US Officials Engaging with Biden Administration as Sanctions Relief Under Consideration

US officials continue to engage with Venezuelan representatives from Maduro’s government according to State Department official Brian A. Nichols on Tuesday as the Biden Administration considers reinstating oil and gas sanctions.

• Maduro’s government had until the end of November to release political prisoners as well as “wrongfully detained” Americans and reverse a ban on political opposition members from running against him.
• US officials have said the Maduro government has failed to meet these conditions, only partially fulfilling them.
• "We are continuing to engage in conversations with Maduro representatives as well as close consultations with the democratic opposition in Venezuela, around finding ways to create the conditions for a more democratic, prosperous and secure Venezuela," Nichols said at a virtual event with the Atlantic Council.
• "The Maduro authorities need to demonstrate the courage to allow a serious opposition candidate to run in the election," Nichols said. "That process needs to conclude by the time of invoking of a formal election."
• It has not been made clear through US officials whether sanctions will be reimposed or what form they take.