Cubans began voting in a referendum on a new constitution Sunday with the backdrop of mounting pressure from the United States and continued support for the socialist regime of Venezuela.

"We Cubans are voting for our new constitution, we're voting for Latin America and the Caribbean," said President Miguel Diaz-Canel said when placing his vote.

"We're also voting for Venezuela, we're defending Venezuela because in Venezuela the continent's dignity is in play."

More than eight million Cubans are registered to vote in a referendum the government has turned into a plebiscite on the "irrevocable" role of socialism in the island nation.

Some 25,000 electoral colleges opened their doors at 7:00 am on a calm day. Results are expected on Monday afternoon.

Diaz-Canel hit out at the presidents of Colombia, Chile and Paraguay for joining Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido Saturday when he led an attempt to force humanitarian aid across the Colombian border into Venezuela.

"A group of presidents on the Colombian border, they look like clowns," said Diaz-Canel.

Cuba has been trying to galvanize international support for its ally and against "United States military aggression."

Maduro claims the humanitarian aid, mostly supplied by Washington, is a smokescreen for a US invasion.

"Today we're going to have a victory that is ours, that is Latin America's and Caribbean's and also a victory for Venezuela, important support for Venezuela," said Diaz-Canel.

Cuba's vote comes after the latest attack on socialism by US President Donald Trump, who last week said socialist ideology is "dying."

But analyst Carlos Alzugaray told AFP that Trump's words served only to boost those voting in favour of the new constitution, which reiterates the central role of socialism and communism in the country.

"Many people, seeing his quotes, will vote yes because they want to defend their independence against the US threat," said Alzugaray.

The new constitution, replacing the 1976 version, recognizes a limited role for the free market and private investment, but only under the control of the Communist Party.

It enshrines socialism as the country's only ideology, something that has been criticized by the Catholic church.

Cuba's banned opposition, which normally calls for the abstention at elections or spoiling of ballot sheets, has this time campaigned for a no vote.

"It is obvious that this goes beyond a no to a constitution, it's a no to a regime which aims to perpetuate itself in power," dissident Jose Daniel Ferrer told AFP.

The referendum contains only two options: yes or no to the new constitution.

"Two options, one which favours the regime and the other which represents the only opportunity the people have had in years to say no," added Ferrer.

Cubans began voting in a referendum on a new constitution Sunday with the backdrop of mounting pressure from the United States and continued support for the socialist regime of Venezuela.

Cubans began voting in a referendum on a new constitution Sunday with the backdrop of mounting pressure from the United States and continued support for the socialist regime of Venezuela. "We Cubans are voting for our new constitution, we're voting for Latin America and the Caribbean," said President Miguel Diaz-Canel said when placing his vote. "We're also voting for Venezuela, we're defending Venezuela because in Venezuela the continent's dignity is in play." More than eight million Cubans are registered to vote in a referendum the government has turned into a plebiscite on the "irrevocable" role of socialism in the island nation. Some 25,000 electoral colleges opened their doors at 7:00 am on a calm day. Results are expected on Monday afternoon. Diaz-Canel hit out at the presidents of Colombia, Chile and Paraguay for joining Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido Saturday when he led an attempt to force humanitarian aid across the Colombian border into Venezuela. "A group of presidents on the Colombian border, they look like clowns," said Diaz-Canel. Cuba has been trying to galvanize international support for its ally and against "United States military aggression." Maduro claims the humanitarian aid, mostly supplied by Washington, is a smokescreen for a US invasion. "Today we're going to have a victory that is ours, that is Latin America's and Caribbean's and also a victory for Venezuela, important support for Venezuela," said Diaz-Canel. Cuba's vote comes after the latest attack on socialism by US President Donald Trump, who last week said socialist ideology is "dying." But analyst Carlos Alzugaray told AFP that Trump's words served only to boost those voting in favour of the new constitution, which reiterates the central role of socialism and communism in the country. "Many people, seeing his quotes, will vote yes because they want to defend their independence against the US threat," said Alzugaray. The new constitution, replacing the 1976 version, recognizes a limited role for the free market and private investment, but only under the control of the Communist Party. It enshrines socialism as the country's only ideology, something that has been criticized by the Catholic church. Cuba's banned opposition, which normally calls for the abstention at elections or spoiling of ballot sheets, has this time campaigned for a no vote. "It is obvious that this goes beyond a no to a constitution, it's a no to a regime which aims to perpetuate itself in power," dissident Jose Daniel Ferrer told AFP. The referendum contains only two options: yes or no to the new constitution. "Two options, one which favours the regime and the other which represents the only opportunity the people have had in years to say no," added Ferrer.

Cuba votes in referendum on new constitution

Troops loyal to President Nicolas Maduro violently drove back foreign aid convoys from Venezuela's border on Saturday, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/4-people-reported-slain-on-venezuela-brazil-border-199341">killing four protesters</a> and prompting opposition leader Juan Guaido to propose that Washington consider "all options" to oust him.

Trucks laden with US food and medicine returned to warehouses in Colombia after <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/two-killed-as-venezuela-aid-showdown-turns-violent-199226">opposition supporters failed to break through lines of troops</a>, who dispersed them with tear gas and rubber rounds, injuring dozens. Witnesses said masked men in civilian clothes also shot at protesters with live bullets.

"Today's events force me to make a decision, to formally propose to the international community that we must have all options open to secure the freedom of our country," Guaido said on Twitter.

The <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-crisis-us-will-take-action-says-mike-pompeo-199230">United States has been the top foreign backer of Guaido</a>, who invoked Venezuela's constitution to assume an interim presidency last month and is now recognised by most Western nations as the OPEC nation's legitimate leader.

President Donald Trump has in the past said military intervention in Venezuela was "an option", though Guaido made no reference to it on Saturday.

Guaido had given a personal send-off to one convoy carrying aid from the Colombian city of Cucuta on Saturday.

The opposition had hoped Venezuelan soldiers would baulk at turning back supplies desperately needed in the country, where a growing number of its 30 million people suffer from malnutrition and treatable diseases.

But while some 60 members of the security forces defected on Saturday, according to Colombian authorities, the lines of National Guard soldiers at the frontier crossings held firm, firing tear gas at the convoys.

At the Urena border point, two aid trucks caught fire, sending plumes of dark smoke into the air as crowds raced to try to save the boxes of supplies, a Reuters witness said.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/aid-shipment-enters-venezuela-via-brazil-border-juan-guaido-199213">Guaido said he would keep demanding Maduro let the aid in</a> and would seek other routes. He said he would attend a meeting of the regional Lima Group of nations in Bogota on Monday with US Vice President Mike Pence during which they would decide more actions to ramp up pressure on Maduro.

"Today the world saw in minutes, in hours, the worst face of the Venezuelan dictatorship," Guaido said at an earlier news conference in Colombia, alongside Colombian President Ivan Duque.

Angered by Duque's support for Guaido, Maduro said he was breaking diplomatic relations with Bogota and gave its diplomatic staff 24 hours to leave the country.

Maduro denies his oil-rich nation has any need of aid and accuses Guaido of being a coup-mongering puppet for US President Donald Trump. Washington has warned it could seek to impose tough new sanctions on Venezuela at Monday's summit if Maduro blocked the aid shipments.

"What do the Venezuelan people think of Donald Trump's threats? Get your hands off Venezuela. Yankee go home," Maduro told a rally of red-shirted, flag-waving supporters in the capital, Caracas. "He is sending us rotten food, thank you!"

Trump's national security adviser John Bolton said on Twitter that countries still supporting Maduro "should take note of what they are endorsing", in a thinly veiled rebuke to China and Russia.

'Freedom'

In the Venezuelan border towns of San Antonio and Urena, troops fired rubber rounds at opposition supporters, including lawmakers, who walked toward the frontier waving Venezuelan flags and chanting "Freedom".

Reuters television images from San Antonio showed a dozen men on motorbikes, dressed in black and wearing balaclavas, firing shotguns and pistols at a crowd.

Demonstrators in Urena barricaded streets with burning tires, set a bus alight and hurled stones at troops to demand that Maduro allow aid into a country ravaged by a meltdown that has halved the size of the economy in five years.

"They started shooting at close range as if we were criminals," said shopkeeper Vladimir Gomez, 27, wearing a white shirt stained with blood.

At least six of about a dozen trucks that tried to reach Venezuela later returned to Cucuta, where Colombia's disaster management agency said they would be unloaded and the aid stored until Guaido requested their use again.

Puerto Rico Governor Ricardo Rossello said he ordered a Puerto Rican ship carrying humanitarian aid to turn back after a Venezuelan navy ship threatened to open fire on it.

"This is unacceptable and shameful," Rossello said in a statement. "We have also notified our partners in the US government about this serious incident."

A Reuters witness said two aid trucks crossed the Brazilian border but not the Venezuelan customs checkpoint.

In the southern town of Santa Elena de Uairen, at least two people were killed in clashes with security forces, according to a doctor at the hospital where they were treated. On Friday, a married couple in a nearby indigenous community was shot dead by security forces.

Rights group Penal Forum said it recorded 29 injuries from bullet wounds and two deaths across Venezuela in clashes with troops on Saturday. Colombian authorities said they registered 285 people injured, including those affected by tear gas.

"I'm a homemaker and I'm here fighting for my family, for my children and parents, resisting the military's tear gas," said opposition protester Sobeida Monsalve, 42, in Urena.

Dozens defect

Guaido had appealed to Venezuela's armed forces to stand aside and allow aid in, promising amnesty to officers who disavowed Maduro. Dozens of soldiers, whose families suffer the same shortages as other Venezuelans, took up his offer.

"You don't owe any obedience to someone who sadistically celebrates that the humanitarian aid doesn't enter a country that needs it," Guaido said.

A social media video showed troops who abandoned their post driving armoured vehicles across a bridge linking Venezuela and Colombia, knocking over metal barricades, and then jumping out of the vehicles and running to the Colombian side.

"What we did today, we did for our families, for the Venezuelan people," one of the defectors said in a video televised by a Colombian news program.

Venezuela's ruling Socialist Party calls Guaido's aid effort a veiled invasion backed by Washington and insists that the United States should instead help Venezuela by lifting crippling financial and oil sector sanctions.

On Saturday, Maduro turned his ire on Colombia and said Duque was letting its territory be used for attacks against Venezuela.

"For that reason, I have decided to break all political and diplomatic relations with Colombia's fascist government," he told cheering supporters.

Thousands of white-clad protesters gathered outside a military base in Caracas to demand that the armed forces allow in the aid.

"This is the biggest battle that the armed forces can win," said Sheyla Salas, 48, who works in advertising. "Please join this struggle, get on the right side of history, allow the humanitarian aid to enter."

Troops loyal to President Nicolas Maduro violently drove back foreign aid convoys from Venezuela's border on Saturday, killing four protesters and prompting opposition leader Juan Guaido to propose that Washington consider "all options" to oust him.

