Liberal candidate Maria Corina Machado was well ahead in Sunday's primary in Venezuela to choose a candidate to face President Nicolas Maduro in the 2024 election, according to preliminary results.

Machado, however, has been disqualified from running by Maduro's government over alleged irregularities when she was a lawmaker from 2011 to 2014.

A member of the most radical wing of the opposition, Machado had won around 92 per cent of the votes in the primary with 26 per cent of ballots counted so far, according to the commission which organised the vote.

Her closest rival, Carlos Prosperi, who had criticised alleged irregularities in the process, took five per cent with the other candidates garnering less than one per cent of the vote.&nbsp;

"We are part of a citizen story and what we saw today is a citizen avalanche inside and outside Venezuela," Machado said before the results were announced, referring to voters in the country and abroad.

The 56-year-old engineer and former lawmaker was banned in June from holding any public office for 15 years.

The United States, which this week eased sanctions on Venezuela following the resumption of dialogue between the government and the opposition, is pushing to have her disqualification lifted.

Machado is accused of corruption and of supporting international sanctions against Venezuela.

She is a fervent opponent of Chavism, the brand of populist leftist ideology left behind by former president Hugo Chavez and championed by Maduro.

Machado has said she wants to liberalise the economy, including the privatisation of public companies.

&nbsp;

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Liberal candidate Maria Corina Machado was well ahead in Sunday's primary in Venezuela to choose a candidate to face President Nicolas Maduro in the 2024 election, according to preliminary results.

Liberal candidate Maria Corina Machado was well ahead in Sunday's primary in Venezuela to choose a candidate to face President Nicolas Maduro in the 2024 election, according to preliminary results. Machado, however, has been disqualified from running by Maduro's government over alleged irregularities when she was a lawmaker from 2011 to 2014. A member of the most radical wing of the opposition, Machado had won around 92 per cent of the votes in the primary with 26 per cent of ballots counted so far, according to the commission which organised the vote. Her closest rival, Carlos Prosperi, who had criticised alleged irregularities in the process, took five per cent with the other candidates garnering less than one per cent of the vote. "We are part of a citizen story and what we saw today is a citizen avalanche inside and outside Venezuela," Machado said before the results were announced, referring to voters in the country and abroad. The 56-year-old engineer and former lawmaker was banned in June from holding any public office for 15 years. The United States, which this week eased sanctions on Venezuela following the resumption of dialogue between the government and the opposition, is pushing to have her disqualification lifted. Machado is accused of corruption and of supporting international sanctions against Venezuela. She is a fervent opponent of Chavism, the brand of populist leftist ideology left behind by former president Hugo Chavez and championed by Maduro. Machado has said she wants to liberalise the economy, including the privatisation of public companies. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Liberal Machado well ahead in Venezuela opposition primary

Just days after the US eased oil sanctions on Venezuela, the South American country has already begun contacting customers with crude supply contracts. A Reuters report states that the Venezuelan state-run oil company PDVSA is moving towards resuming cash sales to global refiners.

Venezuela in talks to supply more oil | World Business News

In response to an electoral agreement between the Venezuelan government and opposition parties for the 2024 election, the Biden administration has taken a significant step by broadly easing sanctions on Venezuela's oil sector. The move marks the most extensive rollback of Trump-era sanctions on Caracas. The U.S. Treasury Department has issued a new general license, allowing OPEC member Venezuela, which has been under strict sanctions since 2019, to produce and export oil to its selected markets for the next six months without limitations.&nbsp;

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has welcomed President Nicolas Maduro's electoral concessions but urged him to begin lifting bans on opposition presidential candidates and releasing political prisoners and detained Americans by the end of November. A senior State Department official cautioned that sanctions relief measures might be reversed if Maduro fails to take such actions. These changes follow months of negotiations between the U.S. and Venezuela aimed at encouraging democratic elections.&nbsp;

While this easing of sanctions represents a significant shift from the Trump administration's "maximum pressure" campaign against Venezuela's socialist government, it also reflects President Joe Biden's administration's increased engagement with President Maduro on various issues, including energy and migration.&nbsp;

Venezuela's ruling party official, Jorge Rodriguez, stated that the sanctions relief applies to all oil activities and opens the doors to investment opportunities in the country.&nbsp;

The recent agreement between Maduro's government and the opposition focused on electoral guarantees for an internationally monitored vote in the second half of 2024. However, it did not address the reinstatement of opposition candidates previously barred from public office. The U.S. sanctions relief is in line with Washington's commitment to rewarding concrete steps toward competitive elections and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms.&nbsp;

Although these measures have eased some of Venezuela's toughest sanctions, other restrictions remain in place. Still, they offer the possibility of reopening Venezuela to numerous oil companies that had limited operations in the country.&nbsp;

The U.S. had initially imposed harsh sanctions on Venezuela following President Maduro's disputed 2018 re-election. Since 2019, these sanctions have prevented the state-run oil company PDVSA from exporting to its chosen markets.&nbsp;

The changes announced on Wednesday include a six-month general license for the production, sale, and export of Venezuela's crude and gas without limitations on customers or destinations. A general license has also been issued to allow dealings with Minerven, the Venezuelan state-owned gold mining company. However, the U.S. Treasury Department emphasized that it could revoke these authorizations if Maduro's representatives fail to follow through on their commitments.&nbsp;

