US ties renewal of easing of Venezuela oil sanctions to progress on elections

Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro looks on, as he meets Colombia's President Gustavo Petro, at the Miraflores Palace, in Caracas, Venezuela April 9, 2024. REUTERS/Leonardo Fernandez Viloria/File Photo

WASHINGTON/HOUSTON (Reuters) -The U.S. will not renew a temporary license that widely eased sanctions on Venezuela's oil and gas sector unless progress is made by President Nicolas Maduro on commitments for free and fair elections this year, a State Department spokesperson said on Monday, three days before the license is to expire.

The U.S. has been concerned about Venezuela's electoral process and what it sees as Maduro's failure to meet his main promises for the July 28 presidential elections.