The US blocked Venezuela Friday from pursuing its dispute over US sanctions at the World Trade Organization (WTO). The Biden administration does not recognize Nicolás Maduro as the legitimate president of Venezuela, due to claims of election manipulation and illegitimate presidency. Instead, the administration recognizes Juan Guaidó as the interim president. By Cassie Maas. Full Text -> TheJurist

The U.S. “exercised its rights as a WTO member to object to this illegitimate panel request because representatives of the Maduro regime do not speak on behalf of the Venezuelan people,” according to a statement issued by the U.S. Mission in Geneva. “The U.S. will reject any effort by Maduro to misuse the WTO to attack U.S. sanctions aimed at restoring human rights and democracy to Venezuela.” The meeting ended prematurely after Venezuela refused Washington’s demand that the WTO remove Venezuela’s dispute request from the meeting agenda, according to the official attending the meeting. The impasse means that the WTO can’t hold any regular dispute settlement meetings unless and until the U.S. or Venezuela back down.
By Bryce Baschuk. Full Text -> Bloomberg