Venezuela says retains 'sovereignty' in US oil deal

CARACAS, Aug 30: Interim leader Delcy Rodriguez assured the public Saturday that Venezuela retains control of its oil under a new agreement that allows the United States significant access to it.

The United States will have majority control of 65 billion barrels of Venezuela's proven reserves in what President Donald Trump described Friday as "the biggest oil deal in world history."

"One thing must be absolutely clear: Venezuela retains ownership and sovereignty over its resources," Rodriguez said in a speech on state television.

The agreement with the United States aims to turn "cold, inert" resources underground to "a source of social and economic well-being for the people of Venezuela," she said.�"AFP