Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro’s video goes viral after he danced to a remix of his “No War, Yes Peace” speech during a public rally during a Student Day march at the Miraflores Palace in Caracas. During the rally, he urged the youth in Venezuela and the US to engage in dialogue and promote peace.&nbsp;In the widely circulated video, Maduro is seen swaying energetically, smiling and making moves while dancing. While addressing the American students directly, he said, “Listen to me, the people in the US, listen to me: dialogue yes, peace yes, respect yes, war no, no, war no, no crazy war, never war.”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">🇺🇸🇻🇪 MADURO&#39;S BIZARRE BOOGIE: DICTATOR BUSTS LOVECRAFTIAN MOVES Maduro... He may be losing it. The man dropped a clip, kicking off with some awkward dancing in a flashy jacket and Christmas decor. He moves like a well-fed boa trying to climb a tree and failing, all while… <a href="https://t.co/GPEURBsHgO">https://t.co/GPEURBsHgO</a> <a href="https://t.co/QCPjkQ67Hs">pic.twitter.com/QCPjkQ67Hs</a>&mdash; Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) <a href="https://twitter.com/MarioNawfal/status/1992825811057934593?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 24, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The act of President Nicolás Maduro unfolded after US–Venezuela relations worsened, with reports indicating that Washington is preparing a new phase of operations designed to further challenge Maduro’s hold on power.<h3>Netizens react to the video on social media</h3>After the video goes viral on social media, users on social media flooded with their mixed opinions in the comment section. "American aircrafts carrier placed in the atlantic near his country, this dude so afraid of trump lmao," an user said.&nbsp;Another said,"Honestly, the whole clip feels like state sponsored surrealism. Maduro dancing to a remix of himself is peak everything’s fine, don’t look at the economy energy."&nbsp;The next said,"He is exactly imitating Donald Trump telling him that he can dance better than him but both dances are fake!"&nbsp;"I prefer the video of him sneaking food out of his desk drawer to take a bite when he thought he wasn’t being filmed during his address to his hungry nation," the next also said.&nbsp;Another also said, "Is it just me or he was trying to dance like Trump? There's no dance, no song, nothing he can do to get out of this one."

The video of President Nicolás Maduro came after US–Venezuela relations worsened, with reports indicating that Washington is preparing a new phase of operations designed to further challenge Maduro’s hold on power.

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro’s video goes viral after he danced to a remix of his “No War, Yes Peace” speech during a public rally during a Student Day march at the Miraflores Palace in Caracas. During the rally, he urged the youth in Venezuela and the US to engage in dialogue and promote peace. In the widely circulated video, Maduro is seen swaying energetically, smiling and making moves while dancing. While addressing the American students directly, he said, “Listen to me, the people in the US, listen to me: dialogue yes, peace yes, respect yes, war no, no, war no, no crazy war, never war.”

The video of President Nicolás Maduro came after US–Venezuela relations worsened, with reports indicating that Washington is preparing a new phase of operations designed to further challenge Maduro’s hold on power.

'No war, yes peace': Venezuelan President Maduro dances to remix of his own speech – WATCH

Venezuelan students marched in Caracas to advocate for peace and improved relations with the United States, calling for diplomacy over conflict. The demonstrations coincided with a viral moment of President Nicolás Maduro dancing to a remix of a “No War” speech, highlighting the country’s efforts to engage youth and promote anti-war messaging amid ongoing political tensions.


Venezuelan Students March in Caracas to Promote Peace With US |Maduro Dances to No War Speech Remix

Venezuela is reportedly preparing for a potential U.S. air or ground invasion amid rising tensions between Caracas and Washington. Venezuelan forces are on high alert, and the government has announced strategic defensive measures.


US-Venezuela: Caracas Preparing for Possible US Air or Ground Invasion

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro alleges that a false flag terror plot targeting the closed U.S. Embassy in Caracas was foiled by local security forces. He claims the plan aimed to trigger direct conflict with the United States and frame his government. This comes as President Trump reportedly ends all diplomatic outreach to Venezuela, while U.S. military activity intensifies near the region. Is a new flashpoint emerging?

Venezuela's Shocking Claim: 'False Flag Bombing Foiled'

A family run zoo near Caracas dedicated to the Venezuelan flora and fauna has welcomed a new family member. The zoo is celebrating the recent birth of a female spider monkey that brings hope for preserving a critically endangered species.

WION Climate Tracker: Venezuelan zoo welcomes new family member

Thousands&nbsp;of pro-government&nbsp;demonstrators marched through Caracas Saturday in&nbsp;support&nbsp;of President Nicolas Maduro, with a smaller opposition rally gathering in parallel.

To the sound of drums and salsa,&nbsp;thousands&nbsp;of Chavistas -- named after Hugo Chavez, a figure of the Latin American radical left and late predecessor of Maduro -- marched some 14 kilometers (nine miles) through the streets of the capital.

"Chavez sets the tone, Maduro is behind the wheel," read one banner.&nbsp;

The&nbsp;government&nbsp;had mobilized its party and chartered buses to bring in supporters of all ages from all over the country for the rally held on World Youth Day.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/a-million-bolivars-become-one-as-venezuela-recalibrates-battered-currency-417320">&nbsp;A million bolivars become one as Venezuela recalibrates battered currency</a>

"The courageous youth are following their dreams and continuing to fight for their homeland," 26-year-old Maria Amatima told AFP.&nbsp;

Maduro, met with cheers, ended the demonstration saying, "I ask you (the youth) to help me... against corruption and bureaucracy... I come to ask you for help."&nbsp;

Maduro's re-election in 2018 in a vote boycotted by the opposition is not recognized by part of the international community and in particular the United States, which backs the opposition.

Some 500 opposition supporters, joined by leader Juan Guaido, also gathered in Caracas in a parallel rally.

Watch |&nbsp;Venezuela: Visitors steadily return to Caracas's city centre

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/venezuela-visitors-steadily-return-to-caracass-city-centre-451308/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Guaido called for "unity" in the wake of the defeat of a divided opposition in regional elections in November.&nbsp;

"We pledge today to fight... we must strengthen unity," he said, promising to revive the street protests that rocked the&nbsp;government&nbsp;in 2019 but eventually died out.&nbsp;

"We are going to return... to the place where freedoms are exercised: the street."&nbsp;

Thousands of pro-government demonstrators marched through Caracas Saturday in support of President Nicolas Maduro, with a smaller opposition rally gathering in parallel.

Thousands of pro-government demonstrators marched through Caracas Saturday in support of President Nicolas Maduro, with a smaller opposition rally gathering in parallel. To the sound of drums and salsa, thousands of Chavistas -- named after Hugo Chavez, a figure of the Latin American radical left and late predecessor of Maduro -- marched some 14 kilometers (nine miles) through the streets of the capital. "Chavez sets the tone, Maduro is behind the wheel," read one banner. The government had mobilized its party and chartered buses to bring in supporters of all ages from all over the country for the rally held on World Youth Day. Also read | A million bolivars become one as Venezuela recalibrates battered currency "The courageous youth are following their dreams and continuing to fight for their homeland," 26-year-old Maria Amatima told AFP. Maduro, met with cheers, ended the demonstration saying, "I ask you (the youth) to help me... against corruption and bureaucracy... I come to ask you for help." Maduro's re-election in 2018 in a vote boycotted by the opposition is not recognized by part of the international community and in particular the United States, which backs the opposition. Some 500 opposition supporters, joined by leader Juan Guaido, also gathered in Caracas in a parallel rally. Watch | Venezuela: Visitors steadily return to Caracas's city centre Guaido called for "unity" in the wake of the defeat of a divided opposition in regional elections in November. "We pledge today to fight... we must strengthen unity," he said, promising to revive the street protests that rocked the government in 2019 but eventually died out. "We are going to return... to the place where freedoms are exercised: the street."

Thousands march in support of Venezuela government

Visitors are steadily returning to the Caracas's city center in Venezuela which authorities and charities have worked to revitalize for several years.

Venezuela: Visitors steadily return to Caracas's city centre

Venezuelan authorities closed roads in northwest&nbsp;Caracas&nbsp;on Thursday due to intense firefights between security forces and organized crime gangs that analysts say are trying to expand the territory under their control in the capital.

