In a significant development, the United States has welcomed the signing of an electoral roadmap agreement between the Unitary Platform and representatives of Nicolas Maduro in Venezuela. This agreement marks a concrete step towards addressing the political, economic, and humanitarian crisis that has gripped the nation.

As part of its commitment to providing sanctions relief in response to concrete actions promoting competitive elections and the respect of human rights, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control has initiated the following measures:

- A six-month general license has been issued, temporarily permitting transactions involving Venezuela's oil and gas sector, contingent on Venezuela meeting its commitments under the electoral roadmap and releasing wrongfully detained individuals.

- A second general license authorizes dealings with Minerven, the Venezuelan state-owned gold mining company, aimed at curbing black-market gold trading.

- Relevant licenses have been amended to remove the secondary trading ban on specific Venezuelan sovereign bonds and PdVSA debt and equity. The primary Venezuelan bond market ban remains in place, with the aim of deterring illicit actors.

Despite these positive steps, other sanctions and restrictions on Venezuela remain in effect. The international community, along with the United States, will closely monitor the implementation of the electoral roadmap, and the U.S. government is prepared to take action if commitments related to the electoral roadmap and the release of political prisoners are not upheld.

The United States has also conveyed its expectations, calling on Venezuela to:

- Establish a clear timeline and process for the expedited reinstatement of all candidates, ensuring a level electoral playing field, freedom of movement, and physical safety.

- Commence the release of U.S. nationals wrongfully detained and Venezuelan political prisoners.

The United States has underscored that failure to adhere to this arrangement may result in the reversal of the steps taken. The commitment to supporting the Venezuelan people's aspirations for democracy and the rule of law remains unwavering, as the international community collaborates to help Venezuelans rebuild their nation. The United States stands in solidarity with those who seek a democratic future for Venezuela.