fixed assets. The same applies to central bank and oil company Petróleos de Venezuela (PDVSA). This is a way of corruption, said a government representative. Venezuela is a "kleptocracy" in which government "sells everything that is not screwed".

Watching Venezuela today. Sham elections change nothing. We need Venezuela people running this country... a nation with so much to offer world. We call on government to free JoshHolt

— Secretary Pompeo (@SecPompeo) May 20, 2018

Previously, US foreign minister Mike Pompeo had called election "Vertigo" and announced sanctions. These should support restoration of democracy and isolate Maduro international until this "free, fair and transparent" elections, says Pompeo.

Meanwhile, 14 states of Lima Group, including Canada, Brazil, Argentina and Mexico, want to withdraw ir ambassadors from Venezuela. The election did not meet standards of a democracy, states justified ir decision. Argentine Foreign Minister Jorge Faurie called on Venezuela to grant humanitarian aid to country on sidelines of G20 meeting in Buenos Aires.

Cuba and Russia congratulate

Criticism also came from EU. Spain's prime minister, Mariano Rajoy, announced "appropriate measures". They wanted to work toger with EU, twittered Rajoy. The Prime minister said that election did not even meet a minimum of democratic standards. The EU had already threatened criminal sanctions before election, should it not be fair.

En el proceso electoral de Venezuela no se han respetado los minims estándares democráticos. España estudiará junto a sus socios europeoas las medidas oportunas y seguirá trabajando para paliar el sufrimiento de los Venezolanos. Mr

mdash; Mariano Rajoy Brey (@marianorajoy) May 21, 2018

Also federal Foreign Minister Heiko Maas criticized vote from Buenos Aires. "These were not free and fair elections that Venezuelan people deserved," he tweeted. He condemned attempts to intimidate opposition, continued Maas.

At @HeikoMaas to Venezuela: These were not free fair elections that Venezuelan people deserved. We condemn attempts at intimidation against opposition U call on those responsible to finally leave humanitarian aid in country.

— Foreign Office (@AuswaertigesAmt) May 21, 2018

In meantime, Cuba and Russia congratulated re-elected president. Russia's head of state Vladimir Putin wanted "good health and success in solving social and economic challenges". Cuba spoke of a "broad victory".

Maduro does not want any elections

The state electoral authority had declared Maduro winner of election on Sunday evening. Maduro had announced that no elections would be allowed. "The electoral process is finished for now," he said. According to official data, socialist incumbent 67.7% of votes. Challenger Henri Falcón reached 21.1 percent, but did not recognize Maduro's election victory and demanded a repetition due to possible manipulations.

Evangelical preacher Javier Bertucci was able to unite around ten percent of votes. The Commission announced turnout at 46.1 percent. The opposition spoke of less than 30 percent. This was lowest value since beginning of so-called Bolivarian revolution in Venezuela two decades ago, observers shared. In vote in year 2015, turnout had still been at 80 percent. Decisive parts of opposition had called for a boycott of vote this time.

Date Of Update: 22 May 2018, 12:02