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Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro speaks during a meeting with Colombia's President Gustavo Petro at the Miraflores Palace in Caracas, Venezuela, November 18, 2023. "The Political Administrative Court of the Supreme Justice Tribunal will rule on the admission of the suit and the protection requested," the statement said. Those taking their cases to the tribunal must abstain from disrespect toward the state and respect the country's constitution, the statement added. Reuters reported this week that the government could allow appeals to advance as a way to partially comply with U.S. demands. The State Department did not immediately reply to a request for comment after the statement was published.

Persons: Nicolas Maduro, Gustavo Petro, Leonardo Fernandez Viloria, Jorge Rodriguez, Gerardo Blyde, Maria Corina Machado, Maduro, Biden, Matt Spetalnick, Vivian Sequera, Mayela, Lincoln, Stephen Coates Organizations: REUTERS, United, Reuters, State Department, The State Department, Mayela Armas, Thomson Locations: Miraflores, Caracas, Venezuela, WASHINGTON, CARACAS, United States, Norway, U.S, Venezuelan

☆ US Threatening to Reimpose Venezuelan Sanctions if Commitments Not Kept
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-30 | by ( Nov. | At P.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +3 min

The Biden administration reiterated that it has told the Venezuelan government it must, by the end of November, lay out steps for lifting election bans on opposition candidates and begin releasing Venezuelan political prisoners and "wrongfully detained" Americans, the spokesperson said. If the U.S. deems Maduro's actions insufficient, it was not immediately clear how extensively or quickly it would roll back sanctions relief. "We haven’t seen any progress yet," White House national security spokesperson John Kirby told reporters earlier on Thursday when asked whether Maduro was meeting his commitments and if the U.S. was prepared to reimpose sanctions. The Venezuelan government may allow appeals from banned politicians to progress in court as a way to partially comply with U.S. demands, sources told Reuters this week. The Venezuelan government released five political prisoners in October but there have been no releases since.

Persons: Matt Spetalnick WASHINGTON, Nicolas Maduro, Joe Biden's, Biden, Antony Blinken, Maduro, November's, Jorge Rodriguez, John Kirby, Maria Corina Machado, Matt Spetalnick, Vivian Sequera, Chris Reese, Josie Kao Organizations: State Department, Venezuelan, The State Department, U.S, House Locations: U.S, Venezuela, Venezuelan, Washington, Caracas

☆ Brazil increases northern border military presence amid Venezuela-Guyana spat -ministry
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-29 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

REUTERS/Leonardo Fernandez Viloria/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsBRASILIA, Nov 29 (Reuters) - Brazil "has intensified defensive actions" along its northern border as it monitors a territorial dispute between its neighbors, Guyana and Venezuela, the country's defense ministry said on Wednesday. Defensive actions have been intensified in the northern border region of the country, promoting a greater military presence," it said in a statement. Venezuela's claims on the Esequiba, which have been the source of a long-running territorial dispute, were reignited in recent years after Guyana's discovery of oil and gas near the maritime border. On Dec. 3, Venezuelans will vote in a referendum on "the rights" to the Esequiba. The Venezuelan communications ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Brazil's actions.

Persons: Leonardo Fernandez Viloria, Ricardo Brito, Peter Frontini, Vivian Sequera, Gabriel Stargardter, Diane Craft, Sandra Maler Organizations: National Bolivarian Armed Forces, REUTERS, Rights, Ministry of Defense, Court of Justice, Thomson Locations: Venezuela, Esequiba, Guyana, Caracas, Rights BRASILIA, Brazil, Venezuelan

☆ Brazil Increases Northern Border Military Presence Amid Venezuela-Guyana Spat -Ministry
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-29 | by ( Nov. | At P.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +1 min

BRASILIA (Reuters) - Brazil "has intensified defensive actions" along its northern border as it monitors a territorial dispute between its neighbors, Guyana and Venezuela, the country's defense ministry said on Wednesday. Defensive actions have been intensified in the northern border region of the country, promoting a greater military presence," it said in a statement. Venezuela's claims on the Esequiba, which have been the source of a long-running territorial dispute, were reignited in recent years after Guyana's discovery of oil and gas near the maritime border. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) is expected to rule on Friday on a request by Guyana that the referendum be called off. The Venezuelan communications ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Brazil's actions.