Troops loyal to President Nicolas Maduro violently drove back foreign aid convoys from Venezuela's border on Saturday, killing four protesters and prompting opposition leader Juan Guaido to propose that Washington consider "all options" to oust him. Trucks laden with US food and medicine returned to warehouses in Colombia after opposition supporters failed to break through lines of troops, who dispersed them with tear gas and rubber rounds, injuring dozens. Witnesses said masked men in civilian clothes also shot at protesters with live bullets. "Today's events force me to make a decision, to formally propose to the international community that we must have all options open to secure the freedom of our country," Guaido said on Twitter. The United States has been the top foreign backer of Guaido, who invoked Venezuela's constitution to assume an interim presidency last month and is now recognised by most Western nations as the OPEC nation's legitimate leader. President Donald Trump has in the past said military intervention in Venezuela was "an option", though Guaido made no reference to it on Saturday. Guaido had given a personal send-off to one convoy carrying aid from the Colombian city of Cucuta on Saturday. The opposition had hoped Venezuelan soldiers would baulk at turning back supplies desperately needed in the country, where a growing number of its 30 million people suffer from malnutrition and treatable diseases. But while some 60 members of the security forces defected on Saturday, according to Colombian authorities, the lines of National Guard soldiers at the frontier crossings held firm, firing tear gas at the convoys. At the Urena border point, two aid trucks caught fire, sending plumes of dark smoke into the air as crowds raced to try to save the boxes of supplies, a Reuters witness said. Guaido said he would keep demanding Maduro let the aid in and would seek other routes. He said he would attend a meeting of the regional Lima Group of nations in Bogota on Monday with US Vice President Mike Pence during which they would decide more actions to ramp up pressure on Maduro. "Today the world saw in minutes, in hours, the worst face of the Venezuelan dictatorship," Guaido said at an earlier news conference in Colombia, alongside Colombian President Ivan Duque. Angered by Duque's support for Guaido, Maduro said he was breaking diplomatic relations with Bogota and gave its diplomatic staff 24 hours to leave the country. Maduro denies his oil-rich nation has any need of aid and accuses Guaido of being a coup-mongering puppet for US President Donald Trump. Washington has warned it could seek to impose tough new sanctions on Venezuela at Monday's summit if Maduro blocked the aid shipments. "What do the Venezuelan people think of Donald Trump's threats? Get your hands off Venezuela. Yankee go home," Maduro told a rally of red-shirted, flag-waving supporters in the capital, Caracas. "He is sending us rotten food, thank you!" Trump's national security adviser John Bolton said on Twitter that countries still supporting Maduro "should take note of what they are endorsing", in a thinly veiled rebuke to China and Russia. 'Freedom' In the Venezuelan border towns of San Antonio and Urena, troops fired rubber rounds at opposition supporters, including lawmakers, who walked toward the frontier waving Venezuelan flags and chanting "Freedom". Reuters television images from San Antonio showed a dozen men on motorbikes, dressed in black and wearing balaclavas, firing shotguns and pistols at a crowd. Demonstrators in Urena barricaded streets with burning tires, set a bus alight and hurled stones at troops to demand that Maduro allow aid into a country ravaged by a meltdown that has halved the size of the economy in five years. "They started shooting at close range as if we were criminals," said shopkeeper Vladimir Gomez, 27, wearing a white shirt stained with blood. At least six of about a dozen trucks that tried to reach Venezuela later returned to Cucuta, where Colombia's disaster management agency said they would be unloaded and the aid stored until Guaido requested their use again. Puerto Rico Governor Ricardo Rossello said he ordered a Puerto Rican ship carrying humanitarian aid to turn back after a Venezuelan navy ship threatened to open fire on it. "This is unacceptable and shameful," Rossello said in a statement. "We have also notified our partners in the US government about this serious incident." A Reuters witness said two aid trucks crossed the Brazilian border but not the Venezuelan customs checkpoint. In the southern town of Santa Elena de Uairen, at least two people were killed in clashes with security forces, according to a doctor at the hospital where they were treated. On Friday, a married couple in a nearby indigenous community was shot dead by security forces. Rights group Penal Forum said it recorded 29 injuries from bullet wounds and two deaths across Venezuela in clashes with troops on Saturday. Colombian authorities said they registered 285 people injured, including those affected by tear gas. "I'm a homemaker and I'm here fighting for my family, for my children and parents, resisting the military's tear gas," said opposition protester Sobeida Monsalve, 42, in Urena. Dozens defect Guaido had appealed to Venezuela's armed forces to stand aside and allow aid in, promising amnesty to officers who disavowed Maduro. Dozens of soldiers, whose families suffer the same shortages as other Venezuelans, took up his offer. "You don't owe any obedience to someone who sadistically celebrates that the humanitarian aid doesn't enter a country that needs it," Guaido said. A social media video showed troops who abandoned their post driving armoured vehicles across a bridge linking Venezuela and Colombia, knocking over metal barricades, and then jumping out of the vehicles and running to the Colombian side. "What we did today, we did for our families, for the Venezuelan people," one of the defectors said in a video televised by a Colombian news program. Venezuela's ruling Socialist Party calls Guaido's aid effort a veiled invasion backed by Washington and insists that the United States should instead help Venezuela by lifting crippling financial and oil sector sanctions. On Saturday, Maduro turned his ire on Colombia and said Duque was letting its territory be used for attacks against Venezuela. "For that reason, I have decided to break all political and diplomatic relations with Colombia's fascist government," he told cheering supporters. Thousands of white-clad protesters gathered outside a military base in Caracas to demand that the armed forces allow in the aid. "This is the biggest battle that the armed forces can win," said Sheyla Salas, 48, who works in advertising. "Please join this struggle, get on the right side of history, allow the humanitarian aid to enter."

Venezuela: Guaido urges Washington to consider 'all options' to oust Maduro as 4 die in clashes

The Venezuelan Congress with its opposition majority reported this Saturday that by 4:00 pm, four people had been slain while more than 20 suffered bullet wounds on Venezuela's border with Brazil, as the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/two-killed-as-venezuela-aid-showdown-turns-violent-199226">arrival of truckloads of humanitarian aid</a>, forbidden to enter the country by the Maduro government, stirred up conflict there.

"What happened on the border with Brazil wasn't ordinary repression...what occurred in the Venezuelan town of Santa Elena de Uairen was a massacre of the indigenous Pemon people, in which we know of four people killed and more than 20 with bullet wounds," lawmaker Juan Andres Mejia told a press conference.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-crisis-us-will-take-action-says-mike-pompeo-199230">US 'will take action', says Mike Pompeo</a>

This came soon after the speaker of the Venezuelan National Assembly, Juan Guaido, who a month ago proclaimed himself interim president of the country, said that the first of two truckloads of humanitarian aid from Brazil had entered Venezuelan territory, despite the Nicolas Maduro government's order to close the border.

The triumph proved to be short-lived, however, when around 50 anti-Chavista demonstrators on the border began throwing Molotov cocktails and rocks at a checkpoint of the Bolivarian National Guard (GNB), Venezuela's militarized police. Considering the conflict, the two trucks loaded with humanitarian aid retreated some distance back into Brazil.

As for Colombia, the other nation preparing to send humanitarian aid to the beleaguered Caribbean country, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro announced Saturday that he is breaking off all political and diplomatic ties with the Colombian government, and gave Colombian officials 24 hours to get out of the country.

"My patience is exhausted, I can no longer bear it that the territory of Colombia lends itself to aggression against Venezuela, so I have decided to break off all political and diplomatic relations with the fascist government of Colombia," Maduro told the hundreds of his supporters who were out marching "in defense of the revolution."

He cried out that Colombian "ambassadors and consuls must leave Venezuela within 24 hours," and added, "oligarchy, get out...enough is enough." 
Though Maduro has closed the borders with Brazil and Colombia to keep out the humanitarian aid, not all members of the Bolivarian National Guard and police forces can be relied on to do his bidding.

"Today more than 60 unarmed members of the military, including several officers, have sought refuge in Colombia, showing the loss of confidence in Maduro's usurper regime," Colombian Foreign Minister Carlos Holmes Trujillo told a press conference in Cucuta.

Meanwhile, opposition leader Juan Guaido expressed his gratitude this Saturday for the "backing of the international community" after two trucks loaded with humanitarian aid were set on fire on the Colombian border, and noted that this was a "crime against humanity."

Those two trucks loaded with humanitarian aid, ordered by the opposition, were burned Saturday by the Bolivarian National Police on the Venezuelan side of the Francisco de Paula Santander Bridge, which connects the country with Colombia, Venezuelan opposition lawmaker Gaby Arellano reported earlier.

In response, Guaido posted on his Twitter account that "we continue to receive the support of the international community, which has seen with its own eyes how the usurper regime violates the Geneva Convention, which clearly states that destroying humanitarian aid is a crime against humanity."

Guaido has been accepted as interim president by 50 nations including the United States and Brazil.

Brazilian Foreign Minister Ernesto Araujo said this Saturday in a statement to EFE that Maduro "has no real power...nor has he any moral power, the only power he has is brute force."

On Friday the "Venezuela Aid Live" concert was held in Cucuta with the participation of 30 local and international artists to hail the arrival of humanitarian aid, and at which Guaido made a key appearance a month after proclaiming himself the interim president of Venezuela.

The Venezuelan Congress with its opposition majority reported this Saturday that by 4:00 pm, four people had been slain while more than 20 suffered bullet wounds on Venezuela's border with Brazil, as the arrival of truckloads of humanitarian aid, forbidden to enter the country by the Maduro government, stirred up conflict there.

The Venezuelan Congress with its opposition majority reported this Saturday that by 4:00 pm, four people had been slain while more than 20 suffered bullet wounds on Venezuela's border with Brazil, as the arrival of truckloads of humanitarian aid, forbidden to enter the country by the Maduro government, stirred up conflict there. "What happened on the border with Brazil wasn't ordinary repression...what occurred in the Venezuelan town of Santa Elena de Uairen was a massacre of the indigenous Pemon people, in which we know of four people killed and more than 20 with bullet wounds," lawmaker Juan Andres Mejia told a press conference. Also read: US 'will take action', says Mike Pompeo This came soon after the speaker of the Venezuelan National Assembly, Juan Guaido, who a month ago proclaimed himself interim president of the country, said that the first of two truckloads of humanitarian aid from Brazil had entered Venezuelan territory, despite the Nicolas Maduro government's order to close the border. The triumph proved to be short-lived, however, when around 50 anti-Chavista demonstrators on the border began throwing Molotov cocktails and rocks at a checkpoint of the Bolivarian National Guard (GNB), Venezuela's militarized police. Considering the conflict, the two trucks loaded with humanitarian aid retreated some distance back into Brazil. As for Colombia, the other nation preparing to send humanitarian aid to the beleaguered Caribbean country, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro announced Saturday that he is breaking off all political and diplomatic ties with the Colombian government, and gave Colombian officials 24 hours to get out of the country. "My patience is exhausted, I can no longer bear it that the territory of Colombia lends itself to aggression against Venezuela, so I have decided to break off all political and diplomatic relations with the fascist government of Colombia," Maduro told the hundreds of his supporters who were out marching "in defense of the revolution." He cried out that Colombian "ambassadors and consuls must leave Venezuela within 24 hours," and added, "oligarchy, get out...enough is enough." Though Maduro has closed the borders with Brazil and Colombia to keep out the humanitarian aid, not all members of the Bolivarian National Guard and police forces can be relied on to do his bidding. "Today more than 60 unarmed members of the military, including several officers, have sought refuge in Colombia, showing the loss of confidence in Maduro's usurper regime," Colombian Foreign Minister Carlos Holmes Trujillo told a press conference in Cucuta. Meanwhile, opposition leader Juan Guaido expressed his gratitude this Saturday for the "backing of the international community" after two trucks loaded with humanitarian aid were set on fire on the Colombian border, and noted that this was a "crime against humanity." Those two trucks loaded with humanitarian aid, ordered by the opposition, were burned Saturday by the Bolivarian National Police on the Venezuelan side of the Francisco de Paula Santander Bridge, which connects the country with Colombia, Venezuelan opposition lawmaker Gaby Arellano reported earlier. In response, Guaido posted on his Twitter account that "we continue to receive the support of the international community, which has seen with its own eyes how the usurper regime violates the Geneva Convention, which clearly states that destroying humanitarian aid is a crime against humanity." Guaido has been accepted as interim president by 50 nations including the United States and Brazil. Brazilian Foreign Minister Ernesto Araujo said this Saturday in a statement to EFE that Maduro "has no real power...nor has he any moral power, the only power he has is brute force." On Friday the "Venezuela Aid Live" concert was held in Cucuta with the participation of 30 local and international artists to hail the arrival of humanitarian aid, and at which Guaido made a key appearance a month after proclaiming himself the interim president of Venezuela.

4 People reported slain on Venezuela-Brazil border

Russia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Friday accused the United States and its NATO allies of discussing how to arm the opposition in Venezuela and alleged Washington was deploying special forces and equipment near the South American nation.

Moscow said it had information to back its assertion but did not reveal it or say what it was.

Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said a US&nbsp;humanitarian aid convoy for Venezuela could provoke clashes and create a pretext for removing President Nicolas Maduro, a staunch Russian ally, by force.

A senior US&nbsp;administration official called the assertion a "senseless accusation" distributed by Russia as "propaganda."

"There’s no truth to that," the official told reporters, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Russia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Friday accused the United States and its NATO allies of discussing how to arm the opposition in Venezuela and alleged Washington was deploying special forces and equipment near the South American nation.

