The US Outlines Recommendation to Lift Venezuela Sanctions

(Photo : REUTERS/Manaure Quintero)

US President Donald Trump's administration revealed on Tuesday a recommendation to end the Venezuela sanctions in exchange for the establishment of the so-called "power-sharing transitional government" composed the Socialist Party of President Nicolas Maduro, and the opposition members.

With South America squeezed by low prices of oil worldwide, a spreading COVID-19 pandemic, and a pressure campaign in the US economy, Washington lifted its approach targeted at endorsing new elections to put an end to the political disaster there.

Mike Pompeo, Secretary of State, officially announced the "Democratic Transition Framework" of the administration for Venezuela, which provides a "sequenced exit path" for the first time from the tough sanctions of US, which include the vital oil segment, if there is cooperation from Marudo and his followers.

However, it will be a difficult task to attract the Venezuela President onto a political settlement path. This official holds onto power in spite of the US initiatives' escalation to remove him. More so, he did not demonstrate any sign of the willingness of serious negotiation as an end to his governance.

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Maduro's Staying Power

The initiative took place less than a week after the Trump administration took a more confrontational tactic, accusing Maduro, as well as the more than a dozen other present and former top officials of Venezuela on chargers of "narco-terrorism."

These were accusations the highest Venezuelan official dismissed as racist and false. Some US officials privately said, Maduro's staying power has turned the main frustration for President Trump. More so, the state leader has retained the military's support, as well as Cuba, Russia and China's.

Moreover, the US administration according to reports, hopes that the energy dispute between Saudi Arabia and Russia has helped in the drip of oil price, which is the main financial lifeline of Maduro, and the growing threat of COVID-19, will help make him and his loyal supporters more flexible.

Elliott Abrams, the US Special Representative for Venezuela told Reuters News Agency, that the regime is currently "under heavier pressure than it has ever been," He added that perhaps, this particular pressure could result in a serious dialogue within the administration.

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The Proposal

The proposal of the US, which, according to Abrams, was approved by President Trump, is calling for Maduro to step down, and for the National Assembly which is controlled by the oppositions, to vote for an "inclusive transitional" administration which the majority can accept.

Meanwhile, the state council would rule until it runs the elections, which according to Pompeo, the US hoped could take place in six months to one year. 

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Nevertheless, in what seems to be moderating the tone towards the President, said Abrams, the original plan did not call for Maduro to be obliged or mandated into exile and even recommended that he could "theoretically run" for the elections.

Maduro's administration did not comment on or respond to the proposal of the US right away. More so, the President has also previously accused the United States of backing the attempts of the opposition to plot a "coup."