Persons: Ricardo Brito, Peter Frontini, Vivian Sequera, Gabriel Stargardter, Diane Craft, Sandra Maler Organizations: Reuters, Ministry of Defense, Court of Justice Locations: BRASILIA, Brazil, Guyana, Venezuela, Venezuelan, Caracas

☆ COP28 host UAE planned to use the event to make oil deals, leaked notes suggest
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-27 | by ( Angela Dewan | Rosa Rahimi | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

The UAE has already been at the center of widespread criticism for appointing its top oil and gas chief to preside over COP28. The US, China, France, Germany and the UK are among the countries with briefing notes published by the Centre for Climate Reporting. The briefing notes read as would be expected for such meetings, until the end of each country’s notes, where suggestions to promote ADNOC and Masdar are included. The notes did not suggest oil and gas projects would be discussed with all those countries. For the US, for example, the briefing notes touch on potential renewable energy deals, saying Masdar hoped to grow its presence in the US by carrying out “acquisitions” in the short term.

Persons: Sultan Al Jaber —, Al Jaber, ADNOC, Al Jaber helms, Masdar, ”, Kaisa Organizations: CNN, United, Emirates ’, Climate, Abu, Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, BBC, Centre, UN, UNFCCC, Greenpeace International Locations: Abu Dhabi, UAE, China, France, Germany, Russia, Ukraine, Mozambique, Canada, Australia, Venezuelan, Azerbaijan, Europe, Egypt, Kenya, Mexico, Netherlands, Norway, Saudi Arabia, Switzerland

HOMESTEAD, Fla. (AP) — In New York, migrants at a city-run shelter grumble that relatives who settled before them refuse to offer a bed. In South Florida, some immigrants complain that people who came later get work permits that are out of reach for them. Across the country, mayors, governors and others have been forceful advocates for newly arrived migrants seeking shelter and work permits. The administration said in September that it would work to reduce wait times for work permits to 30 days for those using the new pathways. The Washington rally reflected an effort by advocates to push for work permits for all, regardless of when they came.

Persons: Joe Biden, ”, “ Chuy ” Garcia, José Guerrero, ” Guerrero, “, Angel Hernandez, Hernandez, Adriana Trino, “ We're, Diego Torres, Santiago Marquez, hasn't, –, They’ve, ” Lawrence Benito, ___ Tareen, J, Elliot Spagat, Erik Verduzco Organizations: U.S, Rep, Chicago Democrat, . Citizenship, Immigration Services, Biden, Latin American Coalition, American Association, Washington, Illinois Coalition, Immigrant, Refugee Rights, Chicago, Associated Press, Rico Locations: Fla, New York, Chicago, South Florida, Washington, Mexico, Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, Venezuela, Homestead , Florida, Miami, Denver, Los Angeles, Houston, U.S, Venezuelan, Panama’s, Darien, Colombia, United States, Midtown Manhattan, Charlotte , North Carolina, In Atlanta, Homestead, Atlanta

☆ Venezuela denies entry to flight of deportees, Chilean official says
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-23 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

REUTERS/Hugo Curotto/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsNov 23 (Reuters) - Venezuelan authorities rejected a flight of Venezuelans expelled from Chile trying to enter the country, a top Chilean official said on Thursday. "They said, 'No, I do not authorize the flight to Venezuela,'" he added. Monsalve, who did not say how many Venezuelans were on the flight, said the decision to send them back also depended on the Venezuelan government. He added that, per Chilean law, if the expulsion was not carried out within five days, then the Venezuelans would be released. Reporting by Vivian Sequera; Writing by Kylie Madry; Editing by Josie KaoOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Hugo Curotto, Manuel Monsalve, Monsalve, Vivian Sequera, Kylie Madry, Josie Kao Organizations: REUTERS, Chilean, Interior, United Nations, Refugees, Thomson Locations: Chile, Peru, Chacalluta, Arica, Venezuelan, Chilean, Venezuela, UNHCR

