Antalya: Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Gil on Sunday criticized the US over its migrant expulsions, human rights issues, and tariff policies during the Antalya Diplomacy Forum held in Trkiye.

According to Anadolu Agency, Gil attributed the migration from Venezuela to the US to what he described as a hostile economic and political policy implemented by the US. He pointed out that while the US initially seemed to encourage Venezuelans to migrate, it is now actively expelling them from the country.

Gil expressed Venezuela's readiness to welcome back its citizens, highlighting a plan called 'back to the homeland' aimed at ensuring the safe return of Venezuelan migrants. He further denounced the US for what he termed 'cruel treatments and violations of human rights,' particularly concerning the detention of Venezuelans in US prisons.

The Venezuelan Foreign Minister also criticized the US tariff policy, labeling it as "dangerous." He noted that Venezuela has diversified its imports and therefore might not be heavily affected, but warned of broader global repercussions. He referenced a statement by China's President Xi Jinping, emphasizing that the global economy could be at risk if the US does not withdraw its tariffs.

The context for these comments includes US President Donald Trump's recent announcement of a 25% tariff on nations purchasing oil or gas from Venezuela, effective from April 2. Earlier, the White House introduced a baseline 10% tariff on foreign imports, with increased reciprocal tariffs targeting numerous countries, including significant trading partners.

While Trump signaled a temporary reduction of these higher tariffs to 10% for 90 days to facilitate negotiations, this concession did not extend to China. Instead, tariffs on Chinese imports were raised to 125%, with an additional 20% levy, provoking a retaliatory response from Beijing. This escalation has fueled fears of a potential trade war between the US and China, the world's two largest economies.