Russia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Friday accused the United States and its NATO allies of discussing how to arm the opposition in Venezuela and alleged Washington was deploying special forces and equipment near the South American nation. Moscow said it had information to back its assertion but did not reveal it or say what it was. Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said a US humanitarian aid convoy for Venezuela could provoke clashes and create a pretext for removing President Nicolas Maduro, a staunch Russian ally, by force. A senior US administration official called the assertion a "senseless accusation" distributed by Russia as "propaganda." "There’s no truth to that," the official told reporters, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Russia accuses US of planning to arm opposition in Venezuela

The US&nbsp;government could announce new sanctions to pressure Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro as early as next week unless his military defies orders to block convoys of humanitarian aid planned for this weekend, a senior administration official said on Friday.

US&nbsp;Vice President Mike Pence and other leaders in the Western Hemisphere will meet in Bogota on Monday. Depending on what happens on Venezuela's borders over the weekend, the leaders could dramatically boost aid pledges to the country - or take new steps to crack down, the official told reporters.

"If there is any type of violence, or if there is any type of negative reaction from the hierarchy of the Venezuela armed forces, there may also be measures that are announced by the vice president and other countries in regards to closing even further the international financial circle," the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

In a sign of the importance of the issue to the White House, President Donald Trump's top national security adviser John Bolton canceled a weekend trip to South Korea to talk to allies ahead of a summit next week on North Korea's nuclear talks.

Bolton wanted to monitor the unfolding developments in Venezuela, his spokesman Garrett Marquis said.

Pence will lead the US&nbsp;delegation to the meeting of the Lima Group regional bloc, and so far has an "open script" for what he will propose, the official said.

"He has the carrots, but he's also ready with the sticks for those that promote or execute violence," the official said. "That will be announced not only by the United States, but by the rest of the region's democracies."

The United States has stockpiled aid on Colombia's border with Venezuela at the request of opposition leader Juan Guaido, whom Washington and other dozens of other Western governments have recognized as Venezuela's legitimate president since Maduro held elections last year decried as fraudulent.

Despite shortages of food and medicine, Maduro has denied there is a crisis in the country, and says the aid is aimed at undermining his government. He has ordered some of the country's borders closed to keep the aid from entering.

Tensions are running high and <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/un-chief-warns-venezuela-against-lethal-force-on-protesters-199058">there has been some violence</a>. Soldiers killed two people and injured 15 near the border with Brazil on Friday, witnesses said.

The Trump administration last month slapped sanctions on state-owned oil company Petroleos de Venezuela PDVSA.UL, known as PDVSA, to cut Maduro off from his government's main source of revenues.

The administration official declined to comment on future sanctions, but said the United States and other allies are looking at ways to expel family members of Venezuelan military officials who are living outside the country - including some in south Florida.

"They're going to face a situation where they and their families are going to have to go back to Venezuela," he said.

The US&nbsp;official described the aid convoys as a key test for the Venezuelan military as its leaders weigh whether to obey Maduro or Guaido, who has asked the military to let it pass.

"It's really the first order he gives to them as their commander in chief," the US&nbsp;official added. 
&nbsp;

The US government could announce new sanctions to pressure Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro as early as next week unless his military defies orders to block convoys of humanitarian aid planned for this weekend, a senior administration official said on Friday.

The US government could announce new sanctions to pressure Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro as early as next week unless his military defies orders to block convoys of humanitarian aid planned for this weekend, a senior administration official said on Friday. US Vice President Mike Pence and other leaders in the Western Hemisphere will meet in Bogota on Monday. Depending on what happens on Venezuela's borders over the weekend, the leaders could dramatically boost aid pledges to the country - or take new steps to crack down, the official told reporters. "If there is any type of violence, or if there is any type of negative reaction from the hierarchy of the Venezuela armed forces, there may also be measures that are announced by the vice president and other countries in regards to closing even further the international financial circle," the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity. In a sign of the importance of the issue to the White House, President Donald Trump's top national security adviser John Bolton canceled a weekend trip to South Korea to talk to allies ahead of a summit next week on North Korea's nuclear talks. Bolton wanted to monitor the unfolding developments in Venezuela, his spokesman Garrett Marquis said. Pence will lead the US delegation to the meeting of the Lima Group regional bloc, and so far has an "open script" for what he will propose, the official said. "He has the carrots, but he's also ready with the sticks for those that promote or execute violence," the official said. "That will be announced not only by the United States, but by the rest of the region's democracies." The United States has stockpiled aid on Colombia's border with Venezuela at the request of opposition leader Juan Guaido, whom Washington and other dozens of other Western governments have recognized as Venezuela's legitimate president since Maduro held elections last year decried as fraudulent. Despite shortages of food and medicine, Maduro has denied there is a crisis in the country, and says the aid is aimed at undermining his government. He has ordered some of the country's borders closed to keep the aid from entering. Tensions are running high and there has been some violence. Soldiers killed two people and injured 15 near the border with Brazil on Friday, witnesses said. The Trump administration last month slapped sanctions on state-owned oil company Petroleos de Venezuela PDVSA.UL, known as PDVSA, to cut Maduro off from his government's main source of revenues. The administration official declined to comment on future sanctions, but said the United States and other allies are looking at ways to expel family members of Venezuelan military officials who are living outside the country - including some in south Florida. "They're going to face a situation where they and their families are going to have to go back to Venezuela," he said. The US official described the aid convoys as a key test for the Venezuelan military as its leaders weigh whether to obey Maduro or Guaido, who has asked the military to let it pass. "It's really the first order he gives to them as their commander in chief," the US official added.

US threatens new sanctions on Venezuela if aid convoys blocked

Venezuela's opposition leader Juan Gauido announced Saturday that the first shipment of humanitarian aid had entered Venezuela through its border with Brazil, defying a blockade by President Nicolas Maduro.

"Attention Venezuela: We officially announce that the first shipment of humanitarian aid has now entered our border with Brazil. This is a great achievement, Venezuela!" wrote Guaido in a tweet.

Humanitarian aid has become the centrepiece of the stand-off between Maduro and Guaido, the 35-year-old leader of Venezuela's National Assembly who declared himself interim president exactly one month ago sparking a President legitimacy crisis in the country.

Guaido also called the Maduro's 2018 reelections invalid and the body that elevated him.

However, Maduro's government says, the current crisis is a coup attempt led by the United States to topple him and control the country's vast oil reserves.

Venezuela is gripped by a humanitarian crisis that has seen poverty soar during years of recession.

As many as 300,000 Venezuelans are in dire need of food and medicine after years of shortages and malnutrition, according to Guaido.

United Nations figures show that some 2.7 million people have fled Venezuela since 2015 amid the crisis, and some 5,000 Venezuelans emigrate from their country each day. 
&nbsp;

(With inputs from news agencies)

Venezuela's opposition leader Juan Gauido announced Saturday that the first shipment of humanitarian aid had entered Venezuela through its border with Brazil, defying a blockade by President Nicolas Maduro.

Venezuela's opposition leader Juan Gauido announced Saturday that the first shipment of humanitarian aid had entered Venezuela through its border with Brazil, defying a blockade by President Nicolas Maduro. "Attention Venezuela: We officially announce that the first shipment of humanitarian aid has now entered our border with Brazil. This is a great achievement, Venezuela!" wrote Guaido in a tweet. Humanitarian aid has become the centrepiece of the stand-off between Maduro and Guaido, the 35-year-old leader of Venezuela's National Assembly who declared himself interim president exactly one month ago sparking a President legitimacy crisis in the country. Guaido also called the Maduro's 2018 reelections invalid and the body that elevated him. However, Maduro's government says, the current crisis is a coup attempt led by the United States to topple him and control the country's vast oil reserves. Venezuela is gripped by a humanitarian crisis that has seen poverty soar during years of recession. As many as 300,000 Venezuelans are in dire need of food and medicine after years of shortages and malnutrition, according to Guaido. United Nations figures show that some 2.7 million people have fled Venezuela since 2015 amid the crisis, and some 5,000 Venezuelans emigrate from their country each day. (With inputs from news agencies)

Aid shipment enters Venezuela via Brazil border: Juan Guaido

Venezuelan soldiers opened fire on indigenous people near the border with Brazil on Friday, killing two, as President Nicolas Maduro sought to block US-backed efforts to bring aid into his economically devastated nation.

The United States, which is among dozens of nations to recognize <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/venezuelas-opposition-leader-guaido-defies-travel-ban-as-aid-row-turns-deadly-199076">opposition leader Juan Guaido</a> as Venezuela's legitimate president, has been stockpiling aid in the Colombian frontier town of Cucuta to ship across the border this weekend.

With tensions running high after Guaido invoked the constitution to declare an interim presidency last month, Maduro has denied there is a humanitarian crisis in Venezuela despite widespread shortages of food and medicine and hyperinflation.

He says the opposition efforts are a US-backed "cheap show".

The socialist president, who took power in 2013 and was re-elected in an election last year widely viewed as fraudulent, has declared Venezuela's southern border with Brazil closed ahead of the opposition's plan to bring in the aid on Saturday. Late on Friday, the government shuttered the Tachira frontier that connects with Cucuta.

Some political analysts say the looming showdown is less about solving Venezuela's needs and more about testing the military's loyalty to Maduro by daring it to turn the aid away.

With inflation running at more than 2 million per cent a year and currency controls restricting imports of basic goods, a growing share of the country's roughly 30 million people is suffering from malnutrition.

Guaido showed up late on Friday at a fundraising concert in Cucuta backed by British billionaire Richard Branson that was estimated to have attracted nearly 200,000 people.

His appearance, arm-in-arm with Colombian President Ivan Duque, was an open challenge to Maduro given that the pro-government Supreme Court has banned him from international travel on grounds he is under investigation for allegedly helping foreign countries to interfere in internal matters.

SOLDIERS OPENED FIRE

Friday's violence broke out in the village of Kumarakapay in southern Venezuela after an indigenous community stopped a military convoy heading toward the border with Brazil that they believed was attempting to block aid, according to community leaders Richard Fernandez and Ricardo Delgado.

Soldiers later entered the village and opened fire, killing a couple and injuring several others, they said. A regional official confirmed that two people were killed.

"I stood up to them to back the humanitarian aid," Fernandez told Reuters. "And they came charging at us. They shot innocent people who were in their homes, working."

Seven of the 15 injured were rushed by ambulance to a hospital in the Brazilian frontier city of Boa Vista, a spokesman for the state governor's office said.

Diosdado Cabello, one of the most prominent figures in Maduro’s Socialist Party, accused the civilians involved in the clash of being "violent groups" directed by the opposition.

Venezuelan security forces have executed dozens and detained hundreds of others since protests broke out in January against Maduro's swearing-in, according to civil rights groups.

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres met Venezuelan Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza in New York on Friday and "urged the Venezuelan authorities not to use lethal force against demonstrators," spokesman Stephane Dujarric said.

Asked about the deaths, Arreaza told reporters the armed forces would never take disproportionate action against its own people: "Our armed forces are known for their humanism."

The U.S. special envoy for Venezuela, who joined regional leaders and diplomats in Cucuta to show support for the opposition, called the killings "a crime and a disgrace".

"What do we do if the government of Maduro, the former government of Maduro, does not fall tomorrow?" Elliott Abrams said after meeting the presidents of Paraguay and Chile and the secretary-general of the Organization of American States.

"We continue trying to bring humanitarian aid to the people of Venezuela."

China, which along with Russia backs Maduro, warned that humanitarian aid should not be forced across the border because doing so could lead to violence.

BLOODSHED 'NOT IN VAIN'

The bloodshed contrasted with a joyful mood at Branson's "Venezuela Aid Live", where Venezuelan and Colombian attendees, some crying, waved flags and chanted "freedom" under a baking sun.

"Is it too much to ask for freedom after 20 years of ignominy, of a populist Marxist dictatorship?" Venezuelan singer Jose Luis "El Puma" Rodríguez asked. "To the Venezuelans there, don't give up: the blood that has been spilt was not in vain".

Earlier in the day, Branson held a news conference near a never-used border bridge that Venezuelan authorities have blocked with shipping containers.