☆ China slows Venezuela crude buys as U.S. sanctions lifting triggers 'disarray'
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-23 | by ( Muyu Xu | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

Crude oil drips from a valve at an oil well operated by Venezuela's state oil company PDVSA in Morichal July 28, 2011. Independent refiners, known as teapots, account for a fifth of China's oil purchases, and more than half of its asphalt production. PetroChina, PDVSA and the Venezuelan oil ministry did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Before the U.S. imposed sanctions in 2019, subsidiary PetroChina Fuel Oil Co was the key seller of Venezuelan oil to independent refiners. Independent refiners like Venezuelan heavy crude for its high yield of road-paving material asphalt at about 60%, versus around 45% for Iranian oil.

Persons: Carlos Garcia Rawlins, Sellers, PetroChina, PDVSA, Muyu Xu, Marianna Parraga, Florence Tan Organizations: REUTERS, Rights, ICE Brent, Reuters, Fuel, Co, Thomson Locations: Morichal, Rights SINGAPORE, Washington, China, Venezuela, Iran, Russia, Iraq, Canada, OPEC, Malaysia, Venezuela's, Singapore, Houston

RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — The deaths of two people, muggings and a dangerous heat wave left legions of Taylor Swift's Brazilian fans angry and disappointed in the three-day Rio de Janeiro leg of the pop superstar's Eras Tour, which concludes Monday night. It was the second death of a Swift fan in four days. Fans also reported fainting from extreme heat, being mugged or getting caught up in a police raid. Inside the stadium, concertgoers complained of unbearable heat and some said they had difficulty getting access to water. “Come on stage, I want to see you!”The postponement was followed by chaos outside the stadium.

Persons: Taylor Swift's, Gabriel Mongenot Santana Milhomem Santos, Swift, Rio's, Ana Clara Benevides Machado, Benevides, ”, concertgoers, Kléssia Menezes, “, Julia Alvarenga, Alvarenga, “ We’re, Hely Olivares Organizations: RIO DE, Rio’s Municipal Health Department, Forensic Medical Institute, Nilton Santos Olympic, Twitter Locations: RIO DE JANEIRO, Rio de Janeiro, Rio’s, Rio ., Rio, Burger, Brazil, Panama

☆ Exclusive: Venezuela close to approving offshore gas license with Trinidad, Shell
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-20 | by ( Curtis Williams | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

The installations of liquified natural gas producer Atlantic LNG are pictured in Point Fortin, Trinidad and Tobago, December 10, 2022. REUTERS/Andrea De Silva/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsNov 20 (Reuters) - Venezuela is close to approving a license for Shell (SHEL.L) and the National Gas Company of Trinidad and Tobago to develop a promising offshore natural gas field and export its production to the Caribbean country, two people close to the matter said. The license could set in motion a long-running effort by Trinidad to boost its gas processing and petrochemical exports, while providing Venezuela with a much-needed extra source of cash. Venezuela, which holds Latin America's biggest gas reserves, and neighboring Trinidad, the region's largest liquefied natural gas (LNG) exporter, would complement each other's needs to produce and export gas. Trinidad and Tobago has the capacity to process 4.2 billion cubic feet per day (bcfd) into LNG, petrochemicals and power, but its gas production is about 2.7 bcfd.

Persons: Andrea De Silva, PDVSA, Stuart Young, Curtis William, Marianna Parraga, Marguerita Choy Organizations: Atlantic, REUTERS, Shell, National Gas Company, U.S, Trinidad's Energy, NGC, Thomson Locations: Point Fortin, Trinidad and Tobago, Venezuela, Caribbean, Trinidad, U.S, Venezuela's, Caracas, Trinidad ., Guiria, Houston

I will stop the invasion on our southern border and begin largest domestic deportation operation in American history,” he said in Iowa Saturday. “If you empathize with radical Islamic terrorists and extremists, you’re disqualified," Trump says. “Before we defend the borders of foreign countries we must secure the border of our country," he said said. The border has also become a centerpiece of Abbott's agenda and the subject of an escalating fight with the Biden administration over immigration. A Marquette Law School poll of registered voters conducted in late September gave Trump a 24-point advantage over Biden on handling immigration and border security issues — 52% to 28%.

