Venezuela rejects the theft of CITGO by the U.S.

Yesterday, Venezuela issued a statement strongly rejecting  the forced sale of shares of the Petroleum Corporation (CITGO), a judicial process that the United States continues to carry out in violation of international law.

“We strongly reject the theft of CITGO instrumentalized by the U.S, government, Leopoldo Lopez, Juan Guaido, Julio Borges, and the neo-facist oligarchy,” Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez said, alluding to the far-right politicians who are involved in this looting operation.

“Venezuela will not recognize any type of fraudulent transaction. Through a great national union, the Venezuelan people will defend their heritage and will apply implacable justice to those who plotted this plunder against the Republic,” she added.

“The Government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela reiterates that it does not recognize or recognize the forced sale of CITGO, which is carried out in flagrant contempt for economic guarantees, due process, and the right to defense guaranteed by any civilized nation,” Rodriguez stressed.

“Venezuela will continue to adopt all measures at its disposal to prevent the consummation of the definitive dispossession of CITGO, while reserving the exercise of actions against any company or individual that acquires the shares, facilitates the purchase or negotiates with CITGO assets,” she added.

CITGO, which is affiliated to the Venezuelan state-run oil company, is  one of the most important Venezuelan assets abroad. The US-based company, is specialized in refining crude oil and distributing fuel in American territory.

The deadline for receiving bids to acquire the company in the United States ended last week, and it is expected that the sale will be done by July 15th.

Basma Qaddour