Venezuela calls for the release of frozen state assets to fund recovery after last month’s twin earthquakes, which have killed at least 3,600 people, according to reports. Speaking in Caracas, Foreign Minister Yvan Gil Pinto tells a meeting of United Nations officials and partners that countries holding “blocked funds” belonging to Venezuela should initiate a plan to release those funds for use in recovery efforts. He says the assets have been frozen in various countries as a result of what Venezuela describes as “illegal sanctions.”
Separately, the United Nations launches an urgent appeal on Wednesday to raise €259 million to support relief and response operations. The appeal targets funding needs for humanitarian assistance following the earthquakes, while partners and UN officials coordinate relief activities. Together, the statements highlight both Venezuela’s push to access financial resources held abroad and the UN’s effort to secure additional international funding for immediate earthquake response and recovery.
