Trump: They are too cunning
According to Reuters and the Wall Street Journal on the 12th, US President Trump said on the 11th that he might block ExxonMobil from investing in Venezuela, following the oil giant's statement that Venezuela "lacks investment value." While returning to Washington aboard Air Force One on the 11th, Trump told reporters, "I don't like Exxon's response. I may not allow Exxon to enter Venezuela. They are too cunning."
On the 9th, Trump met with executives from major oil companies including ExxonMobil, Chevron, and ConocoPhillips at the White House, encouraging them to enter the Venezuelan market. ExxonMobil CEO Darren Woods told Trump that Venezuela must first amend its laws to become an attractive investment destination. At least 17 other oil company executives were also present at the meeting. Reuters reported that Woods' cautious remarks quickly became a focus of public attention, undermining the White House's efforts to use this high-level meeting to promote international energy giants' participation in Venezuela's reconstruction.
The Wall Street Journal on the 12th noted that ExxonMobil has had a difficult business history in Venezuela. In 2007, ExxonMobil's assets in Venezuela were nationalized for the second time. The company filed a lawsuit seeking $12 billion in compensation, but eventually recovered only a small portion. According to the US CNBC website on the 12th, American oil companies acknowledge that Venezuela, which has the world's largest oil reserves, is an attractive opportunity, but some companies have expressed caution about rushing back into the Venezuelan market.
Meanwhile, US Energy Secretary Chris Wright stated on the 11th that after meeting with Trump, US oil companies Chevron, Shell, and Spanish Repsol, as well as Italian Eni Group, would "immediately increase" their investments in Venezuela. He told Fox News, "Chevron, Shell, Repsol, and Eni, these four of the world's largest oil companies have stated, 'We will immediately begin increasing investments and production.' I have contacted a group of American oil exploration companies, who say they will go to Venezuela for inspections right away. We are ready."
A Fox News host asked Wright whether Trump considered sending US security forces or the US military to Venezuela to ensure the safety of all personnel and assets. He responded, "I think that is not under consideration. We don't need to force Americans to return to Venezuela to seek business opportunities. The security situation there will significantly improve within a month." (Special Correspondent Xin Bin, Global Times)
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Original: toutiao.com/article/1854120650298444/
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