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U.S.

North Korea: Legislative Basis for U.S. Economic Sanctions

Posted Wed, 09/29/2010 - 00:00

U.S. economic sanctions imposed on North Korea are instigated by that country's activities related to weapons proliferation, regional disruptions, anti-terrorism, and undemocratic governance. The sanctions have the following consequences for U.S.-North Korea relations: • Trade is minimal and mostly limited to food, medicine, and other humanitarian-related goods. North Korea has no advantageous trade status and is outright denied certain goods--including luxury goods--and trade financing, primarily due to its proliferation activities.

Venezuela: Issues in the 111th Congress

Posted Fri, 09/03/2010 - 00:00

The United States traditionally has had close relations with Venezuela, a major supplier of foreign oil, but there has been friction in relations for almost a decade under the government of populist President Hugo Chávez. U.S. officials have expressed concerns about human rights, Venezuela's military arms purchases, its relations with Cuba and Iran, and its efforts to export its brand of populism to other Latin American countries. Declining cooperation on anti-drug and anti-terrorism efforts has also been a concern.