[Asia Economy Reporter Byunghee Park] The U.S. government has reportedly allowed Chevron, an American oil company, to resume limited crude oil production in Venezuela, CNN reported on the 26th (local time). This move represents a relaxation of U.S. oil sanctions against the Venezuelan government to stabilize oil prices.
The U.S. Treasury Department announced that it has authorized Chevron to resume natural resource extraction operations in Venezuela.
In 2020, the U.S. imposed sanctions on Venezuelan oil exports to pressure the Nicol?s Maduro regime, which led to the suspension of joint ventures between Chevron and Venezuela's state-owned oil company PDVSA. With the U.S. government's approval, Chevron can resume activities related to the joint venture operations with PDVSA, but PDVSA is not allowed to receive revenue from Chevron's oil sales.
This authorization was granted because negotiations between the Maduro regime and the opposition, a condition set by the U.S. government for easing sanctions, have resumed.
Juan Guaid?, leader of Venezuela's opposition, declared himself interim president in January 2019, disputing Maduro's 2018 election victory as fraudulent.
Over 60 countries, including the U.S., recognized Guaid? in opposition to Maduro's re-election, but after a failed military uprising by the opposition in April 2019, conflicts between the government and opposition continued, and their dialogue was suspended after October last year.
The Treasury Department stated that the Maduro regime and the opposition negotiation team met in Mexico City on the day of the announcement, agreeing on humanitarian aid for the Venezuelan people and to continue dialogue regarding the 2024 presidential election.
The Treasury Department said, "This is a step in the right direction toward restoring democracy in Venezuela," and added, "The United States welcomes and supports the resumption of negotiations between the opposition and the Maduro regime."
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