Heavily armed criminal groups have moved in the past month to residential and commercial areas from slums in the city's hills, and violence has exploded over the past 24 hours with gun battles breaking out in at least five populous neighbourhoods.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-offers-500000-rewards-for-gang-leaders-396857">Venezuela offers $500,000 rewards for gang leaders</a>

"State security agencies continue to be deployed in the areas affected by these criminals," Interior Minister Carmen Melendez wrote on Twitter.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
1/5 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/9Jul?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#9Jul</a> Los Cuerpos de Seguridad del Estado permanecerán en combate el tiempo que sea necesario para liberar la totalidad de los territorios secuestrados por las bandas delincuenciales. Tenemos la moral, los profesionales, armas y fuerza constitucional para lograr este objetivo <a href="https://t.co/IvStQzZGYP">pic.twitter.com/IvStQzZGYP</a>
— Carmen Meléndez (@gestionperfecta) <a href="https://twitter.com/gestionperfecta/status/1413483043063435270?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 9, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

She said some highways in the areas were closed as part of the operation and urged members of the public to stay at home.

President Nicolas Maduro's government has not mentioned any casualties as a result of the clashes. Human rights activists in the area have said at least four civilians were killed on Wednesday and half a dozen have been wounded.

The information ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Since January, gangs from the Cota 905 barrio have been trying to expand their territory into nearby areas including La Vega.

"We haven't been running the kitchens at full capacity since January because of the shootouts nearly every day," said Amelia Flores, 58, who runs two soup kitchens, primarily for children, in the area. "I don't what happened, but in the past 24 hours the situation has exploded and the kids are traumatized."

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/venezuela-state-tv-airs-confession-video-of-alleged-american-mercenary-297133/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The gangs want to control one of the main corridors linking the capital with the west of the country, said a human rights activist based in one of the affected neighbourhoods.

"It's been the same conflict for months," said the activist, who asked not to be identified for fear of reprisals.

Analysts say gangs in Cota 905 have been able to operate with ease as it has been a no-go zone for security forces due to a pact with the government to lower violence. Experts say the gangs took the opportunity to acquire military-grade firepower such as grenade launchers, assault weapons, and drones.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-activists-charged-with-terrorism-rights-group-395646">Venezuela activists charged with terrorism: Rights group</a>

"They used the space that the government gave them in the Cota to re-arm, gain strength, and plan an attack," said Alexander Campos, a researcher at the Central University of Venezuela who studies violence and politics in society.

"They are expanding from controling the barrios in the hills into lower parts of the city," he said. "It's difficult for them, but they're winning."

Ines Candida, 56, lives in the middle-class neighbourhood El Paraiso, just across a highway from the Cota 905 barrio. She said gangs had been in shootouts with the police every day for the past month, but she had not seen or heard anything like the past 24 hours.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/statue-of-nazarene-tours-caracas-poor-districts-374821/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"We are prisoners in our own homes," she said by telephone, as unrelenting gunshots rang out in the background.

Reached by phone at a church in the nearby El Cementerio neighbourhood where he and others were taking shelter, Catholic priest Wilfredo Corniel, 45, said over more gunfire: "It feels like we are in a war zone."

Venezuelan authorities closed roads in northwest Caracas on Thursday due to intense firefights between security forces and organized crime gangs that analysts say are trying to expand the territory under their control in the capital.

Venezuelan authorities closed roads in northwest Caracas on Thursday due to intense firefights between security forces and organized crime gangs that analysts say are trying to expand the territory under their control in the capital. Heavily armed criminal groups have moved in the past month to residential and commercial areas from slums in the city's hills, and violence has exploded over the past 24 hours with gun battles breaking out in at least five populous neighbourhoods. Also read | Venezuela offers $500,000 rewards for gang leaders "State security agencies continue to be deployed in the areas affected by these criminals," Interior Minister Carmen Melendez wrote on Twitter. 1/5 #9Jul Los Cuerpos de Seguridad del Estado permanecerán en combate el tiempo que sea necesario para liberar la totalidad de los territorios secuestrados por las bandas delincuenciales. Tenemos la moral, los profesionales, armas y fuerza constitucional para lograr este objetivo pic.twitter.com/IvStQzZGYP — Carmen Meléndez (@gestionperfecta) July 9, 2021 × She said some highways in the areas were closed as part of the operation and urged members of the public to stay at home. President Nicolas Maduro's government has not mentioned any casualties as a result of the clashes. Human rights activists in the area have said at least four civilians were killed on Wednesday and half a dozen have been wounded. The information ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Since January, gangs from the Cota 905 barrio have been trying to expand their territory into nearby areas including La Vega. "We haven't been running the kitchens at full capacity since January because of the shootouts nearly every day," said Amelia Flores, 58, who runs two soup kitchens, primarily for children, in the area. "I don't what happened, but in the past 24 hours the situation has exploded and the kids are traumatized." The gangs want to control one of the main corridors linking the capital with the west of the country, said a human rights activist based in one of the affected neighbourhoods. "It's been the same conflict for months," said the activist, who asked not to be identified for fear of reprisals. Analysts say gangs in Cota 905 have been able to operate with ease as it has been a no-go zone for security forces due to a pact with the government to lower violence. Experts say the gangs took the opportunity to acquire military-grade firepower such as grenade launchers, assault weapons, and drones. Also read | Venezuela activists charged with terrorism: Rights group "They used the space that the government gave them in the Cota to re-arm, gain strength, and plan an attack," said Alexander Campos, a researcher at the Central University of Venezuela who studies violence and politics in society. "They are expanding from controling the barrios in the hills into lower parts of the city," he said. "It's difficult for them, but they're winning." Ines Candida, 56, lives in the middle-class neighbourhood El Paraiso, just across a highway from the Cota 905 barrio. She said gangs had been in shootouts with the police every day for the past month, but she had not seen or heard anything like the past 24 hours. "We are prisoners in our own homes," she said by telephone, as unrelenting gunshots rang out in the background. Reached by phone at a church in the nearby El Cementerio neighbourhood where he and others were taking shelter, Catholic priest Wilfredo Corniel, 45, said over more gunfire: "It feels like we are in a war zone."

Gunfights between gangs and police close major roads in Caracas

A rare show of unity brought together a divided Venezuela, as people came together ahead of the beatification of a local doctor known for treating the poor during the Spanish flu pandemic a century ago. Jorge Gregorio Hernandez, born in the Andean state of Trujillo in 1864, was known as the "doctor of the poor" for his care of the needy in Caracas during the Spanish flu pandemic. He died in 1919 after being struck by a car.

Divided Venezuela comes together for beatification of doctor

For a second year in a row, the sculpture of a purple-robed Christ carrying the cross, popularly known as "The Nazarene of Saint Paul," on Wednesday left the basilica where it resides for a tour by car through all the poorer neighborhoods of the Venezuelan capital.

Statue of Nazarene tours Caracas' poor districts

In Venezuela's sprawling impoverished Petare neighborhood on the east end of Caracas, dozens of children and residents flew kites to celebrate the 400th anniversary of the founding of what was once a small village outside the capital.

Venezuela's largest impoverished district marks 400th anniversary with kite festival

Santa Claus walked the streets of Guarenas on the outskirts of Venezuela's capital Caracas this weekend, giving children gifts ranging from bread to donated clothes and toys at a time when the country is struggling with the coronavirus pandemic and an economic collapse.

Santa gives food to poor hit by pandemic and recession in Venezuela

Venezuelan forensic experts on Monday (October 26) exhumed the remains of Jose Gregorio Hernandez, whose beatification decree was signed in June by Pope Francis, as part of Roman Catholic protocols to verify the condition of the body and guarantee its preservation.

Venezuela exhumes remains of doctor beatified by Vatican

Venezuelan professionals from biologists to lawyers have turned to making food and face masks or selling cleaning products as the coronavirus quarantine further weakens an economy already struggling under a six-year recession.

Venezuelan professionals turn to cooking and toy making to survive quarantine

The U.N. Human Rights Council on Friday voted to send a team of investigators to probe alleged violations, including extrajudicial executions and torture, in crisis-wracked Venezuela.

A resolution tabled by more than a dozen countries from Latin America and elsewhere was adopted by the 47-member council with 19 votes in favour, seven opposed and 21 abstaining.

It called for the U.N.'s top rights body to "dispatch urgently an independent international fact-finding mission" to Venezuela.

The mission, the text said, should "investigate extrajudicial executions, enforced disappearances, arbitrary detentions, and torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment".

"Venezuelans, men and women, cannot wait any longer" for justice, said the representative of Peru, on behalf of the sponsoring nations, who also included Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada and Israel.