Although the easing of sanctions could help boost global oil flows amid high prices due to sanctions on Russia and OPEC+ output reductions, experts believe Venezuela's exports are unlikely to offset these cuts without significant investment in its oil sector. Two decades of mismanagement and insufficient investment, combined with U.S. oil sanctions since 2019, have weakened PDVSA's ability to recover quickly and offer its crude at fair prices.&nbsp;

Talks between the government and the opposition on resolving Venezuela's political and economic crisis were held for the first time in nearly a year, resulting in the recent electoral agreement. While the deal allows each side to choose its 2024 candidate, it does not reverse bans on certain opposition figures.&nbsp;

(With inputs from Reuters)&nbsp;

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In response to an electoral agreement between the Venezuelan government and opposition parties for the 2024 election, the Biden administration has taken a significant step by broadly easing sanctions on Venezuela's oil sector.

In response to an electoral agreement between the Venezuelan government and opposition parties for the 2024 election, the Biden administration has taken a significant step by broadly easing sanctions on Venezuela's oil sector. The move marks the most extensive rollback of Trump-era sanctions on Caracas. The U.S. Treasury Department has issued a new general license, allowing OPEC member Venezuela, which has been under strict sanctions since 2019, to produce and export oil to its selected markets for the next six months without limitations. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has welcomed President Nicolas Maduro's electoral concessions but urged him to begin lifting bans on opposition presidential candidates and releasing political prisoners and detained Americans by the end of November. A senior State Department official cautioned that sanctions relief measures might be reversed if Maduro fails to take such actions. These changes follow months of negotiations between the U.S. and Venezuela aimed at encouraging democratic elections. While this easing of sanctions represents a significant shift from the Trump administration's "maximum pressure" campaign against Venezuela's socialist government, it also reflects President Joe Biden's administration's increased engagement with President Maduro on various issues, including energy and migration. Venezuela's ruling party official, Jorge Rodriguez, stated that the sanctions relief applies to all oil activities and opens the doors to investment opportunities in the country. The recent agreement between Maduro's government and the opposition focused on electoral guarantees for an internationally monitored vote in the second half of 2024. However, it did not address the reinstatement of opposition candidates previously barred from public office. The U.S. sanctions relief is in line with Washington's commitment to rewarding concrete steps toward competitive elections and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. Although these measures have eased some of Venezuela's toughest sanctions, other restrictions remain in place. Still, they offer the possibility of reopening Venezuela to numerous oil companies that had limited operations in the country. The U.S. had initially imposed harsh sanctions on Venezuela following President Maduro's disputed 2018 re-election. Since 2019, these sanctions have prevented the state-run oil company PDVSA from exporting to its chosen markets. The changes announced on Wednesday include a six-month general license for the production, sale, and export of Venezuela's crude and gas without limitations on customers or destinations. A general license has also been issued to allow dealings with Minerven, the Venezuelan state-owned gold mining company. However, the U.S. Treasury Department emphasized that it could revoke these authorizations if Maduro's representatives fail to follow through on their commitments. Although the easing of sanctions could help boost global oil flows amid high prices due to sanctions on Russia and OPEC+ output reductions, experts believe Venezuela's exports are unlikely to offset these cuts without significant investment in its oil sector. Two decades of mismanagement and insufficient investment, combined with U.S. oil sanctions since 2019, have weakened PDVSA's ability to recover quickly and offer its crude at fair prices. Talks between the government and the opposition on resolving Venezuela's political and economic crisis were held for the first time in nearly a year, resulting in the recent electoral agreement. While the deal allows each side to choose its 2024 candidate, it does not reverse bans on certain opposition figures. (With inputs from Reuters) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

US eases sanctions on Venezuelan oil after Maduro's 2024 poll agreement

The Biden administration and Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's government are expected to announce a deal on Tuesday that would ease U.S. sanctions on Caracas' oil industry while opening up Venezuela's 2024 presidential election, the Washington Post reported on Monday.

US to ease Venezuela santions on oil, gas; US issues general licences authorising transactions

Venezuela's government and its political opposition on Tuesday agreed to electoral guarantees for 2024 presidential elections, paving the way for possible U.S. sanctions relief, though the deal did not lift bans on opposition candidates barred from public office.

The elections will take place in the second half of next year, and international observers - including from the European Union and United Nations - will oversee the vote, according to terms unveiled following a resumption of long-suspended talks.

Multiple sources had said ahead of Tuesday's announcement that the U.S. was prepared to ease some oil-related sanctions on OPEC member-nation&nbsp;Venezuela&nbsp;if Washington was satisfied President Nicolas Maduro had given enough ground to the opposition.

President Joe Biden's administration had said it would lift some long-standing punitive measures in exchange for democratic concessions from Maduro.

But as the White House studied the details of the agreement finalized in Barbados, it was unclear how soon the U.S. might act or how far it could go with sanctions relief.

"We welcome the&nbsp;Venezuelan-led political agreement reached today in Barbados," according to a joint statement from the U.S., EU, Britain and Canada, calling it a necessary step toward the "restoration of democracy in&nbsp;Venezuela."

