The United States on Saturday eased some Venezuelan oil-related sanctions as company Chevron has been allowed to resume some activity in Venezuela.&nbsp;

Certain oil sanctions were eased by the Biden administration to support the negotiations that recently started between President Nicolás Maduro's government and its opposition.&nbsp;

After more than a yearlong hiatus, crucial talks between the Maduro government and the "Unitary Platform" resumed in Mexico City on Saturday as both sides announced a humanitarian agreement on education, health and other social issues.&nbsp;

The Treasury Department said it would allow Chevron to resume limited oil extraction operations in Venezuela. This comes after years of sanctions aimed at restricting oil and gas profits that have reportedly flowed to Maduro's government.&nbsp;

Previously, the California-based Chevron and other US companies were given permission again by the Treasury Department to do the basic upkeep of wells it operates jointly with state-run oil giant PDVSA.&nbsp;

As per the new policies, instead of providing profits to PDVSA, the profits from the sale of energy would be directed to paying down debt owed to Chevron.&nbsp;

A senior administration official said of the talks in Mexico that "we join the international community in welcoming the resumption of negotiations." The official further noted that the accord marked "important steps in the right direction" in Venezuela.&nbsp;

As quoted by the news agencies, Democratic Sen Bob Menendez of New Jersey, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said in a statement: "If Maduro again tries to use these negotiations to buy time to further consolidate his criminal dictatorship, the United States and our international partners must snap back the full force of our sanctions that brought his regime to the negotiating table in the first place."&nbsp;

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The United States on Saturday eased some Venezuelan oil-related sanctions as company Chevron has been allowed to resume some activity in Venezuela. Certain oil sanctions were eased by the Biden administration to support the negotiations that recently started between President Nicolás Maduro's government and its opposition.

The United States on Saturday eased some Venezuelan oil-related sanctions as company Chevron has been allowed to resume some activity in Venezuela. Certain oil sanctions were eased by the Biden administration to support the negotiations that recently started between President Nicolás Maduro's government and its opposition. After more than a yearlong hiatus, crucial talks between the Maduro government and the "Unitary Platform" resumed in Mexico City on Saturday as both sides announced a humanitarian agreement on education, health and other social issues. The Treasury Department said it would allow Chevron to resume limited oil extraction operations in Venezuela. This comes after years of sanctions aimed at restricting oil and gas profits that have reportedly flowed to Maduro's government. Previously, the California-based Chevron and other US companies were given permission again by the Treasury Department to do the basic upkeep of wells it operates jointly with state-run oil giant PDVSA. As per the new policies, instead of providing profits to PDVSA, the profits from the sale of energy would be directed to paying down debt owed to Chevron. A senior administration official said of the talks in Mexico that "we join the international community in welcoming the resumption of negotiations." The official further noted that the accord marked "important steps in the right direction" in Venezuela. As quoted by the news agencies, Democratic Sen Bob Menendez of New Jersey, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said in a statement: "If Maduro again tries to use these negotiations to buy time to further consolidate his criminal dictatorship, the United States and our international partners must snap back the full force of our sanctions that brought his regime to the negotiating table in the first place." WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Chevron to resume 'limited' energy production in Venezuela after years of sanctions

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro said on Thursday he will not travel to New York for the annual meeting of the United Nations General Assembly later this month, but that two of his envoys would attend to denounce US sanctions on the OPEC nation.

Maduro said Executive Vice President Delcy Rodriguez and Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza would attend the meeting and present the UN secretary-general with a petition signed by 12 million Venezuelans criticizing the sanctions, part of the Trump administration's effort to pressure Maduro to leave the office.

"Here is the immense majority of the Venezuelan people saying no more blockade, no more sanctions," Maduro said in a speech to the youth wing of the ruling socialist party.

"This year I will stay with you all working in Venezuela, safely and calmly."

