PM accuses Opposition of stoking US sanctions

The Prime Minister has accused Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar of undermining this country's foreign policy with false information relating to the sale of fuel to a foreign buyer.

In a statement Rowley said Persad-Bissessar accused the Government of breaking US sanctions against Venezuela by sending fuel to that country.

He said it was the UNC's position that for them to succeed, this country must fail. He said it was one thing to undermine TT's foreign policy, but to invite others to do so was "dastardly and disgusting."

Rowley made this statement on Saturday after it was reported that the US was investigating a shipment of fuel from Paria Fuel Trading Company that was sent to Aruba, but ended up in Venezuela.

Rowley, in the Parliament on Wednesday, denied any knowledge of TT making any sales to Venezuela. Energy Minister Franklin Khan had said the deal was made with Aruba and Government could not be held responsible for the end user of that product.

In his statement on Saturday, Rowley said in the face of those statements made in Parliament, the Opposition Leader "fuelling unfounded allegations against her own country in the hope that it will result in damaging sanctions which would destroy our economy and our friendly relationship with the United States."