CARACAS — Venezuela’s government is seeking the release of frozen overseas assets to help finance reconstruction after twin earthquakes last month killed thousands of people and caused widespread damage, officials said, as authorities appeal for international assistance and access to blocked funds.
Foreign Minister Yvan Gil Pinto called on countries holding Venezuelan state funds to begin a process to make the assets available for recovery efforts during a meeting with United Nations officials and humanitarian partners. He said Venezuela had accounts abroad that were frozen because of sanctions, and argued the funds should be used to support reconstruction.
The June 24 earthquakes have left thousands dead, injured and displaced, according to Venezuelan authorities. National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez said the death toll had risen to 3,811, with 16,740 people injured and nearly 18,000 left homeless.
Interim President Delcy Rodriguez has also urged foreign governments to ease restrictions on Venezuela and allow access to blocked resources. She said frozen assets could help fund rebuilding, employment programs and education initiatives.
Among the assets Venezuela has sought access to are gold reserves held in the United Kingdom. Rodriguez said she had contacted King Charles requesting the release of Venezuelan gold stored at the Bank of England, which has been subject to a long-running legal dispute.
The United States has authorized some temporary measures to allow earthquake-related relief transactions that would otherwise have been restricted under sanctions, while broader sanctions remain in place. Venezuela has long argued that sanctions have limited its ability to access international financial resources, while countries imposing the measures have linked them to political and security concerns.
The government has also discussed financial support with the International Monetary Fund. IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva spoke with Delcy Rodriguez about possible use of Venezuela’s reserve tranche at the fund, which the IMF described as a source of liquidity that could be mobilized quickly for urgent needs.
The United Nations has launched an emergency appeal for earthquake relief funding as rescue operations transition toward recovery efforts. Humanitarian officials said additional resources are needed to address immediate needs among affected communities.
Venezuelan officials have continued negotiations and diplomatic appeals for access to financial resources, while international organizations and governments assess further support for the country’s reconstruction efforts.
