Turkey's foreign minister said on Sunday countries which have recognised Venezuela's self-proclaimed interim president Juan Guaido were fueling <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-as-thousands-of-guaido-supporters-hit-streets-nicolas-maduro-calls-for-early-parliamentary-elections-194664">Venezuela's troubles</a> and punishing millions of its people.

Turkey has backed <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/maduro-vs-guaido-who-is-backing-whom-193331">Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro</a> in contrast with NATO allies the United States and Canada, and several right-leaning Latin American countries which have recognised Guaido's move to declare himself an interim leader.

Turkey's President Tayyip Erdogan, who has strengthened economic and political ties with Caracas, called Maduro last month to urge him to stand tall against what he described as "anti-democratic developments".

Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Sunday the countries which were supporting Guaido should instead have worked for negotiations to resolve Venezuela's crisis.

"There is a problem in a country, there is a spark that can turn into a fire at any moment. In this case, they should have contributed to the solution of the problem through dialogue," Cavusoglu told reporters in Istanbul.

"But is that how they handled things? No. On the contrary, the event was fueled from the outside. The people of Venezuela are being punished by such approach," he said.

Cavusoglu said Turkey had tried to initiate talks on Venezuela last year between Washington and Latin American countries. "But today, none of the countries that have taken these steps against Venezuela has sought dialogue."

Disagreement over Venezuela could become another serious point of friction between Washington and Ankara, which are also divided over policy in Syria, Iran sanctions and Turkey's plans to buy Russian missile defence system.

On Friday Marshall Billingslea, US assistant secretary for terrorist financing at the Treasury held talks with Turkish officials about sanctions on Venezuela and Iran.

A senior US official said last week Washington was looking at Turkey's commercial activities with Venezuela and would take action "if we assess a violation of our sanctions".

Turkish officials say Ankara's trade is in accordance with international laws and regulations.

In his remarks on Sunday Cavusoglu also reiterated Turkish criticism of what Ankara sees as a weak international response to the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul four months ago.

"Recently Western countries - you know they are very sensitive about human rights, trying to teach everyone about human rights - are silent," he said suggesting they were more interested in protecting commercial ties with Riyadh.

"They are making deals and selling arms," Cavusoglu said.

Turkey's foreign minister said on Sunday countries which have recognised Venezuela's self-proclaimed interim president Juan Guaido were fueling Venezuela's troubles and punishing millions of its people.

Turkey's foreign minister said on Sunday countries which have recognised Venezuela's self-proclaimed interim president Juan Guaido were fueling Venezuela's troubles and punishing millions of its people. Turkey has backed Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro in contrast with NATO allies the United States and Canada, and several right-leaning Latin American countries which have recognised Guaido's move to declare himself an interim leader. Turkey's President Tayyip Erdogan, who has strengthened economic and political ties with Caracas, called Maduro last month to urge him to stand tall against what he described as "anti-democratic developments". Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Sunday the countries which were supporting Guaido should instead have worked for negotiations to resolve Venezuela's crisis. "There is a problem in a country, there is a spark that can turn into a fire at any moment. In this case, they should have contributed to the solution of the problem through dialogue," Cavusoglu told reporters in Istanbul. "But is that how they handled things? No. On the contrary, the event was fueled from the outside. The people of Venezuela are being punished by such approach," he said. Cavusoglu said Turkey had tried to initiate talks on Venezuela last year between Washington and Latin American countries. "But today, none of the countries that have taken these steps against Venezuela has sought dialogue." Disagreement over Venezuela could become another serious point of friction between Washington and Ankara, which are also divided over policy in Syria, Iran sanctions and Turkey's plans to buy Russian missile defence system. On Friday Marshall Billingslea, US assistant secretary for terrorist financing at the Treasury held talks with Turkish officials about sanctions on Venezuela and Iran. A senior US official said last week Washington was looking at Turkey's commercial activities with Venezuela and would take action "if we assess a violation of our sanctions". Turkish officials say Ankara's trade is in accordance with international laws and regulations. In his remarks on Sunday Cavusoglu also reiterated Turkish criticism of what Ankara sees as a weak international response to the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul four months ago. "Recently Western countries - you know they are very sensitive about human rights, trying to teach everyone about human rights - are silent," he said suggesting they were more interested in protecting commercial ties with Riyadh. "They are making deals and selling arms," Cavusoglu said.

Turkey says countries supporting Guaido fuel Venezuela crisis

Venezuelan air force general Francisco Yanez recognized <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/venezuelas-guaido-courts-russia-powers-divided-on-maduro-194491">opposition leader Juan </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/venezuelas-guaido-courts-russia-powers-divided-on-maduro-194491">Guaido</a> as the country's acting president, disavowing ruling socialist leader Nicolas Maduro in a video published on social media Saturday.

The crack in the military's united front behind Maduro came as Guaido was mobilizing a mass protest in Caracas to back his call for Maduro's resignation and early elections.

Dressed in full uniform, Major General Francisco Yanez appeared on a video posted on social media to declare his support for Guaido, the National Assembly head who has led the most serious challenge yet to Maduro's rule.

"I address you to inform you that I disavow the vitiated and dictatorial authority of Nicolas Maduro and recognize Deputy Juan Guaido as the president in charge of Venezuela," he said.

Yanez, who is strategic planning director of the air force high command, asserted that "90 per cent of the Bolivarian National Armed Forces is not with the dictator, it's with the Venezuelan people."

"With the events of the past hours, the transition to democracy is imminent; to continue ordering the armed forces to continue repressing our people is to continue with the deaths from hunger, from disease and, God forbid, combat between ourselves," he warned.

Yanez claimed that members of the presidential aircrew had confided to him that "the dictator has two planes ready every day."

"May he go!"

Rocio San Miguel, an expert on the Venezuelan military, noted that Yanez does not command troops but nonetheless "it's a hard blow" to the military.

The military high command, led by Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino, has sworn absolute loyalty to Maduro despite signs of unrest within the ranks.

On January 21, a group of National Guard soldiers rose up against Maduro in Caracas.

The mutiny was quickly put down and 27 soldiers were arrested, but it kicked off a week of violent clashes with security forces that the UN said left 40 dead and 850 arrested.

Citizen Control, a non-governmental watchdog led by San Miguel, estimates that 180 members of the military were arrested in 2018, and some 10,000 members of the armed forces have left the service since 2015.

Venezuelan air force general Francisco Yanez recognized opposition leader Juan Guaido as the country's acting president, disavowing ruling socialist leader Nicolas Maduro in a video published on social media Saturday.

Venezuelan air force general Francisco Yanez recognized opposition leader Juan Guaido as the country's acting president, disavowing ruling socialist leader Nicolas Maduro in a video published on social media Saturday. The crack in the military's united front behind Maduro came as Guaido was mobilizing a mass protest in Caracas to back his call for Maduro's resignation and early elections. Dressed in full uniform, Major General Francisco Yanez appeared on a video posted on social media to declare his support for Guaido, the National Assembly head who has led the most serious challenge yet to Maduro's rule. "I address you to inform you that I disavow the vitiated and dictatorial authority of Nicolas Maduro and recognize Deputy Juan Guaido as the president in charge of Venezuela," he said. Yanez, who is strategic planning director of the air force high command, asserted that "90 per cent of the Bolivarian National Armed Forces is not with the dictator, it's with the Venezuelan people." "With the events of the past hours, the transition to democracy is imminent; to continue ordering the armed forces to continue repressing our people is to continue with the deaths from hunger, from disease and, God forbid, combat between ourselves," he warned. Yanez claimed that members of the presidential aircrew had confided to him that "the dictator has two planes ready every day." "May he go!" Rocio San Miguel, an expert on the Venezuelan military, noted that Yanez does not command troops but nonetheless "it's a hard blow" to the military. The military high command, led by Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino, has sworn absolute loyalty to Maduro despite signs of unrest within the ranks. On January 21, a group of National Guard soldiers rose up against Maduro in Caracas. The mutiny was quickly put down and 27 soldiers were arrested, but it kicked off a week of violent clashes with security forces that the UN said left 40 dead and 850 arrested. Citizen Control, a non-governmental watchdog led by San Miguel, estimates that 180 members of the military were arrested in 2018, and some 10,000 members of the armed forces have left the service since 2015.

Venezuelan air force general Francisco Yanez declares allegiance to Juan Guaido: Video

Global jostling intensified on Thursday between countries that want Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in power and those trying to force him to resign, as opposition leader Juan Guaido made overtures to his rival's allies Russia and China.

Guaido told he had sent communications to both powers, which are Venezuela's top foreign creditors and support Maduro in the UN&nbsp;Security Council despite worries about the cash-strapped country's ability to pay.

The 35-year-old leader argued that Russia and China's interests would be best served by switching the side they back in Venezuela, an OPEC member which has the world's largest oil reserves but is in dire financial straits.

"What most suits Russia and China is the country's stability and a change of government," Guaido said. "Maduro does not protect Venezuela, he doesn't protect anyone's investments, and he is not a good deal for those countries."

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang, asked if China had been in touch with Guaido, said they were "maintaining close communication with all parties through various means regarding the situation in Venezuela."

China's cooperation with Venezuela was based on the principles of equality, mutual benefit and joint development, he told reporters in Beijing.&nbsp;

"We believe that no matter how the situation develops or changes, cooperation between China and Venezuela will not be damaged."&nbsp;

The intense pressure is led by the United States, which along with most other countries in the Western Hemisphere recognizes Guaido as the country's legitimate interim president, arguing that Maduro stole his second-term election.

The United States on Monday imposed sweeping sanctions on Venezuela's state-owned oil firm, aimed at pressuring Maduro to step down.

A former union leader, bus driver and foreign minister, the 56-year-old Maduro, who first took office in 2013, has faced waves of protests in recent years as he presided over hyperinflation and chronic food shortages.

Some 3 million Venezuelans have left the country. A UN&nbsp;expert on Thursday warned that the U.S. oil sanctions could worsen the humanitarian crisis.

With Venezuela in deep economic crisis, the geopolitical tussling has also drawn in Europe and Latin American nations as well as parts of the Middle East.

The US&nbsp;government warned Russia and other countries from "last-minute looting" of oil and gold on Thursday, after Reuters reported Venezuela was planning to sell gold from its central bank vaults to the United Arab Emirates in coming days in return for euros in cash, citing a senior source.

Republican U.S. Senator Marco Rubio sent a tweet to the United Arab Emirates embassy in Washington on Thursday warning that anybody transporting Venezuelan gold would be subject to U.S. sanctions.

The United States is also monitoring trade between its NATO ally Turkey and Venezuela and will take action if it judges any sanctions have been violated, a senior U.S. official said in Istanbul.

Turkey’s president, Tayyip Erdogan, has stood by Maduro, calling him last week to express support.

Cracking down?

Guaido said on Thursday that agents from a feared special police unit had called at his home and asked for his wife, who was at home with their 20-month-old daughter while he was out at an event.

"Such acts of intimidation are seen as very serious, very egregious by the United States," a senior U.S. administration official told reporters on a conference call. "There will be consequences for those engaged in such acts."

Guaido appeared at his building with his wife and daughter, saying, "They will not intimidate this family." Neighbours said men who identified themselves as belonging to the Special Actions Forces arrived at the gate of Guaido's apartment building in a white SUV. There was no obvious police presence by the time journalists arrived at Guaido's house.

Maduro, who says he will remain for his second six-year term, has accused the opposition of attempting a U.S.-backed coup.

Venezuela's interior minister, Nestor Reverol, said on Thursday that security forces captured five men including a retired army colonel and other army officers on accusations of plotting a coup.

The men were captured over the last few days, Reverol said. He said they had with them two AK-47 rifles, two satellite phones and 500 bracelets bearing the symbol of Operation Constitution, a political group dedicated to toppling Maduro.

The government accuses one of the leaders of the group, retired Colonel Oswaldo García Palomo, of participating in an apparent attack at a Maduro event last yet. Garcia Palomo was among the captured men.

Maduro frequently accuses the opposition, Colombia and the United States of backing coups or assassination attempts. Such claims have usually been dismissed as a smokescreen to distract from problems at home, but a drone exploded at a Maduro event last year, in an apparent attack.

Maduro also says the opposition strategy of trying to push him from office is illegal and led by hawks in the Trump administration, such as the recently appointed US special envoy to Venezuela, Elliott Abrams, a veteran diplomat involved in the armed interventions in Central America in the 1980s.

Oil trouble&nbsp;

A United Nations human rights expert denounced the US&nbsp;oil sanctions imposed on Monday, saying they would compound a grave humanitarian crisis.

"Coercion, whether military or economic, must never be used to seek a change in government in a sovereign state," said Idriss Jazairy, a U.N. special rapporteur studying the negative impact of sanctions.

"The use of sanctions by outside powers to overthrow an elected government is in violation of all norms of international law," he said in a statement in Geneva.

In the tussle over oil, Guaido worked this week with Washington to wrest control of PDVSA's U.S. subsidiary Citgo from its board. Citgo and Maduro's government responded by ordering dozens of Citgo's expatriate staff in the United States to return to Caracas by the end of February, people familiar with the matter said.

PDVSA has said it will pursue legal efforts to block a Citgo takeover.

Global jostling intensified on Thursday between countries that want Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in power and those trying to force him to resign, as opposition leader Juan Guaido made overtures to his rival's allies Russia and China.

Global jostling intensified on Thursday between countries that want Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in power and those trying to force him to resign, as opposition leader Juan Guaido made overtures to his rival's allies Russia and China. Guaido told he had sent communications to both powers, which are Venezuela's top foreign creditors and support Maduro in the UN Security Council despite worries about the cash-strapped country's ability to pay. The 35-year-old leader argued that Russia and China's interests would be best served by switching the side they back in Venezuela, an OPEC member which has the world's largest oil reserves but is in dire financial straits. "What most suits Russia and China is the country's stability and a change of government," Guaido said. "Maduro does not protect Venezuela, he doesn't protect anyone's investments, and he is not a good deal for those countries." Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang, asked if China had been in touch with Guaido, said they were "maintaining close communication with all parties through various means regarding the situation in Venezuela." China's cooperation with Venezuela was based on the principles of equality, mutual benefit and joint development, he told reporters in Beijing. "We believe that no matter how the situation develops or changes, cooperation between China and Venezuela will not be damaged." The intense pressure is led by the United States, which along with most other countries in the Western Hemisphere recognizes Guaido as the country's legitimate interim president, arguing that Maduro stole his second-term election. The United States on Monday imposed sweeping sanctions on Venezuela's state-owned oil firm, aimed at pressuring Maduro to step down. A former union leader, bus driver and foreign minister, the 56-year-old Maduro, who first took office in 2013, has faced waves of protests in recent years as he presided over hyperinflation and chronic food shortages. Some 3 million Venezuelans have left the country. A UN expert on Thursday warned that the U.S. oil sanctions could worsen the humanitarian crisis. With Venezuela in deep economic crisis, the geopolitical tussling has also drawn in Europe and Latin American nations as well as parts of the Middle East. The US government warned Russia and other countries from "last-minute looting" of oil and gold on Thursday, after Reuters reported Venezuela was planning to sell gold from its central bank vaults to the United Arab Emirates in coming days in return for euros in cash, citing a senior source. Republican U.S. Senator Marco Rubio sent a tweet to the United Arab Emirates embassy in Washington on Thursday warning that anybody transporting Venezuelan gold would be subject to U.S. sanctions. The United States is also monitoring trade between its NATO ally Turkey and Venezuela and will take action if it judges any sanctions have been violated, a senior U.S. official said in Istanbul. Turkey’s president, Tayyip Erdogan, has stood by Maduro, calling him last week to express support. Cracking down? Guaido said on Thursday that agents from a feared special police unit had called at his home and asked for his wife, who was at home with their 20-month-old daughter while he was out at an event. "Such acts of intimidation are seen as very serious, very egregious by the United States," a senior U.S. administration official told reporters on a conference call. "There will be consequences for those engaged in such acts." Guaido appeared at his building with his wife and daughter, saying, "They will not intimidate this family." Neighbours said men who identified themselves as belonging to the Special Actions Forces arrived at the gate of Guaido's apartment building in a white SUV. There was no obvious police presence by the time journalists arrived at Guaido's house. Maduro, who says he will remain for his second six-year term, has accused the opposition of attempting a U.S.-backed coup. Venezuela's interior minister, Nestor Reverol, said on Thursday that security forces captured five men including a retired army colonel and other army officers on accusations of plotting a coup. The men were captured over the last few days, Reverol said. He said they had with them two AK-47 rifles, two satellite phones and 500 bracelets bearing the symbol of Operation Constitution, a political group dedicated to toppling Maduro. The government accuses one of the leaders of the group, retired Colonel Oswaldo García Palomo, of participating in an apparent attack at a Maduro event last yet. Garcia Palomo was among the captured men. Maduro frequently accuses the opposition, Colombia and the United States of backing coups or assassination attempts. Such claims have usually been dismissed as a smokescreen to distract from problems at home, but a drone exploded at a Maduro event last year, in an apparent attack. Maduro also says the opposition strategy of trying to push him from office is illegal and led by hawks in the Trump administration, such as the recently appointed US special envoy to Venezuela, Elliott Abrams, a veteran diplomat involved in the armed interventions in Central America in the 1980s. Oil trouble A United Nations human rights expert denounced the US oil sanctions imposed on Monday, saying they would compound a grave humanitarian crisis. "Coercion, whether military or economic, must never be used to seek a change in government in a sovereign state," said Idriss Jazairy, a U.N. special rapporteur studying the negative impact of sanctions. "The use of sanctions by outside powers to overthrow an elected government is in violation of all norms of international law," he said in a statement in Geneva. In the tussle over oil, Guaido worked this week with Washington to wrest control of PDVSA's U.S. subsidiary Citgo from its board. Citgo and Maduro's government responded by ordering dozens of Citgo's expatriate staff in the United States to return to Caracas by the end of February, people familiar with the matter said. PDVSA has said it will pursue legal efforts to block a Citgo takeover.

