US lifts sanctions on Venezuelan interim leader Delcy Rodriguez

The United States on Wednesday, April 1,  lifted sanctions on Delcy Rodriguez, who assumed leadership after her predecessor, Nicolas Maduro, was removed in a January military operation. Her name was removed from the US Treasurys sanctions list, signaling a major shift in Washingtons approach and recognition of her authority. Rodrguez welcomed the move, describing it as part of improving ties between the two nations. "We trust that this progress will allow for the lifting of the sanctions currently in force against our country, and make it possible to build and guarantee an effective binational cooperation agenda for the benefit of our peoples," she added. Relations between Washington and Caracas have improved since Maduros ouster, with Rodrguez working closely with Donald Trumps administration, including opening Venezuelas energy sector to US investment. Rodriguez, who previously served as vice president under Maduro, had been sanctioned along with several key officials, including Vladimir Padrino Lpez and Diosdado Cabello, for their roles in the former government. She dismissed Padrino Lopez in mid-March but continues to balance pressure from Washington with expectations from domestic allies. Cabello, who remains in office, is considered one of her main supporters. In a sign of improving diplomatic ties, the US Embassy in Caracas resumed operations earlier this week after a seven-year closure. The shift follows a US military operation on January 3 that captured Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, in Caracas. They were taken to New York to face drug trafficking charges, which they deny. According to Venezuelan authorities, the operation resulted in around 100 deaths. The post US lifts sanctions on Venezuelan interim leader Delcy Rodriguez appeared first on Linda Ikeji Blog.