A U.S. official on Sept. 1 defended Washington’s new oil deal with the interim government of Venezuela, saying that it does not impede the country’s shift toward democracy.
“This in no way impedes a democratic transition, nor does it mean that it cements the interim government,” the official said during a call with reporters.
The official explained that the deal supports Venezuela’s transition to a democratic process, addressing concerns in Washington that it would strengthen the position of interim Venezuelan President Delcy Rodríguez.
The deal was negotiated by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, and Rodríguez through a partnership with private businesses, according to an Aug. 28 post by U.S. President Donald Trump….