US insists sanctions would be eased if Barbados Agreement is complied with

The head of the United States mission for Venezuela, Francisco Palmieri, said on Monday that he spoke with American companies regarding the possible relief of sanctions imposed on the country and assured that his country is open “to respond positively to significant steps towards the full implementation of the Barbados Agreement”.

“Today I spoke with US companies regarding sanctions relief. Our policy seeks to encourage inclusive and competitive elections. We remain open to responding positively to meaningful steps toward full implementation of the Barbados Agreement.Palmieri said on his X account.

Palmieri said Washington’s policy is aimed at encouraging inclusive and competitive elections. However, the diplomat did not specify what kind of actions his country expects.

In mid-April, the United States announced its decision to partially reverse the sanctions relief it had applied since October, accusing Maduro of failing to meet electoral commitments for the July 28 presidential elections.

The U.S. Treasury Department has set a May 31 deadline for foreign companies to halt all oil and gas production and export operations they have had during that six-month period.

From now on, companies wishing to do business with PDVSA will have to request individual authorizations from the U.S. Treasury, which will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.