Persons: — Donald Trump, Trump, Greg Abbott, “, Biden, ”, —, you’re, — you’re, Abbott, Ken Paxton, Trump's, “ Donald Trump, ” Biden, Julie Chavez Rodriguez, ___ Colvin, Will Weissert Organizations: National Guard, Republican Gov, Trump, U.S, Supreme, Social, FBI, Drug, Administration, GOP, Democrat, Texas, Biden, Marquette Law School, Associated Press Locations: EDINBURG , Texas, U.S, Mexico, Edinburg , Texas, Iowa, North Korea, United States, Israel, COVID, Laredo , Texas, Rio Grande, bused, Texas, New York, Wilmington , Delaware

☆ Colombia's Petro says he proposed U.S. pay bonuses to Venezuelan migrants
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-19 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Colombia's President Gustavo Petro speaks during a meeting with Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro at the Miraflores Palace in Caracas, Venezuela November 18, 2023. Petro did not provide details about the bonuses nor did he say when he made the proposal. "I believe that this exodus ... should reroute toward their country of origin because, for the most part, they are Venezuelans," Petro added, emphasizing that migrants could choose to return to Venezuela or stay in Colombia. The Maduro government claims that around two million people have left Venezuela, and the Venezuelan president made no further reference to Petro's proposal. On other topics, Petro said it was "very likely" Colombia's majority state-owned oil firm Ecopetrol will partner with Venezuelan state-run oil company PDVSA in the exploration of gas and oil.

Persons: Gustavo Petro, Nicolas Maduro, Leonardo Fernandez Viloria, Petro, Vivian Sequera, Cynthia Osterman Organizations: REUTERS, Rights, Venezuelan, OPEC, Thomson Locations: Miraflores, Caracas, Venezuela, Rights CARACAS, United States, Colombia, Venezuelan

But all Wright's family wants is for the 38-year-old businessman to be returned home. That position was reaffirmed Friday by the U.S. State Department in response to questions about Wright’s arrest. Some former Trump administration officials say Wright’s arrest is just the latest example of Maduro acting in bad faith. “He loved the nomadic lifestyle,” said Stewart, who didn't know her son was in Venezuela until she learned of his arrest. Wright’s family is speaking out because they feel the U.S. government hasn’t done enough to free him.

Persons: Biden, Savoi Wright’s, Nicolás, hasn’t, “, ”, Erin Stewart, Wright, Joe Biden, Maduro, Maria Corina Machado, Machado, Matthew Miller, Donald Trump's, Juan Guaidó, Kimberly Breier, Trump’s, Elliott Abrams, Maduro’s, Stewart, ” Stewart, Venezuela’s, Tarek William Saab didn’t, Luke Denman, Airan Berry —, — Eyvin Hernandez, Jerrel Kenemore, Joseph Cristella —, Moizeé Stewart, Wright’s, ” ___ Goodman, Tucker Organizations: U.S, Venezuelan, Associated Press, Oakland, U.S . State Department, Trump, Maduro, State Department, Loyola Marymount University, Green, FBI, U.S . Embassy, The State Department Locations: California, Venezuela, OPEC, Barbados, United States, Latin America, Washington, Colombia, Houston, Berkeley , California, Oakland, Miami, South America, U.S, Investigative@ap.org

☆ Miss Universe 2023 preliminary: Highlights from the national costume competition
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-17 | by ( Alex Rees | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

That’s a serious question, but with a delightfully nonsensical answer: All served as inspiration for national costumes on display during the 2023 Miss Universe pageant’s preliminary competition. (Specifically, those were the looks donned by Miss Great Britain, Miss Philippines, Miss Dominican Republic and, yes, Miss Switzerland.) Eighty-four countries are represented at this year’s Miss Universe, which is taking place in the El Salvadoran capital of San Salvador. Miss Nepal, Jane Garrett, is one of the first “curvy” women to compete at Miss Universe; Erica Robin, meanwhile, is the first woman to represent Pakistan at the pageant. Hector Vivas/Getty ImagesTrue to form for the competition, Miss France ventured into Moulin Rouge's costume department.

