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In response to the devastating earthquake that struck Venezuela, the U.S. Treasury Department has announced the issuance of General License 60. This licence aims to provide critical relief and support to the affected communities by expanding authorisations for humanitarian assistance efforts.
General License 60 builds upon previous authorisations issued by the U.S. government to facilitate emergency earthquake relief efforts in Venezuela. The licence enables additional clarity and certainty for organisations delivering humanitarian assistance, allowing them to focus on immediate relief and recovery efforts in the affected regions.
The Trumpet of Hope Venezuela has welcomed this move by the US Treasury Department, stating that ‘the additional clarity and certainty brought about by General License 60 will undoubtedly facilitate a more efficient humanitarian response to the disaster-stricken areas within Venezuela’.
As part of the licence, the following authorisations have been expanded:
– Payments and transfers by US persons to or for the benefit of the Venezuelan Ministry of Finance and Public Credit, including its subdivisions and the entities they control or have a significant involvement in, to facilitate access to essential goods and services such as food, medicine, and infrastructure support.
– Provision of humanitarian support to individuals in Venezuela, including emergency response, relief, and recovery operations, in support of the Government of Venezuela’s official humanitarian activities.
– Activities related to the delivery of humanitarian assistance to individuals within Venezuela, including emergency response, relief, and recovery operations, in support of the official humanitarian activities of the Government of Venezuela.
The issuance of General License 60 is a significant development in the U.S. government’s efforts to support Venezuela during this time of crisis. The licence serves to reinforce the administration’s commitment to addressing the humanitarian needs of the Venezuelan people and promoting stability in the region.
‘In the face of this tragic disaster, the people of Venezuela require our urgent support, and today’s action demonstrates the U.S. commitment to that goal,’ stated a senior State Department official at a press conference.
US Secretary of State, Anthony Blinken has also welcomed the licence stating that the move will ‘support the Venezuelan people during this period of need, while also reinforcing our long-standing policy of standing by those affected by crises’
The licence will remain in effect until 12:01 am Eastern Time on June 6, 2024, unless extended or terminated prior to that date.
It is worth noting, this is not the first time the U.S. government has relaxed restrictions on doing business with Venezuela in response to humanitarian crises, but the move underscores ongoing efforts to help alleviate the suffering of the Venezuelan people.