US, Latin America allies to weigh sanctions on Venezuela

WASHINGTON – Colombia’s ambassador to the U.S. says 18 countries of the Americas will meet Monday to consider multilateral sanctions against Venezuela.

Francisco Santos says Colombia expects to get the required 13 votes during the meeting in New York. His government accuses Venezuela of harbouring terrorists.

The 70-year-old Rio Treaty says a threat to any member is a threat to all.

Sanctions can include loss of diplomatic recognition, an economic boycott or even military action. Santos says that last option is off the table.

Many of the countries at the meeting already have withdrawn recognition of Venezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro in favour of opposition leader Juan Guaidó, though his effort to oust Maduro has so far failed.

Venezuela withdrew from the Rio Treaty, but the members have accepted Guaidó’s request to rejoin.