2014英语四级听力练习慢速3.19(1)_大学英语听力

2014英语四级听力练习慢速3.19(1)

　　Cuban American politicians in the United States, are among the loudest critics of the Venezuelan government. The politicians have denounced Venezuelas violent repressions of anti-government demonstrations. Cuban American members of Congress have led efforts to punish the Venezuelan leadership. And these lawmakers may also want to cause problems in Cuba.

　　The three are Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen from Florida, and two Senators: Marco Rubio, also of Florida, and Robert Menendez of New Jersey.

　　The proposed sanctions include banning visas and barring Venezuelan leaders from using any money or property held in the United States. The lawmakers say these measures will send a message condemning the use of force against anti-government protesters.

　　William LeoGrande is a specialist in Latin American politics at the American University in Washington, DC. He says the goal of the sanctions is to break up Venezuelas alliance with Cuba. One way is to end the flow of low-priced Venezuelan oil to Cuba.

　　If the current government of Venezuela were to be overthrown, a conservative government would probably cut that assistance to Cuba and thereby destabilize the situation in Cuba. That, I think, is what conservative Cuban-Americans are after.

　　There is public anger in Venezuela about food shortages, high inflation and the high crime rate. This anger has fueled sometimes violent demonstrations in the country. Venezuelas leaders blame the United States for inciting and supporting such protests. But U.S. officials have denied any such involvement.