Persons: Miss Great, Miss Nepal, Jane Garrett, Erica Robin, R’Bonney Gabriel, Hector Vivas, Miss Brazil, El Salvador's, Alex Peña, Ireland's, carnations, Miss Nigeria's, Miss Curaçao's, Marina Machete, Miss Malaysia, Serena Lee, Jordanne Levy, Moulin, Anntonia Porsild, Bryoni Natalie Govender, Miss Mongolia's Organizations: CNN, Swiss Guard, Miss, El, Oxford English, Miss Netherlands, Games, country's Air Force, Images Locations: Miss Great Britain, Miss Philippines, Miss Dominican Republic, Miss Switzerland, El Salvadoran, San Salvador, Netherlands, Portugal, Miss, Pakistan, USA, Miss Iceland, Venezuelan American, Costa Rica, Miss Portugal, Honduras, Jamaica, Thailand, South Africa

The 125-foot Christ the Redeemer was illuminated Thursday night with a towering message welcoming the singer to the country for the latest leg of her Eras Tour. The grand show of hospitality was thanks to a charitable act by her fans and orchestrated by the Christ the Redeemer Archdiocesan Sanctuary, which manages the iconic statue. “From today onwards, I ask all fan clubs to direct their requests about the Sanctuary of Christ the Redeemer to our beloved Archdiocese. Today, the Christ statue with its arms wide open welcomes millions of selfie-snapping tourists each year. Rio is far from the only place to give Swift a special welcome for her Eras Tour.

Persons: Taylor Swift, it’s, Swifties, Eduardo Paes, Paes, ”, he'd, Omar Raposo, Father Omar, “ Young, Raposo, Rio’s, Swift, Estádio Nilton Santos, she’ll, São Paulo, Hely Olivares, “, Taylor, __ Organizations: RIO DE, Redeemer Archdiocesan, Rio, Archdiocese, United, São, Allianz Parque, Redeemer, Lilly Endowment Inc, AP Locations: RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil, Rio de Janeiro, crowdfunding, Lagoa, “, United States, Argentina, Panama City, Rio, Princeton , New Jersey

☆ Venezuela parliament chief rejects 'ultimatums' as US threatens sanctions review
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-17 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Venezuela's National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez addresses the media at the Federal Legislative Palace, in Caracas, Venezuela October 24, 2023. Washington eased some oil sanctions last month after an electoral deal between President Nicolas Maduro's government and the political opposition was signed in October. The easing of U.S. sanctions is also conditional on release of political prisoners and "unjustly detained" U.S. citizens. But Rodriguez, who also heads the government delegation in the opposition negotiations, told a press conference on Friday that Venezuela would not accept ultimatums. "Venezuela does not accept ultimatums from anyone, by now everybody should know that, we don't care", he said.

Persons: Jorge Rodriguez, Gaby Oraa, Nicolas Maduro's, Maria Corina Machado, Rodriguez, PDVSA, Deisy Buitrago, Mayela Armas, Sarah Morland, David Gregorio Our Organizations: Federal, REUTERS, Rights, National, U.S, Thomson Locations: Caracas, Venezuela, Rights CARACAS, Washington, U.S, Venezuelan, State

☆ Ohtani wins second American League MVP award in unanimous vote
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-16 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Aug 30, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Los Angeles Angels designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) hits an RBI single against the Philadelphia Phillies in the fifth inning at Citizens Bank Park. He is the first player to win the MVP Award unanimously more than once, having also done so in 2021. Ohtani finished second in voting last year behind New York Yankees slugger Aaron Judge . "Obviously I wanted to win last year but Judge had a spectacular season and, deservedly so, he won it. So I wanted to come back stronger and try to win this year," Ohtani said via an interpreter.