The one-year mission should carry out its investigation "with a view to ensuring full accountability for perpetrators and justice for victims," said the text, which also received the backing of the European Union.

Venezuelan Ambassador Jorge Valero slammed the resolution as a "hostile initiative", and said his country had no intention of cooperating with the new probe.

"The imposition of an additional monitoring mechanism will never receive the consent of my country," he told the council.

Even when they are not granted access to a country, U.N. investigators can nonetheless carry out probes from abroad, as has been the case with investigations into abuses in Syria and Myanmar.

'Systematic abuse'&nbsp;

The investigative team will be expected to present a report to the council in a year.

Venezuela is caught in an economic crisis and a political standoff between President Nicolas Maduro's government and National Assembly leader Juan Guaido.

The oil-rich country suffers from hyperinflation and shortages of basic goods from food to medicine, a crisis that has forced some 3.6 million people to flee since 2016.

Friday's resolution deplored "the systematic abuse of state institutions accelerating the erosion of the rule of law and of democratic institutions" in Venezuela.

It also urged Caracas to release all "political prisoners" and voiced "grave concern" over UN rights office findings in July suggesting that many of the more than 6,000 killings in alleged confrontations with state forces since early 2018 may, in fact, have been "executions".

"It must be clear to all at this Council that when violations of this gravity and scale are reported to us, we must respond in an equally serious manner," British Ambassador Julian Braithwaite, whose country backed the resolution, told the council.

The U.N. Human Rights Council on Friday voted to send a team of investigators to probe alleged violations, including extrajudicial executions and torture, in crisis-wracked Venezuela.

The U.N. Human Rights Council on Friday voted to send a team of investigators to probe alleged violations, including extrajudicial executions and torture, in crisis-wracked Venezuela. A resolution tabled by more than a dozen countries from Latin America and elsewhere was adopted by the 47-member council with 19 votes in favour, seven opposed and 21 abstaining. It called for the U.N.'s top rights body to "dispatch urgently an independent international fact-finding mission" to Venezuela. The mission, the text said, should "investigate extrajudicial executions, enforced disappearances, arbitrary detentions, and torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment". "Venezuelans, men and women, cannot wait any longer" for justice, said the representative of Peru, on behalf of the sponsoring nations, who also included Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada and Israel. The one-year mission should carry out its investigation "with a view to ensuring full accountability for perpetrators and justice for victims," said the text, which also received the backing of the European Union. Venezuelan Ambassador Jorge Valero slammed the resolution as a "hostile initiative", and said his country had no intention of cooperating with the new probe. "The imposition of an additional monitoring mechanism will never receive the consent of my country," he told the council. Even when they are not granted access to a country, U.N. investigators can nonetheless carry out probes from abroad, as has been the case with investigations into abuses in Syria and Myanmar. 'Systematic abuse' The investigative team will be expected to present a report to the council in a year. Venezuela is caught in an economic crisis and a political standoff between President Nicolas Maduro's government and National Assembly leader Juan Guaido. The oil-rich country suffers from hyperinflation and shortages of basic goods from food to medicine, a crisis that has forced some 3.6 million people to flee since 2016. Friday's resolution deplored "the systematic abuse of state institutions accelerating the erosion of the rule of law and of democratic institutions" in Venezuela. It also urged Caracas to release all "political prisoners" and voiced "grave concern" over UN rights office findings in July suggesting that many of the more than 6,000 killings in alleged confrontations with state forces since early 2018 may, in fact, have been "executions". "It must be clear to all at this Council that when violations of this gravity and scale are reported to us, we must respond in an equally serious manner," British Ambassador Julian Braithwaite, whose country backed the resolution, told the council.

United Nations launches probe into Venezuela rights abuses

&nbsp;Venezuelan lawmakers from small opposition parties on Friday said Juan Guaido should continue as head of Congress in 2020, waiving their option to lead the legislature under an informal agreement to rotate leadership between parties.

The announcement ended speculation of an opposition rift over the 2020 legislative term, which under a 2016 agreement within the opposition would have fallen to a group of 17 small parties.

Guaido in January declared President Nicolas Maduro a usurper and assumed a rival interim presidency that has been recognized by more than 50 countries, and the opposition is keen for him to remain in the post.

"The national interest comes first," Carlos Berrizbeitia, a lawmaker from the small Venezuela Project party, told reporters. "Until the usurpation ends, the president of the National Assembly will be Juan Guaido."

Venezuela's constitution says that in the event of a presidential vacancy, the presidency falls to the head of the National Assembly until a new election is held.

Maduro calls Guaido a US&nbsp;puppet seeking to oust him through a coup and has suggested he may be arrested for treason.

Venezuela's political stalemate comes against the backdrop of a hyperinflationary economic collapse that has fuelled an economic crisis.

More than 4 million citizens have left the country, fleeing shortages of food and medicine, according to the United Nations.

Venezuelan lawmakers from small opposition parties on Friday said Juan Guaido should continue as head of Congress in 2020, waiving their option to lead the legislature under an informal agreement to rotate leadership between parties.

Venezuelan lawmakers from small opposition parties on Friday said Juan Guaido should continue as head of Congress in 2020, waiving their option to lead the legislature under an informal agreement to rotate leadership between parties. The announcement ended speculation of an opposition rift over the 2020 legislative term, which under a 2016 agreement within the opposition would have fallen to a group of 17 small parties. Guaido in January declared President Nicolas Maduro a usurper and assumed a rival interim presidency that has been recognized by more than 50 countries, and the opposition is keen for him to remain in the post. "The national interest comes first," Carlos Berrizbeitia, a lawmaker from the small Venezuela Project party, told reporters. "Until the usurpation ends, the president of the National Assembly will be Juan Guaido." Venezuela's constitution says that in the event of a presidential vacancy, the presidency falls to the head of the National Assembly until a new election is held. Maduro calls Guaido a US puppet seeking to oust him through a coup and has suggested he may be arrested for treason. Venezuela's political stalemate comes against the backdrop of a hyperinflationary economic collapse that has fuelled an economic crisis. More than 4 million citizens have left the country, fleeing shortages of food and medicine, according to the United Nations.

Venezuela opposition parties back Guaido as congress chief in 2020

Edgar Fernandez keeps a mariachi suit in a rusty wardrobe at the public hospital in Caracas where he works as a nurse, donning it for performances that augment his meagre salary.

Given that he earns just $10 a month, the money from these shows has been his salvation in crisis-wracked Venezuela, where nurses have been forced to reinvent themselves as home entrepreneurs, security guards or builders just to survive.

Being a nurse in Venezuela is an almost impossible job these days: the country has seen an exodus of the profession, leaving those who remain short of colleagues and contending with problems such as major shortages of medical supplies and devastating electricity blackouts.

"A nurse's salary is worth nothing," Fernandez told AFP, saying the money he earns from a 12-hour shift "can't buy anything."

When a show clashes with his work shift, he has to pay a colleague to cover for him, meaning that his earnings -- which are not always money -- shrink.

"Sometimes they pay me... with flour, lentils... I prefer this to going home empty-handed," said the 40-year-old, who practically lives in the Perez Carreno hospital, sleeping on a dirty mattress since he cannot afford rent.

Decked out in his silver-lined outfit, Fernandez sings in bars and homes, and is even sometimes hired by former patients.

He saved up to record an album, which he peddles to radio stations. His hope is to one day find fame.

Home-made hairspray

Francis Guillen makes hairspray that she sells in Caracas's busy Catia market as she battles, like most Venezuelans, to make ends meet in a country whose inflation will reach a staggering one million per cent this year, according to the International Monetary Fund.

"If I didn't have another job, I don't know what would have become of me," said the 30-year-old nurse, who in a single day selling hairspray can earn the equivalent of her monthly salary.

Sometimes her father, also a nurse, helps her mix the chemicals in a bucket in her front room.

Her husband, who gave up his job as a fireman, also helps out with the business.

Guillen is tempted to resign from her job, but says the desire "to serve" her compatriots is keeping her from joining the 3.3 million people the United Nations estimates have left Venezuela since the start of 2016.

But since June 2018, 15,000 members of her profession -- or around 40 per cent -- quit and many of those emigrated, according to Ana Rosario Contreras, president of the Nurses College of Caracas, which has called for salaries to be paid in dollars to halt the exodus.

'In love' with nursing&nbsp;

By day, Carlos Ruiz works as a security guard for a metallurgy company and also does odd jobs.