"What we're hoping is that the authorities in Venezuela will see this wonderful, peaceful concert ... and that the soldiers will do that right thing," Branson said.

As well as the foreign aid stockpiled in Cucuta, Guaido has vowed to bring in aid on Saturday from the Brazilian town of Boa Vista and the Dutch Caribbean island of Curacao.

"The people of Venezuela are not begging, they’re resisting a dictatorship, the onslaught of oppression," Guaido told a news conference in Cucuta after the concert. "Tomorrow ... everyone will be on the streets demanding the entry of humanitarian aid, thanking the world for this unprecedented coalition."

Brazil said on Friday it had 200 tonnes of food and medicine ready for Venezuela but only one truck had arrived to pick it up before the border was closed.

Venezuela's borders are porous, however, and supporters could attempt to bring in aid outside the official entry points.

Guaido's move to assume the interim presidency and international backing has galvanized Venezuela's opposition, which has vowed to keep protesting until Maduro steps down. Major protests in 2014 and 2017 waned in the face of crackdowns.

Some government critics are concerned it will take more than the pressure to force Maduro to step down.

"The truth is that not even 10 concerts will make damned Maduro leave office," said Darwin Rendon, one of the 3.4 million Venezuelans to have emigrated since 2015 to find work. He sends what little he earns selling cigarettes to his family in Caracas. "This regime is difficult to remove."

Venezuelan soldiers opened fire on indigenous people near the border with Brazil on Friday, killing two, as President Nicolas Maduro sought to block US-backed efforts to bring aid into his economically devastated nation.

Venezuelan soldiers opened fire on indigenous people near the border with Brazil on Friday, killing two, as President Nicolas Maduro sought to block US-backed efforts to bring aid into his economically devastated nation. The United States, which is among dozens of nations to recognize opposition leader Juan Guaido as Venezuela's legitimate president, has been stockpiling aid in the Colombian frontier town of Cucuta to ship across the border this weekend. With tensions running high after Guaido invoked the constitution to declare an interim presidency last month, Maduro has denied there is a humanitarian crisis in Venezuela despite widespread shortages of food and medicine and hyperinflation. He says the opposition efforts are a US-backed "cheap show". The socialist president, who took power in 2013 and was re-elected in an election last year widely viewed as fraudulent, has declared Venezuela's southern border with Brazil closed ahead of the opposition's plan to bring in the aid on Saturday. Late on Friday, the government shuttered the Tachira frontier that connects with Cucuta. Some political analysts say the looming showdown is less about solving Venezuela's needs and more about testing the military's loyalty to Maduro by daring it to turn the aid away. With inflation running at more than 2 million per cent a year and currency controls restricting imports of basic goods, a growing share of the country's roughly 30 million people is suffering from malnutrition. Guaido showed up late on Friday at a fundraising concert in Cucuta backed by British billionaire Richard Branson that was estimated to have attracted nearly 200,000 people. His appearance, arm-in-arm with Colombian President Ivan Duque, was an open challenge to Maduro given that the pro-government Supreme Court has banned him from international travel on grounds he is under investigation for allegedly helping foreign countries to interfere in internal matters. SOLDIERS OPENED FIRE Friday's violence broke out in the village of Kumarakapay in southern Venezuela after an indigenous community stopped a military convoy heading toward the border with Brazil that they believed was attempting to block aid, according to community leaders Richard Fernandez and Ricardo Delgado. Soldiers later entered the village and opened fire, killing a couple and injuring several others, they said. A regional official confirmed that two people were killed. "I stood up to them to back the humanitarian aid," Fernandez told Reuters. "And they came charging at us. They shot innocent people who were in their homes, working." Seven of the 15 injured were rushed by ambulance to a hospital in the Brazilian frontier city of Boa Vista, a spokesman for the state governor's office said. Diosdado Cabello, one of the most prominent figures in Maduro’s Socialist Party, accused the civilians involved in the clash of being "violent groups" directed by the opposition. Venezuelan security forces have executed dozens and detained hundreds of others since protests broke out in January against Maduro's swearing-in, according to civil rights groups. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres met Venezuelan Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza in New York on Friday and "urged the Venezuelan authorities not to use lethal force against demonstrators," spokesman Stephane Dujarric said. Asked about the deaths, Arreaza told reporters the armed forces would never take disproportionate action against its own people: "Our armed forces are known for their humanism." The U.S. special envoy for Venezuela, who joined regional leaders and diplomats in Cucuta to show support for the opposition, called the killings "a crime and a disgrace". "What do we do if the government of Maduro, the former government of Maduro, does not fall tomorrow?" Elliott Abrams said after meeting the presidents of Paraguay and Chile and the secretary-general of the Organization of American States. "We continue trying to bring humanitarian aid to the people of Venezuela." China, which along with Russia backs Maduro, warned that humanitarian aid should not be forced across the border because doing so could lead to violence. BLOODSHED 'NOT IN VAIN' The bloodshed contrasted with a joyful mood at Branson's "Venezuela Aid Live", where Venezuelan and Colombian attendees, some crying, waved flags and chanted "freedom" under a baking sun. "Is it too much to ask for freedom after 20 years of ignominy, of a populist Marxist dictatorship?" Venezuelan singer Jose Luis "El Puma" Rodríguez asked. "To the Venezuelans there, don't give up: the blood that has been spilt was not in vain". Earlier in the day, Branson held a news conference near a never-used border bridge that Venezuelan authorities have blocked with shipping containers. "What we're hoping is that the authorities in Venezuela will see this wonderful, peaceful concert ... and that the soldiers will do that right thing," Branson said. As well as the foreign aid stockpiled in Cucuta, Guaido has vowed to bring in aid on Saturday from the Brazilian town of Boa Vista and the Dutch Caribbean island of Curacao. "The people of Venezuela are not begging, they’re resisting a dictatorship, the onslaught of oppression," Guaido told a news conference in Cucuta after the concert. "Tomorrow ... everyone will be on the streets demanding the entry of humanitarian aid, thanking the world for this unprecedented coalition." Brazil said on Friday it had 200 tonnes of food and medicine ready for Venezuela but only one truck had arrived to pick it up before the border was closed. Venezuela's borders are porous, however, and supporters could attempt to bring in aid outside the official entry points. Guaido's move to assume the interim presidency and international backing has galvanized Venezuela's opposition, which has vowed to keep protesting until Maduro steps down. Major protests in 2014 and 2017 waned in the face of crackdowns. Some government critics are concerned it will take more than the pressure to force Maduro to step down. "The truth is that not even 10 concerts will make damned Maduro leave office," said Darwin Rendon, one of the 3.4 million Venezuelans to have emigrated since 2015 to find work. He sends what little he earns selling cigarettes to his family in Caracas. "This regime is difficult to remove."

As tensions over aid rise, Venezuelan troops fire on villagers, two dead

Venezuela's opposition leader Juan Guaido claimed the military helped him defy a travel ban by the government of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/un-chief-warns-venezuela-against-lethal-force-on-protesters-199058">President Nicolas Maduro</a> as he joined thousands over the Colombian border on Friday for a charity concert to push for humanitarian aid deliveries.

Maduro is trying to prevent food and medicines, mainly from the US, from entering the country as tensions over access to the supplies turned deadly elsewhere.

Humanitarian aid has become a key focus of the power struggle between Maduro and Guaido, who has been recognized as interim leader by more than 50 countries.

Guaido delivered a blow to Maduro as he turned up unexpectedly at the concert in the Colombian border town of Cucuta, claiming "the armed forces participated in this process" to help him flout his travel ban.

The powerful military's backing is crucial to the viability of the socialist leader, with defections strengthening Guaido's hand.

The 35-year-old leader of Venezuela's National Assembly declared himself interim president last month and is calling for fresh polls, branding Maduro a "usurper" and accusing him of rigging his re-election last May.

'Soldiers started shooting'&nbsp;

The tense standoff over aid meanwhile claimed its first casualties Friday as two indigenous people were killed trying to prevent troops from sealing unofficial pathways across the Brazilian border.

"An indigenous woman and her husband were killed and at least 15 other members of the Pemon indigenous community were injured," said a local human rights group, Kape Kape.

The violence occurred in southeastern Bolivar state close to the border with Brazil, which Maduro ordered closed on Thursday.

Guaido called on the military to arrest those responsible for the killings, "or you will be responsible."

"It wasn't a clash, it was an attack," said Salomon Perez, who accompanied a brother and two nieces suffering from gunshot wounds by ambulance to a hospital in Brazil.

"People were in their community, calm. The soldiers came and started shooting at the indigenous people," he said from Roraima state in northern Brazil.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres issued a stern statement, warning Venezuelan authorities "not to use lethal force against demonstrators."&nbsp;

Fleeing shortages&nbsp;

The "Venezuela Aid Live" concert in Cucuta was organized by British entrepreneur Richard Branson in support of Guaido's humanitarian aid relief plan.

Guaido appeared alongside Colombian President Ivan Duque, Chile's Sebastian Pinera and Mario Abdo of Paraguay as crowds cheered.

A rival pro-Maduro concert was taking place a few hundred yards away on the Venezuelan side of the border in Urena.

Guaido has set a Saturday deadline for the entry of humanitarian aid, saying as many as 300,000 Venezuelans are in dire need of food and medicines after years of shortages and malnutrition.

Some 2.7 million people have fled Venezuela since 2015 amid a devastating political and economic crisis, according to UN figures released Friday.

Maduro, who retains the support of allies China and Russia, has blocked the entry of aid and accused the United States of plotting a military intervention.

US special representative Elliott Abrams kept up the foreign pressure on Maduro on Friday, joining a Cucuta-bound plane carrying medical supplies and food.

"The humanitarian and the social-economic situation in Venezuela is very bad, there's a terrible need for food, for supplies, and the international community is responding," Abrams said.&nbsp;

Moscow has blasted Washington for using aid as a "convenient pretext for conducting military action."

'Freedom'

Hundreds chanted "freedom" and "the government is going to fall" while they waited for the Cucuta concert to begin under a hot sun, with the barricaded border crossing visible nearby.

"We must break the impasse, end the humanitarian crisis," billionaire Branson told the crowd shortly before veteran Venezuelan crooner Jose Luis Rodriguez began his set.

Branson said he hopes to raise $100 million for humanitarian aid over the next 60 days via internet donations, though meanwhile aid is being stockpiled in Colombia, Brazil and the Caribbean island of Curacao because of Maduro's ban.&nbsp;

The line-up included Latin American giants Carlos Vives and Juanes of Colombia, Juan Luis Guerra of the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico's Luis Fonsi.

"The concert is an immense help because this type of initiative was necessary to open our eyes and pressure the Venezuelan government," said Wendy Villamizar, a 32-year-old Venezuelan woman wearing a cap with her country's yellow, blue and red tricolor.

Maduro's rival concert, decidedly smaller and featuring Venezuelan and Cuban artists, began hours later.&nbsp;

Performers took to the stage against a giant backdrop emblazoned with the words "#Trump Hands off Venezuela," with around 2,500 people in attendance.

"We don't want to be interfered with, we don't want to be invaded," said Johana Suarez.

Venezuela's opposition leader Juan Guaido claimed the military helped him defy a travel ban by the government of President Nicolas Maduro as he joined thousands over the Colombian border on Friday for a charity concert to push for humanitarian aid deliveries.

