Madrid: Spain’s Foreign Minister, Jose Manuel Albares, announced on Friday that the country intends to request the European Union to lift sanctions imposed on Venezuela’s interim President, Delcy Rodriguez. This move follows the recent approval of an amnesty bill by Venezuelan lawmakers.

According to Anadolu Agency, Albares emphasized the purpose of sanctions, stating they are intended to foster a broad, peaceful, and democratic dialogue in Venezuela. He urged that if Venezuela is taking steps toward such a dialogue, the European Union should reciprocate by reconsidering the sanctions.

The newly approved bill aims to provide a general and full amnesty for crimes or offenses committed since 1999. It particularly addresses acts of politically motivated violence related to the upcoming 2024 presidential election. Albares underscored the importance of making the amnesty as comprehensive as possible and highlighted the necessity of supporting Venezuela during this transitional phase.

The backdrop to these developments includes a significant event earlier this year when the United States captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on January 3. This action set off a chain reaction, leading to the swearing-in of Delcy Rodriguez as interim president, the approval of reforms to Venezuela’s primary oil legislation, and the release of several political prisoners.