The 42-year-old says he does "what's needed to survive."

But despite saving up as much as he can, he hasn't been able to buy a new nurse uniform for the last four years: he needs 10 months of salary for that.

He also has to deal with the scarcity of hospital supplies -- up to 80 per cent in some sectors, according to NGOs -- which President Nicolas Maduro blames on an economic war waged by the United States at the invitation of the opposition.

"There's no lack of those who accuse us of stealing medicines," according to Ruiz, who said he is "in love" with a job that allowed him to be present at the births of his four children.

In some hospitals, a single nurse has to look after up to four patients, something those in the profession decry as "labour persecution."

Working to save lives

Repeated major electricity blackouts have also taken their toll on the medical sector, knocking out power to hospitals -- many of which do not have working generators -- with potentially deadly consequences for patients.

Camilo Torres sells pastries and ice cream in his home in the southern state of Bolivar and goes to work at the local hospital on foot because of the lack of public transport. It takes him two hours.

Facebook photos attest to the toll his struggles have taken on his body: three years ago, he weighed 120 kilograms (264 pounds), but now weighs just 65 (143 pounds).

"I'm skinny and that's due to hunger," said the father of three, who wears broken shoes.

A neighbour helped him sew them up because a new pair costs three times his salary.

He can't even afford socks and his once white uniform looks yellow -- for Torres, detergent is a luxury.

But he won't give up.

"My job is to save lives. If there's no one in the hospital then I'm sure that if today 10 people die, tomorrow it will be 50 and that pain would never leave me," he said.

Edgar Fernandez keeps a mariachi suit in a rusty wardrobe at the public hospital in Caracas where he works as a nurse, donning it for performances that augment his meagre salary.

Edgar Fernandez keeps a mariachi suit in a rusty wardrobe at the public hospital in Caracas where he works as a nurse, donning it for performances that augment his meagre salary. Given that he earns just $10 a month, the money from these shows has been his salvation in crisis-wracked Venezuela, where nurses have been forced to reinvent themselves as home entrepreneurs, security guards or builders just to survive. Being a nurse in Venezuela is an almost impossible job these days: the country has seen an exodus of the profession, leaving those who remain short of colleagues and contending with problems such as major shortages of medical supplies and devastating electricity blackouts. "A nurse's salary is worth nothing," Fernandez told AFP, saying the money he earns from a 12-hour shift "can't buy anything." When a show clashes with his work shift, he has to pay a colleague to cover for him, meaning that his earnings -- which are not always money -- shrink. "Sometimes they pay me... with flour, lentils... I prefer this to going home empty-handed," said the 40-year-old, who practically lives in the Perez Carreno hospital, sleeping on a dirty mattress since he cannot afford rent. Decked out in his silver-lined outfit, Fernandez sings in bars and homes, and is even sometimes hired by former patients. He saved up to record an album, which he peddles to radio stations. His hope is to one day find fame. Home-made hairspray Francis Guillen makes hairspray that she sells in Caracas's busy Catia market as she battles, like most Venezuelans, to make ends meet in a country whose inflation will reach a staggering one million per cent this year, according to the International Monetary Fund. "If I didn't have another job, I don't know what would have become of me," said the 30-year-old nurse, who in a single day selling hairspray can earn the equivalent of her monthly salary. Sometimes her father, also a nurse, helps her mix the chemicals in a bucket in her front room. Her husband, who gave up his job as a fireman, also helps out with the business. Guillen is tempted to resign from her job, but says the desire "to serve" her compatriots is keeping her from joining the 3.3 million people the United Nations estimates have left Venezuela since the start of 2016. But since June 2018, 15,000 members of her profession -- or around 40 per cent -- quit and many of those emigrated, according to Ana Rosario Contreras, president of the Nurses College of Caracas, which has called for salaries to be paid in dollars to halt the exodus. 'In love' with nursing By day, Carlos Ruiz works as a security guard for a metallurgy company and also does odd jobs. The 42-year-old says he does "what's needed to survive." But despite saving up as much as he can, he hasn't been able to buy a new nurse uniform for the last four years: he needs 10 months of salary for that. He also has to deal with the scarcity of hospital supplies -- up to 80 per cent in some sectors, according to NGOs -- which President Nicolas Maduro blames on an economic war waged by the United States at the invitation of the opposition. "There's no lack of those who accuse us of stealing medicines," according to Ruiz, who said he is "in love" with a job that allowed him to be present at the births of his four children. In some hospitals, a single nurse has to look after up to four patients, something those in the profession decry as "labour persecution." Working to save lives Repeated major electricity blackouts have also taken their toll on the medical sector, knocking out power to hospitals -- many of which do not have working generators -- with potentially deadly consequences for patients. Camilo Torres sells pastries and ice cream in his home in the southern state of Bolivar and goes to work at the local hospital on foot because of the lack of public transport. It takes him two hours. Facebook photos attest to the toll his struggles have taken on his body: three years ago, he weighed 120 kilograms (264 pounds), but now weighs just 65 (143 pounds). "I'm skinny and that's due to hunger," said the father of three, who wears broken shoes. A neighbour helped him sew them up because a new pair costs three times his salary. He can't even afford socks and his once white uniform looks yellow -- for Torres, detergent is a luxury. But he won't give up. "My job is to save lives. If there's no one in the hospital then I'm sure that if today 10 people die, tomorrow it will be 50 and that pain would never leave me," he said.

Venezuela nurses turn to side jobs to survive economic crisis

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif attended a meeting of the Non-Aligned Movement in Caracas on Saturday (July 20) where he told gathered media that "the government of the United States is isolated." Tensions between Iran and the West ratcheted up on Saturday as Britain denounced the Iranian seizure of a British-flagged oil tanker, rejecting Tehran's explanation that it had seized the vessel on Friday (July 19) because it had been involved in an accident. The event in the global oil trade's most important waterway has been viewed in the West as a major escalation after three months of confrontation that has already taken Iran and the United States to the brink of war. Prior to his travel to Venezuela, Zarif attended a meeting of the U.N. Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) in New York. After Venezuela, he will also travel to Bolivia and Nicaragua. The Non-Aligned Movement is a Cold War-era bloc of some 120 nations that was formed a half-century ago by nations wanting to avoid aligning with the United States or the Soviet Union and which has dwindled in relevance over the years.

"The United States is isolated" - Iran's Zarif at Non-Aligned Movement meeting

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nicolas-maduro-optimistic-after-opposition-talks-resume-in-barbados-234229">Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro</a> met with the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/european-union-set-for-trade-talks-with-us-on-march-6-amid-concern-over-tariffs-201134">European Union's representative</a> to the OPEC nation Enrique Iglesias on Tuesday (July 09) as part of an intensification of diplomatic efforts to seek new elections in the divided nation.

The EU, which leads an international crisis group with South American nations, hopes Iglesias can help find a way to convince Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro to allow all political groups in the country to contest a free and fair vote.

The meeting comes after a UN report that accused Maduro's government of pursuing a strategy aimed at "neutralising, repressing and criminalising political opponents and people critical of the government".

President Nicolas Maduro has called for continued Norway-backed talks with the opposition to resolve differences. Guaido has been hesitant to resume talks, lambasting the Venezuelan leader as a "dictator".

Iglesias, a former Uruguayan foreign minister and a former president of the Inter-American Development Bank, is seen by diplomats as having the contacts and know-how to talk to both Maduro and Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido, as well as other political groups.

Having met Maduro and Guaido this month, the EU's crisis group that includes Britain, France and Germany also hopes to convince the United States to back a peaceful diplomatic process out of the crisis.

Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro met with the European Union's representative to the OPEC nation Enrique Iglesias on Tuesday (July 09) as part of an intensification of diplomatic efforts to seek new elections in the divided nation.

Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro met with the European Union's representative to the OPEC nation Enrique Iglesias on Tuesday (July 09) as part of an intensification of diplomatic efforts to seek new elections in the divided nation. The EU, which leads an international crisis group with South American nations, hopes Iglesias can help find a way to convince Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro to allow all political groups in the country to contest a free and fair vote. The meeting comes after a UN report that accused Maduro's government of pursuing a strategy aimed at "neutralising, repressing and criminalising political opponents and people critical of the government". President Nicolas Maduro has called for continued Norway-backed talks with the opposition to resolve differences. Guaido has been hesitant to resume talks, lambasting the Venezuelan leader as a "dictator". Iglesias, a former Uruguayan foreign minister and a former president of the Inter-American Development Bank, is seen by diplomats as having the contacts and know-how to talk to both Maduro and Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido, as well as other political groups. Having met Maduro and Guaido this month, the EU's crisis group that includes Britain, France and Germany also hopes to convince the United States to back a peaceful diplomatic process out of the crisis.