Venezuela's opposition leader Guaido courts Russia, China; powers divided on Maduro

Global jostling intensified on Thursday between countries that want Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in power and those trying to force him to resign, as opposition leader Juan Guaido made overtures to his rival's allies Russia and China.

Guaido told he had sent communications to both powers, which are Venezuela's top foreign creditors and support Maduro in the UN&nbsp;Security Council despite worries about the cash-strapped country's ability to pay.

The 35-year-old leader argued that Russia and China's interests would be best served by switching the side they back in Venezuela, an OPEC member which has the world's largest oil reserves but is in dire financial straits.

"What most suits Russia and China is the country's stability and a change of government," Guaido said. "Maduro does not protect Venezuela, he doesn't protect anyone's investments, and he is not a good deal for those countries."

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang, asked if China had been in touch with Guaido, said they were "maintaining close communication with all parties through various means regarding the situation in Venezuela."

China's cooperation with Venezuela was based on the principles of equality, mutual benefit and joint development, he told reporters in Beijing.&nbsp;

"We believe that no matter how the situation develops or changes, cooperation between China and Venezuela will not be damaged."&nbsp;

The intense pressure is led by the United States, which along with most other countries in the Western Hemisphere recognizes Guaido as the country's legitimate interim president, arguing that Maduro stole his second-term election.

The United States on Monday imposed sweeping sanctions on Venezuela's state-owned oil firm, aimed at pressuring Maduro to step down.

A former union leader, bus driver and foreign minister, the 56-year-old Maduro, who first took office in 2013, has faced waves of protests in recent years as he presided over hyperinflation and chronic food shortages.

Some 3 million Venezuelans have left the country. A U.N. expert on Thursday warned that the U.S. oil sanctions could worsen the humanitarian crisis.

With Venezuela in deep economic crisis, the geopolitical tussling has also drawn in Europe and Latin American nations as well as parts of the Middle East.

The U.S. government warned Russia and other countries from "last-minute looting" of oil and gold on Thursday, after Reuters reported Venezuela was planning to sell gold from its central bank vaults to the United Arab Emirates in coming days in return for euros in cash, citing a senior source.

Republican U.S. Senator Marco Rubio sent a tweet to the United Arab Emirates embassy in Washington on Thursday warning that anybody transporting Venezuelan gold would be subject to U.S. sanctions.

The United States is also monitoring trade between its NATO ally Turkey and Venezuela and will take action if it judges any sanctions have been violated, a senior U.S. official said in Istanbul.

Turkey’s president, Tayyip Erdogan, has stood by Maduro, calling him last week to express support.

Cracking down?

Guaido said on Thursday that agents from a feared special police unit had called at his home and asked for his wife, who was at home with their 20-month-old daughter while he was out at an event.

"Such acts of intimidation are seen as very serious, very egregious by the United States," a senior U.S. administration official told reporters on a conference call. "There will be consequences for those engaged in such acts."

Guaido appeared at his building with his wife and daughter, saying, "They will not intimidate this family." Neighbours said men who identified themselves as belonging to the Special Actions Forces arrived at the gate of Guaido's apartment building in a white SUV. There was no obvious police presence by the time journalists arrived at Guaido's house.

Maduro, who says he will remain for his second six-year term, has accused the opposition of attempting a U.S.-backed coup.

Venezuela's interior minister, Nestor Reverol, said on Thursday that security forces captured five men including a retired army colonel and other army officers on accusations of plotting a coup.

The men were captured over the last few days, Reverol said. He said they had with them two AK-47 rifles, two satellite phones and 500 bracelets bearing the symbol of Operation Constitution, a political group dedicated to toppling Maduro.

The government accuses one of the leaders of the group, retired Colonel Oswaldo García Palomo, of participating in an apparent attack at a Maduro event last yet. Garcia Palomo was among the captured men.

Maduro frequently accuses the opposition, Colombia and the United States of backing coups or assassination attempts. Such claims have usually been dismissed as a smokescreen to distract from problems at home, but a drone exploded at a Maduro event last year, in an apparent attack.

Maduro also says the opposition strategy of trying to push him from office is illegal and led by hawks in the Trump administration, such as the recently appointed US special envoy to Venezuela, Elliott Abrams, a veteran diplomat involved in the armed interventions in Central America in the 1980s.

Oil trouble&nbsp;

A United Nations human rights expert denounced the U.S. oil sanctions imposed on Monday, saying they would compound a grave humanitarian crisis.

"Coercion, whether military or economic, must never be used to seek a change in government in a sovereign state," said Idriss Jazairy, a U.N. special rapporteur studying the negative impact of sanctions.

"The use of sanctions by outside powers to overthrow an elected government is in violation of all norms of international law," he said in a statement in Geneva.

In the tussle over oil, Guaido worked this week with Washington to wrest control of PDVSA's U.S. subsidiary Citgo from its board. Citgo and Maduro's government responded by ordering dozens of Citgo's expatriate staff in the United States to return to Caracas by the end of February, people familiar with the matter said.

PDVSA has said it will pursue legal efforts to block a Citgo takeover.

Global jostling intensified on Thursday between countries that want Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in power and those trying to force him to resign, as opposition leader Juan Guaido made overtures to his rival's allies Russia and China. Guaido told he had sent communications to both powers, which are Venezuela's top foreign creditors and support Maduro in the UN Security Council despite worries about the cash-strapped country's ability to pay. The 35-year-old leader argued that Russia and China's interests would be best served by switching the side they back in Venezuela, an OPEC member which has the world's largest oil reserves but is in dire financial straits. "What most suits Russia and China is the country's stability and a change of government," Guaido said. "Maduro does not protect Venezuela, he doesn't protect anyone's investments, and he is not a good deal for those countries." Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang, asked if China had been in touch with Guaido, said they were "maintaining close communication with all parties through various means regarding the situation in Venezuela." China's cooperation with Venezuela was based on the principles of equality, mutual benefit and joint development, he told reporters in Beijing. "We believe that no matter how the situation develops or changes, cooperation between China and Venezuela will not be damaged." The intense pressure is led by the United States, which along with most other countries in the Western Hemisphere recognizes Guaido as the country's legitimate interim president, arguing that Maduro stole his second-term election. The United States on Monday imposed sweeping sanctions on Venezuela's state-owned oil firm, aimed at pressuring Maduro to step down. A former union leader, bus driver and foreign minister, the 56-year-old Maduro, who first took office in 2013, has faced waves of protests in recent years as he presided over hyperinflation and chronic food shortages. Some 3 million Venezuelans have left the country. A U.N. expert on Thursday warned that the U.S. oil sanctions could worsen the humanitarian crisis. With Venezuela in deep economic crisis, the geopolitical tussling has also drawn in Europe and Latin American nations as well as parts of the Middle East. The U.S. government warned Russia and other countries from "last-minute looting" of oil and gold on Thursday, after Reuters reported Venezuela was planning to sell gold from its central bank vaults to the United Arab Emirates in coming days in return for euros in cash, citing a senior source. Republican U.S. Senator Marco Rubio sent a tweet to the United Arab Emirates embassy in Washington on Thursday warning that anybody transporting Venezuelan gold would be subject to U.S. sanctions. The United States is also monitoring trade between its NATO ally Turkey and Venezuela and will take action if it judges any sanctions have been violated, a senior U.S. official said in Istanbul. Turkey’s president, Tayyip Erdogan, has stood by Maduro, calling him last week to express support. Cracking down? Guaido said on Thursday that agents from a feared special police unit had called at his home and asked for his wife, who was at home with their 20-month-old daughter while he was out at an event. "Such acts of intimidation are seen as very serious, very egregious by the United States," a senior U.S. administration official told reporters on a conference call. "There will be consequences for those engaged in such acts." Guaido appeared at his building with his wife and daughter, saying, "They will not intimidate this family." Neighbours said men who identified themselves as belonging to the Special Actions Forces arrived at the gate of Guaido's apartment building in a white SUV. There was no obvious police presence by the time journalists arrived at Guaido's house. Maduro, who says he will remain for his second six-year term, has accused the opposition of attempting a U.S.-backed coup. Venezuela's interior minister, Nestor Reverol, said on Thursday that security forces captured five men including a retired army colonel and other army officers on accusations of plotting a coup. The men were captured over the last few days, Reverol said. He said they had with them two AK-47 rifles, two satellite phones and 500 bracelets bearing the symbol of Operation Constitution, a political group dedicated to toppling Maduro. The government accuses one of the leaders of the group, retired Colonel Oswaldo García Palomo, of participating in an apparent attack at a Maduro event last yet. Garcia Palomo was among the captured men. Maduro frequently accuses the opposition, Colombia and the United States of backing coups or assassination attempts. Such claims have usually been dismissed as a smokescreen to distract from problems at home, but a drone exploded at a Maduro event last year, in an apparent attack. Maduro also says the opposition strategy of trying to push him from office is illegal and led by hawks in the Trump administration, such as the recently appointed US special envoy to Venezuela, Elliott Abrams, a veteran diplomat involved in the armed interventions in Central America in the 1980s. Oil trouble A United Nations human rights expert denounced the U.S. oil sanctions imposed on Monday, saying they would compound a grave humanitarian crisis. "Coercion, whether military or economic, must never be used to seek a change in government in a sovereign state," said Idriss Jazairy, a U.N. special rapporteur studying the negative impact of sanctions. "The use of sanctions by outside powers to overthrow an elected government is in violation of all norms of international law," he said in a statement in Geneva. In the tussle over oil, Guaido worked this week with Washington to wrest control of PDVSA's U.S. subsidiary Citgo from its board. Citgo and Maduro's government responded by ordering dozens of Citgo's expatriate staff in the United States to return to Caracas by the end of February, people familiar with the matter said. PDVSA has said it will pursue legal efforts to block a Citgo takeover.

Venezuela's Guaido courts Russia; powers divided on Maduro

Global jostling intensified on Thursday between countries that want Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in power and those trying to force him to resign, as opposition leader Juan Guaido made overtures to his rival's allies Russia and China.

Guaido told he had sent communications to both powers, which are Venezuela's top foreign creditors and support Maduro in the UN&nbsp;Security Council despite worries about the cash-strapped country's ability to pay.

The 35-year-old leader argued that Russia and China's interests would be best served by switching the side they back in Venezuela, an OPEC member which has the world's largest oil reserves but is in dire financial straits.

"What most suits Russia and China is the country's stability and a change of government," Guaido said. "Maduro does not protect Venezuela, he doesn't protect anyone's investments, and he is not a good deal for those countries."

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang, asked if China had been in touch with Guaido, said they were "maintaining close communication with all parties through various means regarding the situation in Venezuela."

China's cooperation with Venezuela was based on the principles of equality, mutual benefit and joint development, he told reporters in Beijing.&nbsp;

"We believe that no matter how the situation develops or changes, cooperation between China and Venezuela will not be damaged."&nbsp;

The intense pressure is led by the United States, which along with most other countries in the Western Hemisphere recognizes Guaido as the country's legitimate interim president, arguing that Maduro stole his second-term election.

The United States on Monday imposed sweeping sanctions on Venezuela's state-owned oil firm, aimed at pressuring Maduro to step down.

A former union leader, bus driver and foreign minister, the 56-year-old Maduro, who first took office in 2013, has faced waves of protests in recent years as he presided over hyperinflation and chronic food shortages.

Some 3 million Venezuelans have left the country. A U.N. expert on Thursday warned that the U.S. oil sanctions could worsen the humanitarian crisis.

With Venezuela in deep economic crisis, the geopolitical tussling has also drawn in Europe and Latin American nations as well as parts of the Middle East.

The US&nbsp;government warned Russia and other countries from "last-minute looting" of oil and gold on Thursday, after Reuters reported Venezuela was planning to sell gold from its central bank vaults to the United Arab Emirates in coming days in return for euros in cash, citing a senior source.

Republican U.S. Senator Marco Rubio sent a tweet to the United Arab Emirates embassy in Washington on Thursday warning that anybody transporting Venezuelan gold would be subject to U.S. sanctions.

The United States is also monitoring trade between its NATO ally Turkey and Venezuela and will take action if it judges any sanctions have been violated, a senior U.S. official said in Istanbul.

Turkey’s president, Tayyip Erdogan, has stood by Maduro, calling him last week to express support.

Cracking down?

Guaido said on Thursday that agents from a feared special police unit had called at his home and asked for his wife, who was at home with their 20-month-old daughter while he was out at an event.

"Such acts of intimidation are seen as very serious, very egregious by the United States," a senior U.S. administration official told reporters on a conference call. "There will be consequences for those engaged in such acts."

Guaido appeared at his building with his wife and daughter, saying, "They will not intimidate this family." Neighbours said men who identified themselves as belonging to the Special Actions Forces arrived at the gate of Guaido's apartment building in a white SUV. There was no obvious police presence by the time journalists arrived at Guaido's house.

Maduro, who says he will remain for his second six-year term, has accused the opposition of attempting a U.S.-backed coup.

Venezuela's interior minister, Nestor Reverol, said on Thursday that security forces captured five men including a retired army colonel and other army officers on accusations of plotting a coup.

The men were captured over the last few days, Reverol said. He said they had with them two AK-47 rifles, two satellite phones and 500 bracelets bearing the symbol of Operation Constitution, a political group dedicated to toppling Maduro.

The government accuses one of the leaders of the group, retired Colonel Oswaldo García Palomo, of participating in an apparent attack at a Maduro event last yet. Garcia Palomo was among the captured men.

Maduro frequently accuses the opposition, Colombia and the United States of backing coups or assassination attempts. Such claims have usually been dismissed as a smokescreen to distract from problems at home, but a drone exploded at a Maduro event last year, in an apparent attack.

Maduro also says the opposition strategy of trying to push him from office is illegal and led by hawks in the Trump administration, such as the recently appointed US special envoy to Venezuela, Elliott Abrams, a veteran diplomat involved in the armed interventions in Central America in the 1980s.

Oil trouble&nbsp;

A United Nations human rights expert denounced the U.S. oil sanctions imposed on Monday, saying they would compound a grave humanitarian crisis.

"Coercion, whether military or economic, must never be used to seek a change in government in a sovereign state," said Idriss Jazairy, a U.N. special rapporteur studying the negative impact of sanctions.

"The use of sanctions by outside powers to overthrow an elected government is in violation of all norms of international law," he said in a statement in Geneva.

In the tussle over oil, Guaido worked this week with Washington to wrest control of PDVSA's U.S. subsidiary Citgo from its board. Citgo and Maduro's government responded by ordering dozens of Citgo's expatriate staff in the United States to return to Caracas by the end of February, people familiar with the matter said.

PDVSA has said it will pursue legal efforts to block a Citgo takeover.