Maduro, who Washington accuses of corruption and human rights violations, travelled at the last minute to New York last year after saying he may not because of an alleged assassination plot.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro said on Thursday he will not travel to New York for the annual meeting of the United Nations General Assembly later this month, but that two of his envoys would attend to denounce US sanctions on the OPEC nation.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro said on Thursday he will not travel to New York for the annual meeting of the United Nations General Assembly later this month, but that two of his envoys would attend to denounce US sanctions on the OPEC nation. Maduro said Executive Vice President Delcy Rodriguez and Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza would attend the meeting and present the UN secretary-general with a petition signed by 12 million Venezuelans criticizing the sanctions, part of the Trump administration's effort to pressure Maduro to leave the office. "Here is the immense majority of the Venezuelan people saying no more blockade, no more sanctions," Maduro said in a speech to the youth wing of the ruling socialist party. "This year I will stay with you all working in Venezuela, safely and calmly." Maduro, who Washington accuses of corruption and human rights violations, travelled at the last minute to New York last year after saying he may not because of an alleged assassination plot.

Venezuela's Maduro says he will skip UN, but envoys will slam US sanctions

The UN human rights chief on Wednesday stepped up her criticism of US sanctions against Venezuela's government, a day after President Donald Trump warned Washington could still impose "tougher" measures.&nbsp;

Michelle Bachelet, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, also renewed her tough criticism of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's government, accusing it of a violent crackdown on dissent.&nbsp;

But a day after the US announced new sanctions on a Venezuelan state mining company and Trump said he was ready "to go a lot tougher," Bachelet cautioned that Washington's moves could hurt ordinary Venezuelans.&nbsp;

"I am concerned that the recent sanctions on financial transfers related to the sale of Venezuelan oil within the United States may contribute to aggravating the economic crisis, with possible repercussions on people's basic rights and wellbeing," she told the Human Rights Council.&nbsp;

Bachelet had previously warned that sanctions have "exacerbated" the crisis.

In addition to the measures announced Tuesday against mining company Minerven, the US has cut Maduro's regime off from the revenue generated by its state oil company, which counts on the US as a key market through operator Citgo.

Speaking in Geneva as the Minerven sanctions were being announced, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs Carrie Filipetti told reporters that the US was not trying to harm Venezuela's population.&nbsp;

"We have tried to target our sanctions as much as possible so that it can affect the regime but leave the individual Venezuelans as untouched as possible," she said.&nbsp;

The US and more than 50 other countries recognise Venezuela's opposition leader Juan Guaido, the head of the National Assembly, as the country's rightful president.

- Reprisals? - 
A rights office team is currently in Venezuela to assess the crisis.&nbsp;

Civil society groups have said that doctors are coming under pressure from Maduro's government for trying to alert the UN mission about the severe lack of hospital medicine and equipment.

"It is important that the team have completely unhindered access, with no reprisals against any person who has met, or sought to meet, with them," Bachelet told the rights council.

It was not immediately clear if she was referring to the reported pressure facing her staff.&nbsp;

Nearly three million people have fled Venezuela since 2015 and about 5,000 are leaving each day amid a devastating political crisis and economic collapse.&nbsp;

The UN human rights chief on Wednesday stepped up her criticism of US sanctions against Venezuela's government, a day after President Donald Trump warned Washington could still impose "tougher" measures.

The UN human rights chief on Wednesday stepped up her criticism of US sanctions against Venezuela's government, a day after President Donald Trump warned Washington could still impose "tougher" measures. Michelle Bachelet, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, also renewed her tough criticism of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's government, accusing it of a violent crackdown on dissent. But a day after the US announced new sanctions on a Venezuelan state mining company and Trump said he was ready "to go a lot tougher," Bachelet cautioned that Washington's moves could hurt ordinary Venezuelans. "I am concerned that the recent sanctions on financial transfers related to the sale of Venezuelan oil within the United States may contribute to aggravating the economic crisis, with possible repercussions on people's basic rights and wellbeing," she told the Human Rights Council. Bachelet had previously warned that sanctions have "exacerbated" the crisis. In addition to the measures announced Tuesday against mining company Minerven, the US has cut Maduro's regime off from the revenue generated by its state oil company, which counts on the US as a key market through operator Citgo. Speaking in Geneva as the Minerven sanctions were being announced, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs Carrie Filipetti told reporters that the US was not trying to harm Venezuela's population. "We have tried to target our sanctions as much as possible so that it can affect the regime but leave the individual Venezuelans as untouched as possible," she said. The US and more than 50 other countries recognise Venezuela's opposition leader Juan Guaido, the head of the National Assembly, as the country's rightful president. - Reprisals? - A rights office team is currently in Venezuela to assess the crisis. Civil society groups have said that doctors are coming under pressure from Maduro's government for trying to alert the UN mission about the severe lack of hospital medicine and equipment. "It is important that the team have completely unhindered access, with no reprisals against any person who has met, or sought to meet, with them," Bachelet told the rights council. It was not immediately clear if she was referring to the reported pressure facing her staff. Nearly three million people have fled Venezuela since 2015 and about 5,000 are leaving each day amid a devastating political crisis and economic collapse.