Venezuela's opposition leader Juan Guaido claimed the military helped him defy a travel ban by the government of President Nicolas Maduro as he joined thousands over the Colombian border on Friday for a charity concert to push for humanitarian aid deliveries. Maduro is trying to prevent food and medicines, mainly from the US, from entering the country as tensions over access to the supplies turned deadly elsewhere. Humanitarian aid has become a key focus of the power struggle between Maduro and Guaido, who has been recognized as interim leader by more than 50 countries. Guaido delivered a blow to Maduro as he turned up unexpectedly at the concert in the Colombian border town of Cucuta, claiming "the armed forces participated in this process" to help him flout his travel ban. The powerful military's backing is crucial to the viability of the socialist leader, with defections strengthening Guaido's hand. The 35-year-old leader of Venezuela's National Assembly declared himself interim president last month and is calling for fresh polls, branding Maduro a "usurper" and accusing him of rigging his re-election last May. 'Soldiers started shooting' The tense standoff over aid meanwhile claimed its first casualties Friday as two indigenous people were killed trying to prevent troops from sealing unofficial pathways across the Brazilian border. "An indigenous woman and her husband were killed and at least 15 other members of the Pemon indigenous community were injured," said a local human rights group, Kape Kape. The violence occurred in southeastern Bolivar state close to the border with Brazil, which Maduro ordered closed on Thursday. Guaido called on the military to arrest those responsible for the killings, "or you will be responsible." "It wasn't a clash, it was an attack," said Salomon Perez, who accompanied a brother and two nieces suffering from gunshot wounds by ambulance to a hospital in Brazil. "People were in their community, calm. The soldiers came and started shooting at the indigenous people," he said from Roraima state in northern Brazil. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres issued a stern statement, warning Venezuelan authorities "not to use lethal force against demonstrators." Fleeing shortages The "Venezuela Aid Live" concert in Cucuta was organized by British entrepreneur Richard Branson in support of Guaido's humanitarian aid relief plan. Guaido appeared alongside Colombian President Ivan Duque, Chile's Sebastian Pinera and Mario Abdo of Paraguay as crowds cheered. A rival pro-Maduro concert was taking place a few hundred yards away on the Venezuelan side of the border in Urena. Guaido has set a Saturday deadline for the entry of humanitarian aid, saying as many as 300,000 Venezuelans are in dire need of food and medicines after years of shortages and malnutrition. Some 2.7 million people have fled Venezuela since 2015 amid a devastating political and economic crisis, according to UN figures released Friday. Maduro, who retains the support of allies China and Russia, has blocked the entry of aid and accused the United States of plotting a military intervention. US special representative Elliott Abrams kept up the foreign pressure on Maduro on Friday, joining a Cucuta-bound plane carrying medical supplies and food. "The humanitarian and the social-economic situation in Venezuela is very bad, there's a terrible need for food, for supplies, and the international community is responding," Abrams said. Moscow has blasted Washington for using aid as a "convenient pretext for conducting military action." 'Freedom' Hundreds chanted "freedom" and "the government is going to fall" while they waited for the Cucuta concert to begin under a hot sun, with the barricaded border crossing visible nearby. "We must break the impasse, end the humanitarian crisis," billionaire Branson told the crowd shortly before veteran Venezuelan crooner Jose Luis Rodriguez began his set. Branson said he hopes to raise $100 million for humanitarian aid over the next 60 days via internet donations, though meanwhile aid is being stockpiled in Colombia, Brazil and the Caribbean island of Curacao because of Maduro's ban. The line-up included Latin American giants Carlos Vives and Juanes of Colombia, Juan Luis Guerra of the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico's Luis Fonsi. "The concert is an immense help because this type of initiative was necessary to open our eyes and pressure the Venezuelan government," said Wendy Villamizar, a 32-year-old Venezuelan woman wearing a cap with her country's yellow, blue and red tricolor. Maduro's rival concert, decidedly smaller and featuring Venezuelan and Cuban artists, began hours later. Performers took to the stage against a giant backdrop emblazoned with the words "#Trump Hands off Venezuela," with around 2,500 people in attendance. "We don't want to be interfered with, we don't want to be invaded," said Johana Suarez.

Venezuela's opposition leader Guaido defies travel ban as aid row turns deadly

Venezuelan security forces fired tear gas and rubber bullets Saturday to disperse a crowd demanding to cross the Venezuela-Colombia border, ordered closed by President Nicolas Maduro as tensions in the Latin American country soared ahead of an opposition deadline to bring in humanitarian aid.

"We want to work!" people chanted as they faced Venezuelan National Guard riot police blocking the crossing at the Urena border brige to Colombia, one of several ordered closed Maduro late Friday.&nbsp;

Also report: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/venezuelan-troops-fire-tear-gas-at-colombian-border-report-199168">Venezuelan troops fire tear gas at </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/venezuelan-troops-fire-tear-gas-at-colombian-border-report-199168">Colombian</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/venezuelan-troops-fire-tear-gas-at-colombian-border-report-199168"> border</a>

Meanwhile, four National Guard troops deserted their posts near the border, one greeted by a crowd of cheering Venezuelans on the Colombian side as he walked across. Three others smashed through a security barrier on the Simon Bolivar bridge crossing in their jeep.

Supporters of opposition leader Juan Guaido in Colombia are planning to cross the border carrying emergency supplies into Venezuela. Guaido has vowed humanitarian aid would enter his country despite a blockade.

Socialist leader Maduro has rejected the aid, which he's dismissed as a show and pretext for a US invasion.

Humanitarian aid has become the centrepiece of the stand-off between Maduro and Guaido, the 35-year-old leader of Venezuela's National Assembly who declared himself interim president exactly one month ago Saturday. Guaido has accused Maduro of rigging his re-election and is demanding a new vote.

Venezuela is gripped by a humanitarian crisis that has seen poverty soar during years of recession.

As many as 300,000 Venezuelans are in dire need of food and medicine after years of shortages and malnutrition, according to Guaido.

United Nations figures show that some 2.7 million people have fled Venezuela since 2015 amid the crisis, and some 5,000 Venezuelans emigrate from their country each day.

On the eve of the face-off, Guaido defied a government ban on leaving the country and attended the "Venezuela Live Aid" concert organized by British billionaire Richard Branson just over the border in Colombia. The concert is aimed at raising funds to help the relief effort.

Guaido sensationally claimed that the Venezuelan military, whose high command has repeatedly declared absolute loyalty to Maduro, "participated in this process" to get him into Colombia.

Hours later, Caracas said it had closed much of the Colombian border, citing threats to Venezuela's security.

Guaido said that aid would come in on Saturday regardless of any military blockade.

His supporters plan to drive the aid from Colombia into Venezuela at the closed border crossings supported by a flood of volunteers and accompanied by Catholic priests in an attempt to avoid arrest.

Colombia and Venezuela share a 2,200 kilometer-long (1,370 miles) border, and trucks carrying aid could also drive across some of the countless illegal dirt roads that link the two countries across the porous border.

Two killed

On Friday the tense stand-off turned deadly when two people were killed and 15 wounded as they tried to prevent Venezuelan troops from blocking an entry point on the Brazilian border.

"An indigenous woman and her husband were killed and at least 15 other members of the Pemon indigenous community were injured," said a local human rights group, Kape Kape.

The clash occurred in southeastern Bolivar state near to the border with Brazil, which Maduro ordered closed on Thursday.

Guaido called on the military to arrest those responsible for the killings, "or you will be responsible."

"It wasn't a clash, it was an attack," said Salomon Perez, who accompanied a brother and two nieces suffering from gunshot wounds by ambulance to a hospital in Brazil.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged Venezuelan authorities to refrain from using lethal force against protesters.

The United States "strongly condemns the Venezuelan military's use of force against unarmed civilians and innocent volunteers" on the border with Brazil, the White House said. "The world is watching," the statement added.

Early Saturday two large trucks carrying eight tonnes of emergency aid left Boa Vista in Brazil en route to the Venezuelan border. The vehicles are driven by Venezuelans and escorted by Brazilian police, organizers said.

Battle of the bands

The "Venezuela Live Aid" concert, which featured some of the biggest names in Spanish-language music, was broadcast live online.

Branson said he hopes to raise $100 million for humanitarian aid over the next 60 days via internet donations. Meanwhile, aid is being stockpiled in Colombia, Brazil and the Caribbean island of Curacao because of Maduro's ban.

Guaido rallied his supporters when he showed up at the concert on Friday joined by Colombian President Ivan Duque, Chile's Sebastian Pinera and Mario Abdo of Paraguay. The leaders greeted the crowd before the concert ended.

Maduro's rival concert, decidedly smaller and featuring Cuban and local artists, began hours later nearby on the Venezuelan side of the border in Urena.&nbsp;

Performers took to the stage against a giant backdrop emblazoned with the words "#Trump Hands off Venezuela," with around 2,500 people in attendance.

"We don't want to be interfered with, we don't want to be invaded," said Johana Suarez.

Maduro said the event would last until Sunday.

Maduro, who has support from China, Russia and the military high command, accuses the United States of plotting a military intervention.

Moscow has blasted Washington for using aid as a "convenient pretext for conducting military action."

Venezuelan security forces fired tear gas and rubber bullets Saturday to disperse a crowd demanding to cross the Venezuela-Colombia border, ordered closed by President Nicolas Maduro as tensions in the Latin American country soared ahead of an opposition deadline to bring in humanitarian aid.

Venezuelan security forces fired tear gas and rubber bullets Saturday to disperse a crowd demanding to cross the Venezuela-Colombia border, ordered closed by President Nicolas Maduro as tensions in the Latin American country soared ahead of an opposition deadline to bring in humanitarian aid. "We want to work!" people chanted as they faced Venezuelan National Guard riot police blocking the crossing at the Urena border brige to Colombia, one of several ordered closed Maduro late Friday. Also report: Venezuelan troops fire tear gas at Colombian border Meanwhile, four National Guard troops deserted their posts near the border, one greeted by a crowd of cheering Venezuelans on the Colombian side as he walked across. Three others smashed through a security barrier on the Simon Bolivar bridge crossing in their jeep. Supporters of opposition leader Juan Guaido in Colombia are planning to cross the border carrying emergency supplies into Venezuela. Guaido has vowed humanitarian aid would enter his country despite a blockade. Socialist leader Maduro has rejected the aid, which he's dismissed as a show and pretext for a US invasion. Humanitarian aid has become the centrepiece of the stand-off between Maduro and Guaido, the 35-year-old leader of Venezuela's National Assembly who declared himself interim president exactly one month ago Saturday. Guaido has accused Maduro of rigging his re-election and is demanding a new vote. Venezuela is gripped by a humanitarian crisis that has seen poverty soar during years of recession. As many as 300,000 Venezuelans are in dire need of food and medicine after years of shortages and malnutrition, according to Guaido. United Nations figures show that some 2.7 million people have fled Venezuela since 2015 amid the crisis, and some 5,000 Venezuelans emigrate from their country each day. On the eve of the face-off, Guaido defied a government ban on leaving the country and attended the "Venezuela Live Aid" concert organized by British billionaire Richard Branson just over the border in Colombia. The concert is aimed at raising funds to help the relief effort. Guaido sensationally claimed that the Venezuelan military, whose high command has repeatedly declared absolute loyalty to Maduro, "participated in this process" to get him into Colombia. Hours later, Caracas said it had closed much of the Colombian border, citing threats to Venezuela's security. Guaido said that aid would come in on Saturday regardless of any military blockade. His supporters plan to drive the aid from Colombia into Venezuela at the closed border crossings supported by a flood of volunteers and accompanied by Catholic priests in an attempt to avoid arrest. Colombia and Venezuela share a 2,200 kilometer-long (1,370 miles) border, and trucks carrying aid could also drive across some of the countless illegal dirt roads that link the two countries across the porous border. Two killed On Friday the tense stand-off turned deadly when two people were killed and 15 wounded as they tried to prevent Venezuelan troops from blocking an entry point on the Brazilian border. "An indigenous woman and her husband were killed and at least 15 other members of the Pemon indigenous community were injured," said a local human rights group, Kape Kape. The clash occurred in southeastern Bolivar state near to the border with Brazil, which Maduro ordered closed on Thursday. Guaido called on the military to arrest those responsible for the killings, "or you will be responsible." "It wasn't a clash, it was an attack," said Salomon Perez, who accompanied a brother and two nieces suffering from gunshot wounds by ambulance to a hospital in Brazil. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged Venezuelan authorities to refrain from using lethal force against protesters. The United States "strongly condemns the Venezuelan military's use of force against unarmed civilians and innocent volunteers" on the border with Brazil, the White House said. "The world is watching," the statement added. Early Saturday two large trucks carrying eight tonnes of emergency aid left Boa Vista in Brazil en route to the Venezuelan border. The vehicles are driven by Venezuelans and escorted by Brazilian police, organizers said. Battle of the bands The "Venezuela Live Aid" concert, which featured some of the biggest names in Spanish-language music, was broadcast live online. Branson said he hopes to raise $100 million for humanitarian aid over the next 60 days via internet donations. Meanwhile, aid is being stockpiled in Colombia, Brazil and the Caribbean island of Curacao because of Maduro's ban. Guaido rallied his supporters when he showed up at the concert on Friday joined by Colombian President Ivan Duque, Chile's Sebastian Pinera and Mario Abdo of Paraguay. The leaders greeted the crowd before the concert ended. Maduro's rival concert, decidedly smaller and featuring Cuban and local artists, began hours later nearby on the Venezuelan side of the border in Urena. Performers took to the stage against a giant backdrop emblazoned with the words "#Trump Hands off Venezuela," with around 2,500 people in attendance. "We don't want to be interfered with, we don't want to be invaded," said Johana Suarez. Maduro said the event would last until Sunday. Maduro, who has support from China, Russia and the military high command, accuses the United States of plotting a military intervention. Moscow has blasted Washington for using aid as a "convenient pretext for conducting military action."