Nicolas Maduro meets European Union's special envoy ahead of opposition talks

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-response-to-norway-mediation-will-resume-talks-with-maduro-government-in-barbados-guaido-233875">Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro</a> said Monday he was "optimistic" after dialogue between his government and the opposition resumed in Barbados.

The South American nation was plunged into political turmoil in January when National Assembly speaker <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/news-brief-big-stories-of-the-day-233881">Juan Guaido</a> declared himself acting president in a direct challenge to Maduro's authority.

The opposition leader is recognized by the United States and more than 50 other countries but has been unable to dislodge Venezuela's socialist leader, who is backed by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/what-is-behind-georgias-anti-russia-protests-233898">Russia</a>, China, and Cuba.

Delegations from both sides arrived in Barbados Monday morning to revive discussions after a previous round in Norway petered out.

"I am very optimistic... Today they had a five-hour session, and I think that step by step, with strategic patience, we can find a path to peace," Maduro said in a broadcast on the state television channel VTV.

Without giving details, he said that a six-point agenda was being discussed with "the whole country in mind."

"If you work with goodwill and there is no American interventionism, I am sure that we will reach an agreement," said Maduro, who blames the United States for fanning the crisis.

The Barbados talks will be the third round since the Oslo talks in May, although Guaido had originally said last Tuesday there were no plans to re-open talks with Maduro's "murderous dictatorship" following the death of an officer in custody over an alleged coup plot.

The suspicious death of retired naval officer Rafael Acosta Arevalo had sparked international condemnation.

Guido said Sunday he wants the talks to lead them towards Maduro's departure from the presidency he has held since 2013 to a transitional government, and then "free elections with international observers".

Ravaged by crises

Some members of the opposition oppose the Barbados talks, fearing they may reinvigorate Maduro, but Enrique Marquez, vice president of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rule-of-law-in-venezuela-eroded-un-rights-chief-233251">Venezuela</a>'s opposition-controlled National Assembly, said they are the best option.

"A violent solution... could generate a loss of governance even for a new government," he told AFP.

Along with the negotiations in Barbados, Guaido had a closed-door meeting on Monday in the capital Caracas with Enrique Iglesias, the European Union's special advisor for Venezuela.

Afterwards, Iglesias met with Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez.

"Iglesias has confirmed his commitment to the dialogue process," Rodriguez said on Twitter.

Oil-rich Venezuela has been ravaged by five years of recession marked by shortages of food, medicine, and other necessities, and the economic woes have been exacerbated by the political crisis.

Delegations representing the Venezuelan rivals met face-to-face in Oslo for the first time in late May, in a process begun two weeks earlier under Norwegian auspices to find a solution to the nation's multiple crises.

Maduro has repeatedly said that the dialogue will continue with the opposition "for peace in Venezuela."

Guido has called Maduro a "usurper" for staying in power after a 2018 election widely dismissed as a sham.

Meanwhile, Panamanian President Laurentino Cortizo stressed in a TV interview that military intervention is not the solution to the Venezuelan crisis, and offered his country's assistance in reaching a negotiated solution.

Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro said Monday he was "optimistic" after dialogue between his government and the opposition resumed in Barbados. The South American nation was plunged into political turmoil in January when National Assembly speaker Juan Guaido declared himself acting president in a direct challenge to Maduro's authority.

Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro said Monday he was "optimistic" after dialogue between his government and the opposition resumed in Barbados. The South American nation was plunged into political turmoil in January when National Assembly speaker Juan Guaido declared himself acting president in a direct challenge to Maduro's authority. The opposition leader is recognized by the United States and more than 50 other countries but has been unable to dislodge Venezuela's socialist leader, who is backed by Russia, China, and Cuba. Delegations from both sides arrived in Barbados Monday morning to revive discussions after a previous round in Norway petered out. "I am very optimistic... Today they had a five-hour session, and I think that step by step, with strategic patience, we can find a path to peace," Maduro said in a broadcast on the state television channel VTV. Without giving details, he said that a six-point agenda was being discussed with "the whole country in mind." "If you work with goodwill and there is no American interventionism, I am sure that we will reach an agreement," said Maduro, who blames the United States for fanning the crisis. The Barbados talks will be the third round since the Oslo talks in May, although Guaido had originally said last Tuesday there were no plans to re-open talks with Maduro's "murderous dictatorship" following the death of an officer in custody over an alleged coup plot. The suspicious death of retired naval officer Rafael Acosta Arevalo had sparked international condemnation. Guido said Sunday he wants the talks to lead them towards Maduro's departure from the presidency he has held since 2013 to a transitional government, and then "free elections with international observers". Ravaged by crises Some members of the opposition oppose the Barbados talks, fearing they may reinvigorate Maduro, but Enrique Marquez, vice president of Venezuela's opposition-controlled National Assembly, said they are the best option. "A violent solution... could generate a loss of governance even for a new government," he told AFP. Along with the negotiations in Barbados, Guaido had a closed-door meeting on Monday in the capital Caracas with Enrique Iglesias, the European Union's special advisor for Venezuela. Afterwards, Iglesias met with Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez. "Iglesias has confirmed his commitment to the dialogue process," Rodriguez said on Twitter. Oil-rich Venezuela has been ravaged by five years of recession marked by shortages of food, medicine, and other necessities, and the economic woes have been exacerbated by the political crisis. Delegations representing the Venezuelan rivals met face-to-face in Oslo for the first time in late May, in a process begun two weeks earlier under Norwegian auspices to find a solution to the nation's multiple crises. Maduro has repeatedly said that the dialogue will continue with the opposition "for peace in Venezuela." Guido has called Maduro a "usurper" for staying in power after a 2018 election widely dismissed as a sham. Meanwhile, Panamanian President Laurentino Cortizo stressed in a TV interview that military intervention is not the solution to the Venezuelan crisis, and offered his country's assistance in reaching a negotiated solution.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro 'optimistic' after opposition talks resume in Barbados

Venezuela has reopened its border with Brazil and restored maritime and air connections with the island of Aruba after barring entry from those countries for more than two months, Vice President Tareck El Aissami said.

"The borders with Brazil and Aruba have been re-established, but not those with the rest of the countries surrounding our territory, until they end the positions of hostility, of siege, of facilitation of paramilitary groups," he told reporters.

In February, leftist President Nicolas Maduro ordered the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/venezuelas-guaido-says-intelligence-agents-have-detained-his-deputy-217135">closure of Venezuela's borders</a> with Colombia and Brazil and cut off sea and air links with the nearby Dutch islands of Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao.

The move was aimed at thwarting attempts by supporters of self-proclaimed acting head of state<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/venezuelas-guaido-blasts-maduro-over-opposition-crackdown-217494"> Juan Guaido to bring in US</a> aid stockpiled in Colombia, Brazil and the ABC Islands.

Guaido, who is backed by Washington, said the aid was needed to address a pressing humanitarian crisis in oil-rich Venezuela.

But Maduro, whose government has accepted help from the International Red Cross and from allies such as a Cuba, China and Russia, denounced the aid initiative as a Trojan horse for a US-led military intervention.

El Aissami, accompanied by Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza, said that while Maduro's government has "received from the authorities of Aruba a commitment of respect, of solidarity, of working together," such commitments have not been forthcoming from other countries.

The governor of the northwestern state of Falcon, Victor Clark, has been ordered to "initiate the working committees for the gradual re-establishment of all communication, trade and commercial channels with Aruba," the vice president said.

Before the travel ban, there were 48 flights a week between Aruba and Venezuela, El Aissami said, adding that Caracas would like to see the number of flights surpass the previous level.

"We want to establish fair-trade mechanisms. We want to increase our oil and fuel investments in the Caribbean. We hope that the authorities in the other islands come to their senses and avoid being instruments for aggression against the territory of Venezuela," he said.

Regarding Brazil, Venezuela plans to resume the normal trade in goods and services with the Brazilian border state of Roraima, the vice president said.

El Aissami also extended to Venezuela's neighbours an invitation to "sincere dialogue."

