US pledges $13.6 million in new aid for Venezuelan migrants

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Agency for International Development is pledging $18 million in new aid for Venezuelan migrants and the opposition in both Nicaragua and Cuba.

USAID chief Mark Green said Friday the agency is putting an additional $13.6 million for those fleeing Venezuela to neighbouring countries, bringing the total to $108.6 since the beginning of fiscal year 2017.

Green also announced additional $4 million to support civil society organizations in Nicaragua, bringing the total to $5.5 million. He was speaking at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington.

The official added that USAID will provide additional $750,000 in humanitarian assistance for political prisoners in Cuba. The U.S. provides $20 million a year to support civil society in Cuba.