United Nations rights chief steps up criticism of Trump's Venezuela sanctions

The United States is preparing to impose 'very significant' Venezuela-related sanctions against financial institutions in the coming days, US special envoy Elliott Abrams said on Tuesday. 
 
Abrams did not elaborate on the fresh measures but his warning came a day after the US&nbsp;Treasury imposed sanctions on Russian bank Evrofinance Mosnarbank for helping Venezuelan state oil firm PDVSA evade US&nbsp;financial restrictions. 
 
Abrams said Washington was also preparing to withdraw more US&nbsp;visas from Venezuelans with close ties to President Nicolas Maduro. 
 
Washington has taken the lead in recognising opposition leader Juan Guaido as Venezuela`s rightful president after the 35-year-old Congress chief declared Maduros 2018 re-election a fraud and announced an interim presidency in January. Most countries in Europe and Latin America have followed suit. 
 
Abrams comments came as Venezuela ordered American diplomats to leave the country within 72 hours. 
 
Washington said it had decided to withdraw the remaining diplomats due to deteriorating conditions in Venezuela, which has been plunged into its worst blackout on record. 
Abrams emphasized that the withdrawal of diplomats was not a change in US&nbsp;policy. 
 
"This does not represent any change in US policy toward Venezuela, nor does it represent any reduction in the commitment we have to the people of Venezuela and to their struggle for democracy," he said, adding that the US&nbsp;intended to keep up pressure on Maduro through sanctions. 
 
"You will see very soon a significant number of additional visa revocations. You will see in the coming days some very significant additional sanctions," Abrams added.&nbsp; 
 
He said the United States was in talks with other countries that could act as its "protecting power" in Venezuela to ensure the safety of the US&nbsp;embassy`s premises and provide assistance to Americans in trouble.&nbsp; 
 
A "protecting power" is a country that represents another in cases where two countries have broken off diplomatic relations. Washington, for example, has appointed Switzerland as its "protecting power" in Iran. 
 
"We are trying to decide on a protecting power," Abrams said. 
 
He said the safety of US&nbsp;diplomats was a key factor in the withdrawal decision reached by U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in the late hours of Monday night.

The United States is preparing to impose 'very significant' Venezuela-related sanctions against financial institutions in the coming days, US special envoy Elliott Abrams said on Tuesday.

The United States is preparing to impose 'very significant' Venezuela-related sanctions against financial institutions in the coming days, US special envoy Elliott Abrams said on Tuesday. Abrams did not elaborate on the fresh measures but his warning came a day after the US Treasury imposed sanctions on Russian bank Evrofinance Mosnarbank for helping Venezuelan state oil firm PDVSA evade US financial restrictions. Abrams said Washington was also preparing to withdraw more US visas from Venezuelans with close ties to President Nicolas Maduro. Washington has taken the lead in recognising opposition leader Juan Guaido as Venezuela`s rightful president after the 35-year-old Congress chief declared Maduros 2018 re-election a fraud and announced an interim presidency in January. Most countries in Europe and Latin America have followed suit. Abrams comments came as Venezuela ordered American diplomats to leave the country within 72 hours. Washington said it had decided to withdraw the remaining diplomats due to deteriorating conditions in Venezuela, which has been plunged into its worst blackout on record. Abrams emphasized that the withdrawal of diplomats was not a change in US policy. "This does not represent any change in US policy toward Venezuela, nor does it represent any reduction in the commitment we have to the people of Venezuela and to their struggle for democracy," he said, adding that the US intended to keep up pressure on Maduro through sanctions. "You will see very soon a significant number of additional visa revocations. You will see in the coming days some very significant additional sanctions," Abrams added. He said the United States was in talks with other countries that could act as its "protecting power" in Venezuela to ensure the safety of the US embassy`s premises and provide assistance to Americans in trouble. A "protecting power" is a country that represents another in cases where two countries have broken off diplomatic relations. Washington, for example, has appointed Switzerland as its "protecting power" in Iran. "We are trying to decide on a protecting power," Abrams said. He said the safety of US diplomats was a key factor in the withdrawal decision reached by U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in the late hours of Monday night.