Global jostling intensified on Thursday between countries that want Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in power and those trying to force him to resign, as opposition leader Juan Guaido made overtures to his rival's allies Russia and China. Guaido told he had sent communications to both powers, which are Venezuela's top foreign creditors and support Maduro in the UN Security Council despite worries about the cash-strapped country's ability to pay. The 35-year-old leader argued that Russia and China's interests would be best served by switching the side they back in Venezuela, an OPEC member which has the world's largest oil reserves but is in dire financial straits. "What most suits Russia and China is the country's stability and a change of government," Guaido said. "Maduro does not protect Venezuela, he doesn't protect anyone's investments, and he is not a good deal for those countries." Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang, asked if China had been in touch with Guaido, said they were "maintaining close communication with all parties through various means regarding the situation in Venezuela." China's cooperation with Venezuela was based on the principles of equality, mutual benefit and joint development, he told reporters in Beijing. "We believe that no matter how the situation develops or changes, cooperation between China and Venezuela will not be damaged." The intense pressure is led by the United States, which along with most other countries in the Western Hemisphere recognizes Guaido as the country's legitimate interim president, arguing that Maduro stole his second-term election. The United States on Monday imposed sweeping sanctions on Venezuela's state-owned oil firm, aimed at pressuring Maduro to step down. A former union leader, bus driver and foreign minister, the 56-year-old Maduro, who first took office in 2013, has faced waves of protests in recent years as he presided over hyperinflation and chronic food shortages. Some 3 million Venezuelans have left the country. A U.N. expert on Thursday warned that the U.S. oil sanctions could worsen the humanitarian crisis. With Venezuela in deep economic crisis, the geopolitical tussling has also drawn in Europe and Latin American nations as well as parts of the Middle East. The US government warned Russia and other countries from "last-minute looting" of oil and gold on Thursday, after Reuters reported Venezuela was planning to sell gold from its central bank vaults to the United Arab Emirates in coming days in return for euros in cash, citing a senior source. Republican U.S. Senator Marco Rubio sent a tweet to the United Arab Emirates embassy in Washington on Thursday warning that anybody transporting Venezuelan gold would be subject to U.S. sanctions. The United States is also monitoring trade between its NATO ally Turkey and Venezuela and will take action if it judges any sanctions have been violated, a senior U.S. official said in Istanbul. Turkey’s president, Tayyip Erdogan, has stood by Maduro, calling him last week to express support. Cracking down? Guaido said on Thursday that agents from a feared special police unit had called at his home and asked for his wife, who was at home with their 20-month-old daughter while he was out at an event. "Such acts of intimidation are seen as very serious, very egregious by the United States," a senior U.S. administration official told reporters on a conference call. "There will be consequences for those engaged in such acts." Guaido appeared at his building with his wife and daughter, saying, "They will not intimidate this family." Neighbours said men who identified themselves as belonging to the Special Actions Forces arrived at the gate of Guaido's apartment building in a white SUV. There was no obvious police presence by the time journalists arrived at Guaido's house. Maduro, who says he will remain for his second six-year term, has accused the opposition of attempting a U.S.-backed coup. Venezuela's interior minister, Nestor Reverol, said on Thursday that security forces captured five men including a retired army colonel and other army officers on accusations of plotting a coup. The men were captured over the last few days, Reverol said. He said they had with them two AK-47 rifles, two satellite phones and 500 bracelets bearing the symbol of Operation Constitution, a political group dedicated to toppling Maduro. The government accuses one of the leaders of the group, retired Colonel Oswaldo García Palomo, of participating in an apparent attack at a Maduro event last yet. Garcia Palomo was among the captured men. Maduro frequently accuses the opposition, Colombia and the United States of backing coups or assassination attempts. Such claims have usually been dismissed as a smokescreen to distract from problems at home, but a drone exploded at a Maduro event last year, in an apparent attack. Maduro also says the opposition strategy of trying to push him from office is illegal and led by hawks in the Trump administration, such as the recently appointed US special envoy to Venezuela, Elliott Abrams, a veteran diplomat involved in the armed interventions in Central America in the 1980s. Oil trouble A United Nations human rights expert denounced the U.S. oil sanctions imposed on Monday, saying they would compound a grave humanitarian crisis. "Coercion, whether military or economic, must never be used to seek a change in government in a sovereign state," said Idriss Jazairy, a U.N. special rapporteur studying the negative impact of sanctions. "The use of sanctions by outside powers to overthrow an elected government is in violation of all norms of international law," he said in a statement in Geneva. In the tussle over oil, Guaido worked this week with Washington to wrest control of PDVSA's U.S. subsidiary Citgo from its board. Citgo and Maduro's government responded by ordering dozens of Citgo's expatriate staff in the United States to return to Caracas by the end of February, people familiar with the matter said. PDVSA has said it will pursue legal efforts to block a Citgo takeover.

Global jostling intensified on Thursday between countries that want Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in power and those trying to force him to resign, as opposition leader Juan Guaido made overtures to his rival's allies Russia and China.

Guaido told he had sent communications to both powers, which are Venezuela's top foreign creditors and support Maduro in the UN&nbsp;Security Council despite worries about the cash-strapped country's ability to pay.

The 35-year-old leader argued that Russia and China's interests would be best served by switching the side they back in Venezuela, an OPEC member which has the world's largest oil reserves but is in dire financial straits.

"What most suits Russia and China is the country's stability and a change of government," Guaido said. "Maduro does not protect Venezuela, he doesn't protect anyone's investments, and he is not a good deal for those countries."

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang, asked if China had been in touch with Guaido, said they were "maintaining close communication with all parties through various means regarding the situation in Venezuela."

China's cooperation with Venezuela was based on the principles of equality, mutual benefit and joint development, he told reporters in Beijing.&nbsp;

"We believe that no matter how the situation develops or changes, cooperation between China and Venezuela will not be damaged."&nbsp;

The intense pressure is led by the United States, which along with most other countries in the Western Hemisphere recognizes Guaido as the country's legitimate interim president, arguing that Maduro stole his second-term election.

The United States on Monday imposed sweeping sanctions on Venezuela's state-owned oil firm, aimed at pressuring Maduro to step down.

A former union leader, bus driver and foreign minister, the 56-year-old Maduro, who first took office in 2013, has faced waves of protests in recent years as he presided over hyperinflation and chronic food shortages.

Some 3 million Venezuelans have left the country. A UN&nbsp;expert on Thursday warned that the U.S. oil sanctions could worsen the humanitarian crisis.

With Venezuela in deep economic crisis, the geopolitical tussling has also drawn in Europe and Latin American nations as well as parts of the Middle East.

The US&nbsp;government warned Russia and other countries from "last-minute looting" of oil and gold on Thursday, after Reuters reported Venezuela was planning to sell gold from its central bank vaults to the United Arab Emirates in coming days in return for euros in cash, citing a senior source.

Republican U.S. Senator Marco Rubio sent a tweet to the United Arab Emirates embassy in Washington on Thursday warning that anybody transporting Venezuelan gold would be subject to U.S. sanctions.

The United States is also monitoring trade between its NATO ally Turkey and Venezuela and will take action if it judges any sanctions have been violated, a senior U.S. official said in Istanbul.

Turkey’s president, Tayyip Erdogan, has stood by Maduro, calling him last week to express support.

Cracking down?

Guaido said on Thursday that agents from a feared special police unit had called at his home and asked for his wife, who was at home with their 20-month-old daughter while he was out at an event.

"Such acts of intimidation are seen as very serious, very egregious by the United States," a senior U.S. administration official told reporters on a conference call. "There will be consequences for those engaged in such acts."

Guaido appeared at his building with his wife and daughter, saying, "They will not intimidate this family." Neighbours said men who identified themselves as belonging to the Special Actions Forces arrived at the gate of Guaido's apartment building in a white SUV. There was no obvious police presence by the time journalists arrived at Guaido's house.

Maduro, who says he will remain for his second six-year term, has accused the opposition of attempting a U.S.-backed coup.

Venezuela's interior minister, Nestor Reverol, said on Thursday that security forces captured five men including a retired army colonel and other army officers on accusations of plotting a coup.

The men were captured over the last few days, Reverol said. He said they had with them two AK-47 rifles, two satellite phones and 500 bracelets bearing the symbol of Operation Constitution, a political group dedicated to toppling Maduro.

The government accuses one of the leaders of the group, retired Colonel Oswaldo García Palomo, of participating in an apparent attack at a Maduro event last yet. Garcia Palomo was among the captured men.

Maduro frequently accuses the opposition, Colombia and the United States of backing coups or assassination attempts. Such claims have usually been dismissed as a smokescreen to distract from problems at home, but a drone exploded at a Maduro event last year, in an apparent attack.

Maduro also says the opposition strategy of trying to push him from office is illegal and led by hawks in the Trump administration, such as the recently appointed US special envoy to Venezuela, Elliott Abrams, a veteran diplomat involved in the armed interventions in Central America in the 1980s.

Oil trouble&nbsp;

A United Nations human rights expert denounced the U.S. oil sanctions imposed on Monday, saying they would compound a grave humanitarian crisis.

"Coercion, whether military or economic, must never be used to seek a change in government in a sovereign state," said Idriss Jazairy, a U.N. special rapporteur studying the negative impact of sanctions.

"The use of sanctions by outside powers to overthrow an elected government is in violation of all norms of international law," he said in a statement in Geneva.

In the tussle over oil, Guaido worked this week with Washington to wrest control of PDVSA's U.S. subsidiary Citgo from its board. Citgo and Maduro's government responded by ordering dozens of Citgo's expatriate staff in the United States to return to Caracas by the end of February, people familiar with the matter said.

PDVSA has said it will pursue legal efforts to block a Citgo takeover.

Global jostling intensified on Thursday between countries that want Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in power and those trying to force him to resign, as opposition leader Juan Guaido made overtures to his rival's allies Russia and China. Guaido told he had sent communications to both powers, which are Venezuela's top foreign creditors and support Maduro in the UN Security Council despite worries about the cash-strapped country's ability to pay. The 35-year-old leader argued that Russia and China's interests would be best served by switching the side they back in Venezuela, an OPEC member which has the world's largest oil reserves but is in dire financial straits. "What most suits Russia and China is the country's stability and a change of government," Guaido said. "Maduro does not protect Venezuela, he doesn't protect anyone's investments, and he is not a good deal for those countries." Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang, asked if China had been in touch with Guaido, said they were "maintaining close communication with all parties through various means regarding the situation in Venezuela." China's cooperation with Venezuela was based on the principles of equality, mutual benefit and joint development, he told reporters in Beijing. "We believe that no matter how the situation develops or changes, cooperation between China and Venezuela will not be damaged." The intense pressure is led by the United States, which along with most other countries in the Western Hemisphere recognizes Guaido as the country's legitimate interim president, arguing that Maduro stole his second-term election. The United States on Monday imposed sweeping sanctions on Venezuela's state-owned oil firm, aimed at pressuring Maduro to step down. A former union leader, bus driver and foreign minister, the 56-year-old Maduro, who first took office in 2013, has faced waves of protests in recent years as he presided over hyperinflation and chronic food shortages. Some 3 million Venezuelans have left the country. A UN expert on Thursday warned that the U.S. oil sanctions could worsen the humanitarian crisis. With Venezuela in deep economic crisis, the geopolitical tussling has also drawn in Europe and Latin American nations as well as parts of the Middle East. The US government warned Russia and other countries from "last-minute looting" of oil and gold on Thursday, after Reuters reported Venezuela was planning to sell gold from its central bank vaults to the United Arab Emirates in coming days in return for euros in cash, citing a senior source. Republican U.S. Senator Marco Rubio sent a tweet to the United Arab Emirates embassy in Washington on Thursday warning that anybody transporting Venezuelan gold would be subject to U.S. sanctions. The United States is also monitoring trade between its NATO ally Turkey and Venezuela and will take action if it judges any sanctions have been violated, a senior U.S. official said in Istanbul. Turkey’s president, Tayyip Erdogan, has stood by Maduro, calling him last week to express support. Cracking down? Guaido said on Thursday that agents from a feared special police unit had called at his home and asked for his wife, who was at home with their 20-month-old daughter while he was out at an event. "Such acts of intimidation are seen as very serious, very egregious by the United States," a senior U.S. administration official told reporters on a conference call. "There will be consequences for those engaged in such acts." Guaido appeared at his building with his wife and daughter, saying, "They will not intimidate this family." Neighbours said men who identified themselves as belonging to the Special Actions Forces arrived at the gate of Guaido's apartment building in a white SUV. There was no obvious police presence by the time journalists arrived at Guaido's house. Maduro, who says he will remain for his second six-year term, has accused the opposition of attempting a U.S.-backed coup. Venezuela's interior minister, Nestor Reverol, said on Thursday that security forces captured five men including a retired army colonel and other army officers on accusations of plotting a coup. The men were captured over the last few days, Reverol said. He said they had with them two AK-47 rifles, two satellite phones and 500 bracelets bearing the symbol of Operation Constitution, a political group dedicated to toppling Maduro. The government accuses one of the leaders of the group, retired Colonel Oswaldo García Palomo, of participating in an apparent attack at a Maduro event last yet. Garcia Palomo was among the captured men. Maduro frequently accuses the opposition, Colombia and the United States of backing coups or assassination attempts. Such claims have usually been dismissed as a smokescreen to distract from problems at home, but a drone exploded at a Maduro event last year, in an apparent attack. Maduro also says the opposition strategy of trying to push him from office is illegal and led by hawks in the Trump administration, such as the recently appointed US special envoy to Venezuela, Elliott Abrams, a veteran diplomat involved in the armed interventions in Central America in the 1980s. Oil trouble A United Nations human rights expert denounced the U.S. oil sanctions imposed on Monday, saying they would compound a grave humanitarian crisis. "Coercion, whether military or economic, must never be used to seek a change in government in a sovereign state," said Idriss Jazairy, a U.N. special rapporteur studying the negative impact of sanctions. "The use of sanctions by outside powers to overthrow an elected government is in violation of all norms of international law," he said in a statement in Geneva. In the tussle over oil, Guaido worked this week with Washington to wrest control of PDVSA's U.S. subsidiary Citgo from its board. Citgo and Maduro's government responded by ordering dozens of Citgo's expatriate staff in the United States to return to Caracas by the end of February, people familiar with the matter said. PDVSA has said it will pursue legal efforts to block a Citgo takeover.

Venezuela's opposition leader Juan Guaido said Thursday elite security forces had entered his home to threaten his family, blaming the government of Nicolas Maduro as <a href="http://wioenws.com/americas/venezuela-protests-a-fight-for-freedom-donald-trump-193961">international support grew</a> for his bid to oust the embattled president.

The move heightened fears for the security of the 35-year-old National Assembly leader, who declared himself acting president last week in a direct challenge to Maduro's authority.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/who-represents-venezuela-un-international-lenders-stuck-in-limbo-193988">Who represents Venezuela? UN, international lenders stuck in limbo</a>

The police's special action force, FAES, had visited his home to interview his wife Fabiana Rosales, Guaido told his audience during a speech at Caracas university.

"The FAES is at my house, asking for Fabiana. At this moment the dictatorship believes that it will intimidate us," a confident Guaido said, his wife at his side.

Several opposition leaders have been jailed in recent years as Maduro cracked down on growing dissent in the Latin American country.

Earlier, European lawmakers recognized Guaido as the acting head of state -- another step forward in his bid to force out the socialist leader who has presided over the oil-rich country's economic collapse.

While marshaling international support, Guaido is seeking to maintain street pressure against Maduro at home, where he has called more mass protests for Saturday -- keeping him firmly in the government's crosshairs.&nbsp;

Venezuela's Supreme Court -- dominated by regime loyalists -- have frozen his assets and ordered him not to leave the country.

EU lawmakers' support

On Thursday, lawmakers at the Brussels-based European Parliament voted to accept Guaido as "legitimate interim president of the country" -- and urged the European Union to follow suit.

Four major European powers -- Britain, France, Germany and Spain -- have said they would do so if Maduro fails to call fresh presidential elections by the weekend. The US on Thursday urged all European countries to recognize Guaido.

"If imperialists want new elections, let them wait until 2025," a defiant Maduro said in an interview with Russia's RIA Novosti agency on Wednesday.

Guaido was at the main Caracas university to present his "rescue plan" for a country mired in economic meltdown, with basic goods and services scarce.

"We are going to address the humanitarian emergency, stop inflation in its tracks, reactivate the oil industry and move towards the restoration of access to public goods and services," he said to cheers from the audience.

Part of the plan unveiled by the opposition leader and his economic advisor Jose Guerra is to end exchange controls in force since 2003 and renegotiate Venezuela's estimated $150 billion debt.

With his wife at his side on the podium, Guaido said he had a 20-month old daughter at home and would be holding FAES accountable for "whatever they do to my baby."

"The objective is obvious... I tell these officials, do not cross the red line," he said.

