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US lifts sanctions on Venezuela’s assembly president Jorge Rodríguez

Washington removed Jorge Rodríguez from its sanctions list as US-backed talks between Venezuela’s government and opposition continued. The assembly president leads the government’s negotiating team and is the brother of interim President Delcy Rodríguez. The Treasury gave no official reason for the decision, which follows earlier relief for his sister.

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A bespectacled public official with a grey beard stands in a bright interior with a Venezuelan flag.

Treasury removes Rodríguez from its list

The US Treasury lifted sanctions on Jorge Rodríguez, president of Venezuela’s National Assembly, on 14 October. The decision concerns the country’s assembly leader, who is the brother of interim President Delcy Rodríguez.[1], [2]

The US Treasury’s sanctions office (OFAC) removed entries identifying Rodríguez and alternative versions of his name. Its notice gave no explanation. Washington had placed him under sanctions in 2018, during Donald Trump’s first administration, alongside other senior members of Nicolás Maduro’s government.[1]

Government negotiator remains central to the talks

Rodríguez has led the assembly since 2021 and was reappointed in January. He heads the government delegation in US-backed talks with opposition groups. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged all opposition groups to attend the next round. The US transition approach includes stabilisation, economic recovery and political transition, while no firm election date has been announced.[1]

Earlier relief followed the change in Caracas

Delcy Rodríguez took charge after US forces seized Maduro and removed him from Venezuela in January. Washington had already lifted sanctions on her and eased some restrictions affecting the central bank and national airline. Jorge Rodríguez has also helped advance legislation allowing more international private participation in oil and mining, as energy agreements accompanied the diplomatic rapprochement.[1]

References

  1. News sourceAl JazeeraUS removes Jorge Rodríguez from sanctions list↩1↩2↩3↩4
  2. News sourceEl PaísUS lifts sanctions against Jorge Rodríguez↩
Russia-Ukraine warEnergy transition and climate

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