Venezuela set for aid showdown as Guaido claims military help

Venezuelan troops near the Colombian border on Saturday fired tear gas at a group of people seeking to cross into the neighbouring nation to work, news agency Reuters reported.

The government of President Nicolas Maduro has shuttered borders as opposition leaders prepare to bring humanitarian aid into Venezuela against the wishes of the ruling Socialist Party.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-threatens-new-sanctions-on-venezuela-if-aid-convoys-blocked-top-official-199117">US</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-threatens-new-sanctions-on-venezuela-if-aid-convoys-blocked-top-official-199117"> threatens new sanctions on Venezuela if aid convoys blocked</a>

The move to close the border was taken hours after Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro ordered communications to be shut off with Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao islands and closed the border with Brazil, to stop the entry of humanitarian aid amassed there.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/russia-accuses-us-of-planning-to-arm-opposition-in-venezuela-199123">Russia accuses </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/russia-accuses-us-of-planning-to-arm-opposition-in-venezuela-199123">US</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/russia-accuses-us-of-planning-to-arm-opposition-in-venezuela-199123"> of planning to arm opposition in Venezuela</a>

Humanitarian aid has become the centrepiece of the stand-off between Maduro and Guaido, the 35-year-old leader of Venezuela's National Assembly who declared himself interim president exactly one month ago sparking a President legitimacy crisis.

Guaido also called the Maduro's 2018 reelections invalid and the body that elevated him.

However, Maduro's government says, the current crisis is a coup attempt led by the United States to topple him and control the country's vast oil reserves.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/venezuela-needs-to-tackle-growing-humanitarian-and-security-crisis-at-the-border-199126">Venezuela is gripped by a humanitarian crisis</a> that has seen poverty soar during years of recession.

As many as 300,000 Venezuelans are in dire need of food and medicine after years of shortages and malnutrition, according to Guaido.

United Nations figures show that some 2.7 million people have fled Venezuela since 2015 amid the crisis, and some 5,000 Venezuelans emigrate from their country each day.

(With inputs from agencies)

Venezuelan troops near the Colombian border on Saturday fired tear gas at a group of people seeking to cross into the neighbouring nation to work, news agency Reuters reported.

Venezuelan troops near the Colombian border on Saturday fired tear gas at a group of people seeking to cross into the neighbouring nation to work, news agency Reuters reported. The government of President Nicolas Maduro has shuttered borders as opposition leaders prepare to bring humanitarian aid into Venezuela against the wishes of the ruling Socialist Party. Also read: US threatens new sanctions on Venezuela if aid convoys blocked The move to close the border was taken hours after Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro ordered communications to be shut off with Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao islands and closed the border with Brazil, to stop the entry of humanitarian aid amassed there. Also read: Russia accuses US of planning to arm opposition in Venezuela Humanitarian aid has become the centrepiece of the stand-off between Maduro and Guaido, the 35-year-old leader of Venezuela's National Assembly who declared himself interim president exactly one month ago sparking a President legitimacy crisis. Guaido also called the Maduro's 2018 reelections invalid and the body that elevated him. However, Maduro's government says, the current crisis is a coup attempt led by the United States to topple him and control the country's vast oil reserves. Venezuela is gripped by a humanitarian crisis that has seen poverty soar during years of recession. As many as 300,000 Venezuelans are in dire need of food and medicine after years of shortages and malnutrition, according to Guaido. United Nations figures show that some 2.7 million people have fled Venezuela since 2015 amid the crisis, and some 5,000 Venezuelans emigrate from their country each day. (With inputs from agencies)

Venezuelan troops fire tear gas at Colombian border: Report

Venezuela President Nicolas Maduro threatened to close the border with Colombia on Thursday as opposition leader Juan Guaido and some 80 lawmakers ran a gauntlet of roadblocks trying to get to the frontier to receive <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/300-tons-of-humanitarian-aid-from-russia-to-arrive-in-venezuela-198285">humanitarian aid</a>.

Guaido, who is recognised by dozens of countries as Venezuela's legitimate head of state, was poised for a showdown with Maduro's government on Saturday, when the opposition will attempt to bring in food and medicine being stockpiled in neighbouring countries.&nbsp;

Maduro denies there is a humanitarian crisis and said on Thursday he was considering closing Venezuela's key border with Colombia and would close the country's other main border with Brazil, effectively shutting off any legal land access.

The government has said soldiers will be stationed at official crossing points to repel any "territorial violations", although the opposition could attempt to cross anywhere along Venezuela's porous borders.

"I charge (Colombian President) Ivan Duque with any violence that might occur on the border," Maduro said in televised comments, surrounded by the military high command.

Venezuela has already closed its maritime border with the Dutch Caribbean islands of Aruba, Curacao and Bonaire, after Curacao's government said it would help store aid.

Opposition lawmakers set off from Caracas in a convoy of buses just after 10 a.m. on a 800-km (500-mile) road trip to the border with Colombia. Crowds formed alongside a main highway out of the capital, waving Venezuelan flags and whooping in support.

A roadblock at a tunnel some 100 km (60 miles) along the main road forced several buses to stop, Reuters witnesses and lawmakers said. Lawmakers trying to get through scuffled with soldiers in riot gear at the tunnel's exit, TV footage showed.

"We have a commitment and that is to reach the border. We will try to get as far as we can," lawmaker Mariela Magallanes told Reuters by telephone from the scene. "Humanitarian aid is not the whim of a few lawmakers, it is a necessity."

Magallanes said her vehicle managed to pass through the tunnel after being stuck for several hours but other buses remained behind.

Lawmakers said Guaido's vehicle continued but his exact location was being kept a secret due to security concerns.

One opposition lawmaker in southeastern Bolivar state said he and some 20 other politicians would also travel to the border with Brazil.

The Information Ministry did not respond to a request to comment.

Guaido still has not provided details on how the aid could come in. Opposition figures have suggested forming human chains across the land borders to pass packages from person to person and fleets of boats arriving from the Dutch Caribbean islands.

Will military turn? 

The opposition says it is rallying relief efforts in Venezuela to alleviate widespread food and medicine shortages in the wake of its hyperinflationary economic collapse. The oil-rich economy has halved in size in five years.

Tons of aid sent by the US&nbsp;and Colombian governments is sitting in warehouses on the Colombian side of the border. Guaido tweeted late on Thursday that Chile was also airlifting supplies there, while Brazil's government said it was sending aid to its own border.

Meanwhile a boat carrying 250 tons of aid left Puerto Rico's capital of San Juan headed for Venezuela on Wednesday, the local government said in a statement.

Maduro accuses the Trump administration, which has levied crippling sanctions against his government, of seeking to force his ouster.

The US&nbsp;special envoy for Venezuela, Elliott Abrams, will lead a government delegation accompanying the delivery of aid from Florida to Cucuta via military aircraft between Thursday and Friday, the Department of State said.

Meanwhile, the office of US&nbsp;Vice President Mike Pence said he would fly to the Colombian capital, Bogota, on Monday to discuss the crisis with leaders of the regional Lima Group of nations.&nbsp;

Guaido invoked the constitution to assume an interim presidency on Jan. 23 and denounces Maduro as an usurper. Maduro still retains the support of powerful nations like Russia and China, as well as the key backing of the military.

Some political analysts say Saturday's border showdown is less about resolving Venezuela's needs and more about testing the military`s loyalty by daring it to turn aid away.

"It's part of this calculus that sees the military as leading a transition in Venezuela," said Geoff Ramsey at the Washington Office on Latin America (WOLA), a thinktank. 
Guaido has offered amnesty to military officers who disavow Maduro, though few have so far done so.

Former military intelligence chief Hugo Carvajal, who Washington accused of involvement in the drug trade a decade ago, released a social media video on Thursday offering his support for Guaido. Carvajal distanced himself from Maduro in 2017 by opposing the creation of an all-powerful legislature.

"I'm sure that Venezuela will soon return to democracy ... How this happens depends on you, brothers in arms," he said, addressing the military.

Gustavo Marcano, senior aide to the opposition's envoy to Washington, told reporters in the US&nbsp;capital on Thursday that 11 diplomats in the United States have defected from Maduro's government since Guaido declared himself interim president.

Bank accounts for Venezuelan embassies and consulates in the United States had been frozen, he said.

&nbsp;

Venezuela President Nicolas Maduro threatened to close the border with Colombia on Thursday as opposition leader Juan Guaido and some 80 lawmakers ran a gauntlet of roadblocks trying to get to the frontier to receive humanitarian aid.

Venezuela President Nicolas Maduro threatened to close the border with Colombia on Thursday as opposition leader Juan Guaido and some 80 lawmakers ran a gauntlet of roadblocks trying to get to the frontier to receive humanitarian aid. Guaido, who is recognised by dozens of countries as Venezuela's legitimate head of state, was poised for a showdown with Maduro's government on Saturday, when the opposition will attempt to bring in food and medicine being stockpiled in neighbouring countries. Maduro denies there is a humanitarian crisis and said on Thursday he was considering closing Venezuela's key border with Colombia and would close the country's other main border with Brazil, effectively shutting off any legal land access. The government has said soldiers will be stationed at official crossing points to repel any "territorial violations", although the opposition could attempt to cross anywhere along Venezuela's porous borders. "I charge (Colombian President) Ivan Duque with any violence that might occur on the border," Maduro said in televised comments, surrounded by the military high command. Venezuela has already closed its maritime border with the Dutch Caribbean islands of Aruba, Curacao and Bonaire, after Curacao's government said it would help store aid. Opposition lawmakers set off from Caracas in a convoy of buses just after 10 a.m. on a 800-km (500-mile) road trip to the border with Colombia. Crowds formed alongside a main highway out of the capital, waving Venezuelan flags and whooping in support. A roadblock at a tunnel some 100 km (60 miles) along the main road forced several buses to stop, Reuters witnesses and lawmakers said. Lawmakers trying to get through scuffled with soldiers in riot gear at the tunnel's exit, TV footage showed. "We have a commitment and that is to reach the border. We will try to get as far as we can," lawmaker Mariela Magallanes told Reuters by telephone from the scene. "Humanitarian aid is not the whim of a few lawmakers, it is a necessity." Magallanes said her vehicle managed to pass through the tunnel after being stuck for several hours but other buses remained behind. Lawmakers said Guaido's vehicle continued but his exact location was being kept a secret due to security concerns. One opposition lawmaker in southeastern Bolivar state said he and some 20 other politicians would also travel to the border with Brazil. The Information Ministry did not respond to a request to comment. Guaido still has not provided details on how the aid could come in. Opposition figures have suggested forming human chains across the land borders to pass packages from person to person and fleets of boats arriving from the Dutch Caribbean islands. Will military turn? The opposition says it is rallying relief efforts in Venezuela to alleviate widespread food and medicine shortages in the wake of its hyperinflationary economic collapse. The oil-rich economy has halved in size in five years. Tons of aid sent by the US and Colombian governments is sitting in warehouses on the Colombian side of the border. Guaido tweeted late on Thursday that Chile was also airlifting supplies there, while Brazil's government said it was sending aid to its own border. Meanwhile a boat carrying 250 tons of aid left Puerto Rico's capital of San Juan headed for Venezuela on Wednesday, the local government said in a statement. Maduro accuses the Trump administration, which has levied crippling sanctions against his government, of seeking to force his ouster. The US special envoy for Venezuela, Elliott Abrams, will lead a government delegation accompanying the delivery of aid from Florida to Cucuta via military aircraft between Thursday and Friday, the Department of State said. Meanwhile, the office of US Vice President Mike Pence said he would fly to the Colombian capital, Bogota, on Monday to discuss the crisis with leaders of the regional Lima Group of nations. Guaido invoked the constitution to assume an interim presidency on Jan. 23 and denounces Maduro as an usurper. Maduro still retains the support of powerful nations like Russia and China, as well as the key backing of the military. Some political analysts say Saturday's border showdown is less about resolving Venezuela's needs and more about testing the military`s loyalty by daring it to turn aid away. "It's part of this calculus that sees the military as leading a transition in Venezuela," said Geoff Ramsey at the Washington Office on Latin America (WOLA), a thinktank. Guaido has offered amnesty to military officers who disavow Maduro, though few have so far done so. Former military intelligence chief Hugo Carvajal, who Washington accused of involvement in the drug trade a decade ago, released a social media video on Thursday offering his support for Guaido. Carvajal distanced himself from Maduro in 2017 by opposing the creation of an all-powerful legislature. "I'm sure that Venezuela will soon return to democracy ... How this happens depends on you, brothers in arms," he said, addressing the military. Gustavo Marcano, senior aide to the opposition's envoy to Washington, told reporters in the US capital on Thursday that 11 diplomats in the United States have defected from Maduro's government since Guaido declared himself interim president. Bank accounts for Venezuelan embassies and consulates in the United States had been frozen, he said.

