US Lifts Sanctions on Venezuela's Acting President

0:00It's April 1st. Welcome in. This is Vancouver News today, where local news meets AI. The U.S. just lifted sanctions on Venezuela's acting president, Del C. Rodriguez. This move came from the Treasury Department this Wednesday, clearing the way for her to deal more freely with American companies and investors. It's a big shift after years of restrictions. Earlier this year on January 3rd, U.S. forces captured Nicolas Maduro and his wife in Caracas. They've been brought to New York facing drug trafficking charges, and both pleaded not guilty. Lifting these sanctions signals the U.S. now sees Rodriguez as the legit leader stepping in. Rodriguez welcomed the news on her telegram, calling it a step toward better U.S. Venezuela ties under President Trump. She hopes it leads to dropping more sanctions overall, paving the way for real cooperation that helps everyday people. Venezuela's government hasn't commented further yet. Back in September of 2018, Rodriguez and her brother Jorge got hit with sanctions for

1:00helping Maduro cling to power through what many, called a fake election. Fast forward. And now she's pitching Venezuela's oil riches to global investors, while the U.S. already eased rules on the state oil company, PDVSA. Back in March, her acting role wraps up in 90 days this Friday, but the ruling party's court and assembly, led by her brother, could extend it to six months. With Maduro still legally in the president's seat during his absence, things stay fluid as talks heat up.