Venezuelan opposition up in arms over reports US wants big stake in oil and gas
Critics call move to gain long-term access to country’s massive energy reserves ‘predatory’ and ‘unconstitutional’
TL;DR
- Reports suggest the US is in talks to acquire a direct stake in Venezuelan oilfields containing approximately 90 billion barrels of reserves.
- Critics, including members of Venezuela's opposition, have condemned the potential deal as a "predatory land grab" and "unconstitutional."
- The move is seen by some as an extension of the "Donroe Doctrine," aimed at reasserting US influence and countering Chinese presence in Latin America.
- The potential deal has drawn comparisons to historical instances of foreign powers controlling national resources, such as the Anglo-Persian Oil Company in Iraq and Iran.
- Despite changes following Nicolás Maduro's removal, key figures from his regime reportedly remain in power and are involved in negotiations with US officials.
- Venezuelan opposition figures argue that an illegitimate interim government lacks the authority to enter into such a deal.