A worker maneuvering an oil rig with a Chevron flag flying in the background. Photo: File photo.
The CEO of the US oil company Chevron, Mike Wirth, expressed his opposition to Washington’s decision to end its operations in Venezuela after the license issued by the Joe Biden administration expires.
During an interview with Fox News published this Sunday, May 4, the ultra-conservative news outlet reported that Chevron is only permitted to export Venezuelan oil to the United States and is under pressure from the Donald Trump administration to halt oil extraction in the country.
Wirth said he disagrees with the measure due to his concerns about energy security and China’s “growing influence” in the West.
“We’ve seen this playbook before in Africa, in Latin America, in Central Asia… And China has created a stronger presence, stronger influence, and control over economies and governments around the world through using their economic assets and position to do so,” he said.
He also warned that if Chevron abandons its operations in Venezuela, this would have consequences for the US’s national security and energy security.
“Refineries on the Gulf Coast are designed to run that specific type of oil, and so it’s very important for energy security in the US,” he added, noting that “the changes in the rules mean that oil won’t flow to the US now, so making us less secure.”
Wirth noted that if Chevron leaves Venezuela, oil production will continue, and companies from other nations could take their place.
Last February, President Trump announced the cessation, starting on May 28, of the oil export licenses granted to Chevron by his predecessor, Joe Biden. These concessions were beneficial to Chevron oil operations in Venezuela.
Trump’s decision was condemned by the Venezuelan government. Vice President Delcy RodrĂguez stated that the decision was harmful and inexplicable, and that it was intended to harm the Venezuelan people, but in reality, it harmed the United States.
MarĂa Corina Machado does it again
On Sunday, Venezuelan far-right politician MarĂa Corina Machado described Chevron’s efforts to maintain its operations in Venezuela as “absurd,” while calling on the US government to increase sanctions against Venezuela.
“Frankly, I think it’s absurd, I do not understand it,” said the extremist opposition leader, who also considered that this would leave a vacuum that Russian and Chinese companies would fill.
During an interview with Fox News, Machado stated that Trump’s strategies are “effective” and noted that reversing them would only guarantee President Nicolás Maduro’s continued power.
OFAC Extends Chevron Wind-Down Deadline for Operations in Venezuela
“I believe President Trump’s decisions and strategy are absolutely correct and effective,” she added.
She also called on the international community to increase “pressure” against Venezuela, which she said would force the Venezuelan president to resign, despite evidence pointing to the contrary.
Machado’s statements are in clear violation of Venezuela’s legal framework and thus could make her subject to an Attorney General’s Office investigation under treason charges.
(Ăšltimas Noticias) by MarĂa Eugenia RodrĂguez with Orinoco Tribune content
Translation: Orinoco Tribune
OT/JRE/SF
