U.S. to ease some sanctions against Venezuela

WASHINGTON, May 17 (Xinhua) -- The United States will ease some sanctions against Venezuela as a means to encourage negotiations between the U.S.-backed opposition and the Venezuelan government led by President Nicolas Maduro, senior administration officials announced Tuesday.

Part of the sanctions relief involved the issuance by the U.S. Treasury Department of a "narrow license" authorizing Chevron Corp., the l