The Cuban-American congresswoman María Elvira Salazar asserted this Sunday that funds from the oil company Chevron will not reach Nicolás Maduro's regime, following the partial lifting of the restrictions on the company's operations in Venezuela.
In a post on , Salazar stated: “The White House has assured us that not a single dollar from Chevron will go to Maduro's regime. We must, under no circumstances, reinject money into the oil fields of Venezuela. I take the President's commitment seriously. That was his promise.”
“United States should never finance criminal dictatorships. Not a dollar for Maduro! Not a dime for socialism!” wrote the social media.
Chevron resumes operations in Venezuela
On July 24, the administration of President Donald Trump gave the green light to Chevron to resume its oil extraction activities in Venezuela, as reported by The Wall Street Journal.
The decision, which includes a specific license to operate alongside PDVSA, marks a shift in the energy policy of the U.S., with an apparent recalibration between sanctions and the country’s energy needs.
The agreement was finalized after weeks of negotiations in which Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio participated, according to close sources.
Chevron and its historical presence
Chevron is one of the few foreign companies that never completely severed ties with Venezuela, despite the sanctions imposed by previous governments. Its partial return is seen as an attempt to secure access to Venezuelan crude oil during a period of heightened global energy volatility, but it has drawn criticism from sectors calling for a hardline stance against the Chavista regime.
Frequently Asked Questions about Chevron's Resumption of Operations in Venezuela
Why did Chevron resume its operations in Venezuela?
Chevron has resumed its operations in Venezuela after receiving a license from the Trump administration. This decision marks a shift in the energy policy of the United States, aiming to balance sanctions with the country's energy needs amid a backdrop of high global energy volatility.
What is María Elvira Salazar's position on Chevron's operations in Venezuela?
María Elvira Salazar has expressed strong criticism against any opportunity for Chevron funds to reach Nicolás Maduro's regime. The congresswoman emphasizes that the United States should not finance criminal dictatorships and advocates against providing support to socialism.
How can it be ensured that Maduro's regime does not benefit from Chevron's operations?
The United States government has stated that Maduro's regime will not benefit from the new license granted to Chevron. However, the specific mechanisms to ensure this in practice have not been clarified, leading to criticism and doubt among opponents of the Chavista regime.
What implications does Chevron's resumption have for U.S. policy toward Venezuela?
The resumption of Chevron's operations in Venezuela signifies a shift in the energy and foreign policy of the United States towards the South American country. This move aims to balance energy priorities with the pressure to lower oil prices, while also addressing the migratory and geopolitical tensions in the region.
Filed under: