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Venezuela

All articles tagged with #venezuela

global-politics-and-policy1 day ago

Memo reveals Venezuela weighed Iranian missiles in 2020

A January 2020 Venezuelan Defense Ministry memo obtained by POLITICO shows Caracas planned to purchase a ballistic missile system from Iran for more than $400 million, detailing funds routed through state-owned companies and missiles to be operated from Venezuelan naval platforms; the plan progressed further than previously known but was blocked under U.S. pressure and ultimately did not result in weapons delivery, with analysts debating how extensive the Iran–Venezuela ties actually were.

via Politico|
#defense-ministry#global-politics-and-policy#iran
Pope Leo XIV condemns Iran-war moves, broadening critique of U.S. policy
politics11 days ago

Pope Leo XIV condemns Iran-war moves, broadening critique of U.S. policy

Pope Leo XIV used Palm Sunday to condemn the Iran war and urge a cease-fire, highlighting civilian casualties while signaling ongoing moral opposition to U.S. policy; the pope has previously criticized Trump-era immigration measures and supported bishops’ critiques, and will focus on migrant issues with a visit to Lampedusa, with no White House comment yet.

via Axios|
#immigration#iran-war#politics
Court weighs Maduro defense funding amid Venezuela sanctions
world16 days ago

Court weighs Maduro defense funding amid Venezuela sanctions

US prosecutors say Maduro and his wife cannot use Venezuela’s government funds to pay for their legal defense in a New York narco-terrorism case, citing sanctions and alleged plunder of national wealth; the defense argues dismissal is premature and emphasizes the right to counsel. Judge Alvin Hellerstein indicated the right to defense is paramount and will rule later, with no bail or trial date set.

via BBC|
#legal-fees#maduro#narco-terrorism
New York Judge Keeps Maduro Drug-Charge Case on Track
world16 days ago

New York Judge Keeps Maduro Drug-Charge Case on Track

A federal judge in New York refused to dismiss the narcotics indictment against Nicolás Maduro and his wife, allowing the case to proceed. Defense arguments that the U.S. blocked access to Venezuelan government funds for their representation were not sustained, with the judge saying a ruling on funding would come later. Prosecutors also sought a protective order to limit discovery sharing with co-defendants at large. Maduro and his wife have pleaded not guilty and are detained as the high-profile case heads toward trial amid outside demonstrations.

via NBC News|
#court#drug-trafficking#maduro
Oil market nerves rise as Iran war and AI boom shape Houston summit
business16 days ago

Oil market nerves rise as Iran war and AI boom shape Houston summit

At the S&P Global energy summit in Houston, oil executives describe a market on edge amid Iran–Venezuela tensions and AI-driven demand, while officials seek to reassure that the Iran conflict will be short-lived. Venezuelan reforms attract criticism; Nvidia highlights AI initiatives and data-center energy needs draw attention from Google. Protests outside underscore fossil-fuel geopolitics, and climate talk is downplayed as some attendees leave early amid security lines and fatigue.

via Axios|
#ai#business#energy-markets
Rubio’s testimony unveils Rivera’s Venezuela scheme and possible double-cross
politics17 days ago

Rubio’s testimony unveils Rivera’s Venezuela scheme and possible double-cross

Sen. Marco Rubio testified in a federal case against his longtime friend David Rivera, alleging Rivera acted as an unregistered foreign agent in a $50 million Venezuela-related deal with CITGO. Rubio described Rivera’s 2017 meetings about a potential Maduro exit and questioned whether Rivera was advancing Maduro’s interests or secretly pushing for his departure, highlighting the broader effort by Venezuela to normalize ties with the U.S. through money and influence.

via Axios|
#citgo#foreign-agent#politics
politics17 days ago

Rubio Takes the Stand in Miami in Venezuela Lobbying Trial Tied to Ex-Rep Rivera

Secretary of State Marco Rubio testified in a Miami federal case involving former Rep. David Rivera, who is accused of money laundering and secretly lobbying for Venezuela. Rubio described Rivera as a vociferous anti-communist voice and testified about 2017 talks on a transition that could oust Nicolás Maduro, amid prosecutors’ claims Rivera’s firm secured a $50 million contract with a Venezuelan state oil subsidiary to influence U.S. policy. Rubio said he did not know about the contract, and the proceedings unfold as Venezuela, Iran and Cuba feature in broader geopolitical tensions.

via Politico|
#lobbying#politics#rivera
Rubio Takes Stand in Maduro Lobbying Trial Involving Ex-Congressman
world18 days ago

Rubio Takes Stand in Maduro Lobbying Trial Involving Ex-Congressman

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio testified in the trial of ex-congressman David Rivera, who is accused of secretly lobbying for Maduro’s Venezuela to ease sanctions; Rivera and co-defendant Esther Nuhfer allegedly earned a $50 million contract from a PDVSA subsidiary to influence Rubio and other officials. Rubio, who says he has not been involved, noted their long friendship but denied any role in the scheme. The case marks the first time a current cabinet member testified in a U.S. criminal trial since 1983.

via BBC|
#david-rivera#foreign-agents-registration-act#maduro
Rubio to take stand in trial tied to Venezuela oil deal and shadow lobbying by a Florida ally
politics-and-policy18 days ago

Rubio to take stand in trial tied to Venezuela oil deal and shadow lobbying by a Florida ally

Secretary of State Marco Rubio is set to testify in the federal trial of former Rep. David Rivera, who is accused of secretly lobbying for Venezuela’s government in connection with a $50 million CITGO contract; Rubio asked to be called as a prosecution witness after Rivera’s team sought to call him as a defense witness, underscoring Rubio’s long-running ties to Rivera and the case’s broader implications for foreign influence in Latin America.

via Axios|
#citgo#david-rivera#foreign-agents