The United States, which immediately recognized Guaido along with a dozen Latin American countries, has warned Maduro of "serious consequences" if he targets opponents.&nbsp;

Organization of American States chief Luis Almagro denounced the "intimidation" of Guaido.&nbsp;

On the streets

The university speech came one day after thousands of people led by Guaido took to the streets in Caracas and various other cities, banging pots, blowing whistles and horns, and carrying banners that read: "Armed forces, regain your dignity" and "Maduro usurper."

The two-hour strike was called to press demands "that the armed forces side with the people" -- which Guaido himself said is "crucial to enabling a change in government."

Maduro supporters have matched the protests with counter-demonstrations.

Guaido wrote in a New York Times op-ed published on Wednesday that "clandestine meetings" had been held with members of the armed forces and security forces.&nbsp;

"The majority of those in service agree that the country's recent travails are untenable," he wrote.

But his moves to court the military are fraught with risk, after bloody clashes following protests last week left more than 40 people dead and 850 incarcerated.

And so far, the military high command has remained loyal to Maduro.

"Do you want a puppet of the gringos to govern Venezuela?" Maduro asked soldiers at a rally on Wednesday, referring to Guaido.

The last 10 days of political upheaval have exacerbated the general disarray in Venezuela, which has the world's largest proven oil reserves but has suffered an economic meltdown marked by hyperinflation and shortages of basic necessities.

Millions have been left in poverty, while 2.3 million more have fled the country, unleashing a migration crisis in South America.

"The conditions favor Guaido, with decisive international support headed by the United States, while the aggravated economic crisis plays into that as well," analyst Carlos Romero told AFP.

Maduro's government has meanwhile cracked down on the foreign media working in Venezuela, arresting several journalists over the last few days for working without a specialist visa.&nbsp;

Two French reporters were released Thursday. Two Chileans were earlier deported.

Venezuela's opposition leader Juan Guaido said Thursday elite security forces had entered his home to threaten his family, blaming the government of Nicolas Maduro as international support grew for his bid to oust the embattled president.

Venezuela's opposition leader Juan Guaido said Thursday elite security forces had entered his home to threaten his family, blaming the government of Nicolas Maduro as international support grew for his bid to oust the embattled president. The move heightened fears for the security of the 35-year-old National Assembly leader, who declared himself acting president last week in a direct challenge to Maduro's authority. Also read: Who represents Venezuela? UN, international lenders stuck in limbo The police's special action force, FAES, had visited his home to interview his wife Fabiana Rosales, Guaido told his audience during a speech at Caracas university. "The FAES is at my house, asking for Fabiana. At this moment the dictatorship believes that it will intimidate us," a confident Guaido said, his wife at his side. Several opposition leaders have been jailed in recent years as Maduro cracked down on growing dissent in the Latin American country. Earlier, European lawmakers recognized Guaido as the acting head of state -- another step forward in his bid to force out the socialist leader who has presided over the oil-rich country's economic collapse. While marshaling international support, Guaido is seeking to maintain street pressure against Maduro at home, where he has called more mass protests for Saturday -- keeping him firmly in the government's crosshairs. Venezuela's Supreme Court -- dominated by regime loyalists -- have frozen his assets and ordered him not to leave the country. EU lawmakers' support On Thursday, lawmakers at the Brussels-based European Parliament voted to accept Guaido as "legitimate interim president of the country" -- and urged the European Union to follow suit. Four major European powers -- Britain, France, Germany and Spain -- have said they would do so if Maduro fails to call fresh presidential elections by the weekend. The US on Thursday urged all European countries to recognize Guaido. "If imperialists want new elections, let them wait until 2025," a defiant Maduro said in an interview with Russia's RIA Novosti agency on Wednesday. Guaido was at the main Caracas university to present his "rescue plan" for a country mired in economic meltdown, with basic goods and services scarce. "We are going to address the humanitarian emergency, stop inflation in its tracks, reactivate the oil industry and move towards the restoration of access to public goods and services," he said to cheers from the audience. Part of the plan unveiled by the opposition leader and his economic advisor Jose Guerra is to end exchange controls in force since 2003 and renegotiate Venezuela's estimated $150 billion debt. With his wife at his side on the podium, Guaido said he had a 20-month old daughter at home and would be holding FAES accountable for "whatever they do to my baby." "The objective is obvious... I tell these officials, do not cross the red line," he said. The United States, which immediately recognized Guaido along with a dozen Latin American countries, has warned Maduro of "serious consequences" if he targets opponents. Organization of American States chief Luis Almagro denounced the "intimidation" of Guaido. On the streets The university speech came one day after thousands of people led by Guaido took to the streets in Caracas and various other cities, banging pots, blowing whistles and horns, and carrying banners that read: "Armed forces, regain your dignity" and "Maduro usurper." The two-hour strike was called to press demands "that the armed forces side with the people" -- which Guaido himself said is "crucial to enabling a change in government." Maduro supporters have matched the protests with counter-demonstrations. Guaido wrote in a New York Times op-ed published on Wednesday that "clandestine meetings" had been held with members of the armed forces and security forces. "The majority of those in service agree that the country's recent travails are untenable," he wrote. But his moves to court the military are fraught with risk, after bloody clashes following protests last week left more than 40 people dead and 850 incarcerated. And so far, the military high command has remained loyal to Maduro. "Do you want a puppet of the gringos to govern Venezuela?" Maduro asked soldiers at a rally on Wednesday, referring to Guaido. The last 10 days of political upheaval have exacerbated the general disarray in Venezuela, which has the world's largest proven oil reserves but has suffered an economic meltdown marked by hyperinflation and shortages of basic necessities. Millions have been left in poverty, while 2.3 million more have fled the country, unleashing a migration crisis in South America. "The conditions favor Guaido, with decisive international support headed by the United States, while the aggravated economic crisis plays into that as well," analyst Carlos Romero told AFP. Maduro's government has meanwhile cracked down on the foreign media working in Venezuela, arresting several journalists over the last few days for working without a specialist visa. Two French reporters were released Thursday. Two Chileans were earlier deported.

Venezuela opposition leader Juan Guaido says family threatened by Maduro agents

Three days after proclaiming himself Venezuela's head of state, Juan Guaido wrote to the United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres asking for help in tackling the country's urgent humanitarian crisis.

But Venezuela's seat at the 193-member world body is held by <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/maduro-vs-guaido-who-is-backing-whom-193331">President Nicolas Maduro</a>'s government and Guterres is unable to ramp up a humanitarian response in Venezuela without Maduro's approval or UN Security Council authorization.

"The United Nations are ready to increase their activities in Venezuela in the areas of humanitarian assistance and development," Guterres told Guaido in a letter dated January 29 and seen by Reuters on Wednesday. "For that, the United Nations need, however, the consent and cooperation of the Government."

The exchange illustrates how a US-led campaign for international recognition of Guaido over Maduro has left the UN and other international organizations caught in the middle of global division over the issue.

Most Latin American countries, Canada and European nations have recognised Guaido or are on the verge of doing so. But these rapid endorsements have triggered angry responses from Russia, China and a few left-leaning Latin American states, and wariness from some African and Caribbean nations.

Guterres noted that in his relations with UN member states he respects "the decisions of the intergovernmental bodies, particularly the General Assembly and the Security Council."

The General Assembly allows each UN nation one vote, while the five permanent members of the Security Council, charged with maintaining international peace, include Russia and China.

The international split is also hampering swift decisions at other multilateral groups like the Washington-headquartered International Monetary Fund and the World Bank, whose recognition of the Guaido government could eventually help get sorely-needed loans to Venezuela.

Maduro's government has denied that there is a humanitarian crisis in the country, blaming economic problems on sanctions. Venezuela is struggling with hunger, preventable diseases and hyperinflation forecast at 10 million per cent in 2019.

UN VOTE?

The quickest way for a country or countries to try and deprive Maduro's government of Venezuela's UN seat would be to present a draft resolution to the General Assembly for a vote. However, diplomats said that such a move could not currently garner the majority support needed to be successful.

"We do think there will be appropriate resolutions when the time is right and we'll certainly support those. They won't come just from us, they'll come from other nations who care deeply about the Venezuelan people as well," US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told reporters at the UN on Saturday.

Maduro was sworn in on January 10 for a second term in office after elections last year that was widely dubbed illegitimate, while Guaido took the helm of the elected National Assembly earlier this month and on January 23 proclaimed himself the country's rightful leader.

A heated Security Council meeting on Saturday revealed the bitter divide over the crisis.

When asked about the possibility of a showdown over Venezuela's UN seat, Russian UN Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia said Maduro's government was legitimate and there was no need to challenge its credentials.

The UN has previously had to address competing claims for representation at the world body.

In September 2011, the General Assembly approved a Libyan request to accredit envoys of the country's interim government as Tripoli's sole representatives at the world body, effectively recognising the National Transitional Council. The move came after the United States, Russia, China and European nations had all recognised that council.

STRAW POLL

So far, Guaido has named envoys to Washington and the Organization of the American States regional bloc. If he decided to name a UN envoy, such a request would traditionally be sent to Guterres and then considered by a nine-member credentials committee, which includes the United States, Russia and China.

The IMF and World Bank could eventually test support for Guaido through a straw poll of member countries that make up their respective executive boards, according to several bank and fund officials. The United States is the largest and most influential member country in both organizations.

Latin America's largest lender, the Inter-American Development Bank (IADB), could be the first financial institution to put the issue before its board - even as soon as next week, according to some officials. Several board officials, however, cautioned that the membership was divided and there was no consensus on how to proceed.

Still, recognition by global lenders of Guaido will not automatically unlock multilateral funding any time soon, officials said. Venezuela is $212 million in arrears to the IADB and was censured by the IMF last year for failing to provide economic data to the fund.

"It is not obvious what the UN is going to do, much less what the IMF would do," said James Boughton, the IMF's former historian, now at the Center for International Governance Innovation.

"It would be up to a member country to request the acknowledgement of a new government, in this case, it would come from the US," said Boughton.

When that happens, "then it is just a question of a simple majority decision by the executive board," citing IMF rules.

Three days after proclaiming himself Venezuela's head of state, Juan Guaido wrote to the United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres asking for help in tackling the country's urgent humanitarian crisis.

Three days after proclaiming himself Venezuela's head of state, Juan Guaido wrote to the United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres asking for help in tackling the country's urgent humanitarian crisis. But Venezuela's seat at the 193-member world body is held by President Nicolas Maduro's government and Guterres is unable to ramp up a humanitarian response in Venezuela without Maduro's approval or UN Security Council authorization. "The United Nations are ready to increase their activities in Venezuela in the areas of humanitarian assistance and development," Guterres told Guaido in a letter dated January 29 and seen by Reuters on Wednesday. "For that, the United Nations need, however, the consent and cooperation of the Government." The exchange illustrates how a US-led campaign for international recognition of Guaido over Maduro has left the UN and other international organizations caught in the middle of global division over the issue. Most Latin American countries, Canada and European nations have recognised Guaido or are on the verge of doing so. But these rapid endorsements have triggered angry responses from Russia, China and a few left-leaning Latin American states, and wariness from some African and Caribbean nations. Guterres noted that in his relations with UN member states he respects "the decisions of the intergovernmental bodies, particularly the General Assembly and the Security Council." The General Assembly allows each UN nation one vote, while the five permanent members of the Security Council, charged with maintaining international peace, include Russia and China. The international split is also hampering swift decisions at other multilateral groups like the Washington-headquartered International Monetary Fund and the World Bank, whose recognition of the Guaido government could eventually help get sorely-needed loans to Venezuela. Maduro's government has denied that there is a humanitarian crisis in the country, blaming economic problems on sanctions. Venezuela is struggling with hunger, preventable diseases and hyperinflation forecast at 10 million per cent in 2019. UN VOTE? The quickest way for a country or countries to try and deprive Maduro's government of Venezuela's UN seat would be to present a draft resolution to the General Assembly for a vote. However, diplomats said that such a move could not currently garner the majority support needed to be successful. "We do think there will be appropriate resolutions when the time is right and we'll certainly support those. They won't come just from us, they'll come from other nations who care deeply about the Venezuelan people as well," US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told reporters at the UN on Saturday. Maduro was sworn in on January 10 for a second term in office after elections last year that was widely dubbed illegitimate, while Guaido took the helm of the elected National Assembly earlier this month and on January 23 proclaimed himself the country's rightful leader. A heated Security Council meeting on Saturday revealed the bitter divide over the crisis. When asked about the possibility of a showdown over Venezuela's UN seat, Russian UN Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia said Maduro's government was legitimate and there was no need to challenge its credentials. The UN has previously had to address competing claims for representation at the world body. In September 2011, the General Assembly approved a Libyan request to accredit envoys of the country's interim government as Tripoli's sole representatives at the world body, effectively recognising the National Transitional Council. The move came after the United States, Russia, China and European nations had all recognised that council. STRAW POLL So far, Guaido has named envoys to Washington and the Organization of the American States regional bloc. If he decided to name a UN envoy, such a request would traditionally be sent to Guterres and then considered by a nine-member credentials committee, which includes the United States, Russia and China. The IMF and World Bank could eventually test support for Guaido through a straw poll of member countries that make up their respective executive boards, according to several bank and fund officials. The United States is the largest and most influential member country in both organizations. Latin America's largest lender, the Inter-American Development Bank (IADB), could be the first financial institution to put the issue before its board - even as soon as next week, according to some officials. Several board officials, however, cautioned that the membership was divided and there was no consensus on how to proceed. Still, recognition by global lenders of Guaido will not automatically unlock multilateral funding any time soon, officials said. Venezuela is $212 million in arrears to the IADB and was censured by the IMF last year for failing to provide economic data to the fund. "It is not obvious what the UN is going to do, much less what the IMF would do," said James Boughton, the IMF's former historian, now at the Center for International Governance Innovation. "It would be up to a member country to request the acknowledgement of a new government, in this case, it would come from the US," said Boughton. When that happens, "then it is just a question of a simple majority decision by the executive board," citing IMF rules.

Who represents Venezuela? UN, international lenders stuck in limbo

British Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt said Thursday he believed sanctions against Venezuelan "kleptocrats" could be a way to pressure President Nicolas Maduro to call new elections.

He said he would raise the issue later in the day with his European Union counterparts at a meeting in Bucharest, Romania.

"We are not considering sanctions against the whole country because there is a humanitarian situation and we wouldn't want to make the situation even worse," Hunt said in a statement.

"But targeted sanctions against the kleptocrats who have enriched themselves on the back of the rest of the population who are very poor, that is something I think can be effective."

Hunt said he had spoken to Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido on Wednesday.

"Mr Guaido was very clear — he wanted us to put pressure on Nicolas Maduro because they need change," he said.

He added: "What I want us to do is to put every pressure on Maduro and I'm urging EU foreign ministers to do exactly the same when I meet them this afternoon so that we do have free and fair elections and we give the people of Venezuela a fresh chance to start again.

"We have made a very clear request to Nicolas Maduro to announce elections within eight days," he said.&nbsp;

"So if he does not, we need to do something to increase the pressure to show that we mean what we say and we are not alone.

"This is Spain, France, Germany, many other countries, who have equally strong views as the United Kingdom."

According to a Foreign Office spokesman, Guaido told Hunt in their call "that the EU should consider increasing pressure on Maduro through further sanctions, and should collectively recognise him — Mr Guaido — as the constitutional interim President of Venezuela".

British Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt said Thursday he believed sanctions against Venezuelan "kleptocrats" could be a way to pressure President Nicolas Maduro to call new elections.

British Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt said Thursday he believed sanctions against Venezuelan "kleptocrats" could be a way to pressure President Nicolas Maduro to call new elections. He said he would raise the issue later in the day with his European Union counterparts at a meeting in Bucharest, Romania. "We are not considering sanctions against the whole country because there is a humanitarian situation and we wouldn't want to make the situation even worse," Hunt said in a statement. "But targeted sanctions against the kleptocrats who have enriched themselves on the back of the rest of the population who are very poor, that is something I think can be effective." Hunt said he had spoken to Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido on Wednesday. "Mr Guaido was very clear — he wanted us to put pressure on Nicolas Maduro because they need change," he said. He added: "What I want us to do is to put every pressure on Maduro and I'm urging EU foreign ministers to do exactly the same when I meet them this afternoon so that we do have free and fair elections and we give the people of Venezuela a fresh chance to start again. "We have made a very clear request to Nicolas Maduro to announce elections within eight days," he said. "So if he does not, we need to do something to increase the pressure to show that we mean what we say and we are not alone. "This is Spain, France, Germany, many other countries, who have equally strong views as the United Kingdom." According to a Foreign Office spokesman, Guaido told Hunt in their call "that the EU should consider increasing pressure on Maduro through further sanctions, and should collectively recognise him — Mr Guaido — as the constitutional interim President of Venezuela".

