United States Removes Sanctions on Venezuela's Acting President Delcy Rodriguez

The United States has removed sanctions targeting Venezuela's acting President Delcy Rodriguez, according to an announcement from the Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control. This action represents continued easing of U.S. measures against Caracas following the military capture of former leader Nicolas Maduro and his wife on January 3 in Venezuela's capital. The couple was subsequently transported to New York to face narcotics trafficking allegations, to which they have entered not guilty pleas. The sanctions relief enables Rodriguez to engage more directly with American businesses and financial interests. In response, Rodriguez issued a statement expressing appreciation for former U.S. President Donald Trump's decision, characterizing it as a move toward improved bilateral relations. She further expressed hope that this development would lead to broader removal of restrictions against Venezuela, facilitating cooperative efforts between the nations. Rodriguez and her brother Jorge Rodriguez previously faced U.S. sanctions during Trump's initial administration over accusations of undermining democratic processes in Venezuela. Diplomatic relations between Washington and Caracas, severed in 2019, have shown signs of thawing, with the American flag once again flying at the U.S. embassy in Venezuela.