Venezuela Seeks Release of Frozen Assets for Earthquake Reconstruction

Venezuela has officially requested the release of state assets and public funds frozen in the international financial system. The government aims to allocate these resources to national reconstruction projects in the wake of devastating earthquakes that struck in June, claiming over 3,600 lives.

Foreign Minister Yván Gil presented the request during a virtual meeting with representatives from the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). Gil argued that accessing these sovereign capitals, restricted by ongoing international sanctions, is crucial for accelerating the stabilization of public services and residential areas in the affected northern regions.

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We reaffirm our solidarity with the people of Venezuela.

In parallel, the United Nations has activated an international emergency fund seeking $296 million from donor nations. The humanitarian assistance program, coordinated by UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Tom Fletcher, is designed to support 1.3 million citizens impacted by the disaster. Fletcher is currently in Caracas meeting with local authorities to advance the aid efforts.

Fletcher described the plan as having concrete timelines and goals, emphasizing the gravity of the situation. Venezuela's government insists that the immediate availability of blocked bank deposits abroad would be the most efficient way to address the emergency, reducing reliance on traditional external financing. The UN's proposed aid collection will prioritize a six-month period under specific audit schemes.

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We want to call on all countries that still have blocked funds that belong to...