European Union moves to ban manufacturers from selling arms to Venezuela

European Union diplomats said Friday (10 November) that the EU is set to ban arms sales to Venezuela, and could impose asset freezes and travel restrictions on some Venezuelan officials in order to ramp up pressure on President Nicolas Maduro.

Two diplomats confirmed to the Associated Press that EU foreign ministers will announce the measures at talks in Brussels on Monday.

One said the actions are meant "to encourage a return to dialogue as soon as possible."

The diplomats asked to have their names withheld because the measures haven't been officially announced.

The weapons ban would stop sales of military equipment by European manufacturers that could be used for repression or surveillance of Venezuelans.

The United States on Thursday put financial sanctions on another 10 current and former Venezuelan officials over corruption and abuse of power allegations related to Maduro's crackdown on opposition.