Washington, Jan. 10 -- US President Donald Trump on Friday (local time) signed an Executive Order declaring a national emergency to protect Venezuelan oil revenue held in US Treasury accounts from legal attachment or judicial seizure, saying the move is aimed at advancing US foreign policy and national security objectives.

According to the White House, the Executive Order blocks any attachment, judgment, lien, execution, garnishment or other judicial process against Venezuelan oil revenues and diluent sales deposited in US Treasury accounts. These funds, termed "Foreign Government Deposit Funds," are to remain frozen unless specifically authorised under the new order.

The order also prohibits any transfer or dealing in the funds and ove...