Persons: Shohei Ohtani, Kyle Ross, Ohtani, Corey Seager, Marcus Semien, Babe Ruth, Aaron Judge, Judge, Ohtani's, Ronald Acuna, Acuna, Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, Amy Tennery, Frank Pingue Organizations: Los Angeles Angels, Philadelphia Phillies, Bank, USA, Major League Baseball, American League, Writers ' Association of America, Texas Rangers, MLB, New York Yankees, Atlanta Braves, Los Angeles Dodgers, Dodgers, Braves, Thomson Locations: Philadelphia , Pennsylvania, USA, Venezuelan, New York

BARRANQUILLA, Colombia (AP) — Days after he was released by kidnappers, the father of Colombia striker Luis Díaz was in tears on Thursday after he watched his son score both goals in a 2-1 win over Brazil in a World Cup qualifying match. Luis Manuel Díaz was held captive for 12 days in a mountainous region by the ELN guerrilla group. So is soccer and so is life," Luis Díaz said after the match. It was Colombia's first win against Brazil in World Cup qualifying in 15 matches. This is beyond soccer, he deserves it,” said Brazil goalkeeper Alisson, a teammate of Díaz at Liverpool.

Persons: Luis Díaz, Luis Manuel Díaz, Cilenis, “, ” Díaz, ”, Alisson, ___ Organizations: Brazil, Metropolitano Locations: BARRANQUILLA, Colombia, Brazil, Liverpool, Barrancas, Venezuelan, Díaz, Paraguay

☆ Treasury Department's hunt for Russian oil sanction violators on the seas is intensifying
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-16 | by ( Lori Ann Larocco | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +6 min

"Management of all the Sovcomflot ships was transferred to Sun Ship Management in March/April 2022 when their offices in Europe were closed. 30 ship owners targeted in new Treasury probeThis is just one example of the murkiness within the Russian oil trade. There are grey areas in the U.S. government's Russian oil guidelines, though the efforts can ultimately lead maritime investigators to the truth. In the U.S. Treasury's "Preliminary Guidance on Implementation of a Maritime Services Policy and Related Price Exception for Seaborne Russian Oil," ship owners are under a Tier 2 category. This document could provide a "safe harbor" for ship owners who are relying on that customer's "attestation" to comply with sanctions.

Persons: Wally Adeyemo, Matthew Wright, Wright, it's, hasn't, They're, shipowners, Andy Lipow, Lipow, Brent Organizations: Windward, U.S . Department, Foreign Assets Control, Treasury, Shipping, Coalition, Ukraine, United, Kazan Shipping Incorporated's, Progress Shipping Company, CNBC, Sovcomflot, Management, Sun Ship Management, Maritime Services, Ship, Lipow Oil Associates, U.S . Treasury, European Union, AIS Locations: Morocco, Price, United Arab Emirates, Kazan, Kazan Shipping Incorporated's Kazan, UAE, Europe, U.S, Asia, Ukraine, Hong Kong, China, India

☆ Venezuela tells World Court referendum to go ahead despite Guyana resistance
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-15 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

A general view of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague, Netherlands August 22, 2023. In April the International Court of Justice, as the World Court is formally known, ruled that it had jurisdiction over the issue. Guyana on Tuesday asked the court to issue emergency measures to stop the vote. "Nothing will prevent the referendum scheduled for the Dec. 3 from being held," Venezuela's Vice President Delcy Rodriguez told the court. She added that her appearance in court did not mean she recognized its jurisdiction over the dispute.

Persons: de, Delcy Rodriguez, Esequiba, Stephanie van den Berg, Angus MacSwan Organizations: International Court of Justice, REUTERS, HAGUE, Court of Justice, Tuesday, United Nations, Thomson Locations: The Hague, Netherlands, Venezuela, Guyana, Caracas, Esequiba

