US eases squeeze on Venezuela

Washington – The US is easing some of its tough sanctions on Venezuela to encourage dialogue between President Nicolas Maduro’s regime and its opponents, a senior official said.

One action permits US oil firm Chevron to negotiate with the state oil company PDVSA on the terms of any future activities in Venezuela, the official added.

Venezuela’s Vice-President Delcy Rodriguez tweeted the decision “has authorised US and European oil companies to restart operations in Venezuela”. –