United States plans 'very significant' additional Venezuela sanctions: Official

The United States condemned closely watched regional elections in Venezuela as neither free nor fair Monday, as European countries weighed imposing sanctions, leaving President Nicolas Maduro increasingly isolated after declaring a landslide win.

Maduro&#39;s opponents cried foul after official results said his socialist party won governorships in 17 of the troubled oil producer&#39;s 23 states in Sunday&#39;s elections, defying opinion polls.

Experts said Venezuela&#39;s punishing political and economic crisis will only deepen. But it is unclear what moves are now open to the opposition Democratic Unity Roundtable (MUD), which rejected any talks with the government without a full recount.

Washington -- which has imposed sanctions on Maduro and his inner circle over what it calls Venezuela&#39;s slide into dictatorship -- said the lack of outside observers, last-minute changes to polling station locations and other irregularities meant the vote was not credible.

&quot;We condemn the lack of free and fair elections yesterday in Venezuela. The voice of the Venezuelan people was not heard,&quot; said State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert.

The European Union&#39;s chief diplomat, Federica Mogherini, called the results &quot;surprising&quot; and said it was necessary to &quot;find out what really happened.&quot;

France said it was &quot;worried&quot; about the &quot;serious irregularities&quot; reported by the opposition, while Spain said the EU had renewed discussions on possible sanctions.

&nbsp;&#39;Going to get ugly&#39; 
 
The results were a crushing blow for the MUD, which had characterized the elections as a referendum on Maduro after months of deadly street protests earlier this year failed to unseat him.

The MUD took five states, with one still undecided. But opinion polls had put it ahead in as many as 18.

&quot;We&#39;ve asked our candidates to plan to take to the streets in demand of a full recount,&quot; said opposition campaign chief Gerardo Blyde.

The MUD ruled out further talks on ending the country&#39;s crisis without a recount.

&quot;We will not take part in any exploratory talks or negotiations unless (the authorities) agree to a recount,&quot; said MUD coordinator Angel Oropeza.

But the fractious coalition had no clear strategy to deal with its surprise defeat.

In the weeks leading up to the vote, there had been something of a truce in Venezuela, after months of violent protests that left some 125 people dead from April to July.

Now, the question is what comes next for the troubled country, which is in the grips of a punishing recession marked by food and medicine shortages.

&quot;We are entering a very delicate situation, one that presages more confrontation,&quot; political analyst Luis Salamanca told AFP.

Whatever is coming, it &quot;won&#39;t be good,&quot; said 47-year-old public employee Atacho Stalin.

&quot;This is going to get ugly. I think we&#39;re in for more protests,&quot; he said.

Others were unsure.

&quot;Taking to the streets got us nothing,&quot; said Blanca, 33, a disillusioned protest veteran.

Inaugural boycott looms 
 
International powers accuse Maduro of dismantling democracy by taking over state institutions in the wake of an economic collapse caused by a fall in the price of oil, its main source of revenue.

Maduro and his allies held 20 outgoing governorships, but had been widely expected to lose many more.

Sunday&#39;s elections were the first contested by the opposition since a legislative vote in 2015 that gave it an overwhelming majority in the National Assembly.

The MUD has denounced Maduro&#39;s moves to tighten his grip on power since then.

He has formed a Constituent Assembly packed with his own allies and wrested legislative power away from the National Assembly.

The all-powerful Constituent Assembly will swear in the incoming governors on Tuesday. The opposition insisted its governors would not be sworn in before the assembly, which it considers illegitimate.

