The US Senate advances a resolution to curb military action in Venezuela as Trump suggests long-term oversight and political prisoners are freed.
WASHINGTON: The US Senate voted to advance a resolution restricting President Donald Trump from further military action in Venezuela without congressional approval.
The procedural vote passed 52 to 47, with several Republicans joining Democrats to move the war powers measure forward.
Trump told the New York Times that US oversight of Venezuela and control of its oil revenue could last for years.
ALSO READ: Trump says US could oversee Venezuela for years
When asked if oversight would last a year, Trump replied, “I would say much longer.”
He added that the US would rebuild Venezuela “in a very profitable way” and was getting along well with the interim government.
Meanwhile, Venezuela’s top lawmaker announced the unilateral release of a significant number of foreign and domestic political prisoners.
Jorge Rodriguez called the prisoner release a gesture of peace, fulfilling a key demand of the political opposition.
Local rights group Foro Penal estimates 863 political prisoners remain in the country.
The Senate resolution faces a difficult path to becoming law, requiring passage by the Republican-led House and a two-thirds majority to override a likely Trump veto.
Trump criticised the Republican senators who supported the measure in a social media post.
He also appeared to ease tensions with Colombia, inviting its leftist president for a Washington visit after a cordial phone call.
Trump is scheduled to host the heads of major US oil companies at the White House to discuss raising Venezuela’s oil production.
Representatives from Exxon Mobil, ConocoPhillips, and Chevron are expected to attend the meeting. – Reuters
