Maduro demands release of funds for COVAX vaccines

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro on Friday demanded the US government release funds frozen by international sanctions so his country can meet payments to the UN initiative for COVID-19 vaccines. Maduro said after Caracas had paid 120 million dollars to the COVAX mechanism, the organization notified Venezuela some 10 million remained outstanding. According to Maduro, the Swiss bank UBS reported the payment was blocked and under investigation. He said Washington's actions were "criminal." Venezuela, which has had little access to vaccines, expects to receive a supply of 11.3 million doses from the basket of different vaccines provided by COVAX.