Political analyst Diego Moya-Ocampos said more international sanctions were now in store, including by the EU, and &quot;greater isolation.&quot;

Maduro &quot;will now depend more on China and Russia,&quot; he said.

China praised the vote as &quot;calm,&quot; and leftist regional allies Bolivia and Cuba congratulated Maduro on what Cuban President Raul Castro called &quot;another great lesson in peace and democracy.&quot;

But the head of the Organization of American States, bitter Maduro critic Luis Almagro, said the vote &quot;cannot be recognized.&quot;

The US condemns closely watched regional elections in Venezuela as neither free nor fair, as European countries weigh imposing sanctions

The United States condemned closely watched regional elections in Venezuela as neither free nor fair Monday, as European countries weighed imposing sanctions, leaving President Nicolas Maduro increasingly isolated after declaring a landslide win. Maduro's opponents cried foul after official results said his socialist party won governorships in 17 of the troubled oil producer's 23 states in Sunday's elections, defying opinion polls. Experts said Venezuela's punishing political and economic crisis will only deepen. But it is unclear what moves are now open to the opposition Democratic Unity Roundtable (MUD), which rejected any talks with the government without a full recount. Washington -- which has imposed sanctions on Maduro and his inner circle over what it calls Venezuela's slide into dictatorship -- said the lack of outside observers, last-minute changes to polling station locations and other irregularities meant the vote was not credible. "We condemn the lack of free and fair elections yesterday in Venezuela. The voice of the Venezuelan people was not heard," said State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert. The European Union's chief diplomat, Federica Mogherini, called the results "surprising" and said it was necessary to "find out what really happened." France said it was "worried" about the "serious irregularities" reported by the opposition, while Spain said the EU had renewed discussions on possible sanctions. 'Going to get ugly' The results were a crushing blow for the MUD, which had characterized the elections as a referendum on Maduro after months of deadly street protests earlier this year failed to unseat him. The MUD took five states, with one still undecided. But opinion polls had put it ahead in as many as 18. "We've asked our candidates to plan to take to the streets in demand of a full recount," said opposition campaign chief Gerardo Blyde. The MUD ruled out further talks on ending the country's crisis without a recount. "We will not take part in any exploratory talks or negotiations unless (the authorities) agree to a recount," said MUD coordinator Angel Oropeza. But the fractious coalition had no clear strategy to deal with its surprise defeat. In the weeks leading up to the vote, there had been something of a truce in Venezuela, after months of violent protests that left some 125 people dead from April to July. Now, the question is what comes next for the troubled country, which is in the grips of a punishing recession marked by food and medicine shortages. "We are entering a very delicate situation, one that presages more confrontation," political analyst Luis Salamanca told AFP. Whatever is coming, it "won't be good," said 47-year-old public employee Atacho Stalin. "This is going to get ugly. I think we're in for more protests," he said. Others were unsure. "Taking to the streets got us nothing," said Blanca, 33, a disillusioned protest veteran. Inaugural boycott looms International powers accuse Maduro of dismantling democracy by taking over state institutions in the wake of an economic collapse caused by a fall in the price of oil, its main source of revenue. Maduro and his allies held 20 outgoing governorships, but had been widely expected to lose many more. Sunday's elections were the first contested by the opposition since a legislative vote in 2015 that gave it an overwhelming majority in the National Assembly. The MUD has denounced Maduro's moves to tighten his grip on power since then. He has formed a Constituent Assembly packed with his own allies and wrested legislative power away from the National Assembly. The all-powerful Constituent Assembly will swear in the incoming governors on Tuesday. The opposition insisted its governors would not be sworn in before the assembly, which it considers illegitimate. Political analyst Diego Moya-Ocampos said more international sanctions were now in store, including by the EU, and "greater isolation." Maduro "will now depend more on China and Russia," he said. China praised the vote as "calm," and leftist regional allies Bolivia and Cuba congratulated Maduro on what Cuban President Raul Castro called "another great lesson in peace and democracy." But the head of the Organization of American States, bitter Maduro critic Luis Almagro, said the vote "cannot be recognized."

Venezuela faces more isolation, sanctions after contested vote