The oil companies that stopped operating in Venezuela, as a result of the sanctions imposed by the United States (EU) on the Caribbean country, will be able to do so again, after the North American nation once again delivered the licenses to resume their production, according to what was said in a Radio interview with President Nicolás Maduro.
The president confirmed information that the US had already advanced by announcing, in mid-May, which would lift some economic sanctions, including the prohibition of the US oil company Chevron from negotiating with the Venezuelan state-owned PDVSA, in exchange for the reactivation of dialogue between the Maduro government and the opposition in Mexico.
The dialogue was suspended last October due to the unilateral decision of the ruling party, as a sign of protest against the extradition of businessman Alex Saab – alleged figurehead of Maduro – to the US to be tried for money laundering crimes.
The condition set by the US government has been met, at least for now, but despite everything, the talks between the US and Venezuela are advancing, according to Maduro, who assured that several licenses had already been delivered to foreign companies for gas production. and oil in the Caribbean country.
Among the benefited companies are the North American Chevronthe Italian Eni and the Spanish Repsolwhich have not yet made a statement on the matter.
“A week ago, the United States took some slight but significant steps by granting licenses to Chevron, Eni and Repsol. to initiate processes that lead to the production of gas and oil in Venezuela to export to its natural markets”, said the president in an interview with an Argentine radio station.
However, Maduro assured that he will maintain his “demands” so that all sanctions are lifted, but he did not confirm if, in return, he is willing to comply with those of the other party in terms of resuming the dialogue in Mexico City.