Venezuela's Maduro starts shutting borders to block humanitarian aid

Russia on Friday accused the United States of using aid deliveries to Venezuela as a ploy to carry out military action against President Nicolas Maduro's government.

"A dangerous provocation, instigated and led by Washington, is planned for February 23," foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said, pointing to efforts by opposition leader Juan Guaido to pick up US aid being stockpiled on the Colombian border.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/china-against-forcefully-sending-aid-to-venezuela-198958">China against forcefully sending aid to Venezuela, says Foreign </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/china-against-forcefully-sending-aid-to-venezuela-198958">ministry</a>

Guaido's plans to try to bring the aid across the border are aimed at provoking clashes, she said, to provide "a convenient pretext for conducting military action".

Russia is a key supporter of Maduro's government and has repeatedly accused Washington of trying to carry out a coup in Venezuela.

On Thursday, Guaido set out in a convoy to collect US-supplied food and medicine stockpiled in Colombia, vowing to bring in the aid by Saturday.

Maduro has closed the border with Brazil to prevent the entry of aid and the military has beefed up security at the Colombian border.

Zakharova alleged that the US had moved special forces and military equipment "closer to Venezuelan territory" and was considering large-scale weapons purchases to arm the opposition.

Noting that it had been five years since the Ukrainian revolution that ousted a Russian-backed leader -- which Moscow has accused the US of orchestrating -- Zakharova said Washington was preparing for more regime change in Venezuela.

"It seems that in Washington there is nothing to mark the fifth anniversary of the coup d'etat in Ukraine, so they decided to hold a new coup d'etat," she said.

She warned that a US military intervention in Venezuela would lead to a "sharp increase in tensions" around the world.

Shipments of food and medicine for Venezuelans suffering in the country's economic crisis have become a focus of the power struggle between Maduro and Guaido.

Maduro has said Russia was providing 300 tonnes of aid but Moscow has not provided details.

Russian news agencies reported that Venezuela's Minister of Industries and National Production Tareck El Aissami would visit Moscow on Friday to meet with Russian officials.

A source quoted by the Interfax news agency said talks would focus on "cooperation in trade and the economy".

Russia on Friday accused the United States of using aid deliveries to Venezuela as a ploy to carry out military action against President Nicolas Maduro's government.

Russia on Friday accused the United States of using aid deliveries to Venezuela as a ploy to carry out military action against President Nicolas Maduro's government. "A dangerous provocation, instigated and led by Washington, is planned for February 23," foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said, pointing to efforts by opposition leader Juan Guaido to pick up US aid being stockpiled on the Colombian border. Also read: China against forcefully sending aid to Venezuela, says Foreign ministry Guaido's plans to try to bring the aid across the border are aimed at provoking clashes, she said, to provide "a convenient pretext for conducting military action". Russia is a key supporter of Maduro's government and has repeatedly accused Washington of trying to carry out a coup in Venezuela. On Thursday, Guaido set out in a convoy to collect US-supplied food and medicine stockpiled in Colombia, vowing to bring in the aid by Saturday. Maduro has closed the border with Brazil to prevent the entry of aid and the military has beefed up security at the Colombian border. Zakharova alleged that the US had moved special forces and military equipment "closer to Venezuelan territory" and was considering large-scale weapons purchases to arm the opposition. Noting that it had been five years since the Ukrainian revolution that ousted a Russian-backed leader -- which Moscow has accused the US of orchestrating -- Zakharova said Washington was preparing for more regime change in Venezuela. "It seems that in Washington there is nothing to mark the fifth anniversary of the coup d'etat in Ukraine, so they decided to hold a new coup d'etat," she said. She warned that a US military intervention in Venezuela would lead to a "sharp increase in tensions" around the world. Shipments of food and medicine for Venezuelans suffering in the country's economic crisis have become a focus of the power struggle between Maduro and Guaido. Maduro has said Russia was providing 300 tonnes of aid but Moscow has not provided details. Russian news agencies reported that Venezuela's Minister of Industries and National Production Tareck El Aissami would visit Moscow on Friday to meet with Russian officials. A source quoted by the Interfax news agency said talks would focus on "cooperation in trade and the economy".

Russia says US aid to Venezuela a 'pretext for military action'

China said Friday it was against forcefully sending "so-called humanitarian assistance" to Venezuela, warning it could spark conflict in the crisis-torn country.

China has loaned billions to Venezuela and has remained committed to President Nicolas Maduro even as the country has fallen deeper into economic crisis.

Foreign aid mostly from the US has piled up on Venezuela's borders as the Maduro government refuses to let it into the country.&nbsp;

"If the so-called humanitarian assistance were forcefully sent to Venezuela it might trigger conflict and lead to serious consequences," said China's foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang.

"This is not what anyone wants to see," Geng said.

"China is against military intervention in Venezuela and against any behaviour that might cause escalation or turmoil," he told reporters.&nbsp;

Opposition leader and self-declared interim president Juan Guaido have vowed to bring aid in from various points Saturday "one way or another" despite military efforts to block it.

Shipments of food and medicine for Venezuelans suffering in the country's economic crisis have become a focus of the power struggle between Maduro and Guaido.

"We have noticed recently the Venezuelan government has been level-headed and exercised restraint to safeguard domestic peace and stability and effectively prevented large-scale conflict," Geng said.

Venezuela's military said it is on alert at its frontiers and has closed border crossings and suspended air and sea links with the nearby island of Curacao ahead of the expected aid shipment.

The White House said Vice President Mike Pence would visit neighbouring Colombia on Monday in a show of support for Guaido.&nbsp;

The US has repeatedly said "all options," including military, are on the table.

China said Friday it was against forcefully sending "so-called humanitarian assistance" to Venezuela, warning it could spark conflict in the crisis-torn country.

China said Friday it was against forcefully sending "so-called humanitarian assistance" to Venezuela, warning it could spark conflict in the crisis-torn country. China has loaned billions to Venezuela and has remained committed to President Nicolas Maduro even as the country has fallen deeper into economic crisis. Foreign aid mostly from the US has piled up on Venezuela's borders as the Maduro government refuses to let it into the country. "If the so-called humanitarian assistance were forcefully sent to Venezuela it might trigger conflict and lead to serious consequences," said China's foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang. "This is not what anyone wants to see," Geng said. "China is against military intervention in Venezuela and against any behaviour that might cause escalation or turmoil," he told reporters. Opposition leader and self-declared interim president Juan Guaido have vowed to bring aid in from various points Saturday "one way or another" despite military efforts to block it. Shipments of food and medicine for Venezuelans suffering in the country's economic crisis have become a focus of the power struggle between Maduro and Guaido. "We have noticed recently the Venezuelan government has been level-headed and exercised restraint to safeguard domestic peace and stability and effectively prevented large-scale conflict," Geng said. Venezuela's military said it is on alert at its frontiers and has closed border crossings and suspended air and sea links with the nearby island of Curacao ahead of the expected aid shipment. The White House said Vice President Mike Pence would visit neighbouring Colombia on Monday in a show of support for Guaido. The US has repeatedly said "all options," including military, are on the table.

China against forcefully sending aid to Venezuela: Foreign ministry

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro said on Thursday the government was considering closing the border with Colombia and would close the border with Brazil ahead of opposition plans to bring in humanitarian aid despite his objection.

In televised comments, Maduro said the stockpiling of aid for Venezuela in the Colombian border town of Cucuta was a "provocation". He argues the opposition's plans are a cheap show to undermine his government.

Maduro said the government would close the border with Brazil on Thursday night after the Brazilian government pledged to also send aid in.

According to a report by news agency, AFP the&nbsp;border with Brazil would be "completely and absolutely" closed from 8:00 pm (0000 GMT) "until further notice."

Venezuela<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/guaido-says-hes-trying-to-freeze-venezuelan-accounts-in-switzerland-198620"> President legitimacy has been in the crisis since January</a> after opposition leader Juan Guaido declared himself as an acting President. He also called the incumbent Nicolas Maduro's 2018 reelections invalid and the body that elevated him.

The crisis has sparked mass protest in the country with thousands of people demonstrating against Maduro.

However, Maduro's government says, the current crisis is a coup attempt led by the United States to topple him and control the country's vast oil reserves.

Most Western countries, including the United States, have recognised Guaido as Venezuela's legitimate head of state, but Maduro retains the backing of Russia and China as well as control of state institutions including the military.

Earlier this week, Trump&nbsp;urged Venezuela's military&nbsp;to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-tells-venezuela-military-to-back-opposition-leader-guaido-or-lose-everything-198182">accept Guaido's amnesty offer, or stand to "lose everything,"</a> as the presidency crisis deepened over Maduro's refusal to let in desperately needed humanitarian aid sent by the US.

Guaido has ordered the armed forces to let the aid pass, but they remain loyal to Maduro's regime.

Three US military cargo planes delivered several dozen tons of food assistance to Cucuta on Saturday. Another US aircraft is due in Curacao from Miami on Tuesday.

Maduro has dismissed the humanitarian assistance as "crumbs" and "rotten and contaminated food," while blaming shortages of food and medicine on US sanctions.

(With inputs from agencies)

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro said on Thursday the government was considering closing the border with Colombia and would close the border with Brazil ahead of opposition plans to bring in humanitarian aid despite his objection.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro said on Thursday the government was considering closing the border with Colombia and would close the border with Brazil ahead of opposition plans to bring in humanitarian aid despite his objection. In televised comments, Maduro said the stockpiling of aid for Venezuela in the Colombian border town of Cucuta was a "provocation". He argues the opposition's plans are a cheap show to undermine his government. Maduro said the government would close the border with Brazil on Thursday night after the Brazilian government pledged to also send aid in. According to a report by news agency, AFP the border with Brazil would be "completely and absolutely" closed from 8:00 pm (0000 GMT) "until further notice." Venezuela President legitimacy has been in the crisis since January after opposition leader Juan Guaido declared himself as an acting President. He also called the incumbent Nicolas Maduro's 2018 reelections invalid and the body that elevated him. The crisis has sparked mass protest in the country with thousands of people demonstrating against Maduro. However, Maduro's government says, the current crisis is a coup attempt led by the United States to topple him and control the country's vast oil reserves. Most Western countries, including the United States, have recognised Guaido as Venezuela's legitimate head of state, but Maduro retains the backing of Russia and China as well as control of state institutions including the military. Earlier this week, Trump urged Venezuela's military to accept Guaido's amnesty offer, or stand to "lose everything," as the presidency crisis deepened over Maduro's refusal to let in desperately needed humanitarian aid sent by the US. Guaido has ordered the armed forces to let the aid pass, but they remain loyal to Maduro's regime. Three US military cargo planes delivered several dozen tons of food assistance to Cucuta on Saturday. Another US aircraft is due in Curacao from Miami on Tuesday. Maduro has dismissed the humanitarian assistance as "crumbs" and "rotten and contaminated food," while blaming shortages of food and medicine on US sanctions. (With inputs from agencies)

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro to close border with Brazil 'until further notice'

Venezuelan security forces have executed several people and arbitrarily detained hundreds of others in a campaign to punish people who protested against President Nicolas Maduro, human rights group Amnesty International said on Wednesday.

