The Energy Department said today the only oil going in and out of Venezuela will be that that goes through *** US approved channel, and we are hearing administration officials from here at the White House to Capitol Hill say they’re willing to use military action and economic pressure to enforce it. The US confirmed it seized two sanctioned oil tankers Wednesday from Venezuela, including one flying *** Russian flag. US officials say they worked. The British military to take control of the ship which the United Kingdom accused of evading sanctions to fuel conflict and misery. Russia responded by saying, quote, No state has the right to use force against vessels duly registered in the jurisdictions of other states. At the same time as the administration is stopping certain oil shipments, they’re deciding which ones from Venezuela can move. Officials announcing they will selectively roll back some sanctions. Allowing the sale of 30 to 50 million barrels of Venezuelan oil, President Trump says the proceeds would be controlled by him, to ensure it is used to benefit the people of Venezuela and the United States. The White House says the deal was agreed upon with Venezuelan interim authorities, who the US has maximum leverage over. We’re continuing to be in close coordination with the interim authorities, and their decisions are going to continue to be dictated. By the United States of America. This is an insane plan. They are talking about stealing the Venezuelan oil at gunpoint for *** period of time undefined as leverage to micromanage the country. President Donald Trump will host oil executives here at the White House Friday to discuss quote the immense opportunities of rebuilding Venezuela’s oil infrastructure at the White House. I’m Christopher Sales.
US lifts sanctions on Venezuela’s acting President Delcy Rodríguez
The U.S. on Wednesday lifted sanctions on Venezuela’s acting President Delcy Rodríguez, according to an Office of Foreign Assets Control entry on the Treasury Department website.The newly announced sanctions relief represents a strong signal that the U.S. recognizes Rodríguez as a legitimate authority in Venezuela. Washington has already formally recognized her as the country’s head of state in legal and diplomatic settings.Venezuela’s government did not immediately respond to a request for comment.The lifted sanctions come as the Trump administration has been engaging with Venezuela’s interim government since the U.S. military captured Rodriguez’s predecessor, Nicolás Maduro, and his wife on Jan. 3 in Venezuela’s capital, Caracas.The pair were taken to New York to face drug trafficking charges and both have pleaded not guilty.Maduro legally is still Venezuela’s president. In the hours after the Jan. 3 operation, the country’s ruling party-loyal high court declared his absence “temporary,” effectively eliminating the need for a speedy election and keeping the protections the office grants him under international law. The court ordered Rodríguez to take office for up to 90 days with the possibility of extending it to six months if approved by the National Assembly, which is also controlled by the ruling party and presided over by her brother. The 90-day period ends Friday.
The U.S. on Wednesday lifted sanctions on Venezuela’s acting President Delcy Rodríguez, according to an Office of Foreign Assets Control entry on the Treasury Department website.
The newly announced sanctions relief represents a strong signal that the U.S. recognizes Rodríguez as a legitimate authority in Venezuela. Washington has already formally recognized her as the country’s head of state in legal and diplomatic settings.
Venezuela’s government did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The lifted sanctions come as the Trump administration has been engaging with Venezuela’s interim government since the U.S. military captured Rodriguez’s predecessor, Nicolás Maduro, and his wife on Jan. 3 in Venezuela’s capital, Caracas.
The pair were taken to New York to face drug trafficking charges and both have pleaded not guilty.
Maduro legally is still Venezuela’s president. In the hours after the Jan. 3 operation, the country’s ruling party-loyal high court declared his absence “temporary,” effectively eliminating the need for a speedy election and keeping the protections the office grants him under international law. The court ordered Rodríguez to take office for up to 90 days with the possibility of extending it to six months if approved by the National Assembly, which is also controlled by the ruling party and presided over by her brother. The 90-day period ends Friday.