☆ Paraguay to reestablish ties with Venezuela after extended pause
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-15 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Paraguay's President-elect Santiago Pena speaks during an interview with Reuters ahead of his inauguration, in Asuncion, Paraguay August 7, 2023. REUTERS/Cesar Olmedo/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsASUNCION, Nov 15 (Reuters) - Paraguay and Venezuela have decided to reestablish diplomatic ties, the Paraguayan foreign ministry said in a statement on Wednesday, after the South American countries broke off relations nearly five years ago. Formal diplomatic ties were severed in January 2019, when Paraguay recognized opposition leader Juan Guaido as Venezuela's interim president. Following talks between Paraguay's recently-elected President Santiago Pena and his Venezuelan counterpart Nicolas Maduro, the ministry said ambassadors should be formally accredited in the coming days. Reporting by Daniela Desantis; Writing by Sarah Morland; Editing by David Alire GaricaOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Santiago Pena, Cesar Olmedo, Juan Guaido, Paraguay's, Nicolas Maduro, Daniela Desantis, Sarah Morland, David Alire Garica Organizations: Reuters, REUTERS, Rights, South, Venezuelan, Thomson Locations: Asuncion, Paraguay, Rights ASUNCION, Venezuela, Paraguayan

☆ They Arrived Homeless. Now They’re Helping Others Make New York Home.
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-11 | by ( Nina Agrawal | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

Most of the greeters were Venezuelan, and many had made the same trek just weeks before. Yicel Rondon arrived in New York earlier this year with her partner and two children, after fleeing Venezuela and Colombia. “We came here with nothing — just the clothes we were wearing and our documents,” she said. Many arrive with few connections to New York and have ended up in homeless shelters, which officials have said are past the breaking point. The city has recently stepped up a campaign to encourage migrants to move out of the shelter system — or out of the city altogether.

Persons: Yicel Rondon, “, ”, Anna Silver Locations: New York, America, Venezuela, Colombia, P.S

The relaxed sanctions could lead to $1.4 billion in additional income for Venezuela over the next six months, analyst firm Sintesis Financiera said in a report. The additional oil income is expected to arrive gradually, partly though the redirection of exports. "The contribution will go to social spending and services." The government has traditionally increased social spending, public sector salaries, food distribution and housing construction projects ahead of elections, though national income has been limited over the last five years because of the sanctions and problems at PDVSA. Public spending has fallen to 15% of gross domestic product from 40% a decade ago, according to economic analysts.

Persons: Gaby Oraa, Nicolas Maduro, Sintesis Financiera, PDVSA, Jose Vielma, PSUV, Ecoanalitica, Oswaldo Ramirez, Jose Guerra, Maduro, Mayela Armas, Deisy, Julia Symmes Cobb, Rosalba O'Brien Organizations: REUTERS, Rights, Venezuelan Finance Observatory, Thomson Locations: Petare, Caracas, Venezuela, Rights CARACAS, Venezuelan, United States, Washington

Washington in mid-October issued a general license lifting through April sanctions on the country's oil production and exports. POLICY SHIFTThe U.S. imposed sanctions on Venezuela's oil industry to try to oust President Nicolas Maduro, whose 2018 re-election it considers a sham. In the last three weeks, PDVSA has signed new term deals to sell products, including fuel oil and asphalt cement with little known firms. LINING UPShortly after sanctions were eased last month, Trafigura chartered a vessel to pick up a fuel oil cargo at a Venezuelan port. The firm that won the offer is Romania-registered Ke Lo Ke Mgmt, PDVSA documents seen by Reuters showed.

Persons: Marco Bello, Nicolas Maduro's, PDVSA, Nicolas Maduro, Joe Biden's, Trafigura, Lo, Ke Lo Ke, Gunvor, Marianna Parraga, Gary McWilliams, Barbara Lewis Organizations: REUTERS, Gunvor, Reuters, Bloomberg, Thomson Locations: Puerto Cabello, Carabobo, HOUSTON, Washington, U.S, Venezuela, PDVSA, Venezuelan, Romania

☆ Qatar Pursues Oil Deal After Brokering End to Venezuela Sanctions
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-08 | by ( Patricia Garip | Kejal Vyas | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

Qatar’s growing role as an international conflict mediator is opening commercial opportunities for the gas-rich Arab Gulf state. Photo: Christopher Pike/Bloomberg NewsFor more than a year, Qatar quietly hosted talks between senior U.S. and Venezuelan officials that led to a breakthrough last month when Washington lifted sanctions on Venezuela’s crippled energy industry. Now the tiny Arab state, and a Qatari conglomerate, are trying to cash in.

Persons: Christopher Pike Organizations: Bloomberg, U.S Locations: Qatar, Washington, Qatari

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