Venezuela has long been one of America's most bitter adversaries. But amid the crisis with Russia and soaring gas prices, the Biden administration is reaching out to the Latin American country.
over the weekend to discuss energy sanctions imposed by the United States several years ago and to address the fate of American citizens who have been jailed in the countryThe “Citgo 6” were interviewed by the U.S. delegation, according to a person with direct knowledge of the case who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss closed negotiations. The visit was coordinated by the Maduro government, according to the person. A U.S. diplomat met with some of the prisoners in December.
The trip has symbolic significance as well, since Venezuela is Russia’s most important ally in South America. Experts said Venezuela is not in a position to ramp up oil production quickly enough to have an immediate impact on gas prices.“I think this is outreach of convenience, given sky-high pump prices,” said Scott Modell, a managing director at Rapidan Energy Group. “I don’t think it will do all that much even if it succeeds to affect gas prices in the near time.
Biden has also had uneasy personal relations with Maduro. As vice president, he publicly accused Maduro of concocting “outlandish conspiracy theories.” “It’s a drop in the bucket of the world market,” said Francisco Monaldi, the director of the Latin America Energy Program at Rice University. “It’s unlikely to make a dent in the price of oil or avoid an increase at the pump for Americans.”
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Russia-Ukraine live updates: Russia claims it will not send in conscripted soldiersUkraine Emergency Services released footage showing a fire at an oil depot in the city of Zhytomyr after a reported strike on Monday.
Read more »
Russia-Ukraine live updates: Ukraine denounces proposed evacuation corridors to Russia, BelarusLocal Ukrainian leaders said there was no confirmation of a temporary cease-fire as Vladimir Putin's military continued its attacks.
Read more »
Russia-Ukraine updates: Zelenskyy says Russia openly announcing 'planned atrocity'Over 1 million Ukrainian refugees have fled to Poland since the Russian invasion, Poland's Border Guard said on Sunday.
Read more »
Russia-Ukraine live updates: Thousands trapped in Mariupol as Russia shells escape routePeople in Irpin, Ukraine, flee amid shelling as Russia's war on the eastern European country continues. LIVE UPDATES:
Read more »
Possible Russia oil embargo drives US outreach to VenezuelaU.S. officials traveled to Venezuela for talks with President Nicolas Maduro’s government, Putin’s top ally in Latin America. Venezuela is an oil exporter whose re-entry into U.S. energy markets could mitigate fallout from a possible oil embargo on Russia.
Read more »
House, Senate agree on Russia trade ban as Putin moves further into UkraineLeaders of the House and Senate trade panels said these actions will 'send a clear message to Putin that his war is unacceptable.'
Read more »