EU officials said in a statement the sanctions target individuals and do not affect the population in general. Venezuela’s Supreme Court, which is loyal to Mr Maduro, earlier this month created a new elections commission ahead of parliamentary voting expected this year. Critics of Mr Maduro say the elections commission is stacked with members loyal to the president. While the United States has led the push to oust Mr Maduro with sanctions, leaders in Europe and Canada have also thrown their support behind Mr Guaido, in a coalition of nearly 60 nations. However, Mr Maduro remains in power with control over the military and international support from allies including China, Russia, Iran and Cuba.

Source: Irish Independent June 30, 2020 00:11 UTC