US says it's ready to 'pause' sanctions relief for Venezuela unless further progress seen

FILE PHOTO: View of Los Eucaliptos neighborhood, in Caracas, Venezuela November 28, 2023. REUTERS/Gaby Oraa/File Photo

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The White House said on Friday it was prepared to "pause" sanctions relief for OPEC member Venezuela in coming days unless there is further progress on the release of Venezuelan political prisoners and "wrongfully detained" Americans.

Speaking after a deadline for Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro to meet certain commitments, White House national security spokesperson John Kirby said the U.S. welcomed an announcement on Thursday that opposition presidential candidates barred from public office would be able to appeal to Venezuela’s highest court.