Venezuela is set to resume deportation flights from the US after a suspension related to sanctions issues. US special envoy Richard Grenell confirmed flights will begin Friday, aimed at repatriating Venezuelan nationals who entered illegally. Jorge Rodriguez of the Venezuelan National Assembly supported the agreement, which highlights the complex diplomatic interactions between the two countries.
The United States and Venezuela have agreed to resume deportation flights, with the first flight set for Friday. This decision comes after Venezuela had suspended cooperation, protesting the revocation of a sanctions waiver for Chevron by the US. Richard Grenell, the US special envoy, announced the resumption of flights aimed at repatriating Venezuelan nationals who entered the US illegally.
Jorge Rodriguez, head of the Venezuelan National Assembly, confirmed the agreement on social media, stating it aligns with the “Return to the Homeland Plan” to bring back Venezuelan citizens. Grenell had previously visited Venezuela shortly after Donald Trump took office, aiming to facilitate deportations as part of a key campaign promise.
Since the beginning of this initiative, a total of 366 Venezuelans have been repatriated via state airline Conviasa, despite ongoing US sanctions against it. However, in late February, tensions rose after Trump accused Venezuela of failing to meet its commitments, leading to Caracas’ temporary halt on accepting deportation flights.
Despite the resumption of flights, it remains unclear what motivated Venezuela’s change of stance. Over seven million Venezuelans have left their country due to the ongoing economic crisis and political unrest. The Trump administration previously announced plans to deport approximately 600,000 Venezuelans, who were protected under a program initiated by President Biden for high-risk nationals.
While Grenell has engaged with Maduro on this issue, it is important to note that the Trump administration does not recognize Maduro as the legitimate leader of Venezuela, supporting opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia instead.
In summary, the resumption of deportation flights to Venezuela marks a significant development in US-Venezuela relations amid ongoing tensions and political complexities. The cooperation aims to repatriate Venezuelan nationals who entered the US unlawfully while illustrating the challenges both nations face regarding sanctions and political legitimacy. With over seven million Venezuelans displaced, the issue of deportation remains a critical concern for both governments.
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