Venezuela’s Maduro and Opposition Expected to Discuss; U.S. Eases Some Sanctions – Sources

By Vivian Sequera, Matt Spetalnick, and Marianna Parraga

CARACAS/WASHINGTON – Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and the opposition are expected to announce a resumption of negotiations as the United States eases some sanctions to facilitate the talks, according to officials familiar with the situation.

The Biden administration has given authorization for U.S. oil company Chevron to engage in discussions with Maduro’s government, temporarily lifting a ban on such interactions, as per senior administration officials. However, a final decision on renewing Chevron’s current limited license to operate in Venezuela has not yet been made. Chevron is the last U.S. oil producer still active in a country known for holding the world’s largest crude reserves.

Additionally, the U.S. is poised to remove Erick Malpica, a former official at the state oil company PDVSA and nephew of Venezuela’s first lady, from its sanctions list, according to an anonymous U.S. official.

These developments, which officials indicate were made in consultation with Venezuelan opposition figures, follow a significant visit to Caracas by a high-ranking U.S. delegation earlier this year that resulted in the release of two U.S. detainees.

During the talks in Caracas, Maduro requested the lifting of sanctions on Malpica. However, opposition representatives stated they did not ask for any delisting of sanctioned officials. The White House has not provided immediate comments on these matters.

Maduro has also shown a willingness to return to negotiations in Mexico with the opposition, which had previously stalled in October. Sources report that both sides are expected to set a date soon for resuming discussions.

On Tuesday, a photo was shared showing leaders of both government and opposition negotiating teams shaking hands, with the caption highlighting the aim of "rescuing the Mexico spirit."

These negotiations seek to address Venezuela’s prolonged political crisis, with U.S. officials asserting that any significant easing of sanctions will depend on progress during these talks. The U.S. has recognized Juan Guaido, the opposition leader, as the legitimate president, denouncing Maduro’s 2018 re-election as fraudulent. Despite this, Maduro continues to maintain his grip on power.

Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez expressed hopes via social media that ultimately, the U.S. would lift all "illegal sanctions affecting our people."

In another move, the Biden administration recently announced a revised policy towards Cuba, easing some restrictions established during the Trump administration.

The U.S. is preparing to host the Summit of the Americas in early June, with leaders from Mexico and Bolivia threatening to boycott if Cuba, Nicaragua, and Maduro’s government are excluded. U.S. officials have denied any linkage between policy changes in Venezuela and the summit.

GUARDRAILS

The decision to permit contact between Chevron and PDVSA, crucial to Venezuela’s oil sector that is currently under U.S. sanctions, includes "guardrails" to restrict these interactions solely to discussions about "potential future activities," an official noted. Future U.S. actions will be contingent upon Maduro taking "constructive" steps in the negotiations.

This authorization does not permit Chevron to enter into agreements with PDVSA or engage in other activities involving the state oil firm, according to a senior administration official. Relief from sanctions will be carefully calibrated based on "ambitious, concrete and irreversible outcomes" from the talks, with officials warning that any regression by Maduro could lead to the reversal of U.S. actions.

Chevron has yet to respond to inquiries for comment.

U.S. Senator Robert Menendez, the chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and a member of the Democratic Party, stated that the administration should refrain from lifting additional sanctions until Maduro makes substantive concessions at the negotiating table.