Targeted sanctions against Venezuelan 'kleptocrats' could be effective: British foreign secretary Jeremy Hunt

Venezuela's Supreme Tribunal of Justice barred self-declared president Juan Guaido from leaving the country and froze his bank accounts Tuesday, as leader Nicolas Maduro seeks to neutralize the American-backed opposition chief.

The 35-year-old head of the National Assembly legislature "is prohibited from leaving the country until the end of the (preliminary) investigation" for having "caused harm to peace in the republic," high court president Maikel Moreno said.

The court is stacked with <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-goes-after-venezuelas-oil-to-hit-maduro-193555">Maduro loyalists</a>.

The move came after the State Department revealed that Guaido&nbsp;— the National Assembly head and self-proclaimed interim president — has been handed control of Venezuela's US bank accounts.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo signed off on the order last week, which was then followed on Monday by US sanctions targeting Venezuela's state oil giant PDVSA, the cash-strapped government's main source of hard currency.

"This certification will help Venezuela's legitimate government safeguard those assets for the benefit of the Venezuelan people," State Department spokesman Robert Palladino said in a statement.

Guaido shrugged off Maduro's efforts to choke his progress as "nothing new."

"I'm not dismissing the threats, the persecution at this time, but we're here, we're continuing to do our jobs," he told reporters as he arrived at the National Assembly.

Guaido, who has been recognized as interim president by US President Donald Trump, sent a message to the country's top court on Twitter warning that "the regime is in its final stage."

"You shouldn't sacrifice yourselves for the usurper and his gang," he added.

'Serious consequences' 
In Washington, Trump's national security advisor warned of "serious consequences" if any harm comes to the Venezuelan opposition leader.

"Let me reiterate -- there will be serious consequences for those who attempt to subvert democracy and harm Guaido," Trump advisor John Bolton tweeted.

The opposition-controlled legislature, meanwhile, named "diplomatic representatives" to a dozen countries that, like the US, have recognized Guaido as the interim president.

At the White House, US Vice President Mike Pence met with Guaido's appointed charge d'affaires in the United States, Carlos Vecchio, to discuss the crisis.&nbsp;

The 35-year-old engineer stormed onto the political stage as a virtual unknown on January 3, when he was sworn in as the president of the National Assembly, a body that had been largely neutralized by the Supreme Court.

On January 23, he declared himself the country's acting president and vowed to lead a transitional government that would hold democratic elections.

To keep up the pressure, he has called two more mass demonstrations against the government this week, and has appealed to the powerful military to change sides, offering amnesty to those who do.

At least 40 people have been killed in clashes with security forces nationwide and at least 850 arrested since January 21 when a brief military rebellion was put down in Caracas, according to the UN human rights office in Geneva.

- 'Blood on his hands' - 
US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said the sanctions against PDVSA would prevent Maduro from diverting resources from the country until power could be transferred to an interim or democratically-elected government.

A furious Maduro, 56, said Trump would have "blood all over his hands" if violence breaks out in Venezuela.

In a tweet, he urged the opposition to "ignore the imperialist calls" and reiterated his offer of dialogue to Guaido. He has previously accused the US of trying to orchestrate a coup d'etat.

Gustavo Tarre, Venezuela's new pro-Guaido representative to the Organization of American States, rejected the coup accusation and cast doubt on the staying power of Maduro's regime, saying no one would defend him to the death.&nbsp;

Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said the new sanctions "violate all possible international norms" and said the US has "publicly taken a course toward illegal regime change."

Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said his country opposes "unilateral sanctions" as they "will only complicate the situation and will not help solve practical problems."

The oil-rich country is already reeling from a deep economic crisis that has pushed millions into poverty and driven 2.3 million more to migrate.

Hyperinflation, shortages of food and medicine and failing public services has spread misery, undermining support for a leftist regime that has held power for two decades.

'All options' 
Trump's national security advisor Bolton called Monday for Venezuela's security forces "to accept the peaceful, democratic and constitutional transfer of power."

He also reiterated Trump's position that "all options are on the table."

Acting Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan did not rule out a US military deployment to Colombia.

But the Lima Group of Latin American countries and Canada is opposed to "military intervention" in the Venezuela, Peru's Foreign Minister Nestor Popolizio said.

Six European nations -- Britain, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Portugal and Spain -- have said they would follow suit unless Maduro calls elections by February 3.

Venezuela's Supreme Tribunal of Justice barred self-declared president Juan Guaido from leaving the country and froze his bank accounts Tuesday, as leader Nicolas Maduro seeks to neutralize the American-backed opposition chief.

Venezuela's Supreme Tribunal of Justice barred self-declared president Juan Guaido from leaving the country and froze his bank accounts Tuesday, as leader Nicolas Maduro seeks to neutralize the American-backed opposition chief. The 35-year-old head of the National Assembly legislature "is prohibited from leaving the country until the end of the (preliminary) investigation" for having "caused harm to peace in the republic," high court president Maikel Moreno said. The court is stacked with Maduro loyalists. The move came after the State Department revealed that Guaido — the National Assembly head and self-proclaimed interim president — has been handed control of Venezuela's US bank accounts. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo signed off on the order last week, which was then followed on Monday by US sanctions targeting Venezuela's state oil giant PDVSA, the cash-strapped government's main source of hard currency. "This certification will help Venezuela's legitimate government safeguard those assets for the benefit of the Venezuelan people," State Department spokesman Robert Palladino said in a statement. Guaido shrugged off Maduro's efforts to choke his progress as "nothing new." "I'm not dismissing the threats, the persecution at this time, but we're here, we're continuing to do our jobs," he told reporters as he arrived at the National Assembly. Guaido, who has been recognized as interim president by US President Donald Trump, sent a message to the country's top court on Twitter warning that "the regime is in its final stage." "You shouldn't sacrifice yourselves for the usurper and his gang," he added. 'Serious consequences' In Washington, Trump's national security advisor warned of "serious consequences" if any harm comes to the Venezuelan opposition leader. "Let me reiterate -- there will be serious consequences for those who attempt to subvert democracy and harm Guaido," Trump advisor John Bolton tweeted. The opposition-controlled legislature, meanwhile, named "diplomatic representatives" to a dozen countries that, like the US, have recognized Guaido as the interim president. At the White House, US Vice President Mike Pence met with Guaido's appointed charge d'affaires in the United States, Carlos Vecchio, to discuss the crisis. The 35-year-old engineer stormed onto the political stage as a virtual unknown on January 3, when he was sworn in as the president of the National Assembly, a body that had been largely neutralized by the Supreme Court. On January 23, he declared himself the country's acting president and vowed to lead a transitional government that would hold democratic elections. To keep up the pressure, he has called two more mass demonstrations against the government this week, and has appealed to the powerful military to change sides, offering amnesty to those who do. At least 40 people have been killed in clashes with security forces nationwide and at least 850 arrested since January 21 when a brief military rebellion was put down in Caracas, according to the UN human rights office in Geneva. - 'Blood on his hands' - US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said the sanctions against PDVSA would prevent Maduro from diverting resources from the country until power could be transferred to an interim or democratically-elected government. A furious Maduro, 56, said Trump would have "blood all over his hands" if violence breaks out in Venezuela. In a tweet, he urged the opposition to "ignore the imperialist calls" and reiterated his offer of dialogue to Guaido. He has previously accused the US of trying to orchestrate a coup d'etat. Gustavo Tarre, Venezuela's new pro-Guaido representative to the Organization of American States, rejected the coup accusation and cast doubt on the staying power of Maduro's regime, saying no one would defend him to the death. Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said the new sanctions "violate all possible international norms" and said the US has "publicly taken a course toward illegal regime change." Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said his country opposes "unilateral sanctions" as they "will only complicate the situation and will not help solve practical problems." The oil-rich country is already reeling from a deep economic crisis that has pushed millions into poverty and driven 2.3 million more to migrate. Hyperinflation, shortages of food and medicine and failing public services has spread misery, undermining support for a leftist regime that has held power for two decades. 'All options' Trump's national security advisor Bolton called Monday for Venezuela's security forces "to accept the peaceful, democratic and constitutional transfer of power." He also reiterated Trump's position that "all options are on the table." Acting Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan did not rule out a US military deployment to Colombia. But the Lima Group of Latin American countries and Canada is opposed to "military intervention" in the Venezuela, Peru's Foreign Minister Nestor Popolizio said. Six European nations -- Britain, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Portugal and Spain -- have said they would follow suit unless Maduro calls elections by February 3.

Venezuela bars Juan Guaido from leaving country, freezes his bank accounts

United States President Donald Trump's national security adviser, John Bolton, on Tuesday denounced Venezuela's attorney general for what he described&nbsp;were threats against opposition leader Juan Guaido, who has been recognised by Washington as the country's interim president.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
We denounce the illegitimate former Venezuelan Attorney General's threats against President Juan Guaido. Let me reiterate - there will be serious consequences for those who attempt to subvert democracy and harm Guaido.
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Labelling Venezuelan Attorney General Tarek Saab an "illegitimate former" Venezuelan official, Bolton said in a message on Twitter "there will be serious consequences for those who attempt to subvert democracy and harm Guaido."

Earlier on Tuesday, Saab called on the Venezuelan top court to open an investigation into the self-declared president, accusing him of helping foreign countries to interfere in internal matters.

United States President Donald Trump's national security adviser, John Bolton, on Tuesday denounced Venezuela's attorney general for what he described were threats against opposition leader Juan Guaido, who has been recognised by Washington as the country's interim president.

United States President Donald Trump's national security adviser, John Bolton, on Tuesday denounced Venezuela's attorney general for what he described were threats against opposition leader Juan Guaido, who has been recognised by Washington as the country's interim president. We denounce the illegitimate former Venezuelan Attorney General's threats against President Juan Guaido. Let me reiterate - there will be serious consequences for those who attempt to subvert democracy and harm Guaido. — John Bolton (@AmbJohnBolton) January 29, 2019 × Labelling Venezuelan Attorney General Tarek Saab an "illegitimate former" Venezuelan official, Bolton said in a message on Twitter "there will be serious consequences for those who attempt to subvert democracy and harm Guaido." Earlier on Tuesday, Saab called on the Venezuelan top court to open an investigation into the self-declared president, accusing him of helping foreign countries to interfere in internal matters.

Trump security adviser denounces 'threats' against Venezuela's Opposition leader Juan Guaido

Venezuela's government struck back at self-declared interim president Juan Guaido on Tuesday, with the Supreme Court imposing a travel ban and freeze on his bank accounts despite a warning from Washington of "serious consequences" if it did so.

The court also said prosecutors could investigate Guaido, in apparent retaliation for sweeping US sanctions on oil firm PDVSA, announced on Monday.

The sanctions mean the state-run company may not be able to fulfill contracts with North American buyers, the government of President Nicolas Maduro said.

Aimed at driving Maduro from power, the sanctions were the strongest measures yet against the 56-year-old former union leader, who has overseen economic collapse and an exodus of millions of Venezuelans in recent years.

The measures triggered higher global oil prices, angry responses from China and Russia and the first serious moves against Guaido since he challenged Maduro's claim on the presidency last week.

The Supreme Court approved a request from Venezuelan Attorney General Tarek Saab to open a preliminary investigation into Guaido based on accusations he helped foreign countries to interfere in internal matters. The court also imposed a travel ban on the 35-year-old leader and froze his bank accounts.

As a lawmaker who heads the National Assembly, Guaido has immunity from prosecution unless ordered by a top court. But the 32-member Supreme Court is loyal to Maduro and moved quickly to open the investigation.

In response to news earlier of the attorney general's plan, U.S. national security adviser John Bolton warned of "serious consequences for those who attempt to subvert democracy and harm Guaido," in a tweet that described Saab as the "illegitimate former Venezuelan Attorney General."

The United States and several other countries have recognized Guaido as Venezuela's legitimate head of state and denounced Maduro as a usurper. Maduro, sworn in on Jan. 10 for a second term after disputed elections last year, accuses Guaido of staging a U.S.-directed coup against him. Maduro is backed by a number of countries, including Russia.

Maduro's inauguration sparked protests throughout Venezuela. Over 40 people are believed to have been killed in political violence last week, including 26 shot by pro-government forces, five killed in house raids and 11 during looting, U.N. human rights spokesman Rupert Colville said on Tuesday.

He said more than 850 people were detained between Jan. 21 and Jan. 26, including 77 children, some as young as 12.

Guaido said on Tuesday he did not underestimate the threat of imprisonment but did not believe it was "anything new." Many opposition leaders have been imprisoned in the South American nation.

"We are here. We will keep acting and working to confront the humanitarian crisis," Guaido told a news conference.

Most experts believe the sanctions and other measures against Maduro will encourage him to step down only if he loses the support of the powerful military, which until now has been mostly loyal to the leftist ruling party founded by late President Hugo Chavez.

Maduro appeared on a television broadcast from a military base on Tuesday, praising the soldiers' loyalty.

The U.S. State Department said on Tuesday it had certified Guaido's authority to control certain assets held by U.S.-insured banks, including government and central bank accounts.

U.S. military invention is seen in Washington as highly unlikely, but President Donald Trump has repeatedly said "all options are on the table" and notes Bolton held at a Monday briefing containing the words "5,000 troops to Colombia" have raised questions.

SIDESTEPPING SANCTIONS

Oil minister and PDVSA head Manuel Quevedo said on Tuesday that PDVSA was considering declaring partial force majeure on its contractual obligations in the United States. The company would not allow the opposition to take control of its U.S. refinery unit Citgo, Venezuela's key foreign asset, he said.

All oil tankers leaving Venezuelan ports would have to pay for crude before departing, he said.

"We can't allow Venezuelan oil to be stolen," he said in a speech on state television.

PDVSA is also seeking to sidestep the sanctions by asking major buyers, including U.S. refiners, to renegotiate contracts, sources said.

International Brent crude oil futures rose over 2 percent on Tuesday in reaction. Venezuela is among the world's largest heavy crude oil producers. [O/R]

The Kremlin condemned the sanctions as illegal interference, while China said they would lead to suffering for which Washington would bear responsibility.

The sanctions could cause problems for Venezuela when it comes to servicing its sovereign debt to Russia, which stands at $3.15 billion, Russian Deputy Finance Minister Sergei Storchak told reporters on Tuesday.

In Geneva, senior U.S. and Venezuelan diplomats traded jibes at a disarmament conference. Venezuela's ambassador, Jorge Valero, said the Trump administration was preparing a "military invasion" and questioned whether Washington had the moral authority to "impose a diktat" on Caracas.

Venezuela has sunk into economic and political turmoil under Maduro's socialist government, with inflation seen rising to 10 million percent this year.

The loss of revenue from the United States, the No. 1 buyer of Venezuelan crude, is sure to further hamper the government's ability to import basic goods like food and medicine, exacerbating a humanitarian crisis that has prompted more than 3 million people to leave the country in recent years.

Venezuela's government struck back at self-declared interim president Juan Guaido on Tuesday, with the Supreme Court imposing a travel ban and freeze on his bank accounts despite a warning from Washington of "serious consequences" if it did so.

