Venezuela denounces US threat of naval blockade

CARACAS - Venezuela on Tuesday denounced the US threat of a total blockade of all sanctioned oil tankers traveling to and from the country, calling the move a violation of international law and vowing to raise the issue before the United Nations.

In a statement, the Venezuelan government said US President Donald Trump had issued what it called a "grave and reckless threat" against the country, claiming that it violated international law, free trade and freedom of navigation.

Trump claimed Venezuela's oil, land and mineral resources as US property and demanded their immediate surrender, while seeking to impose a naval blockade aimed at "robbing the nation of its natural wealth," it added.

Venezuela reaffirmed its sovereignty over its natural resources and its right to free navigation and commerce in the Caribbean Sea and international waters, it said, adding that it would act in strict accordance with the UN Charter and international law.

In response to the threat, Venezuela's permanent representative to the United Nations would immediately file a formal complaint.

Calling on the US public and the international community to reject the threat, the statement said Venezuela would never return to a colonial status and would continue defending its independence and sovereignty.

Trump said on Tuesday that he has ordered a total blockade of all sanctioned oil tankers traveling to and from Venezuela, escalating a months-long pressure campaign against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.

In response, Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez said that any US attempts to block sanctioned oil tankers entering or leaving Venezuela constitute a violation of international law.