CARACAS, Venezuela \u2014 Venezuela\u2019s National Assembly on Tuesday approved a measure that criminalizes a broad range of activities that can hinder navigation and commerce in the South American country, such as the seizure of oil tankers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The bill \u2014 introduced, debated and approved within two days \u2014 follows this month\u2019s seizures by U.S. forces of two tankers carrying Venezuelan oil in international waters. The seizures are the latest strategy in U.S. President Donald Trump\u2019s four-month pressure campaign on Venezuelan leader Nicol\u00e1s Maduro.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The tankers are part of what the Trump administration has said is a fleet Venezuela uses to evade U.S. economic sanctions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The unicameral assembly, which is controlled by Venezuela\u2019s ruling party, did not publish drafts on Tuesday nor the final version of the measure. But as read on the floor, the bill calls for fines and prison sentences of up to 20 years for anyone who promotes, requests, supports, finances or participates in \u201cacts of piracy, blockades or other international illegal acts\u201d against commercial entities operating with the South American country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Venezuela\u2019s political opposition, including Nobel Peace laureate Mar\u00eda Corina Machado, has expressed support for Trump\u2019s Venezuela policy, including the seizure of tankers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The bill, which now awaits Maduro\u2019s signature, also instructs the executive branch to come up with \u201cincentives and mechanisms for economic, commercial and other protections\u201d for national or foreign entities doing business with Venezuela in the event of piracy activities, a maritime blockade or other unlawful acts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The U.S. Coast Guard on Saturday seized a Panama-flagged vessel called Centuries that officials said was part of the fleet moving sanctioned cargo. With assistance from the U.S. Navy, it seized a rogue tanker called Skipper on Dec. 10. That ship was registered in Panama.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Trump, after that first seizure, said the U.S. would carry out a \u201cblockade\u201d of Venezuela. He has repeatedly said that Maduro\u2019s days in power are numbered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIf he wants to do something, if he plays tough, it\u2019ll be the last time he\u2019ll ever be able to play tough,\u201d Trump said of Maduro Monday as he took a break from his Florida vacation to announce plans for the Navy to build a large new warship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n