Venezuela's government struck back at self-declared interim president Juan Guaido on Tuesday, with the Supreme Court imposing a travel ban and freeze on his bank accounts despite a warning from Washington of "serious consequences" if it did so. The court also said prosecutors could investigate Guaido, in apparent retaliation for sweeping US sanctions on oil firm PDVSA, announced on Monday. The sanctions mean the state-run company may not be able to fulfill contracts with North American buyers, the government of President Nicolas Maduro said. Aimed at driving Maduro from power, the sanctions were the strongest measures yet against the 56-year-old former union leader, who has overseen economic collapse and an exodus of millions of Venezuelans in recent years. The measures triggered higher global oil prices, angry responses from China and Russia and the first serious moves against Guaido since he challenged Maduro's claim on the presidency last week. The Supreme Court approved a request from Venezuelan Attorney General Tarek Saab to open a preliminary investigation into Guaido based on accusations he helped foreign countries to interfere in internal matters. The court also imposed a travel ban on the 35-year-old leader and froze his bank accounts. As a lawmaker who heads the National Assembly, Guaido has immunity from prosecution unless ordered by a top court. But the 32-member Supreme Court is loyal to Maduro and moved quickly to open the investigation. In response to news earlier of the attorney general's plan, U.S. national security adviser John Bolton warned of "serious consequences for those who attempt to subvert democracy and harm Guaido," in a tweet that described Saab as the "illegitimate former Venezuelan Attorney General." The United States and several other countries have recognized Guaido as Venezuela's legitimate head of state and denounced Maduro as a usurper. Maduro, sworn in on Jan. 10 for a second term after disputed elections last year, accuses Guaido of staging a U.S.-directed coup against him. Maduro is backed by a number of countries, including Russia. Maduro's inauguration sparked protests throughout Venezuela. Over 40 people are believed to have been killed in political violence last week, including 26 shot by pro-government forces, five killed in house raids and 11 during looting, U.N. human rights spokesman Rupert Colville said on Tuesday. He said more than 850 people were detained between Jan. 21 and Jan. 26, including 77 children, some as young as 12. Guaido said on Tuesday he did not underestimate the threat of imprisonment but did not believe it was "anything new." Many opposition leaders have been imprisoned in the South American nation. "We are here. We will keep acting and working to confront the humanitarian crisis," Guaido told a news conference. Most experts believe the sanctions and other measures against Maduro will encourage him to step down only if he loses the support of the powerful military, which until now has been mostly loyal to the leftist ruling party founded by late President Hugo Chavez. Maduro appeared on a television broadcast from a military base on Tuesday, praising the soldiers' loyalty. The U.S. State Department said on Tuesday it had certified Guaido's authority to control certain assets held by U.S.-insured banks, including government and central bank accounts. U.S. military invention is seen in Washington as highly unlikely, but President Donald Trump has repeatedly said "all options are on the table" and notes Bolton held at a Monday briefing containing the words "5,000 troops to Colombia" have raised questions. SIDESTEPPING SANCTIONS Oil minister and PDVSA head Manuel Quevedo said on Tuesday that PDVSA was considering declaring partial force majeure on its contractual obligations in the United States. The company would not allow the opposition to take control of its U.S. refinery unit Citgo, Venezuela's key foreign asset, he said. All oil tankers leaving Venezuelan ports would have to pay for crude before departing, he said. "We can't allow Venezuelan oil to be stolen," he said in a speech on state television. PDVSA is also seeking to sidestep the sanctions by asking major buyers, including U.S. refiners, to renegotiate contracts, sources said. International Brent crude oil futures rose over 2 percent on Tuesday in reaction. Venezuela is among the world's largest heavy crude oil producers. [O/R] The Kremlin condemned the sanctions as illegal interference, while China said they would lead to suffering for which Washington would bear responsibility. The sanctions could cause problems for Venezuela when it comes to servicing its sovereign debt to Russia, which stands at $3.15 billion, Russian Deputy Finance Minister Sergei Storchak told reporters on Tuesday. In Geneva, senior U.S. and Venezuelan diplomats traded jibes at a disarmament conference. Venezuela's ambassador, Jorge Valero, said the Trump administration was preparing a "military invasion" and questioned whether Washington had the moral authority to "impose a diktat" on Caracas. Venezuela has sunk into economic and political turmoil under Maduro's socialist government, with inflation seen rising to 10 million percent this year. The loss of revenue from the United States, the No. 1 buyer of Venezuelan crude, is sure to further hamper the government's ability to import basic goods like food and medicine, exacerbating a humanitarian crisis that has prompted more than 3 million people to leave the country in recent years.

Venezuela targets Opposition leader Juan Guaido with probe, travel ban, asset freeze

Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro said he was prepared to hold negotiations with the US-backed opposition and added he would support early parliamentary elections, RIA Novosti reported on Wednesday.

"I am ready to sit down at the negotiating table with the opposition so that we could talk for the good of Venezuela," Maduro told the Russian state news agency in an interview in Caracas.

Last week the oil-rich but economically devastated Latin American country was plunged into uncertainty when <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-supreme-court-hits-juan-guaido-with-travel-ban-freezes-his-bank-accounts-193781">the US-backed opposition leader Juan </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-supreme-court-hits-juan-guaido-with-travel-ban-freezes-his-bank-accounts-193781">Guaido</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-supreme-court-hits-juan-guaido-with-travel-ban-freezes-his-bank-accounts-193781"> proclaimed himself "acting president"</a>.

The United States, a dozen Latin American countries and Canada have recognized Guaido as interim president, while China and Russia -- Venezuela's two main creditors -- have urged non-interference.

In the interview with RIA Novosti, Maduro also said he would support early parliamentary elections.

"It would be very good to conduct parliamentary elections at an earlier stage, it would be a good form of political discussion," Maduro said.

At the same time he dismissed the possibility of holding a new presidential poll any time soon.

"Presidential elections in Venezuela have taken place, and if imperialists want new elections let them wait until 2025," he said in an apparent reference to Washington.

Maduro has been in charge since 2013 but his re-election in May was branded illegitimate by the European Union, United States and Organization of American States.

The embattled leader also implied he was firmly in charge of the army whose support is crucial.

"I am carrying out my duties as commander-in-chief according to the Constitution consolidating the national Bolivarian armed forces," he said. "And the Bolivarian armed forces are demonstrating a lesson in ethics, loyalty and discipline."

Maduro also claimed that US President Donald Trump had ordered the government of Colombia to assassinate him.

"If something happens to me one day then Donald Trump and Colombian President Ivan Duque will be responsible for everything that is happening to me," he said, adding however that he was in good hands.

"At the same time, I am protected. We have a good system of defence in place and moreover, we have more significant protection -- this is protection from God who will give me a long life," Maduro added.

Russia has denounced the opposition's "usurpation of power", calling Maduro the crisis-hit country's legitimate leader.

Russia and Venezuela have a long history of ties and Maduro's predecessor Hugo Chavez, known for his tirades against the United States, was a welcome guest at the Kremlin.

Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro said he was prepared to hold negotiations with the US-backed opposition and added he would support early parliamentary elections, RIA Novosti reported on Wednesday.

Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro said he was prepared to hold negotiations with the US-backed opposition and added he would support early parliamentary elections, RIA Novosti reported on Wednesday. "I am ready to sit down at the negotiating table with the opposition so that we could talk for the good of Venezuela," Maduro told the Russian state news agency in an interview in Caracas. Last week the oil-rich but economically devastated Latin American country was plunged into uncertainty when the US-backed opposition leader Juan Guaido proclaimed himself "acting president". The United States, a dozen Latin American countries and Canada have recognized Guaido as interim president, while China and Russia -- Venezuela's two main creditors -- have urged non-interference. In the interview with RIA Novosti, Maduro also said he would support early parliamentary elections. "It would be very good to conduct parliamentary elections at an earlier stage, it would be a good form of political discussion," Maduro said. At the same time he dismissed the possibility of holding a new presidential poll any time soon. "Presidential elections in Venezuela have taken place, and if imperialists want new elections let them wait until 2025," he said in an apparent reference to Washington. Maduro has been in charge since 2013 but his re-election in May was branded illegitimate by the European Union, United States and Organization of American States. The embattled leader also implied he was firmly in charge of the army whose support is crucial. "I am carrying out my duties as commander-in-chief according to the Constitution consolidating the national Bolivarian armed forces," he said. "And the Bolivarian armed forces are demonstrating a lesson in ethics, loyalty and discipline." Maduro also claimed that US President Donald Trump had ordered the government of Colombia to assassinate him. "If something happens to me one day then Donald Trump and Colombian President Ivan Duque will be responsible for everything that is happening to me," he said, adding however that he was in good hands. "At the same time, I am protected. We have a good system of defence in place and moreover, we have more significant protection -- this is protection from God who will give me a long life," Maduro added. Russia has denounced the opposition's "usurpation of power", calling Maduro the crisis-hit country's legitimate leader. Russia and Venezuela have a long history of ties and Maduro's predecessor Hugo Chavez, known for his tirades against the United States, was a welcome guest at the Kremlin.

Venezuela's Maduro says he's 'ready to negotiate' with opposition, calls for early elections: RIA

The United States announced <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-calls-on-world-to-pick-a-side-on-venezuela-europeans-set-to-recognize-guaido-193131">sanctions against Venezuela's state oil company</a> Monday in a coordinated effort with the main opposition leader to cripple embattled President Nicolas Maduro's power base.

The measures against state-owned PDVSA were presented as a way of preventing the leftist strongman from looting the coffers in his economically ruined country before he is replaced by the man Washington says is the rightful interim president — opposition leader Juan Guaido.

"The purpose of sanctions is to change behavior," Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin told reporters at the White House.

"So when there is a recognition that the company is the property of, the rightful rulers, the rightful leaders, then indeed that money will be available to Guaido."

Guaido, who heads the National Assembly legislature and has named himself acting president, issued his own statement, saying he was taking "orderly control of our republic's assets abroad" to prevent a departing Maduro from trying "to empty the coffers."

Venezuela was once a Latin American success story and has the world's largest oil reserves, but has been driven into the ground during years of hardline leftist rule.

With millions short of food and other basic resources, there is widespread discontent. However, so far, Maduro has retained the backing of the powerful armed forces, as well as support from Russia and China.

Washington has moved decisively to seek the exit of Maduro by recognizing Guaido and urging the military to switch loyalties.

President Donald Trump's national security advisor, John Bolton, called for security forces "to accept the peaceful, democratic and constitutional transfer of power."

"We've seen Venezuelan official and military personnel heeding this call," he added, citing the defection this weekend of the country's military attache to Washington.

Bolton also would not rule out the use of US troops.

"The president has made it clear on this matter that all options are on the table," he told reporters.

Pope's 'bloodbath' fears 
Guaido called for a two-hour strike Wednesday "to demand that the armed forces side with the people" ahead of a "big national and international rally" on Saturday.

His remarks came as the death toll in last week's protests rose to 35, according to NGO workers, with the government security forces accused of killing another eight in "extra-judicial executions."

Following a trip to Panama, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/dont-fight-in-front-of-the-kids-pope-francis-190061">Pope Francis</a> said he was afraid the escalating crisis would become "a bloodbath."

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, meanwhile, offered to step in, saying he could provide "good offices to facilitate dialogue and negotiation between the parties."

Along with China and Russia, Turkey and leftist regional allies Bolivia, Cuba and Mexico still back Maduro.

But a dozen Latin American countries have recognized Guaido and six European nations -- Britain, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Portugal and Spain -- have said they would follow suit unless Maduro calls elections by February 3.

- US: PDVSA must drop Maduro - 
Mnuchin said PDVSA must cut itself off from Maduro in order to see sanctions dropped.

"The path to sanctions relief for PDVSA is through the expeditious transfer of control to the interim president or a subsequent, democratically elected government," he said.

PDVSA's US-based subsidiary Citgo will be able to continue operations, as long as its earnings are deposited into a blocked account in the United States.

Guaido, who declared himself acting president Wednesday, said he will begin the process of naming new boards for PDVSA and Citgo to "start recovering our industry that is going through a dark time."

Lawmakers will be asked to take "the necessary measures to guarantee the greatest transparency and control of the use" of the assets, Guaido added.

"We took this decision to ensure that Citgo stays in the hands of Venezuelans."

An angry Maduro nevertheless accused the United States of trying to "steal Citgo" and pledged to file legal action over the new sanctions.

Since being elected head of the National Assembly legislature last month, Guaido has managed to rally a previously disunited opposition.

Maduro has been in charge since 2013 but his re-election in May was branded illegitimate by the European Union, United States and Organization of American States.

Several opposition leaders had been forced into exile, jailed or barred from standing in the election, leading the opposition to boycott the poll.

The United States announced sanctions against Venezuela's state oil company Monday in a coordinated effort with the main opposition leader to cripple embattled President Nicolas Maduro's power base.

The United States announced sanctions against Venezuela's state oil company Monday in a coordinated effort with the main opposition leader to cripple embattled President Nicolas Maduro's power base. The measures against state-owned PDVSA were presented as a way of preventing the leftist strongman from looting the coffers in his economically ruined country before he is replaced by the man Washington says is the rightful interim president — opposition leader Juan Guaido. "The purpose of sanctions is to change behavior," Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin told reporters at the White House. "So when there is a recognition that the company is the property of, the rightful rulers, the rightful leaders, then indeed that money will be available to Guaido." Guaido, who heads the National Assembly legislature and has named himself acting president, issued his own statement, saying he was taking "orderly control of our republic's assets abroad" to prevent a departing Maduro from trying "to empty the coffers." Venezuela was once a Latin American success story and has the world's largest oil reserves, but has been driven into the ground during years of hardline leftist rule. With millions short of food and other basic resources, there is widespread discontent. However, so far, Maduro has retained the backing of the powerful armed forces, as well as support from Russia and China. Washington has moved decisively to seek the exit of Maduro by recognizing Guaido and urging the military to switch loyalties. President Donald Trump's national security advisor, John Bolton, called for security forces "to accept the peaceful, democratic and constitutional transfer of power." "We've seen Venezuelan official and military personnel heeding this call," he added, citing the defection this weekend of the country's military attache to Washington. Bolton also would not rule out the use of US troops. "The president has made it clear on this matter that all options are on the table," he told reporters. Pope's 'bloodbath' fears Guaido called for a two-hour strike Wednesday "to demand that the armed forces side with the people" ahead of a "big national and international rally" on Saturday. His remarks came as the death toll in last week's protests rose to 35, according to NGO workers, with the government security forces accused of killing another eight in "extra-judicial executions." Following a trip to Panama, Pope Francis said he was afraid the escalating crisis would become "a bloodbath." United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, meanwhile, offered to step in, saying he could provide "good offices to facilitate dialogue and negotiation between the parties." Along with China and Russia, Turkey and leftist regional allies Bolivia, Cuba and Mexico still back Maduro. But a dozen Latin American countries have recognized Guaido and six European nations -- Britain, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Portugal and Spain -- have said they would follow suit unless Maduro calls elections by February 3. - US: PDVSA must drop Maduro - Mnuchin said PDVSA must cut itself off from Maduro in order to see sanctions dropped. "The path to sanctions relief for PDVSA is through the expeditious transfer of control to the interim president or a subsequent, democratically elected government," he said. PDVSA's US-based subsidiary Citgo will be able to continue operations, as long as its earnings are deposited into a blocked account in the United States. Guaido, who declared himself acting president Wednesday, said he will begin the process of naming new boards for PDVSA and Citgo to "start recovering our industry that is going through a dark time." Lawmakers will be asked to take "the necessary measures to guarantee the greatest transparency and control of the use" of the assets, Guaido added. "We took this decision to ensure that Citgo stays in the hands of Venezuelans." An angry Maduro nevertheless accused the United States of trying to "steal Citgo" and pledged to file legal action over the new sanctions. Since being elected head of the National Assembly legislature last month, Guaido has managed to rally a previously disunited opposition. Maduro has been in charge since 2013 but his re-election in May was branded illegitimate by the European Union, United States and Organization of American States. Several opposition leaders had been forced into exile, jailed or barred from standing in the election, leading the opposition to boycott the poll.

US goes after Venezuela's oil to hit Maduro

A day after the Trump administration announced <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-goes-after-venezuelas-oil-to-hit-maduro-193555">sanctions against Venezuela's state-owned </a>oil firm PDVSA, Kremlin said the sanctions were "illegal".

"The legitimate authorities of Venezuela have already labelled these sanctions illegal. We can wholly support this point of view," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.

Peskov added that sanctions were an "overt intervention in Venezuela's domestic affairs" and a case of "illegal competition".&nbsp;

He said that Russia will strive to protect its interests "within the framework of international law".&nbsp;Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov said that the new sanctions "violate all possible international norms" and show a course toward regime change in embattled Venezuela.&nbsp;

"The US has... publicly taken a course toward illegal regime change," he said Tuesday.&nbsp;

Venezuelan<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/maduro-vs-guaido-who-is-backing-whom-193331"> President Nicolas Maduro</a> while addressing the nation on television had said PDVSA would take "legal, political, operative, technical and commercial measures to defend interests of Venezuela in the United States."

The US had announced sanctions against Venezuelan state-owned oil firm PDVSA aimed at curbing its crude import to the country while pressuring Maduro to step down.

China meanwhile said the<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/uss-bolton-warns-venezuela-of-significant-response-if-juan-guaido-is-threatened-193282"> United States should bear responsibility</a> for the consequences of its sanctions on Venezuela. Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said historical experience showed foreign interference "only makes situations more complicated".

The United States is pushing to allow opposition leader Juan Guaido as the next president even as Maduro has refused to step down. Guaido accuses Maduro of stealing the election and wants new polls in the country.

"The relevant country's sanctions on Venezuela will lead to the deterioration of conditions of people's lives," China's foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said, adding, "they should bear responsibility for the serious consequences from this."

Maduro hit back at US sanctions asserting that he will provide "reciprocal and convincing response needed to defend Venezuela's interests". Maduro's problems have been exacerbated by the fact that the United States is the biggest buyer of Venezuelan crude oil.

