The United States government is waiting for the government of Nicolás Maduro and the opposition to promptly announce the resumption of political negotiations in Mexico, sources familiar with the matter indicated. Reuters.
Meanwhile, Washington is easing some restrictions on the Maduro government to favor talks.
Talks
“President Joe Biden’s administration will, as early as Tuesday, authorize US oil company Chevron Corp (CVX.N) to open negotiations with the Maduro government, temporarily lifting the US ban on such discussions,” Reuters noted.
However, he clarified that there is still no final decision from the United States on the renewal of Chevron’s current limited license to operate in Venezuela.
Chevron will be authorized to talk to the government and PDVSA about the future of the company’s operations in the country, according to a US official.
The permit is necessary due to US sanctions that prohibit dealings with PDVSA or any sanctioned official. But the decision to allow contacts between Chevron and PDVSA has “guardrails” to avoid going beyond what is authorized.
The official stressed that it was done in consultation with the opposition. And that the US moves are intended to pave the way for talks in Mexico.
The United States also agreed to remove Erick Malpica, a former PDVSA official and the nephew of Cilia Flores, from a sanctions list. the official said.
