(UTV|COLOMBO) – The United Nations has released $9.2 million for food, medicine and other help for Venezuelans through an emergency relief fund, the first such assistance during the country’s deepening political and economic crisis.
The move to unlock the Central Emergency Relief Fund for various U.N. agencies since mid-November marks a breakthrough because such U.N. emergency funding for a country generally requires the approval of its government.
President Nicolas Maduro has repeatedly denied that Venezuela needs outside aid, pinning blame for the country’s woes on what he calls imperialist countries, like the United States and some European Union members plotting an invasion.
A once-wealthy oil-nation, Venezuela has been in the grips of an economic crisis for at least five years under two decades of socialist rule. Masses are migrating from the country, while millions staying behind struggle to afford scarce food and medicine.
