Venezuela failing to meet some key commitments despite election announcement, US says

FILE PHOTO: Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado speaks during an interview with Reuters, in Caracas, Venezuela February 9, 2024. REUTERS/Gaby Oraa/File Photo

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States on Thursday accused the Venezuelan government of failing to deliver on some of its key commitments that resulted in U.S. sanctions relief last year, despite this week’s announcement of a July 28 date for a presidential election.

Speaking to a think tank in Washington, Brian Nichols, U.S. assistant secretary of state for Western Hemisphere Affairs, said Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro had taken a number of steps in the “wrong direction.” These measures, he said, include maintaining an election ban on Maria Corina Machado, the leading opposition candidate, and arresting dozens of opposition activists.