"We won't meddle in the affairs of other countries, but we demand that they leave the Venezuelan people alone. We will solve our problems, as President Maduro has said," the vice president said.

Venezuela has reopened its border with Brazil and restored maritime and air connections with the island of Aruba after barring entry from those countries for more than two months, Vice President Tareck El Aissami said.

Venezuela has reopened its border with Brazil and restored maritime and air connections with the island of Aruba after barring entry from those countries for more than two months, Vice President Tareck El Aissami said. "The borders with Brazil and Aruba have been re-established, but not those with the rest of the countries surrounding our territory, until they end the positions of hostility, of siege, of facilitation of paramilitary groups," he told reporters. In February, leftist President Nicolas Maduro ordered the closure of Venezuela's borders with Colombia and Brazil and cut off sea and air links with the nearby Dutch islands of Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao. The move was aimed at thwarting attempts by supporters of self-proclaimed acting head of state Juan Guaido to bring in US aid stockpiled in Colombia, Brazil and the ABC Islands. Guaido, who is backed by Washington, said the aid was needed to address a pressing humanitarian crisis in oil-rich Venezuela. But Maduro, whose government has accepted help from the International Red Cross and from allies such as a Cuba, China and Russia, denounced the aid initiative as a Trojan horse for a US-led military intervention. El Aissami, accompanied by Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza, said that while Maduro's government has "received from the authorities of Aruba a commitment of respect, of solidarity, of working together," such commitments have not been forthcoming from other countries. The governor of the northwestern state of Falcon, Victor Clark, has been ordered to "initiate the working committees for the gradual re-establishment of all communication, trade and commercial channels with Aruba," the vice president said. Before the travel ban, there were 48 flights a week between Aruba and Venezuela, El Aissami said, adding that Caracas would like to see the number of flights surpass the previous level. "We want to establish fair-trade mechanisms. We want to increase our oil and fuel investments in the Caribbean. We hope that the authorities in the other islands come to their senses and avoid being instruments for aggression against the territory of Venezuela," he said. Regarding Brazil, Venezuela plans to resume the normal trade in goods and services with the Brazilian border state of Roraima, the vice president said. El Aissami also extended to Venezuela's neighbours an invitation to "sincere dialogue." "We won't meddle in the affairs of other countries, but we demand that they leave the Venezuelan people alone. We will solve our problems, as President Maduro has said," the vice president said.

Venezuela re-opens border with Brazil, renews travel links to Aruba

People in Venezuelan capital Caracas expressed anger on Thursday at the arrest of Edgar Zambrano, deputy leader of the opposition-controlled National Assembly. Watch this video to know more.

Row over arrest of Guaido's aide

A Venezuelan military helicopter crashed close to Caracas on Saturday morning, killing all seven people on board, the Defense Ministry said in a statement.

The helicopter was to fly from Caracas, the capital, to the west-central state of Cojedes when it "went to ground," the Defence Ministry said, adding that authorities were investigating the cause of the crash.

President Nicolas Maduro was in Cojedes on Saturday to watch a series of army drills, which, in televised speeches, he said demonstrated Venezuela's military readiness against what he called the threat posed by the United States.

Maduro accuses the US government of trying to foment a coup against him by backing opposition leader Juan Guaido, who denounces Maduro as illegitimate and has assumed a rival presidency.

"I profoundly regret this incident and express my heartfelt condolences to their relatives and friends," Maduro said later on Twitter.

A Venezuelan military helicopter crashed close to Caracas on Saturday morning, killing all seven people on board, the Defense Ministry said in a statement. The helicopter was to fly from Caracas, the capital, to the west-central state of Cojedes when it "went to ground," the Defence Ministry said, adding that authorities were investigating the cause of the crash.

A Venezuelan military helicopter crashed close to Caracas on Saturday morning, killing all seven people on board, the Defense Ministry said in a statement. The helicopter was to fly from Caracas, the capital, to the west-central state of Cojedes when it "went to ground," the Defence Ministry said, adding that authorities were investigating the cause of the crash. President Nicolas Maduro was in Cojedes on Saturday to watch a series of army drills, which, in televised speeches, he said demonstrated Venezuela's military readiness against what he called the threat posed by the United States. Maduro accuses the US government of trying to foment a coup against him by backing opposition leader Juan Guaido, who denounces Maduro as illegitimate and has assumed a rival presidency. "I profoundly regret this incident and express my heartfelt condolences to their relatives and friends," Maduro said later on Twitter.

Venezuelan army helicopter crashes near Caracas, killing seven

Security forces used tear gas and water cannon against demonstrators in Caracas amid fresh protests against President Nicolás Maduro. Watch full video to know more.

Venezuela Power Struggle: Protesters clash with security forces

Opposition leader Juan Guaido hailed a victory as the first shipment of humanitarian aid from the Red Cross arrived in the once-prosperous, oil-rich country on Tuesday.

The delivery came after an about-face by President Nicolas Maduro, who last week said his socialist government had reached an agreement with the Red Cross to bring aid. Maduro had blocked previous efforts to deliver assistance and has denied the existence of a humanitarian crisis.

There was little hope that the shipment - intended to help hospitals cope with shortages of equipment and frequent power outages - would be anything more than a palliative measure for Venezuela, where over three million people have fled the chaos of hyperinflation and chronic shortages of food and medicine.

Venezuela was plunged into a political deadlock in January, when Juan Guaido, the leader of the opposition-controlled National Assembly invoked the country's constitution to assume an interim presidency, arguing Maduro's 2018 re-election was illegitimate.

Opposition leader Juan Guaido hailed a victory as the first shipment of humanitarian aid from the Red Cross arrived in the once-prosperous, oil-rich country on Tuesday.

Opposition leader Juan Guaido hailed a victory as the first shipment of humanitarian aid from the Red Cross arrived in the once-prosperous, oil-rich country on Tuesday. The delivery came after an about-face by President Nicolas Maduro, who last week said his socialist government had reached an agreement with the Red Cross to bring aid. Maduro had blocked previous efforts to deliver assistance and has denied the existence of a humanitarian crisis. There was little hope that the shipment - intended to help hospitals cope with shortages of equipment and frequent power outages - would be anything more than a palliative measure for Venezuela, where over three million people have fled the chaos of hyperinflation and chronic shortages of food and medicine. Venezuela was plunged into a political deadlock in January, when Juan Guaido, the leader of the opposition-controlled National Assembly invoked the country's constitution to assume an interim presidency, arguing Maduro's 2018 re-election was illegitimate.

Guaido says 'regime has run out of rhetoric' as Red Cross aid arrives in Venezuela

President Nicolas Maduro and his supporters on Saturday celebrated the 10th anniversary of the founding of Venezuela's National Bolivarian Militia by his predecessor, Hugo Chavez.

Maduro celebrates 10th anniversary of militia

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-cuts-workday-extends-school-cancelation-over-blackouts-207070">Nicolas Maduro government</a> on Friday released its schedule for electricity rationing for Venezuela, with the exception of Caracas and three other states, according to which the general public will be without electric power for at least 18 hours per week.

The Electric Energy Ministry and the state-run Corpoelec electricity company designed a schedule dividing 20 of the country's 23 states into five sectors with different rationing schemes with the idea of implementing daily three-hour blackouts six days per week.

According to this plan, on one day per week, each sector will have electricity for the full 24 hours.

The rationing measure specifically excludes the state of Vargas near Caracas where Venezuela's main airport is located, along with the southern state of Amazonas and the northeastern state of Delta Amacuro, border regions far from the capital.

Last Sunday, Maduro announced the launching of the rationing plan slated to last for 30 days but as of Friday, the details of the schedule had not been made public.

The programmed power outages are the government's response to the electricity crisis that has beset the country since March 7, when a series of massive blackouts paralyzed Venezuela for at least 11 days.

The power failures have persisted this past week, particularly in the west, where whole communities have been without electricity for more than 100 hours.

Maduro's leftist government has blamed the United States and Venezuelan opposition for "sabotaging" the power grid claiming that "electromagnetic" attacks and a "long-range" sniper attack have been staged on the main hydroelectric plant and elsewhere.

After the blackouts, the government announced the modernization, intervention in and restructuring of the electric system, which has been managed by the military since 2013, with an eye toward "confronting these attacks" in the future.

The Venezuelan opposition, on the other hand, blames the government for the system's failures, pointing to ineptitude and poor management of the electric sector's resources as the real causes of the outages.

