U.S. and Venezuela Make Progress in Talks on Potential Sanctions Relief for Oil Exports

U.S. and Venezuela have made progress in talks that could provide sanctions relief to Caracas by allowing at least one more foreign oil firm to take Venezuelan crude for debt repayment.

Sanctions relief would require Maduro to resume negotiations with the opposition in Mexico.

French company Maurel & Prom is one firm that could get a U.S. comfort letter to take Venezuelan oil as debt repayment.

The agenda includes possible release of prisoners, guarantees for elections, and solutions for Venezuelan migrants in the U.S.

If sanctions are eased, it could allow more countries to import Venezuelan oil and help the country double crude output.