Trump removes Venezuela from that list

US President Donald Trump has announced that Venezuela has been removed from the list of "countries that have demonstrably failed to perform their obligations under international counternarcotics agreements." With Trump's decision, Venezuela has been removed from the list for the first time in over 20 years.

In a document submitted to the US Congress, Trump pointed to the cooperation with the government of Venezuelan Interim President Delcy Rodriguez, stating, "I have determined that it is in the national interest of the United States to waive the requirement that Venezuela be designated as a country that has demonstrably failed to adhere to its obligations under international counternarcotics agreements. I expect continued and measurable progress from the transitional government in dismantling narco-terrorist groups and stopping drug trafficking conducted through Venezuela."

"Colombia is on the path to regaining its position as our most important security partner"

Trump signaled that Venezuela's neighbor, Colombia, could similarly be removed from the list. Referring to the election of Colombia's new President Abelardo De La Espriella, Trump said, "Colombia is on the path to regaining its position as our most important security partner in the hemisphere."

Trump stated that if Colombia makes progress in the coming year regarding the aggressive eradication of coca plants used in cocaine production and the dismantling of narco-terrorist networks, he would consider lifting the country's "demonstrably failed" status.

It is known that Afghanistan, Bolivia, Myanmar, and Colombia have been on the list of failed countries in the last 12-month period. The Washington administration stated that despite being on the list, the continuation of US aid to Bolivia, Myanmar, and Colombia is important for the country's national interests.

According to US law, the president is required to notify the US Congress annually of countries that are used as transit routes for drug trafficking or are prominent in illegal drug production, as well as countries deemed to have failed to meet their international counternarcotics obligations.

Despite the new decision, Venezuela continues to remain on the US list of major drug transit or major illicit drug producing countries for the 2027 fiscal year.

News Source: 12punto