In 2010, the government for the first time decreed a state of emergency in the electric sector and imposed the first electricity rationing, from which it exempted Caracas, which lasted for four months and included cutting power to each citizen for 24 hours per week.

Since then, blackouts have been becoming more frequent, especially in regions like the western state of Zulia, where over the last decade several rationing plans, not to mention unannounced cuts in service, have been implemented.

The Nicolas Maduro government on Friday released its schedule for electricity rationing for Venezuela, with the exception of Caracas and three other states, according to which the general public will be without electric power for at least 18 hours per week.

The Nicolas Maduro government on Friday released its schedule for electricity rationing for Venezuela, with the exception of Caracas and three other states, according to which the general public will be without electric power for at least 18 hours per week. The Electric Energy Ministry and the state-run Corpoelec electricity company designed a schedule dividing 20 of the country's 23 states into five sectors with different rationing schemes with the idea of implementing daily three-hour blackouts six days per week. According to this plan, on one day per week, each sector will have electricity for the full 24 hours. The rationing measure specifically excludes the state of Vargas near Caracas where Venezuela's main airport is located, along with the southern state of Amazonas and the northeastern state of Delta Amacuro, border regions far from the capital. Last Sunday, Maduro announced the launching of the rationing plan slated to last for 30 days but as of Friday, the details of the schedule had not been made public. The programmed power outages are the government's response to the electricity crisis that has beset the country since March 7, when a series of massive blackouts paralyzed Venezuela for at least 11 days. The power failures have persisted this past week, particularly in the west, where whole communities have been without electricity for more than 100 hours. Maduro's leftist government has blamed the United States and Venezuelan opposition for "sabotaging" the power grid claiming that "electromagnetic" attacks and a "long-range" sniper attack have been staged on the main hydroelectric plant and elsewhere. After the blackouts, the government announced the modernization, intervention in and restructuring of the electric system, which has been managed by the military since 2013, with an eye toward "confronting these attacks" in the future. The Venezuelan opposition, on the other hand, blames the government for the system's failures, pointing to ineptitude and poor management of the electric sector's resources as the real causes of the outages. In 2010, the government for the first time decreed a state of emergency in the electric sector and imposed the first electricity rationing, from which it exempted Caracas, which lasted for four months and included cutting power to each citizen for 24 hours per week. Since then, blackouts have been becoming more frequent, especially in regions like the western state of Zulia, where over the last decade several rationing plans, not to mention unannounced cuts in service, have been implemented.

Venezuelan government to cut electricity 18 hours per week

The lines in front of the water spigots are the same for the government-supporting Chavistas and the opposition non-Chavistas.

In the residential districts of Caracas, the tired faces show irritation when people start to talk about who's to blame for the situation that for weeks has mired Venezuela amid a series of power blackouts.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/top-venezuela-court-calls-to-strip-guaidos-immunity-207309">Also read:&nbsp;Top Venezuela court calls to strip opposition leader Guaido's immunity</a>

Residents of the shantytowns strewn over the hills of the capital look for water from pipes, fountains and abandoned cisterns without regard for their political affiliation, patiently filling containers, decanters or big bottles to take the precious liquid back home with them.

"As far as I'm concerned, we're in resistance because if we were just an agricultural country, none of this would be happening," said Orlando Iturbe, a 47-year-old businessman, standing before some pipes out of which water is running at an abandoned construction site in the capital's downtown.

He repeats the theory that the opposition and the United States are to blame for sabotaging the electricity grid, the story that the Nicolas Maduro regime has pushed to explain why - since March 7 - the country has been experiencing repeated power outages, each lasting several days, that have prevented the electric pumps from sending water through the pipes.

"It's unconventional warfare, which is our modern war if we were a country that didn't have any more crops ... Because we have all kinds of wealth, what happens? The United States wants the whole pie," he said.

Behind him, Pascual Escalona is watching the man with an amazed look on his face until Iturbe starts criticizing the opposition and then he can't contain himself any longer.

"What opposition? The one who has the power here is the government!" he says angrily, sparking an argument in which they wind up berating each other.

Escalona is a retiree from the Graphic Arts who, like Iturbe, lives in La Pastora. He's tired, he says, confirming that these days he only received 18,000 bolivares (about $5) a month from his pension, and that's not enough to buy even a carton of eggs.

"We were happy here. We had a few beers, we messed around, we screwed around and now we're hungry. Look, no light, no telephone, we don't have a damn thing," he said.

"Now, brother? We're looking for water like a bunch of a-holes. This is a real humiliation. They've got us humiliated!" he added.

He said that last night at his house with his two little girls some tear gas drifted in and they inhaled it, evidently fired by the police at protesters somewhere nearby.

Iturbe, who is now the one looking irritated, replies: "OK, so weren't they blocking the streets with barricades?"

And Escalona responds: "Sure, but you have to block (them), you have to protest!"

Not far away, dozens of vehicles are parked along Avenida Baralt, which circles Avila Hill, while hundreds of people scour around tirelessly for water in the streams and drains.

Alexander, a 45-year-old peddler, says that over the past five days he climbed up and down to one of the streams to bring 50 buckets of water home for washing, drinking and cooking.

"What are we going to do? You boil it and you drink it. We're not going to die, man. The homeless drink dirty water and nothing happen to them," he says.

He says that he normally works as a peddler at one of the metro exits, but the metro hasn't had electricity for days and so nobody's riding it and he can't work there. But, nevertheless, he's got to get by.

"Hell, man, I don't know how much more these people can take of this because the truth is that it's a nuisance, it's tough ... Another month? Weren't there protests all over the place yesterday?" he said.

Virgilio Rodriguez, a 62-year-old businessman, lives in a nearby neighbourhood. He began by saying that he's apolitical but he had only been talking for a few seconds when his indignation betrayed him.

"I don't know. I don't get involved in politics. But there's got to be a change here because we can't go on like this," he remarked.

"The people are in need. (The well-off) aren't having any problems and they have everything in their homes. Do you see (former Vice President) Elias Jaua standing in line to look for water or to buy food?" he said.

Nearby, standing in the stream, a man is washing his little daughter with soap. When your reporter identifies himself and asks him why he's here, the man says he doesn't want to talk.

"I don't know whether you guys are with the CIA," he adds.

The lines in front of the water spigots are the same for the government-supporting Chavistas and the opposition non-Chavistas. In the residential districts of Caracas, the tired faces show irritation when people start to talk about who's to blame for the situation that for weeks has mired Venezuela amid a series of power blackouts.

The lines in front of the water spigots are the same for the government-supporting Chavistas and the opposition non-Chavistas. In the residential districts of Caracas, the tired faces show irritation when people start to talk about who's to blame for the situation that for weeks has mired Venezuela amid a series of power blackouts. Also read: Top Venezuela court calls to strip opposition leader Guaido's immunity Residents of the shantytowns strewn over the hills of the capital look for water from pipes, fountains and abandoned cisterns without regard for their political affiliation, patiently filling containers, decanters or big bottles to take the precious liquid back home with them. "As far as I'm concerned, we're in resistance because if we were just an agricultural country, none of this would be happening," said Orlando Iturbe, a 47-year-old businessman, standing before some pipes out of which water is running at an abandoned construction site in the capital's downtown. He repeats the theory that the opposition and the United States are to blame for sabotaging the electricity grid, the story that the Nicolas Maduro regime has pushed to explain why - since March 7 - the country has been experiencing repeated power outages, each lasting several days, that have prevented the electric pumps from sending water through the pipes. "It's unconventional warfare, which is our modern war if we were a country that didn't have any more crops ... Because we have all kinds of wealth, what happens? The United States wants the whole pie," he said. Behind him, Pascual Escalona is watching the man with an amazed look on his face until Iturbe starts criticizing the opposition and then he can't contain himself any longer. "What opposition? The one who has the power here is the government!" he says angrily, sparking an argument in which they wind up berating each other. Escalona is a retiree from the Graphic Arts who, like Iturbe, lives in La Pastora. He's tired, he says, confirming that these days he only received 18,000 bolivares (about $5) a month from his pension, and that's not enough to buy even a carton of eggs. "We were happy here. We had a few beers, we messed around, we screwed around and now we're hungry. Look, no light, no telephone, we don't have a damn thing," he said. "Now, brother? We're looking for water like a bunch of a-holes. This is a real humiliation. They've got us humiliated!" he added. He said that last night at his house with his two little girls some tear gas drifted in and they inhaled it, evidently fired by the police at protesters somewhere nearby. Iturbe, who is now the one looking irritated, replies: "OK, so weren't they blocking the streets with barricades?" And Escalona responds: "Sure, but you have to block (them), you have to protest!" Not far away, dozens of vehicles are parked along Avenida Baralt, which circles Avila Hill, while hundreds of people scour around tirelessly for water in the streams and drains. Alexander, a 45-year-old peddler, says that over the past five days he climbed up and down to one of the streams to bring 50 buckets of water home for washing, drinking and cooking. "What are we going to do? You boil it and you drink it. We're not going to die, man. The homeless drink dirty water and nothing happen to them," he says. He says that he normally works as a peddler at one of the metro exits, but the metro hasn't had electricity for days and so nobody's riding it and he can't work there. But, nevertheless, he's got to get by. "Hell, man, I don't know how much more these people can take of this because the truth is that it's a nuisance, it's tough ... Another month? Weren't there protests all over the place yesterday?" he said. Virgilio Rodriguez, a 62-year-old businessman, lives in a nearby neighbourhood. He began by saying that he's apolitical but he had only been talking for a few seconds when his indignation betrayed him. "I don't know. I don't get involved in politics. But there's got to be a change here because we can't go on like this," he remarked. "The people are in need. (The well-off) aren't having any problems and they have everything in their homes. Do you see (former Vice President) Elias Jaua standing in line to look for water or to buy food?" he said. Nearby, standing in the stream, a man is washing his little daughter with soap. When your reporter identifies himself and asks him why he's here, the man says he doesn't want to talk. "I don't know whether you guys are with the CIA," he adds.

