"Some funds belonging to the Venezuelan people are being unfrozen. These funds will allow us to invest significant resources in hospital equipment, ordered from the United States and other countries," Interim President Delcy Rodriguez of Venezuela announced on 27/1. She did not disclose the specific scale of the unfrozen assets.
Rodriguez added that the funds would be placed into a Venezuela-controlled asset fund designated for social welfare, electricity, and the oil and gas sectors.
The Venezuelan leader reaffirmed that diplomatic channels have been established with the US government, aiming for a dialogue-based work program.
Interim President Rodriguez stated that the Venezuelan government is maintaining communication "based on respect and courtesy" with President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. However, she emphasized that Caracas does not accept orders from external powers and "is not under Washington's guardianship".
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Interim President Delcy Rodriguez of Venezuela speaks on 14/1 in Caracas. Photo: AP
The announcement was made as Rodriguez presided over the inauguration of the Nephrology Department at Caracas University Hospital (HUC), a facility recently renovated and equipped with modern technology to enhance patient care. She stated that the new facility features 11 dialysis chairs, a specialized operating room, and clinics, with the capacity to perform over 5,000 hemodialysis procedures monthly.
The White House and the US Department of the Treasury have not commented on the information.
Washington imposed numerous sanctions on Caracas starting in 2019, following President Nicolas Maduro's re-election. Since Maduro was arrested in a military operation on 3/1, the United States and Venezuela's interim government have reached numerous agreements, including an oil cooperation deal valued at approximately 2 billion USD, along with a 100 billion USD reconstruction plan for the industry.
On 27/1, US officials disclosed that Washington is preparing to issue a "general license" to partially lift sanctions on Venezuela's energy sector, moving away from granting waivers on a case-by-case basis.
Many partners and clients of Venezuela's national energy corporation, including US-based Chevron Corporation, had recently submitted individual license applications, but the large volume of requests had slowed the process.
Last week, the United States confirmed the appointment of Laura Dogu, former ambassador to Nicaragua and Honduras, as charge d'affaires ad interim to Venezuela. This move is seen as a signal towards restoring diplomatic relations. Washington has repeatedly warned of retaliatory measures if Caracas "does not follow US direction".
Thanh Danh (According to TeleSur, Reuters, AFP)