However, the statement also reiterated calls for release of political prisoners, independence of the electoral process, freedom of expression and respect for human rights, issues that were not covered in Tuesday's agreement.

Reuters reported last week that&nbsp;Venezuela&nbsp;and the U.S. had progressed at their own talks in Qatar toward a deal that could allow at least one additional foreign oil firm to take&nbsp;Venezuelan crude oil for debt repayment if Maduro resumed negotiations with the opposition.

Any significant alleviation of oil sanctions would mark a further shift by the Biden administration away from former President Donald Trump's "maximum pressure" campaign against the socialist-led South American country.

But U.S. sources have said any U.S. policy changes would be reversible if Maduro failed to meet his election commitments. Oil revenues are crucial to&nbsp;Venezuela's crippled economy.

BANNED CANDIDATES

Tuesday's meeting in Barbados, brokered by Norway, was the first between the two sides in 11 months.

The talks, meant to provide a way out of&nbsp;Venezuela's long-running political and economic crisis, will continue at an unspecified date, the parties said, adding they are committed to respecting the results of the vote.

The deal says each side can choose its 2024 candidate according to its internal rules, but did not reverse bans on some opposition figures - including Oct. 22 primary frontrunner Maria Corina Machado - that prevent them from holding office.

The opposition has said the bans, handed down by the controller general, are unlawful and Washington has rejected any roadblocks to opposition candidates.

"If you have an administrative inhabilitation...from the controller general of the republic you cannot be a candidate, I want to clarify that," Jorge Rodriguez, the head of the government delegation told a press conference after the signing.

Speaking before Rodriguez, the head of the opposition delegation Gerardo Blyde had said the deal could allow banned candidates to "recover their rights."

The opposition has shied away from laying out what could happen if Machado were to win the primary but could not register for the general election.

It remains unclear whether the often-fractious opposition would accept her choosing another candidate to run in her stead.

At least two candidates who initially had been set to run in the primary have bowed out because they are banned.

Maduro, president since 2013, is expected to run for re-election but has not yet formalized his candidacy.

The U.S. imposed sanctions on&nbsp;Venezuela&nbsp;to punish Maduro's government following a 2018 election that Washington considered a sham. Since 2019, U.S. sanctions have banned PDVSA from exporting its oil to its chosen markets.

The other accord signed by the two sides includes an agreement to protect Houston-based oil refiner Citgo Petroleum, whose parent company's shares will be put for auction starting this month through a court-organized process to pay creditors.

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Venezuela's government and its political opposition on Tuesday agreed to electoral guarantees for 2024 presidential elections, paving the way for possible U.S. sanctions relief, though the deal did not lift bans on opposition candidates barred from public office.

Venezuela's government and its political opposition on Tuesday agreed to electoral guarantees for 2024 presidential elections, paving the way for possible U.S. sanctions relief, though the deal did not lift bans on opposition candidates barred from public office. The elections will take place in the second half of next year, and international observers - including from the European Union and United Nations - will oversee the vote, according to terms unveiled following a resumption of long-suspended talks. Multiple sources had said ahead of Tuesday's announcement that the U.S. was prepared to ease some oil-related sanctions on OPEC member-nation Venezuela if Washington was satisfied President Nicolas Maduro had given enough ground to the opposition. President Joe Biden's administration had said it would lift some long-standing punitive measures in exchange for democratic concessions from Maduro. But as the White House studied the details of the agreement finalized in Barbados, it was unclear how soon the U.S. might act or how far it could go with sanctions relief. "We welcome the Venezuelan-led political agreement reached today in Barbados," according to a joint statement from the U.S., EU, Britain and Canada, calling it a necessary step toward the "restoration of democracy in Venezuela." However, the statement also reiterated calls for release of political prisoners, independence of the electoral process, freedom of expression and respect for human rights, issues that were not covered in Tuesday's agreement. Reuters reported last week that Venezuela and the U.S. had progressed at their own talks in Qatar toward a deal that could allow at least one additional foreign oil firm to take Venezuelan crude oil for debt repayment if Maduro resumed negotiations with the opposition. Any significant alleviation of oil sanctions would mark a further shift by the Biden administration away from former President Donald Trump's "maximum pressure" campaign against the socialist-led South American country. But U.S. sources have said any U.S. policy changes would be reversible if Maduro failed to meet his election commitments. Oil revenues are crucial to Venezuela's crippled economy. BANNED CANDIDATES Tuesday's meeting in Barbados, brokered by Norway, was the first between the two sides in 11 months. The talks, meant to provide a way out of Venezuela's long-running political and economic crisis, will continue at an unspecified date, the parties said, adding they are committed to respecting the results of the vote. The deal says each side can choose its 2024 candidate according to its internal rules, but did not reverse bans on some opposition figures - including Oct. 22 primary frontrunner Maria Corina Machado - that prevent them from holding office. The opposition has said the bans, handed down by the controller general, are unlawful and Washington has rejected any roadblocks to opposition candidates. "If you have an administrative inhabilitation...from the controller general of the republic you cannot be a candidate, I want to clarify that," Jorge Rodriguez, the head of the government delegation told a press conference after the signing. Speaking before Rodriguez, the head of the opposition delegation Gerardo Blyde had said the deal could allow banned candidates to "recover their rights." The opposition has shied away from laying out what could happen if Machado were to win the primary but could not register for the general election. It remains unclear whether the often-fractious opposition would accept her choosing another candidate to run in her stead. At least two candidates who initially had been set to run in the primary have bowed out because they are banned. Maduro, president since 2013, is expected to run for re-election but has not yet formalized his candidacy. The U.S. imposed sanctions on Venezuela to punish Maduro's government following a 2018 election that Washington considered a sham. Since 2019, U.S. sanctions have banned PDVSA from exporting its oil to its chosen markets. The other accord signed by the two sides includes an agreement to protect Houston-based oil refiner Citgo Petroleum, whose parent company's shares will be put for auction starting this month through a court-organized process to pay creditors. 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.

