US lifts sanctions on Venezuela’s acting president

The United States lifted sanctions on Delcy Rodríguez, signalling improved ties with Venezuela after years of tensions. The move may boost economic cooperation, oil sector engagement, and diplomatic normalization following leadership changes in Caracas

Washington: The United States has removed sanctions on Venezuela’s Acting President Delcy Rodriguez, according to an update posted on the website of the US Treasury Department.

The US Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control on Wednesday (Local time) said Rodriguez had been removed from its sanctions list, without providing further details on the decision, reports Xinhua news agency.

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In a post on social media platform X, Rodriguez welcomed the move as a positive step toward normalising and strengthening bilateral relations. She expressed hope that additional sanctions on Venezuela could be lifted to support economic development and cooperation.

“President Trump’s decision is a significant step in the right direction to normalise and strengthen relations between our countries. We trust that this progress and determination will ultimately lead to the lifting of the additional active sanctions on our country,” she posted.

“This will allow for rapid economic development, investment, and an effective bilateral cooperation agenda for the benefit of our peoples. Let’s keep working toward a prosperous Venezuela for all!” Rodriguez added.

Rodriguez previously served as vice president under President Nicolas Maduro and was sanctioned by the United States in 2018 as part of measures targeting members of his government.

On January 3, US military forces launched a large-scale operation against Venezuela and forcibly seized Maduro and his wife before transporting them to New York. Rodriguez subsequently assumed the role of acting president, and Washington has since engaged with her administration.

US-Venezuela relations have long been strained. In recent months, the United States has eased certain restrictions, particularly in the energy sector. Venezuela holds some of the world’s largest proven oil reserves and remains an important player in the global energy landscape.

On Monday, the US Embassy in Caracas resumed operations after being closed for seven years.