US lifts sanctions on Venezuela's Conviasa airline and telecom services

The United States Treasury Department has lifted sanctions against Venezuela's state-owned airline, Conviasa, and its telecommunications and postal services. This decision is framed as part of the Trump administration's economic engagement strategy for the South American nation.

According to a statement from the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), General License 59 now authorizes the provision of certain goods and services related to Conviasa. This includes enabling payments through the U.S. financial system, as well as facilitating purchases, transport, repairs, and other operational necessities for the airline.

Additionally, General License 24A permits transactions related to the reception and transmission of telecommunications, along with mail and goods. These measures are being dismantled by the Trump administration following the military operation in January that led to the departure of President Nicolás Maduro.

The majority of OFAC's general licenses issued recently are linked to opening up Venezuela's oil and mining sectors to foreign multinational corporations. This broader strategy aims to reshape the country's economic landscape after years of sanctions imposed during the Chavista regime's control.