Venezuela government, opposition sign election deal; US weighs sanctions relief

The global oil market is experiencing significant shifts as reports emerge of potential sanctions easing on Venezuela contingent of course on the prospect of a competitive monitored presidential election. Meanwhile, the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict has surprisingly left crude supplies relatively untouched.

Oil drops on reports of potential sanction easing in Venezuela

Oil steadies on hopes US will ease sanctions on Venezuela

The Joe Biden-led US administration said on Thursday (Oct 5) that it would resume deportation flights to Venezuela after a deal with Caracas. For years, the US had halted sending migrants back to Venezuela because of instability in the latter country and still maintains sanctions against the government led by Nicolas Maduro.

The Joe Biden-led US administration said on Thursday (Oct 5) that it would resume deportation flights to Venezuela after a deal with Caracas. For years, the US had halted sending migrants back to Venezuela because of instability in the latter country and still maintains sanctions against the government led by Nicolas Maduro. However, Washington said on Thursday Venezuela has agreed to take back its nationals. According to a report by the news agency AFP, a senior Biden administration official said the first deportation flights would resume in the next few days. They would affect Venezuelan migrants who have arrived in the United States illegally since July 31. "We have already identified individuals in our custody today, who will be removed promptly in the coming days," the official said. Venezuela blames US sanctions for flow of migrants Confirming the development, Venezuela on Thursday blamed US sanctions for the flow of migrants. "The Venezuelan migration in recent years is the direct consequence of the unilateral coercive measures and the blockade of our economy... by the United States," the government said in a statement. Citing a source, the AFP report said that over 100,000 Venezuelans have been intercepted by US border patrol after crossing the southern US frontier from Mexico between May and the end of August. The US, meanwhile, denied that it was overlooking rights concerns in Venezuela to push through the deal. "This decision is consistent with the administration’s efforts to implement a strategy of humane, safe, and orderly enforcement of our immigration laws." Last month, the Biden administration announced it would grant temporary deportation relief and access to work permits to nearly half a million Venezuelans already in the country as of July. (With inputs from agencies) 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.

United States to resume deportation flights to Venezuela

In pics | Venezuela sends over 11,000 troops to regain control of gang-run prison with pool and zoo

Oil, aquatic trash, and toxic algae threaten life in Venezuela's lake Maracaibo.

Toxic algae engulfs Venezuela's largest lake

Venezuela's former intelligence chief General Hugo Carvajal, who was extradited to the United States to face drug trafficking charges, pleaded not guilty on Thursday (July 20).

Venezuela's former intelligence chief General Hugo Carvajal, who was extradited to the United States to face drug trafficking charges, pleaded not guilty on Thursday (July 20). Carvajal, 63, arrived in the US on Wednesday after being extradited from Spain. According to a report by the news agency Reuters, he entered the plea in a hearing before US Magistrate Judge Stewart Aaron in Manhattan federal court. Carvajal was ordered detained, and his next court date was set for July 25. American authorities suspect him of providing support to drug trafficking by the FARC guerrilla group in Colombia. And prosecutors in New York alleged that he used his office to coordinate the smuggling of approximately 5,600 kilogrammes (kg) of cocaine from Venezuela to Mexico in 2006 that was destined for the US. Allegations against Carvajal palpably incredible: Lawyer Speaking to reporters, Carvajal's lawyer Zachary Margulis-Ohnuma said that the allegations against his client were palpably incredible. "Unlike in most federal drug cases, the government has not claimed to have evidence from searches. They have not suggested that they have text messages, emails, wiretap conversations, body wires, phone recordings made by informants, recordings of prison calls, cell site data, surveillance video or physical evidence linking General Carvajal to any of these crimes," Margulis-Ohnuma said. Margulis-Ohnuma added that he would apply for Carvajal to be released on bail at a later date and pointed out that the former Venezuelan intelligence chief was categorically innocent of the charges. "General Carvajal looks forward to fighting these outrageous charges in court before an unbiased American jury," Margulis-Ohnuma further told reporters. The arrests Carvajal had served as the intelligence chief under former Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez. Nicknamed 'El Pollo', he was stripped of his rank by President Nicolas Maduro's government after coming out in support of opposition leader Juan Guaido as the acting president in February 2019. The 63-year-old had taken part in the failed 1992 coup that lifted Chavez to political prominence and is considered one of the most powerful figures of the leader's 1999-2013 rule. Carvajal was first arrested in 2014 in Aruba, a semi-autonomous Dutch Caribbean island where Venezuela had been trying to accredit him as consul. However, he was released and returned to his country. After being removed as the intelligence chief, he left Venezuela and was arrested in Spain in April 2019 but a court ordered his release arguing the US extradition request was politically motivated. However, the decision was later reversed and Carvajal then went on the run. He was arrested again in 2021. (With inputs from agencies)

Former Venezuelan intel chief pleads not guilty to US drug charges

Venezuela's former intelligence chief General Hugo Armando Carvajal was on Wednesday (July 19) extradited from Spain to the United States on drug trafficking charges.

