US not ‘stealing Venezuelan oil’, energy secretary insists

ELECTIONS A “PROCESS”

US President Donald Trump has described the pact announced on Friday as “the biggest oil deal in world history.”

The US leader earlier Wednesday rebuffed calls for elections in Venezuela, amid high hopes that Washington-backed talks between the interim government and parts of the opposition might lead to a democratic ballot.

“I just don’t think they’re ready yet. You know, it’s very new. We took them out of a dictatorship, and we’re getting along great with the government,” he said.

US forces ousted Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro in January, and Maduro’s former vice president Delcy Rodriguez has been governing on an interim basis ever since.

Rodriguez, who effectively rules under Trump’s thumb, echoed that elections would take place when “Venezuela is ready.”

Wright sought to clarify that elections were a “process”, pointing out that reforms including an overhaul of Venezuela’s Supreme Court were necessary first.

“The plan for elections has not changed at all. It’s to continue to get the infrastructure ready and have elections at the appropriate time,” he said.

The secretary said the country and its economy had to be stabilised before a popular vote could occur.

“You don’t want to wait, sit on your hands for whatever time it takes to get through elections,” he said.