Venezuela: With no water, Caracas residents' patience is drying up

Many regions in Venezuela including some areas in Caracas was hit by new blackout on Monday.

The power cut occurred at 1:28 pm in the capital and the entire city centre was out of electricity.

Shops were closed fearing looters, cellphone signals were also disrupted and television was blanked out.

This comes after weeks of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-maduro-government-shuts-schools-suspends-working-day-as-blackout-enters-second-day-202053">previous blackout which started around March 1</a>&nbsp;and lasted for a week. Many were affected during that time, several patients died, public transport came to a halt, water supplies were interrupted, forcing citizens to turn to sewage outflows and polluted water sources.

Few Venezuelans took to Twitter complaining about the blackout.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
I had to make a decision today: I could either go to the supermarket to buy food, or wait to see if there was another blackout. I ate something while I was out reporting ... the fridge is still empty ... good call, very bad way of living. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Venezuela?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Venezuela</a>
— Ana Vanessa Herrero (@AnaVHerrero) <a href="https://twitter.com/AnaVHerrero/status/1110363071577575425?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 26, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Another <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/blackout?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#blackout</a> in Venezuela. This is beyond nightmare. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/apagon?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#apagon</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/valencia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#valencia</a>
— J. Carolina MQ (@jekac_7) <a href="https://twitter.com/jekac_7/status/1110361929812455425?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 26, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Another countrwide black out. 
 
I'm logging off to conserve battery. Plus who knows how long we'll have a connection.
— Joaco in Venezuela (@JoacoMachado) <a href="https://twitter.com/JoacoMachado/status/1110363903584657408?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 26, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

A Venezuelan newspaper reported that the power was out at Venezuela's main international airport outside Caracas.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/venezuelas-maduro-accuses-us-of-financing-mercenary-plot-against-him-205158">President Nicolas Maduro</a>'s government blamed the power outage on an ''attack'' which targeted main hydroelectric plant Guri. It supplies power to 80 per cent of Venezuelans.

Many regions in Venezuela including some areas in Caracas was hit by new blackout on Monday. The power cut occurred at 1:28 pm in the capital and the entire city centre was out of electricity.

Many regions in Venezuela including some areas in Caracas was hit by new blackout on Monday. The power cut occurred at 1:28 pm in the capital and the entire city centre was out of electricity. Shops were closed fearing looters, cellphone signals were also disrupted and television was blanked out. This comes after weeks of the previous blackout which started around March 1 and lasted for a week. Many were affected during that time, several patients died, public transport came to a halt, water supplies were interrupted, forcing citizens to turn to sewage outflows and polluted water sources. Few Venezuelans took to Twitter complaining about the blackout. I had to make a decision today: I could either go to the supermarket to buy food, or wait to see if there was another blackout. I ate something while I was out reporting ... the fridge is still empty ... good call, very bad way of living. #Venezuela — Ana Vanessa Herrero (@AnaVHerrero) March 26, 2019 × Another #blackout in Venezuela. This is beyond nightmare. #apagon #valencia — J. Carolina MQ (@jekac_7) March 26, 2019 × Another countrwide black out. I'm logging off to conserve battery. Plus who knows how long we'll have a connection. — Joaco in Venezuela (@JoacoMachado) March 26, 2019 × A Venezuelan newspaper reported that the power was out at Venezuela's main international airport outside Caracas. President Nicolas Maduro's government blamed the power outage on an ''attack'' which targeted main hydroelectric plant Guri. It supplies power to 80 per cent of Venezuelans.

Several regions in Venezuela face new blackout

Vienna waltzes to quality of living win for 10th year

Amid the massive outgoing political and financial <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-military-not-involved-in-withdrawing-diplomats-from-venezuela-202985">crisis in Venezuela</a>, a highway in the country's capital Caracas, recently turned into one of the most visited sites after it&nbsp;showed the slightest cellphone signal.

Civilians from all around the region moved to the place to connect to their families and friends after days of separation, The Associated Press reported on Wednesday.

Venezuela which is undergoing a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-congress-declares-state-of-alarm-over-blackout-202729">massive blackout</a> in the history of the country has been running out of electricity for many days.

After years of hyperinflation and economic crisis, the country is now living under dark due to the absence of&nbsp;electricity.

The crippling power blackout has also blocked the flow of running water in the country and forced the people to live without any internet or cellphone connectivity.

The crisis has led many people to seek water from places they would never want to take from.&nbsp;

Maduro has blamed a devastating multi-day blackout plaguing Venezuela on Washington and declared "victory" in what he called an "electricity war" triggered by the Pentagon.

He also called for support from allies including Russia and China as well as the United Nations in investigating the US "cyber attack" he said was responsible for the blackout.

While Maduro pointed the finger at Washington, critics have long blamed the government for failing to maintain the power grid.

Guaido, 35, is seeking to capitalise on public anger over the blackout, which has piled misery on a population suffering years of economic crisis and shortages of food and medicine under Maduro.

The youthful opposition chief -- locked in a power struggle with Maduro since declaring himself interim president on January 23 -- has branded the socialist leader a "usurper" over his re-election in May, widely dismissed as neither free nor fair.

(With inputs from agencies)

Amid the massive outgoing political and financial crisis in Venezuela, a highway in the country's capital Caracas, recently turned into one of the most visited sites after it showed the slightest cellphone signal.

Amid the massive outgoing political and financial crisis in Venezuela, a highway in the country's capital Caracas, recently turned into one of the most visited sites after it showed the slightest cellphone signal. Civilians from all around the region moved to the place to connect to their families and friends after days of separation, The Associated Press reported on Wednesday. Venezuela which is undergoing a massive blackout in the history of the country has been running out of electricity for many days. After years of hyperinflation and economic crisis, the country is now living under dark due to the absence of electricity. The crippling power blackout has also blocked the flow of running water in the country and forced the people to live without any internet or cellphone connectivity. The crisis has led many people to seek water from places they would never want to take from. Maduro has blamed a devastating multi-day blackout plaguing Venezuela on Washington and declared "victory" in what he called an "electricity war" triggered by the Pentagon. He also called for support from allies including Russia and China as well as the United Nations in investigating the US "cyber attack" he said was responsible for the blackout. While Maduro pointed the finger at Washington, critics have long blamed the government for failing to maintain the power grid. Guaido, 35, is seeking to capitalise on public anger over the blackout, which has piled misery on a population suffering years of economic crisis and shortages of food and medicine under Maduro. The youthful opposition chief -- locked in a power struggle with Maduro since declaring himself interim president on January 23 -- has branded the socialist leader a "usurper" over his re-election in May, widely dismissed as neither free nor fair. (With inputs from agencies)

Venezuela blackout: Civilians gather at highway for cellphone signal

caracas

Caracas, News on Caracas, stories on Caracas, articles on Caracas, Caracas stories at Wion, Caracas news, Caracas latest news