20 hours ago, uncletiger said:

I find it extremely convenient everyone just "forgets" the award by the ICSID to the US oil companies for the illegal seizure of their assets in 2007 by the Chavez regime. There is absolutely NOTHING illegal about seizing commercial assets to recover a court judgement that Venezuela hasn't paid.

So no, he didn't say "stealing" because nothing was stolen. This is about recovery of a legally binding court judgement which is currently owed to the tune of 10's of billions of dollars.

Not forgetting but. A nation has a right to nationalize. The US oil companies left on their own accord, not liking the terms to remain (except Chevron), and then sued and won compensation. But the US is not a oil company's police force. And the US does not own the oil.

Google AI

the U.S. cannot legally claim ownership of Venezuelan oil under international law; the principle of

Permanent Sovereignty over Natural Resources (PSNR), recognized by the UN, grants sovereign nations exclusive rights to their resources, meaning Venezuela owns its oil, and any unilateral seizure or claim by the U.S. would violate international law and sovereignty. While past U.S. companies were expropriated, they received compensation, and current claims of "stolen" oil lack legal basis, with attempts to seize it being viewed as unlawful aggression, not a valid legal action. 

Key International Law Principles:

• Permanent Sovereignty over Natural Resources (PSNR): Established after decolonization, this principle gives states the inherent right to control, use, and dispose of their natural resources for their own development, solidifying Venezuela's ownership.

• Sovereignty & Non-Interference: International law prohibits foreign interference in a state's internal affairs, including control over its resources, making U.S. claims legally untenable. 

Why U.S. Claims are Invalid:

• Historical Context: U.S. oil companies operated in Venezuela, but their assets were nationalized in 1976, a process the U.S. generally accepted as long as fair compensation was paid, which occurred.

• No Legal Basis for Seizure: Experts state that claims of oil "stolen" from the U.S. are baseless, and forcibly taking resources or seizing tankers is considered aggression, violating the UN Charter.

• International Condemnation: Actions asserting control over Venezuela's oil are seen by many, including foreign ministries, as bullying and serious violations of international law and Venezuelan sovereignty. 

In essence, international law strongly supports Venezuela's ownership of its oil, invalidating any U.S. legal claim to ownership or direct control, despite political rhetoric. 

Seemed awfully quiet since the Maduro captured. It certainly looks like Trump doesn’t have a plan. His claim that US control the destiny of Venezuela is falling flat. No concrete agreement has yet to be cemented by the interim Venezuela government. It’s still Maduro regime and the oppression of the people continues.

At the end of his impulsive act, Venezuela came up top. They will probably use the sanctioned oil to pay up ConocoPhillips debts and their sanctions are off. Trump will never get the rest of oil that were promised to China. China will continue to exert influence in Venezuela and Trump can’t do a thing to upset China. China got all the cards in rare earth and soya beans leverage. Looking at another foreign policy failure.

12 hours ago, bunnydrops said:

Not forgetting but. A nation has a right to nationalize. The US oil companies left on their own accord, not liking the terms to remain (except Chevron), and then sued and won compensation. But the US is not a oil company's police force. And the US does not own the oil.

Google AI

the U.S. cannot legally claim ownership of Venezuelan oil under international law; the principle of

Permanent Sovereignty over Natural Resources (PSNR), recognized by the UN, grants sovereign nations exclusive rights to their resources, meaning Venezuela owns its oil, and any unilateral seizure or claim by the U.S. would violate international law and sovereignty. While past U.S. companies were expropriated, they received compensation, and current claims of "stolen" oil lack legal basis, with attempts to seize it being viewed as unlawful aggression, not a valid legal action. 

Key International Law Principles:

• Permanent Sovereignty over Natural Resources (PSNR): Established after decolonization, this principle gives states the inherent right to control, use, and dispose of their natural resources for their own development, solidifying Venezuela's ownership.

• Sovereignty & Non-Interference: International law prohibits foreign interference in a state's internal affairs, including control over its resources, making U.S. claims legally untenable. 

Why U.S. Claims are Invalid:

• Historical Context: U.S. oil companies operated in Venezuela, but their assets were nationalized in 1976, a process the U.S. generally accepted as long as fair compensation was paid, which occurred.

• No Legal Basis for Seizure: Experts state that claims of oil "stolen" from the U.S. are baseless, and forcibly taking resources or seizing tankers is considered aggression, violating the UN Charter.

• International Condemnation: Actions asserting control over Venezuela's oil are seen by many, including foreign ministries, as bullying and serious violations of international law and Venezuelan sovereignty. 

In essence, international law strongly supports Venezuela's ownership of its oil, invalidating any U.S. legal claim to ownership or direct control, despite political rhetoric. 

None of what you wrote here is relevant because nobody is saying Venezuela doesn't own the oil.

Venezuela absolutely owes Chevron and other US companies tens of billions in settlements that were legally awarded to them by the ICSID after a long arbitration process. And the US has EVERY RIGHT to seize commercial assets of Venezuela to recover a court judgement.

That isn't taking anything away from the Venezuelan people.

5 hours ago, uncletiger said:

None of what you wrote here is relevant because nobody is saying Venezuela doesn't own the oil.

Venezuela absolutely owes Chevron and other US companies tens of billions in settlements that were legally awarded to them by the ICSID after a long arbitration process. And the US has EVERY RIGHT to seize commercial assets of Venezuela to recover a court judgement.

That isn't taking anything away from the Venezuelan people.

Until the US gets it's hands on it.

https://www.energy.gov/articles/fact-sheet-president-trump-restoring-prosperity-safety-and-security-united-states-and

1. The United States government has begun marketing Venezuelan crude oil in the global marketplace for the benefit of the United States, Venezuela, and our allies. We have engaged the world’s leading commodity marketers and key banks to execute and provide financial support for these crude oil and crude products sales.

2. All proceeds from the sale of Venezuelan crude oil and oil products will first settle in U.S. controlled accounts at globally recognized banks to guarantee the legitimacy and integrity of the ultimate distribution of proceeds.

3. These funds will be disbursed for the benefit of the American people and the Venezuelan people at the discretion of the U.S. government. These oil sales begin immediately with the anticipated sale of approximately 30 – 50 million barrels. They will continue indefinitely.