Venezuela's former intelligence chief General Hugo Armando Carvajal was on Wednesday (July 19) extradited from Spain to the United States on drug trafficking charges. Speaking to the news agency AFP, General Carvajal's lawyer Maria Dolores de Arguelles confirmed that the former intelligence chief left Spain bound for the US. He is expected to make a court appearance on Thursday. Carvajal, 63, had served as the intelligence chief under former Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez. Carvajal has been long sought by US Treasury officials who suspect him of providing support to drug trafficking by the FARC guerrilla group in Colombia. The allegations The report said prosecutors in New York alleged that he used his office to coordinate the smuggling of approximately 5,600kg of cocaine from Venezuela to Mexico in 2006 that was destined for the US. The extradition comes after the European Court of Human Rights last week rejected Carvajal's appeal, the AFP report on Wednesday said. The court argued it was not proven that the former intelligence chief aces a real risk of being sentenced to life imprisonment without chance of parole in the US. This prompted Spain's National Court, which has been charged with extradition, to order Interpol to immediately deliver Carvajal to American authorities. Nicknamed 'El Pollo', Carvajal was stripped of his rank by President Nicolas Maduro's government after coming out in support of opposition leader Juan Guaido as the acting president in February 2019. He then left Venezuela and was arrested in Spain two months later, but a court ordered his release arguing the US extradition request was politically motivated. This decision was later reversed and Carvajal then went on the run. The 63-year-old was again arrested in Madrid in 2021. The police said he remained in Spain the whole time, changing residences frequently and getting plastic surgery done to avoid being caught. He has repeatedly denied links to drug traffickers or the FARC. (With inputs from agencies) 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.

Ex-Venezuelan intel chief extradited from Spain, to face drug charges in US

Venezuela celebrates 212 years of independence with tribute to visionaries

Influencer and Instagram model Sofia Salomon recently applied to compete for the coveted title of Miss Venezuela, the South American nation which is said to have an unparalleled enthusiasm for beauty pageants as well as little to no tolerance for challenges to its largely heteronormative standards. If accepted, Solomon would be the first transgender woman to participate in the competition which would determine who would represent Venezuela at the international stage.&nbsp;

<h2>What has Salomon said about the challenge?</h2>

“I think it is a great platform to bring visibility to my community, echo the positive things, and show people the reality of transgender women,” said Salomon, as quoted by the Associated Press. Venezuela is also set to hold its Pride march in the capital, Caracas, on Sunday, with hundreds of people expected to join.&nbsp;

Notably, Salomon was in the top six of Miss International Queen, the world’s largest beauty pageant for transgender women. “I would like that law changed so transgender women could be accepted with the name they feel safer,” said the Venezuelan influencer at the time, addressing a lawsuit.&nbsp;

While her entry is yet to be confirmed by the Miss Venezuela organisation, Salomon believes she has an advantage over other contestants. “I am of the opinion that experience is not improvised,” said Salomon. She added, “That is why people trust that I will make history in the country.”

She also spoke about the overwhelming support she has received from her parents, siblings and boyfriend, as well as comments and emojis on her Instagram posts about her decision to apply for Miss Venezuela.&nbsp;

<h2>Venezuela’s LGBTQ+ community</h2>

The nearly decade-long lawsuit in question, which Salomon spoke about, was a case involving Tamara Adrian, a transgender woman who wanted to legally change her name and sex on her birth certificate and in public records, which the government said the law already allows.&nbsp;

However, Adrian and the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights argued that was not the case and despite over 30 briefs filed and repeated request hearings, her case was overlooked. She went on to become the first trans lawmaker in the South American country, in 2015, representing a district in Caracas.

Earlier this year, Venezuela’s top court revoked a law which punishes consensual same-sex conduct by military personnel. However, the decision to give same-sex couples the right to marry has been held off in the courts for some seven years now.&nbsp;

According to the activist-run Venezuelan Observatory on LGBTIQ+ Violence, an initiative backed by Amnesty International Venezuela, there were nearly 100 cases of violence against members of the community across the country last year, including 11 homicides.&nbsp;

However, the number is said to be higher since many cases are not reported. LGBTQ+ people in Venezuela “suffer numerous forms of discrimination and violence, from the family sphere to public spaces,” said Yendri Velasquez, co-founder of the activist-run initiative. He also noted that in 2021 there were 21 murders of people “just for being gay or lesbian.” 
&nbsp;

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Influencer and Instagram model Sofia Salomon recently applied to compete for the coveted title of Miss Venezuela, the South American nation which is said to have an unparalleled enthusiasm for beauty pageants as well as little to no tolerance for challenges to its largely heteronormative standards.