Juan Guaido ordered congress on Monday to appoint new boards of directors to state oil company PDVSA and US subsidiary Citgo in order to intensify pressure on his political opponent.

"If the people in Venezuela want to continue to sell us oil, as long as the money goes into blocked accounts we will continue to take it. Otherwise, will we not be buying it," US treasury secretary Steven Mnuchin said, with US national security adviser John Bolton adding that sanctions would block $7 billion in PDVSA's assets "plus over $11 billion in lost export proceeds over the next year."

A day after the Trump administration announced sanctions against Venezuela's state-owned oil firm PDVSA, Kremlin said the sanctions were "illegal". "The legitimate authorities of Venezuela have already labelled these sanctions illegal.

A day after the Trump administration announced sanctions against Venezuela's state-owned oil firm PDVSA, Kremlin said the sanctions were "illegal". "The legitimate authorities of Venezuela have already labelled these sanctions illegal. We can wholly support this point of view," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said. Peskov added that sanctions were an "overt intervention in Venezuela's domestic affairs" and a case of "illegal competition". He said that Russia will strive to protect its interests "within the framework of international law". Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov said that the new sanctions "violate all possible international norms" and show a course toward regime change in embattled Venezuela. "The US has... publicly taken a course toward illegal regime change," he said Tuesday. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro while addressing the nation on television had said PDVSA would take "legal, political, operative, technical and commercial measures to defend interests of Venezuela in the United States." The US had announced sanctions against Venezuelan state-owned oil firm PDVSA aimed at curbing its crude import to the country while pressuring Maduro to step down. China meanwhile said the United States should bear responsibility for the consequences of its sanctions on Venezuela. Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said historical experience showed foreign interference "only makes situations more complicated". The United States is pushing to allow opposition leader Juan Guaido as the next president even as Maduro has refused to step down. Guaido accuses Maduro of stealing the election and wants new polls in the country. "The relevant country's sanctions on Venezuela will lead to the deterioration of conditions of people's lives," China's foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said, adding, "they should bear responsibility for the serious consequences from this." Maduro hit back at US sanctions asserting that he will provide "reciprocal and convincing response needed to defend Venezuela's interests". Maduro's problems have been exacerbated by the fact that the United States is the biggest buyer of Venezuelan crude oil. Juan Guaido ordered congress on Monday to appoint new boards of directors to state oil company PDVSA and US subsidiary Citgo in order to intensify pressure on his political opponent. "If the people in Venezuela want to continue to sell us oil, as long as the money goes into blocked accounts we will continue to take it. Otherwise, will we not be buying it," US treasury secretary Steven Mnuchin said, with US national security adviser John Bolton adding that sanctions would block $7 billion in PDVSA's assets "plus over $11 billion in lost export proceeds over the next year."

Sanctions against Venezuela illegal, violates all possible international norms: Russia

Venezuela has been receiving massive attention from the international community since National Assembly <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-opposition-leader-juan-guaido-rules-out-crisis-talks-says-maduro-can-not-be-trusted-192823">chief Juan Guaido</a> declared himself acting interim president of Venezuela.

With socialist President Nicolas Maduro hanging on to power, these are their respective key supports, inside and outside the OPEC member:

Maduro

Military: The Venezuela armed forces are considered the backbone of the government, and on Thursday senior military officers reaffirmed support for Maduro, claiming that there was an effective "coup" underway.

Of 32 cabinet ministers, nine are from the military and run portfolios such as Defense, Interior, Agriculture and the intelligence service, as well as state oil giant PDVSA, which contributes 96 per cent of the country's income.

They also control a television station, a bank and a vehicle assembly plant, among other companies.

But their support has come under some threat. The military attache of Venezuela in Washington, Colonel Jose Luis Silva, announced Saturday that he no longer recognises Maduro as the legitimate president, and urged his "military brothers" to back Guaido.

International creditors and allies: China, Venezuela's biggest creditor with some $20 billion dollars owed, said Thursday it opposed "external interference" after the United States and some allies recognised Guaido as interim leader.

Venezuela's number two creditor, Russia, also backs it militarily: in December it sent two bombers and some 100 officers to Caracas for joint exercises. President Vladimir Putin called Maduro to express his "support."

Countries such as Turkey, Cuba, Bolivia, Uruguay and Mexico — as well as Iran and North Korea — continue to recognise the 56-year-old Maduro.

Justice: Venezuela's Supreme Court of Justice (TSJ) supports the Maduro regime. Court justices were chosen by the pro-government National Assembly in December 2015, just days before the opposition took control of the legislature.

Since 2016 the top court has declared the opposition-controlled legislature in contempt and voided all of its actions. The court on Thursday reiterated its support for Maduro regime.

Venezuela's top prosecutor, Attorney General Tarek William Saab, also is a Maduro loyalist.

National Constituent Assembly: Maduro convened the staunchly pro-government assembly after four months of opposition protests that left about 125 dead in 2017. It has absolute powers and serves as the de facto legislature. the opposition says it was created illegally.

Electoral Authority: The National Electoral Council (CNE), in charge of running elections, is chaired by the openly pro-government Tibisay Lucena. Under her management, several opposition parties have been disqualified, and on Thursday it issued a statement endorsing Maduro.

Rulings by pro-government judges and the CNE thwarted opposition efforts to hold a referendum to revoke Maduro's presidency in 2016, a vote allowed under the constitution.

Opposition parties refused to participate in the last elections, including the May 2018 presidential vote in which Maduro was reelected, saying there were no guarantees of impartiality. They say Maduro was elected through fraud.

Guaido

International support: The United States, along with several Latin America and European Union countries, refused to recognise Maduro's reelection.

When Guaido proclaimed himself acting interim president US President Donald Trump quickly recognised him. Other countries, including Brazil, Colombia, Argentina and Australia, quickly followed. On Sunday Israel said it would recognise Guaido as president.

Six European countries — Spain, France, Germany, Britain, Portugal, the Netherlands — on Saturday demanded that either Venezuela call elections within eight days or they would recognise Guaido as interim leader.

Some European countries such as Greece still support Maduro.

The head of the Washington-based Organization of American States, &nbsp;Uruguayan Luis Almagro, also gave his support to Guaido.

National Assembly: The opposition-controlled National Assembly was elected in 2015 when a coalition of opposition parties handed the leftist regime its biggest electoral defeat ever.

After taking office on January 5, Guaido, 35, began to press for a "transitional government" and new elections, calling on the military to break with the government in exchange for an amnesty.

Justice in exile: A Venezuelan Supreme Court in exile, with members appointed by the National Assembly, on Wednesday welcomed Guaido's "will" to take over as acting leader pending new elections. 
&nbsp;

Venezuela has been receiving massive attention from the international community since National Assembly chief Juan Guaido declared himself acting interim president of Venezuela.

Venezuela has been receiving massive attention from the international community since National Assembly chief Juan Guaido declared himself acting interim president of Venezuela. With socialist President Nicolas Maduro hanging on to power, these are their respective key supports, inside and outside the OPEC member: Maduro Military: The Venezuela armed forces are considered the backbone of the government, and on Thursday senior military officers reaffirmed support for Maduro, claiming that there was an effective "coup" underway. Of 32 cabinet ministers, nine are from the military and run portfolios such as Defense, Interior, Agriculture and the intelligence service, as well as state oil giant PDVSA, which contributes 96 per cent of the country's income. They also control a television station, a bank and a vehicle assembly plant, among other companies. But their support has come under some threat. The military attache of Venezuela in Washington, Colonel Jose Luis Silva, announced Saturday that he no longer recognises Maduro as the legitimate president, and urged his "military brothers" to back Guaido. International creditors and allies: China, Venezuela's biggest creditor with some $20 billion dollars owed, said Thursday it opposed "external interference" after the United States and some allies recognised Guaido as interim leader. Venezuela's number two creditor, Russia, also backs it militarily: in December it sent two bombers and some 100 officers to Caracas for joint exercises. President Vladimir Putin called Maduro to express his "support." Countries such as Turkey, Cuba, Bolivia, Uruguay and Mexico — as well as Iran and North Korea — continue to recognise the 56-year-old Maduro. Justice: Venezuela's Supreme Court of Justice (TSJ) supports the Maduro regime. Court justices were chosen by the pro-government National Assembly in December 2015, just days before the opposition took control of the legislature. Since 2016 the top court has declared the opposition-controlled legislature in contempt and voided all of its actions. The court on Thursday reiterated its support for Maduro regime. Venezuela's top prosecutor, Attorney General Tarek William Saab, also is a Maduro loyalist. National Constituent Assembly: Maduro convened the staunchly pro-government assembly after four months of opposition protests that left about 125 dead in 2017. It has absolute powers and serves as the de facto legislature. the opposition says it was created illegally. Electoral Authority: The National Electoral Council (CNE), in charge of running elections, is chaired by the openly pro-government Tibisay Lucena. Under her management, several opposition parties have been disqualified, and on Thursday it issued a statement endorsing Maduro. Rulings by pro-government judges and the CNE thwarted opposition efforts to hold a referendum to revoke Maduro's presidency in 2016, a vote allowed under the constitution. Opposition parties refused to participate in the last elections, including the May 2018 presidential vote in which Maduro was reelected, saying there were no guarantees of impartiality. They say Maduro was elected through fraud. Guaido International support: The United States, along with several Latin America and European Union countries, refused to recognise Maduro's reelection. When Guaido proclaimed himself acting interim president US President Donald Trump quickly recognised him. Other countries, including Brazil, Colombia, Argentina and Australia, quickly followed. On Sunday Israel said it would recognise Guaido as president. Six European countries — Spain, France, Germany, Britain, Portugal, the Netherlands — on Saturday demanded that either Venezuela call elections within eight days or they would recognise Guaido as interim leader. Some European countries such as Greece still support Maduro. The head of the Washington-based Organization of American States, Uruguayan Luis Almagro, also gave his support to Guaido. National Assembly: The opposition-controlled National Assembly was elected in 2015 when a coalition of opposition parties handed the leftist regime its biggest electoral defeat ever. After taking office on January 5, Guaido, 35, began to press for a "transitional government" and new elections, calling on the military to break with the government in exchange for an amnesty. Justice in exile: A Venezuelan Supreme Court in exile, with members appointed by the National Assembly, on Wednesday welcomed Guaido's "will" to take over as acting leader pending new elections.

Maduro vs Guaido: Who is backing whom?

Gravitas: Maduro denounces election call, says he is ready to talk

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-bangla-plane-crash-that-killed-51-was-caused-by-pilot-smoking-in-cockpit-193269">US-Bangla plane crash that killed 51 was caused by pilot smoking in </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-bangla-plane-crash-that-killed-51-was-caused-by-pilot-smoking-in-cockpit-193269">cockpit</a>

The US-Bangla airline Bombardier UBG-211 crash that occurred in March last year took place as the pilot who was in charge of the flight had smoked inside the cockpit despite restrictions, authorities confirmed on Sunday.

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/live-updates-india-vs-new-zealand-3rd-odi-nz-are-at-10-1-after-2-overs-193266">India vs New Zealand, 3rd ODI: Catch all the live updates here</a>

India's bowlers struck early, sending both Kiwi openers back to the pavilion. New Zealand were 59/3 after 16.2 overs at 9 am IST with skipper Kane Williamson departing after his openers.&nbsp;

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/uss-bolton-warns-venezuela-of-significant-response-if-juan-guaido-is-threatened-193282">US's Bolton warns Venezuela of 'significant response' if Juan </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/uss-bolton-warns-venezuela-of-significant-response-if-juan-guaido-is-threatened-193282">Guaido</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/uss-bolton-warns-venezuela-of-significant-response-if-juan-guaido-is-threatened-193282"> is threatened</a>

National Security Adviser of the United States John Bolton said that any violence and intimidation against US diplomats, Venezuela's "democratic leader" Juan Guaido or the National Assembly will be met with a "significant response" from the US.&nbsp;

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/brazil-dam-burst-death-toll-touches-58-rescuers-find-bus-full-of-bodies-193259">Brazil dam burst: Death toll touches 58, rescuers find bus full of bodies</a>

Fears of a second dam breach at a Brazilian mining complex receded Sunday, enabling a search to resume for the more than 300 people still missing two days after a dam collapse that has killed at least 58 people.&nbsp;

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/to-defeat-obesity-hunger-climate-change-govts-must-curb-influence-of-big-corporations-lancet-193275">To defeat obesity, hunger &amp; climate change, </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/to-defeat-obesity-hunger-climate-change-govts-must-curb-influence-of-big-corporations-lancet-193275">govts</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/to-defeat-obesity-hunger-climate-change-govts-must-curb-influence-of-big-corporations-lancet-193275"> must curb </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/to-defeat-obesity-hunger-climate-change-govts-must-curb-influence-of-big-corporations-lancet-193275">influence</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/to-defeat-obesity-hunger-climate-change-govts-must-curb-influence-of-big-corporations-lancet-193275"> of big corporations: Lancet</a>

To defeat the intertwined pandemics of obesity, hunger and climate change, governments must curb the political influence of major corporations, said a major report Monday calling for a 'global treaty' similar to one for tobacco control.

Bu this will not happen unless ordinary citizens demand a "radical rethink" of the relationship between policymakers and business, nearly four dozen experts from The Lancet Commission on Obesity concluded.

US-Bangla plane crash that killed 51 was caused by pilot smoking in cockpit The US-Bangla airline Bombardier UBG-211 crash that occurred in March last year took place as the pilot who was in charge of the flight had smoked inside the cockpit despite restrictions, authorities confirmed on Sunday.

US-Bangla plane crash that killed 51 was caused by pilot smoking in cockpit The US-Bangla airline Bombardier UBG-211 crash that occurred in March last year took place as the pilot who was in charge of the flight had smoked inside the cockpit despite restrictions, authorities confirmed on Sunday. India vs New Zealand, 3rd ODI: Catch all the live updates here India's bowlers struck early, sending both Kiwi openers back to the pavilion. New Zealand were 59/3 after 16.2 overs at 9 am IST with skipper Kane Williamson departing after his openers. US's Bolton warns Venezuela of 'significant response' if Juan Guaido is threatened National Security Adviser of the United States John Bolton said that any violence and intimidation against US diplomats, Venezuela's "democratic leader" Juan Guaido or the National Assembly will be met with a "significant response" from the US. Brazil dam burst: Death toll touches 58, rescuers find bus full of bodies Fears of a second dam breach at a Brazilian mining complex receded Sunday, enabling a search to resume for the more than 300 people still missing two days after a dam collapse that has killed at least 58 people. To defeat obesity, hunger & climate change, govts must curb influence of big corporations: Lancet To defeat the intertwined pandemics of obesity, hunger and climate change, governments must curb the political influence of major corporations, said a major report Monday calling for a 'global treaty' similar to one for tobacco control. Bu this will not happen unless ordinary citizens demand a "radical rethink" of the relationship between policymakers and business, nearly four dozen experts from The Lancet Commission on Obesity concluded.

News brief: Big stories of the day

National Security Adviser of the United States John Bolton said that any violence and intimidation against US diplomats, Venezuela's "democratic leader" Juan Guaido or the National Assembly will be met with a "<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-calls-on-world-to-pick-a-side-on-venezuela-europeans-set-to-recognize-guaido-193131">significant response</a>" by the US.&nbsp;

"Any violence and intimidation against US diplomatic personnel, Venezuela’s democratic leader, Juan Guiado, or the National Assembly itself would represent a grave assault on the rule of law and will be met with a significant response," Bolton tweeted on Sunday (local time).&nbsp;

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Any violence and intimidation against U.S. diplomatic personnel, Venezuela’s democratic leader, Juan Guiado, or the National Assembly itself would represent a grave assault on the rule of law and will be met with a significant response. 2/2
— John Bolton (@AmbJohnBolton) <a href="https://twitter.com/AmbJohnBolton/status/1089569353421463554?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 27, 2019</a></blockquote>
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He also said that Cuba's "support and control" over current Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's armed forces are "well known".&nbsp;

"Cuba’s support and control over Maduro’s security and paramilitary forces are well known," he said in another tweet.

