Venezuela Announces Resumption of US Deportation Flights on Sunday

Deportation flights from the US to Venezuela will resume on Sunday after a new agreement between the two governments. The first flight is scheduled for March 23. The US administration is extending Chevron’s operating rights in Venezuela and seeking cooperation with Maduro’s government regarding immigration and energy policies.

The United States will resume deportation flights to Venezuela on Sunday following an agreement between the two governments, as confirmed by Venezuelan official Jorge Rodríguez. He stated, “Migrating is not a crime and we will not rest until we achieve the return of all those who require it.” The first deportation flight is scheduled for March 23.

This announcement coincides with the Trump administration’s decision to allow Chevron to continue operations in Venezuela for at least an additional 30 days, extending the deadline previously set for April 3. Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro had temporarily halted acceptance of US deportation flights in protest against actions targeting Chevron.

Maduro is deeply concerned about maintaining Chevron’s operations, as the company contributes significantly to Venezuela’s crude output and hard currency earnings. President Trump has intensified pressure on Maduro regarding democratic reforms, while also focusing on the return of Venezuelan migrants from the US. Geoff Ramsey from the Atlantic Council indicated that Trump has shifted his approach from demanding Maduro’s resignation to negotiating terms for deportation flights.

Ramsey remarked that it appears highly likely that the deadline for Chevron’s operations will either be extended or become permanent. He emphasized that the reality is that Maduro’s government remains resilient, and Washington must negotiate effectively with this regime to address important immigration and energy issues.

Although Trump envoy Ric Grenell initially indicated flights would resume on March 14, Sunday’s flight will mark the first post-agreement return. It follows the deportation of over 200 Venezuelans to a prison in El Salvador, accused of gang affiliations. Additionally, last week Venezuela received 311 of its migrants from Mexico following a bilateral agreement.

In conclusion, the resumption of US deportation flights to Venezuela reflects a significant diplomatic agreement between the two nations. This agreement not only highlights ongoing tensions concerning the operations of Chevron but also underscores the delicate balance between immigration policies and diplomatic relations. Continued negotiations are essential for addressing these complex issues effectively.

Original Source: www.energyconnects.com