Venezuela and US to Resume Deportation Flights Amid Chevron Negotiations
Deportation flights from the US to Venezuela will resume on Sunday, following an agreement between the two nations. This agreement coincides with an extension of Chevron’s operational deadline in Venezuela, highlighting the intricate relationship between energy policy and immigration matters. The Venezuelan government views repatriation flights as a humanitarian effort to assist its citizens abroad.
The United States will resume deportation flights to Venezuela on Sunday following an agreement between the two nations, as stated by a high-ranking Venezuelan official. Jorge Rodríguez, the chief negotiator, emphasized the humanitarian aspect of the agreement, asserting that “migrating is not a crime and we will not rest until we achieve the return of all those who require it.” The first repatriation flight is scheduled for March 23.
The announcement coincides with the Trump administration’s decision to permit Chevron to continue operations in Venezuela for at least another 30 days, extending a prior deadline set for April 3. Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro had briefly suspended acceptance of US deportation flights as a response to US actions against Chevron.
President Maduro’s government is keen on maintaining Chevron’s presence in Venezuela, given that the company accounts for approximately twenty percent of the country’s crude oil output and significantly contributes to its economy. Trump has intensified pressure on Maduro to strike a deal addressing democratic reforms and increasing repatriation of Venezuelan migrants from the US, evolving from previous sanctions threats aimed at his resignation.
Geoff Ramsey, a senior fellow at the Atlantic Council, remarked that the White House acknowledges the resilience of the Maduro government, which is unlikely to dissolve soon. Therefore, to meet immigration and energy policy goals, basic agreements with the Caracas government must be established.
Though an earlier announcement indicated that flights were set to resume on March 14, the deportation flight scheduled for Sunday marks the first arrival of Venezuelans from the US. This follows a recent incident where more than 200 Venezuelans were deported to a notorious prison in El Salvador, accused of links to the Tren de Aragua gang. Additionally, Venezuela recently welcomed a flight carrying 311 of its migrants from Mexico after negotiating with the Mexican government.
In conclusion, the resumption of US deportation flights to Venezuela signifies a renewed diplomatic engagement between the two governments. The precarious balance of interests surrounding Chevron’s operations underlines the complexity of US-Venezuela relations. As both nations negotiate these issues, the humanitarian considerations surrounding migration remain paramount, reflecting ongoing challenges in addressing the Venezuelan crisis.
Original Source: www.energyconnects.com
