US says it's ready to 'pause' sanctions relief for Venezuela unless further progress seen

[Eugene]

Source: Reuters

US says it's ready to 'pause' sanctions relief for Venezuela unless further progress seen

Matt Spetalnick and Steve Holland
Fri, December 1, 2023 at 3:36 PM EST·3 min read

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The White House said on Friday it was prepared to "pause" sanctions relief for OPEC member Venezuela in coming days unless there is further progress on the release of Venezuelan political prisoners and "wrongfully detained" Americans.

Speaking after a deadline for Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro to meet certain commitments, White House national security spokesperson John Kirby said the U.S. welcomed an announcement on Thursday that opposition presidential candidates barred from public office would be able to appeal to Venezuela’s highest court.

But he said the Venezuelan government needed to do more or else Venezuela would risk a U.S. freeze on some relaxed sanctions unveiled in mid-October in response to a deal between Maduro and the country’s opposition on holding a 2024 presidential election.

Any “snapback” of partially lifted U.S. sanctions would mark a major shift from President Joe Biden's new approach toward Venezuela.

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Read more: https://news.yahoo.com/us-says-ready-pause-sanctions-203613413.html