Influencer and Instagram model Sofia Salomon recently applied to compete for the coveted title of Miss Venezuela, the South American nation which is said to have an unparalleled enthusiasm for beauty pageants as well as little to no tolerance for challenges to its largely heteronormative standards. If accepted, Solomon would be the first transgender woman to participate in the competition which would determine who would represent Venezuela at the international stage. What has Salomon said about the challenge? “I think it is a great platform to bring visibility to my community, echo the positive things, and show people the reality of transgender women,” said Salomon, as quoted by the Associated Press. Venezuela is also set to hold its Pride march in the capital, Caracas, on Sunday, with hundreds of people expected to join. Notably, Salomon was in the top six of Miss International Queen, the world’s largest beauty pageant for transgender women. “I would like that law changed so transgender women could be accepted with the name they feel safer,” said the Venezuelan influencer at the time, addressing a lawsuit. While her entry is yet to be confirmed by the Miss Venezuela organisation, Salomon believes she has an advantage over other contestants. “I am of the opinion that experience is not improvised,” said Salomon. She added, “That is why people trust that I will make history in the country.” She also spoke about the overwhelming support she has received from her parents, siblings and boyfriend, as well as comments and emojis on her Instagram posts about her decision to apply for Miss Venezuela. Venezuela’s LGBTQ+ community The nearly decade-long lawsuit in question, which Salomon spoke about, was a case involving Tamara Adrian, a transgender woman who wanted to legally change her name and sex on her birth certificate and in public records, which the government said the law already allows. However, Adrian and the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights argued that was not the case and despite over 30 briefs filed and repeated request hearings, her case was overlooked. She went on to become the first trans lawmaker in the South American country, in 2015, representing a district in Caracas. Earlier this year, Venezuela’s top court revoked a law which punishes consensual same-sex conduct by military personnel. However, the decision to give same-sex couples the right to marry has been held off in the courts for some seven years now. According to the activist-run Venezuelan Observatory on LGBTIQ+ Violence, an initiative backed by Amnesty International Venezuela, there were nearly 100 cases of violence against members of the community across the country last year, including 11 homicides. However, the number is said to be higher since many cases are not reported. LGBTQ+ people in Venezuela “suffer numerous forms of discrimination and violence, from the family sphere to public spaces,” said Yendri Velasquez, co-founder of the activist-run initiative. He also noted that in 2021 there were 21 murders of people “just for being gay or lesbian.” 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.

Transgender woman Sofia Salomon challenges norms, applies to compete in Miss Venezuela pageant

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi will travel to Nicaragua, Cuba, and Venezuela this weekend, according to state media. Raising Iran's "level of economic, political, and scientific cooperation" with the three US-designated Latin American countries is the goal of Raisi's tour of "friendly countries," according to the Iranian state news agency IRNA, which starts on Sunday.

Iran's President Raisi set to visit Cuba, Nicaragua and Venezuela

Massive paradigm shifts are afoot in South American politics Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro is visiting Brazil for the first time since he was banned by the former far-right president of Brazil Jair Bolsonaro in 2019. President Lula de Silva of Brazil urged Maduro to build a new narrative.

New era opening between Brazil & Venezuela as Lula calls out US sanctions on Venezuela

At least eight people were mauled to death in Brownsville, Texas, on Sunday after an SUV ploughed into a group of people, at a bus stop near a homeless shelter. The man accused and later identified has been charged with eight counts of manslaughter, said the local police chief on Monday (May 8). This comes as the investigators are now trying to determine if the crash was intentional.&nbsp;

The man, later identified as 34-year-old, George Alvarez, seemingly lost control after he ran a red light on early Sunday and ploughed into a crowd of mostly Venezuelans outside a migrant centre, said the Brownsville Police Chief Felix Sauceda said at a press conference, on Monday. The vehicle hit 18 people after which it flipped on its side.&nbsp;

According to the police chief, six people died on the scene and 12 people were critically injured, it was not until later that officials confirmed that the death toll had risen to eight. The driver attempted to flee the scene after impact but was held down by several bystanders, he added. Alvarez has now been charged with eight counts of manslaughter and 10 counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, said Sauceda.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/texas-at-least-7-killed-10-injured-as-driver-hits-crowd-near-migrant-shelter-us-590088">Texas: At least 7 killed, 10 injured as driver hits crowd near migrant shelter | US</a>

Meanwhile, the officials are also awaiting toxicology reports on Alvarez to see if the accused was intoxicated at the time of the incident. The police chief also said that there was no motive that he could discuss, but that the authorities have not ruled out the possibility that the crash was intentional. Alvarez has an extensive criminal history, said the police chief and was being held on a bail set at $3.6 million.&nbsp;

“George Alvarez is a Brownsville local with an extensive rap sheet,” said Sauceda, while displaying a long list of previous charges against the accused which included assault, burglary and driving while intoxicated.&nbsp;