Last week, the US and a few of its allies recognised Guaido as Venezuela's interim president.&nbsp;

The move was met by Maduro severing all diplomatic ties with the US and ordering all American diplomats to leave the country. He also directed all Venezuelan diplomats to return from the US.&nbsp;

However, on Saturday, Venezuela`s Foreign Ministry suspended the expulsion of the US diplomats, The Hill reported.&nbsp;

Earlier, US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo labelled Maduro`s regime in Venezuela as an "illegitimate mafia state" and called for all nations to "pick sides" in the crisis while addressing a UN Security Council emergency meeting.&nbsp;

On January 23, Guaido, the opposition leader and National Assembly President, proclaimed himself as President of Venezuela to crowds of cheering protesters. He was immediately recognised as interim President by the USA.&nbsp;

Maduro, in turn, labelled it as a coup attempt by the US.&nbsp;

Countries like Russia, Bolivia, Iran, and Turkey have extended their support to Maduro and slammed international interference in the South American nation.&nbsp;

National Security Adviser of the United States John Bolton said that any violence and intimidation against US diplomats, Venezuela's "democratic leader" Juan Guaido or the National Assembly will be met with a "significant response" by the US.

National Security Adviser of the United States John Bolton said that any violence and intimidation against US diplomats, Venezuela's "democratic leader" Juan Guaido or the National Assembly will be met with a "significant response" by the US. "Any violence and intimidation against US diplomatic personnel, Venezuela’s democratic leader, Juan Guiado, or the National Assembly itself would represent a grave assault on the rule of law and will be met with a significant response," Bolton tweeted on Sunday (local time). Any violence and intimidation against U.S. diplomatic personnel, Venezuela’s democratic leader, Juan Guiado, or the National Assembly itself would represent a grave assault on the rule of law and will be met with a significant response. 2/2 — John Bolton (@AmbJohnBolton) January 27, 2019 × He also said that Cuba's "support and control" over current Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's armed forces are "well known". "Cuba’s support and control over Maduro’s security and paramilitary forces are well known," he said in another tweet. Last week, the US and a few of its allies recognised Guaido as Venezuela's interim president. The move was met by Maduro severing all diplomatic ties with the US and ordering all American diplomats to leave the country. He also directed all Venezuelan diplomats to return from the US. However, on Saturday, Venezuela`s Foreign Ministry suspended the expulsion of the US diplomats, The Hill reported. Earlier, US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo labelled Maduro`s regime in Venezuela as an "illegitimate mafia state" and called for all nations to "pick sides" in the crisis while addressing a UN Security Council emergency meeting. On January 23, Guaido, the opposition leader and National Assembly President, proclaimed himself as President of Venezuela to crowds of cheering protesters. He was immediately recognised as interim President by the USA. Maduro, in turn, labelled it as a coup attempt by the US. Countries like Russia, Bolivia, Iran, and Turkey have extended their support to Maduro and slammed international interference in the South American nation.

US's Bolton warns Venezuela of 'significant response' if Juan Guaido is threatened

Juan Guaido, the Venezuelan opposition leader and self-proclaimed president, on Monday called for new street demonstrations as pressure intensified on President Nicolas Maduro and the crisis-stricken OPEC nation.

Countries around the world have recognized Guaido as Venezuela's rightful leader, and the United States vowed to starve Maduro's administration of oil revenue after he was sworn on January 10 for a second term that was widely dubbed illegitimate.

Maduro says the United States is promoting a coup against him and promised to stay in office, backed by Russia and China, which have bankrolled his government and fought off efforts to have his government disavowed by the United Nations.

Guaido said opposition sympathizers should take to the streets on Wednesday to pass out copies of a pamphlet proposing amnesty that would give some legal protection to members of the military in hopes they will turn against Maduro.

"We must remain united as active agents of change in every corner of the country," Guaido tweeted on Monday. "We're doing well, very well, Venezuela!"

On Sunday, Israel and Australia joined countries backing the 35-year-old Guaido, and US President Donald Trump said his government had accepted Venezuelan opposition figure Carlos Alfredo Vecchio as a diplomatic representative to the United States.

Guaido took advantage of a major street demonstration on January&nbsp;23 to swear himself in as the country's rightful leader, accusing Maduro of usurping power following a disputed 2018 re-election that countries around the world described as a fraud.

Guaido is asking for help in getting control of the Venezuelan government's offshore assets.

In recent days, he urged British Prime Minister Theresa May and Bank of England Governor Mark Carney to block Maduro's government from collecting more than $1 billion in gold held by the Bank of England.

Venezuela's once-buoyant socialist economic system has imploded from corruption and mismanagement since the collapse of world oil prices in 2014, pushing inflation to almost 2 million per cent and driving millions of Venezuelans to neighbouring countries.

Maduro says his government is the victim of an "economic war" led by his political adversaries with the help of Washington, which has levied several rounds of sanctions against the country since 2017.

Juan Guaido, the Venezuelan opposition leader and self-proclaimed president, on Monday called for new street demonstrations as pressure intensified on President Nicolas Maduro and the crisis-stricken OPEC nation.

Juan Guaido, the Venezuelan opposition leader and self-proclaimed president, on Monday called for new street demonstrations as pressure intensified on President Nicolas Maduro and the crisis-stricken OPEC nation. Countries around the world have recognized Guaido as Venezuela's rightful leader, and the United States vowed to starve Maduro's administration of oil revenue after he was sworn on January 10 for a second term that was widely dubbed illegitimate. Maduro says the United States is promoting a coup against him and promised to stay in office, backed by Russia and China, which have bankrolled his government and fought off efforts to have his government disavowed by the United Nations. Guaido said opposition sympathizers should take to the streets on Wednesday to pass out copies of a pamphlet proposing amnesty that would give some legal protection to members of the military in hopes they will turn against Maduro. "We must remain united as active agents of change in every corner of the country," Guaido tweeted on Monday. "We're doing well, very well, Venezuela!" On Sunday, Israel and Australia joined countries backing the 35-year-old Guaido, and US President Donald Trump said his government had accepted Venezuelan opposition figure Carlos Alfredo Vecchio as a diplomatic representative to the United States. Guaido took advantage of a major street demonstration on January 23 to swear himself in as the country's rightful leader, accusing Maduro of usurping power following a disputed 2018 re-election that countries around the world described as a fraud. Guaido is asking for help in getting control of the Venezuelan government's offshore assets. In recent days, he urged British Prime Minister Theresa May and Bank of England Governor Mark Carney to block Maduro's government from collecting more than $1 billion in gold held by the Bank of England. Venezuela's once-buoyant socialist economic system has imploded from corruption and mismanagement since the collapse of world oil prices in 2014, pushing inflation to almost 2 million per cent and driving millions of Venezuelans to neighbouring countries. Maduro says his government is the victim of an "economic war" led by his political adversaries with the help of Washington, which has levied several rounds of sanctions against the country since 2017.

Venezuela's Guaido calls for new protests as pressure on Maduro rises

China opposes outside interference in Venezuela's internal affairs, calling upon all relevant parties to contribute more to the South American country's stability, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said on Monday.

Geng's comment came after a United Nations Security Council emergency meeting was held Saturday on the situation in Venezuela, in which US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo participated and criticized Russia and China for blocking a US push for a UN Security Council statement.

Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido declared himself interim president on Wednesday, winning backing from Washington and parts of Latin America and promoting incumbent President Nicolas Maduro to break off diplomatic ties with the United States.

"China has been following closely the current situation in Venezuela. China supports the efforts made by the Venezuelan government to uphold national sovereignty, independence and stability, maintains that all countries should abide by the tenets and principles of the UN Charter, opposes external interference in Venezuela's affairs and opposes interference in each other's internal affairs. Venezuela's affairs must and can only be chosen and decided by the Venezuelan people themselves," Geng said.

"We hope all parties can contribute more to Venezuela's stability, to improving the Venezuelan people's livelihood and maintaining international law and the basic norms governing international relations," he added.

China opposes outside interference in Venezuela's internal affairs, calling upon all relevant parties to contribute more to the South American country's stability, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said on Monday.

China opposes outside interference in Venezuela's internal affairs, calling upon all relevant parties to contribute more to the South American country's stability, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said on Monday. Geng's comment came after a United Nations Security Council emergency meeting was held Saturday on the situation in Venezuela, in which US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo participated and criticized Russia and China for blocking a US push for a UN Security Council statement. Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido declared himself interim president on Wednesday, winning backing from Washington and parts of Latin America and promoting incumbent President Nicolas Maduro to break off diplomatic ties with the United States. "China has been following closely the current situation in Venezuela. China supports the efforts made by the Venezuelan government to uphold national sovereignty, independence and stability, maintains that all countries should abide by the tenets and principles of the UN Charter, opposes external interference in Venezuela's affairs and opposes interference in each other's internal affairs. Venezuela's affairs must and can only be chosen and decided by the Venezuelan people themselves," Geng said. "We hope all parties can contribute more to Venezuela's stability, to improving the Venezuelan people's livelihood and maintaining international law and the basic norms governing international relations," he added.

China opposes outside interference in Venezuela's internal affairs

Venezuela's embattled President Nicolas Maduro rejected an international ultimatum to call elections within eight days and said opposition leader Juan Guaido had violated the country's constitution by declaring himself leader.

Maduro, in an interview with CNN Turk aired on Sunday, also said he was open to dialogue and that meeting US President Donald Trump was improbable but not impossible. The broadcaster dubbed the interview from Spanish into Turkish.

Washington, which has recognised Guaido as leader, had on Saturday urged the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-calls-on-world-to-pick-a-side-on-venezuela-europeans-set-to-recognize-guaido-193131">world to "pick a side" on Venezuela</a> and financially disconnect from Maduro's government.

Venezuela has sunk into turmoil under Maduro with food shortages and protests amid an economic and political crisis that has sparked mass emigration and inflation that is seen rising to 10 million per cent this year.

Britain, Germany, France and Spain all said they would recognize Guaido if Maduro failed to call fresh elections within eight days, an ultimatum Russia said was "absurd" and the Venezuelan foreign minister called "childlike."

Washington, Canada most Latin American nations and many European states have labelled Maduro's second-term election win last May fraudulent.

Maduro retains the loyalty of the armed forces, though Venezuela's top military envoy to the United States on Saturday defected to Guaido.

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan had voiced his support for Maduro in a phone call on Thursday.

Venezuela's embattled President Nicolas Maduro rejected an international ultimatum to call elections within eight days and said opposition leader Juan Guaido had violated the country's constitution by declaring himself leader.

Venezuela's embattled President Nicolas Maduro rejected an international ultimatum to call elections within eight days and said opposition leader Juan Guaido had violated the country's constitution by declaring himself leader. Maduro, in an interview with CNN Turk aired on Sunday, also said he was open to dialogue and that meeting US President Donald Trump was improbable but not impossible. The broadcaster dubbed the interview from Spanish into Turkish. Washington, which has recognised Guaido as leader, had on Saturday urged the world to "pick a side" on Venezuela and financially disconnect from Maduro's government. Venezuela has sunk into turmoil under Maduro with food shortages and protests amid an economic and political crisis that has sparked mass emigration and inflation that is seen rising to 10 million per cent this year. Britain, Germany, France and Spain all said they would recognize Guaido if Maduro failed to call fresh elections within eight days, an ultimatum Russia said was "absurd" and the Venezuelan foreign minister called "childlike." Washington, Canada most Latin American nations and many European states have labelled Maduro's second-term election win last May fraudulent. Maduro retains the loyalty of the armed forces, though Venezuela's top military envoy to the United States on Saturday defected to Guaido. Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan had voiced his support for Maduro in a phone call on Thursday.

Venezuela's Maduro rejects European demands for new election but says 'open to dialogue'

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-military-attache-to-us-urges-army-to-back-maduro-opponent-193034">Venezuela military attache to </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-military-attache-to-us-urges-army-to-back-maduro-opponent-193034">US</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-military-attache-to-us-urges-army-to-back-maduro-opponent-193034"> urges </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-military-attache-to-us-urges-army-to-back-maduro-opponent-193034">army</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-military-attache-to-us-urges-army-to-back-maduro-opponent-193034"> to back Maduro opponent</a>

Venezuela's military attache to Washington broke ranks with Nicolas Maduro on Saturday, urging his "brothers in the military" to back the head of the National Assembly Juan Guaido as interim president, he told AFP.

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/pope-francis-says-church-hasnt-known-how-to-listen-193036">On sex abuse scandals, Pope says Catholic Church 'wounded by sin'</a>

Pope Francis acknowledged Saturday that the Catholic Church was "wounded by sin" in a message addressed to priests and seminarians reeling from sexual abuse scandals and coverups.

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-asia-bibis-lawyer-returns-to-pakistan-to-aid-in-appeal-193043">Asia Bibi's lawyer returns to Pakistan to 'hopefully assist client for last time'</a>

The Pakistani lawyer of a Christian woman acquitted of blasphemy jetted out of the Netherlands Saturday to "hopefully assist his client for the last time" in a Pakistani court hearing, a Dutch MP said.&nbsp;

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-narendra-modi-to-address-nation-in-first-mann-ki-baat-of-2019-193050">PM Narendra Modi to address </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-narendra-modi-to-address-nation-in-first-mann-ki-baat-of-2019-193050">nation</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-narendra-modi-to-address-nation-in-first-mann-ki-baat-of-2019-193050"> in first 'Mann Ki Baat' of 2019</a>

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is all set to address the nation in the 52nd episode of his “Mann Ki Baat” radio programme on Sunday.&nbsp;

The radio podcast, his first of 2019, will be broadcast&nbsp;on All India Radio (AIR) and Doordarshan at 11 am.&nbsp;

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/banksy-artwork-stolen-from-bataclan-music-hall-in-paris-193052">Banksy artwork </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/banksy-artwork-stolen-from-bataclan-music-hall-in-paris-193052">stolen</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/banksy-artwork-stolen-from-bataclan-music-hall-in-paris-193052"> from Bataclan music hall in Paris</a>

An artwork by the British artist Banksy has been stolen from the Bataclan music hall in Paris.&nbsp;

The mural — which depicted a young girl with a mournful expression — had been painted onto one of the Bataclan's emergency doors. It was cut out.&nbsp;

Venezuela military attache to US urges army to back Maduro opponent Venezuela's military attache to Washington broke ranks with Nicolas Maduro on Saturday, urging his "brothers in the military" to back the head of the National Assembly Juan Guaido as interim president, he told AFP.

Venezuela military attache to US urges army to back Maduro opponent Venezuela's military attache to Washington broke ranks with Nicolas Maduro on Saturday, urging his "brothers in the military" to back the head of the National Assembly Juan Guaido as interim president, he told AFP. On sex abuse scandals, Pope says Catholic Church 'wounded by sin' Pope Francis acknowledged Saturday that the Catholic Church was "wounded by sin" in a message addressed to priests and seminarians reeling from sexual abuse scandals and coverups. Asia Bibi's lawyer returns to Pakistan to 'hopefully assist client for last time' The Pakistani lawyer of a Christian woman acquitted of blasphemy jetted out of the Netherlands Saturday to "hopefully assist his client for the last time" in a Pakistani court hearing, a Dutch MP said. PM Narendra Modi to address nation in first 'Mann Ki Baat' of 2019 Prime Minister Narendra Modi is all set to address the nation in the 52nd episode of his “Mann Ki Baat” radio programme on Sunday. The radio podcast, his first of 2019, will be broadcast on All India Radio (AIR) and Doordarshan at 11 am. Banksy artwork stolen from Bataclan music hall in Paris An artwork by the British artist Banksy has been stolen from the Bataclan music hall in Paris. The mural — which depicted a young girl with a mournful expression — had been painted onto one of the Bataclan's emergency doors. It was cut out.

Venezuela's military attache to Washington broke ranks with Nicolas Maduro on Saturday, urging his "brothers in the military" to back the head of the National Assembly <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-opposition-leader-cranks-up-pressure-on-maduro-192958">Juan </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-opposition-leader-cranks-up-pressure-on-maduro-192958">Guaido</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-opposition-leader-cranks-up-pressure-on-maduro-192958"> as interim president</a>, he told AFP.

"This defence attache does not recognise Nicolas Maduro as president, considering him a usurper, and recognises Juan Guaido as the legitimate interim president," Colonel Jose Luis Silva said.

"This position is consistent with the constitution and laws of Venezuela and I call upon my brothers in the military to join in supporting Guaido."

Venezuela's military attache to Washington broke ranks with Nicolas Maduro on Saturday, urging his "brothers in the military" to back the head of the National Assembly Juan Guaido as interim president, he told AFP.

Venezuela's military attache to Washington broke ranks with Nicolas Maduro on Saturday, urging his "brothers in the military" to back the head of the National Assembly Juan Guaido as interim president, he told AFP. "This defence attache does not recognise Nicolas Maduro as president, considering him a usurper, and recognises Juan Guaido as the legitimate interim president," Colonel Jose Luis Silva said. "This position is consistent with the constitution and laws of Venezuela and I call upon my brothers in the military to join in supporting Guaido."

Venezuela military attache to US urges army to back Maduro opponent

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