By Leila Miller BUENOS AIRES, Feb 21 (Reuters) - Venezuela has received more than 1,550 requests under its new amnesty law, National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez said on state-run television on Saturday.

As U.S. sanctions ease and oil money begins to trickle back after Nicolás Maduro's removal, Venezuelans weigh hopes for recovery against the harsh reality of surviving on wages that barely cover food.

President Donald Trump downplayed acting Venezuelan President Delcy Rodríguez's recent comment to NBC News that Nicolás Maduro is still the legitimate leader of Venezuela, telling reporters Monday that the response was one of political necessity.

By Andrea Shalal WASHINGTON, Feb 19 (Reuters) - Venezuela's economic and humanitarian situation is "quite fragile," the International Monetary Fund said on Thursday, adding that it was seeing inflation estimated to be in the triple digits and a rapid depreciation of the currency.

Lula's relations with Trump have improved since last year, when the U.S. leader imposed tariffs on Brazilian goods over Brazil's treatment of far-right former President Jair Bolsonaro, who has been jailed for plotting a coup after losing the 2022 election.

U.S. Southern Command leader makes visit to Venezuela after Nicolás Maduro's capture, meeting with interim leaders in Caracas to discuss security cooperation.

BUENOS AIRES, Feb 21 (Reuters) - Venezuela has received more than 1,550 requests under its new amnesty law, National Assembly president Jorge Rodriguez said on state-run television on Saturday. Rodriguez said that hundreds of prisoners are currently being released under the law.