“It has been a very tiresome process but we are deeply committed to doing and accomplishing,” said Sauceda, adding that the police department is also working with the Venezuelan government and other embassies. This also comes after the Venezuelan government, in a statement on Monday, called for an investigation into whether it was a crime of hate and xenophobia.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/suv-driver-plows-into-migrants-standing-at-texas-bus-stop-eight-dead-several-injured-590101">SUV driver plows into migrants standing at Texas bus stop; Eight dead, several injured</a>

According to Sister Norma Pimentel, executive director of Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley, the victims were struck by the vehicle as they were waiting for the bus to return to downtown Brownsville after spending the night at the overnight shelter, reported the Associated Press. Shelter’s director, Victor Maldonado, said most of the victims were Venezuelan men.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
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At least eight people were mauled to death in Brownsville, Texas, on Sunday after an SUV ploughed into a group of people, at a bus stop near a homeless shelter. The man accused and later identified has been charged with eight counts of manslaughter, said the local police chief on Monday (May 8).

At least eight people were mauled to death in Brownsville, Texas, on Sunday after an SUV ploughed into a group of people, at a bus stop near a homeless shelter. The man accused and later identified has been charged with eight counts of manslaughter, said the local police chief on Monday (May 8). This comes as the investigators are now trying to determine if the crash was intentional. The man, later identified as 34-year-old, George Alvarez, seemingly lost control after he ran a red light on early Sunday and ploughed into a crowd of mostly Venezuelans outside a migrant centre, said the Brownsville Police Chief Felix Sauceda said at a press conference, on Monday. The vehicle hit 18 people after which it flipped on its side. According to the police chief, six people died on the scene and 12 people were critically injured, it was not until later that officials confirmed that the death toll had risen to eight. The driver attempted to flee the scene after impact but was held down by several bystanders, he added. Alvarez has now been charged with eight counts of manslaughter and 10 counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, said Sauceda. ALSO WATCH | Texas: At least 7 killed, 10 injured as driver hits crowd near migrant shelter | US Meanwhile, the officials are also awaiting toxicology reports on Alvarez to see if the accused was intoxicated at the time of the incident. The police chief also said that there was no motive that he could discuss, but that the authorities have not ruled out the possibility that the crash was intentional. Alvarez has an extensive criminal history, said the police chief and was being held on a bail set at $3.6 million. “George Alvarez is a Brownsville local with an extensive rap sheet,” said Sauceda, while displaying a long list of previous charges against the accused which included assault, burglary and driving while intoxicated. “It has been a very tiresome process but we are deeply committed to doing and accomplishing,” said Sauceda, adding that the police department is also working with the Venezuelan government and other embassies. This also comes after the Venezuelan government, in a statement on Monday, called for an investigation into whether it was a crime of hate and xenophobia. ALSO READ | SUV driver plows into migrants standing at Texas bus stop; Eight dead, several injured According to Sister Norma Pimentel, executive director of Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley, the victims were struck by the vehicle as they were waiting for the bus to return to downtown Brownsville after spending the night at the overnight shelter, reported the Associated Press. Shelter’s director, Victor Maldonado, said most of the victims were Venezuelan men. (With inputs from agencies) 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.

US: Texas driver charged with manslaughter after deadly crash in Brownsville

Delegates from 19 countries in the European Union met in Bogota, Columbia to find an answer to that question. Representatives include those from the United States, who were in favour of easing the sanctions against the Venezuelan government.

Venezuela political deadlock: US, UK & other nations agree to lift sanctions on Venezuela | WION

Brazil and Argentina's bid to create a common currency for South America received the push after Venezuela's President announced support for the move. This makes Venezuela the first country to extend support for the initiative on the same day it was announced.

Brazil and Argentina's initiave for common currency receives push from Venezuela

Venezuela and Colombia have fully reopened their shared border on January 1 to allow passage of cargo and passenger transport via the cross-border Tienditas bridge.

Venezuela and Colombia fully reopen shared border; key bridge fully unblocked

The world is still dependent on non-renewable sources of energy like oil and other fossil fuels, despite attempts to shift the world towards a greener future. The dependence on these non-renewable sources of energy have advocated further due to the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine.

WION Climate Tracker: Oil spill at Venezuelan beach, closes for 72 hours

Lawmakers in Venezuela haven signed an agreement to end a political deadlock. President Nicolás Maduro and the opposition leader broke a long-standing stalemate on Saturday with a broad social accord. The US government on its part responded to the development by allowing a major US oil company to resume operations in Venezuela.

Venezuela breaks 15-month political deadlock; broad social accord signed in Mexico

Venezuela's&nbsp;government and opposition have asked the United Nations to manage a fund for billions of dollars now held in foreign banks, which will be&nbsp;gradually&nbsp;unfrozen&nbsp;to combat a&nbsp;humanitarian&nbsp;crisis in the oil-rich nation, delegates announced in Mexico City on Saturday.

Sources told Reuters last month the&nbsp;frozen&nbsp;funds&nbsp;amount to more than $3 billion.

The money, held in Venezuelan-owned accounts overseas, was&nbsp;frozen&nbsp;by US&nbsp;and European banks after the United States ramped up sanctions under the administration of President Donald Trump, designed to pressure President Nicolas Maduro to take steps toward free elections.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chevron-to-resume-limited-energy-production-in-venezuela-after-years-of-sanctions-537792">Also read |&nbsp;Chevron to resume 'limited' energy production in Venezuela after years of sanctions</a>

Talks between Maduro's government and its political opponents resumed in Mexico City on Saturday, mediated by Norway, after being on ice for more than a year.

US&nbsp;Secretary of State Antony Blinken welcomed the talks as "an important step toward restoring democracy to Venezuelans.

"We will look to the parties to achieve lasting agreements that set the course for free and fair presidential elections in 2024," he said&nbsp;on Twitter.

Maduro also posted a statement on Twitter, saying: "We will always strive for dialogue with all Venezuelan society. We continue to take important steps for the well-being of our country."

Following the announcement for an UN-administered fund, the US&nbsp;Treasury Department issued a license for Chevron, the second largest US&nbsp;oil company, to expand operations in Venezuela, allowing it to import Venezuelan crude into the United States.

The government's delegation was led by congressional leader Jorge Rodriguez of&nbsp;Venezuela's&nbsp;ruling United Socialist Party (PSUV), and the opposition group was headed by politician Gerardo Blyde.

Maduro had said&nbsp;the aim of the talks was to recover the "kidnapped" resources for public investment: "Then we will see what other issues can be discussed."

The&nbsp;funds&nbsp;are set to help stabilize the country's electric grid, improve education infrastructure and deal with the impact of this year's deadly rains and flooding.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-landslide-at-least-22-dead-more-than-50-missing-after-river-overflowed-523925">Also read |&nbsp;Venezuela landslide: At least 22 dead, more than 50 missing after river overflowed</a>

It is part of a broad agenda that covers US&nbsp;sanctions on Venezuela, conditions for the next presidential elections and the status of hundreds of political prisoners - though these issues will not be discussed in this round of talks.

"This agreement provides the template for how further progress can be secured," the European Union said&nbsp;in a statement.

More than 7.1 million Venezuelans have left their country according to UN estimates this year, many migrating to other Latin American countries or the United States, as Venezuela battles high inflation, and food and medicine shortages. More than half of Venezuelan migrants do not have access to three meals a day, UN&nbsp;estimates showed.

In Venezuela, a survey by local universities this year showed some 78 per cent&nbsp;of the population was worried about lack of food, compared with 88 per cent&nbsp;in 2021.

Some Venezuelan and US&nbsp;critics raised concerns the liquidity injection could boost Maduro's credentials before the country's 2024 elections.

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Venezuela's government and opposition have asked the United Nations to manage a fund for billions of dollars now held in foreign banks, which will be gradually unfrozen to combat a humanitarian crisis in the oil-rich nation, delegates announced in Mexico City on Saturday.

Venezuela's government and opposition have asked the United Nations to manage a fund for billions of dollars now held in foreign banks, which will be gradually unfrozen to combat a humanitarian crisis in the oil-rich nation, delegates announced in Mexico City on Saturday. Sources told Reuters last month the frozen funds amount to more than $3 billion. The money, held in Venezuelan-owned accounts overseas, was frozen by US and European banks after the United States ramped up sanctions under the administration of President Donald Trump, designed to pressure President Nicolas Maduro to take steps toward free elections. Also read | Chevron to resume 'limited' energy production in Venezuela after years of sanctions Talks between Maduro's government and its political opponents resumed in Mexico City on Saturday, mediated by Norway, after being on ice for more than a year. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken welcomed the talks as "an important step toward restoring democracy to Venezuelans. "We will look to the parties to achieve lasting agreements that set the course for free and fair presidential elections in 2024," he said on Twitter. Maduro also posted a statement on Twitter, saying: "We will always strive for dialogue with all Venezuelan society. We continue to take important steps for the well-being of our country." Following the announcement for an UN-administered fund, the US Treasury Department issued a license for Chevron, the second largest US oil company, to expand operations in Venezuela, allowing it to import Venezuelan crude into the United States. The government's delegation was led by congressional leader Jorge Rodriguez of Venezuela's ruling United Socialist Party (PSUV), and the opposition group was headed by politician Gerardo Blyde. Maduro had said the aim of the talks was to recover the "kidnapped" resources for public investment: "Then we will see what other issues can be discussed." The funds are set to help stabilize the country's electric grid, improve education infrastructure and deal with the impact of this year's deadly rains and flooding. Also read | Venezuela landslide: At least 22 dead, more than 50 missing after river overflowed It is part of a broad agenda that covers US sanctions on Venezuela, conditions for the next presidential elections and the status of hundreds of political prisoners - though these issues will not be discussed in this round of talks. "This agreement provides the template for how further progress can be secured," the European Union said in a statement. More than 7.1 million Venezuelans have left their country according to UN estimates this year, many migrating to other Latin American countries or the United States, as Venezuela battles high inflation, and food and medicine shortages. More than half of Venezuelan migrants do not have access to three meals a day, UN estimates showed. In Venezuela, a survey by local universities this year showed some 78 per cent of the population was worried about lack of food, compared with 88 per cent in 2021. Some Venezuelan and US critics raised concerns the liquidity injection could boost Maduro's credentials before the country's 2024 elections. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Venezuela's frozen funds to be gradually released for humanitarian aid

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

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