In a report titled "Hunger, punishment and fear, the formula for repression in Venezuela," Amnesty said dozens died during five days of protests from Jan 21 to Jan 25, almost all from gunshot wounds, and 900 people were arrested.

Amnesty called on the UN Human Rights Council to take action to address the "total impunity that prevails in Venezuela" by creating an independent investigative body to report on the human rights situation.

The protests were sparked by opposition leader Juan Guaido's call for people to demand a change in government after Maduro began a second term following a vote last year widely considered as fraudulent. Guaido on Jan. 23 invoked the constitution to assume an interim presidency, though Maduro says Guaido is leading a U.S.-directed coup against him.

"The authorities under Nicolas Maduro are trying to use fear and punishment to impose a repulsive strategy of social control against those who demand change," said Erika Guevara-Rosas, Americas director at Amnesty.

"His government is attacking the most impoverished people that it claims to defend, but instead it murders, detains and threatens them."

Venezuela's Information Ministry did not respond to a request to comment.

Amnesty said state authorities carried out extrajudicial executions as a method of social control, mainly using the National Police's Special Actions Force (FAES) to target poor areas that had risen up against Maduro.

The FAES have carried out dozens of deadly raids in recent weeks. The unit has said reports of abuses are "fake news" spread by right-wing opponents and their "struggle is against all criminals that ravage our communities."

Amnesty said 41 people had died, mostly from gunshot wounds, in protests in late January. It said it had documented six extrajudicial executions by the FAES of young men linked to the protests.

In one case in the city of Carora, Amnesty said, police beat up Luis Enrique Ramos Suarez, 29, at his home where 10 relatives were present, shot him dead and then staged a mock shoot out to cover up the killing.

Amnesty recommended that prosecutors at the International Criminal Court should consider the facts in its report and possibly incorporate them in a preliminary examination already underway on Venezuela.

Venezuelan security forces have executed several people and arbitrarily detained hundreds of others in a campaign to punish people who protested against President Nicolas Maduro, human rights group Amnesty International said on Wednesday.

Venezuelan security forces have executed several people and arbitrarily detained hundreds of others in a campaign to punish people who protested against President Nicolas Maduro, human rights group Amnesty International said on Wednesday. In a report titled "Hunger, punishment and fear, the formula for repression in Venezuela," Amnesty said dozens died during five days of protests from Jan 21 to Jan 25, almost all from gunshot wounds, and 900 people were arrested. Amnesty called on the UN Human Rights Council to take action to address the "total impunity that prevails in Venezuela" by creating an independent investigative body to report on the human rights situation. The protests were sparked by opposition leader Juan Guaido's call for people to demand a change in government after Maduro began a second term following a vote last year widely considered as fraudulent. Guaido on Jan. 23 invoked the constitution to assume an interim presidency, though Maduro says Guaido is leading a U.S.-directed coup against him. "The authorities under Nicolas Maduro are trying to use fear and punishment to impose a repulsive strategy of social control against those who demand change," said Erika Guevara-Rosas, Americas director at Amnesty. "His government is attacking the most impoverished people that it claims to defend, but instead it murders, detains and threatens them." Venezuela's Information Ministry did not respond to a request to comment. Amnesty said state authorities carried out extrajudicial executions as a method of social control, mainly using the National Police's Special Actions Force (FAES) to target poor areas that had risen up against Maduro. The FAES have carried out dozens of deadly raids in recent weeks. The unit has said reports of abuses are "fake news" spread by right-wing opponents and their "struggle is against all criminals that ravage our communities." Amnesty said 41 people had died, mostly from gunshot wounds, in protests in late January. It said it had documented six extrajudicial executions by the FAES of young men linked to the protests. In one case in the city of Carora, Amnesty said, police beat up Luis Enrique Ramos Suarez, 29, at his home where 10 relatives were present, shot him dead and then staged a mock shoot out to cover up the killing. Amnesty recommended that prosecutors at the International Criminal Court should consider the facts in its report and possibly incorporate them in a preliminary examination already underway on Venezuela.

Venezuela security forces kill, punish anti-Maduro protesters: Amnesty

Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido said he spoke to the president of Switzerland on Wednesday to try to freeze banks accounts belonging to the tumultuous South American nation after "irregular movements" were discovered.

Guaido invoked a constitutional provision to claim the presidency three weeks ago, arguing that Nicolas Maduro's re-election last year was a sham. Since then, Guaido has been trying to control Venezuelan assets overseas.

"We are talking to the Swiss president," Guaido said in an interview with Mexican network Televisa. He said they had spoken on Wednesday morning but did not mention Swiss President Ueli Maurer by name.

Guaido said the Venezuelan government held bank accounts in Switzerland and that irregular efforts to migrate part of those accounts to "another site" had been detected.

"We are doing everything possible to protect these assets that belong to the republic," he said.

He did not say who had detected the movements in the accounts, whether any money had been transferred or give further details.

Most Western countries, including the United States, have recognized Guaido as Venezuela's legitimate head of state, but Maduro retains the backing of Russia and China as well as control of state institutions including the military.

Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido said he spoke to the president of Switzerland on Wednesday to try to freeze banks accounts belonging to the tumultuous South American nation after "irregular movements" were discovered.

Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido said he spoke to the president of Switzerland on Wednesday to try to freeze banks accounts belonging to the tumultuous South American nation after "irregular movements" were discovered. Guaido invoked a constitutional provision to claim the presidency three weeks ago, arguing that Nicolas Maduro's re-election last year was a sham. Since then, Guaido has been trying to control Venezuelan assets overseas. "We are talking to the Swiss president," Guaido said in an interview with Mexican network Televisa. He said they had spoken on Wednesday morning but did not mention Swiss President Ueli Maurer by name. Guaido said the Venezuelan government held bank accounts in Switzerland and that irregular efforts to migrate part of those accounts to "another site" had been detected. "We are doing everything possible to protect these assets that belong to the republic," he said. He did not say who had detected the movements in the accounts, whether any money had been transferred or give further details. Most Western countries, including the United States, have recognized Guaido as Venezuela's legitimate head of state, but Maduro retains the backing of Russia and China as well as control of state institutions including the military.

Guaido says he's trying to freeze Venezuelan accounts in Switzerland

Venezuela's armed forces said Tuesday they were on "alert" for border violations following threats by US President Donald Trump who urged them to back opposition leader Juan Guaido.

"The armed forces will remain deployed and on alert along the borders... to avoid any violations of territorial integrity," said Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino, reading out a statement in a public appearance alongside top commanders.

"We reiterate unrestrictedly our obedience, subordination and loyalty" to President Nicolas Maduro, he added.

Maduro faces calls to quit as his country struggles with shortages of food and medicine.

The military high command has so far maintained its public backing for Maduro -- seen as key to keeping him in power.

Guaido, leader of the Venezuelan legislature, has declared himself acting president and is appealing to military leaders to switch allegiance to him.

He is backed by the United States and some 50 other countries.

The United States has sent food and medical aid for Venezuela but the military has so far refused to let it enter the country.

Guaido, 35, has offered military commanders an amnesty if they abandon Maduro.

On Tuesday he published a series of tweets calling by name on senior military leaders commanding border posts to abandon Maduro.

Trump has refused to rule out US military action in Venezuela. He raised the pressure on Monday, issuing a warning to the Venezuelan military.

He told them that if they continue to support Maduro, "you will find no safe harbor, no easy exit and no way out. You will lose everything."

Padrino rejected Trump's threat, branding the US president "arrogant."

Maduro's government says the aid is a smokescreen for an invasion.

If foreign powers try to help install a new government by force, they will have to do so "over our dead bodies," Padrino said. 
&nbsp;

Venezuela's armed forces said Tuesday they were on "alert" for border violations following threats by US President Donald Trump who urged them to back opposition leader Juan Guaido.

Venezuela's armed forces said Tuesday they were on "alert" for border violations following threats by US President Donald Trump who urged them to back opposition leader Juan Guaido. "The armed forces will remain deployed and on alert along the borders... to avoid any violations of territorial integrity," said Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino, reading out a statement in a public appearance alongside top commanders. "We reiterate unrestrictedly our obedience, subordination and loyalty" to President Nicolas Maduro, he added. Maduro faces calls to quit as his country struggles with shortages of food and medicine. The military high command has so far maintained its public backing for Maduro -- seen as key to keeping him in power. Guaido, leader of the Venezuelan legislature, has declared himself acting president and is appealing to military leaders to switch allegiance to him. He is backed by the United States and some 50 other countries. The United States has sent food and medical aid for Venezuela but the military has so far refused to let it enter the country. Guaido, 35, has offered military commanders an amnesty if they abandon Maduro. On Tuesday he published a series of tweets calling by name on senior military leaders commanding border posts to abandon Maduro. Trump has refused to rule out US military action in Venezuela. He raised the pressure on Monday, issuing a warning to the Venezuelan military. He told them that if they continue to support Maduro, "you will find no safe harbor, no easy exit and no way out. You will lose everything." Padrino rejected Trump's threat, branding the US president "arrogant." Maduro's government says the aid is a smokescreen for an invasion. If foreign powers try to help install a new government by force, they will have to do so "over our dead bodies," Padrino said.

Venezuela armed forces on 'alert' for border violations

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-calls-discussions-about-removing-him-treasonous-198179">US President Donald Trump</a> urged Venezuela's military Monday to accept opposition leader Juan Guaido's amnesty offer, or stand to "lose everything," as a crisis deepened over President Nicolas Maduro's refusal to let in desperately needed humanitarian aid.

Bringing in humanitarian aid is crucial to the viability of Guaido, who has denounced Maduro's re-election last year as fraudulent and in January declared himself interim president, a move recognized by some 50 countries.

He has given the Maduro government until Saturday to let the shipments into the country, which is in the grip of a humanitarian crisis due to shortages of food and medicine exacerbated by hyperinflation.

Addressing supporters and Venezuelan expatriates in Miami on Sunday, Trump declared he had a message for officials helping keep Maduro in place.

"The eyes of the entire world are upon you today, every day and every day in the future," he said.

"You cannot hide from the choice that now confronts you. You can choose to accept president Guaido's generous offer of amnesty to live your life in peace with your families and your countrymen.

"Or you can choose the second path: continuing to support Maduro. If you choose this path, you will find no safe harbour, no easy exit and no way out. You will lose everything."

Guaido has set a target of signing up to a million volunteers to help bring in the aid, with 600,000 already registered.

"On February 23, we have the opportunity to save the lives of hundreds of thousands of Venezuelans," he said on Sunday.

Opposition officials Sunday hit out at state internet provider CANTV for blocking the website where volunteers are signing up to help bring in the aid, mostly supplied by the United States but stockpiled in Colombia just over the border from Venezuela.

Committed to change&nbsp;

A second aid collection centre is due to begin operations in Brazil's northeastern state of Roraima, which borders Venezuela. But there is much uncertainty over the aid in Brazil, with officials there saying they have no information at this point.

Military officials in Roraima said they had yet to receive orders, although a collection centre could be set up quickly, with some businesses having already provided warehouses to that effect.

A third centre is due to open this week on the Dutch island of Curacao, off Venezuela's north coast.

Tensions mounted on Sunday after Guaido branded the government "irrational" for expelling five visiting European lawmakers.

The European Parliament members were being tossed out with no explanation, said Spanish MEP Esteban Gonzalez Pons, who led a group including fellow Spaniards Jose Ignacio Salafranca and Gabriel Mato Adrover, as well as Esther de Lange of the Netherlands and Paulo Rangel of Portugal.

Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza said the Europeans had "conspiratorial aims" and were sent back from the country's main Maiquetia airport.

The humanitarian aid standoff is due to come to a head this weekend when caravans of buses are set to carry volunteers to border entry points to meet and transport arriving cargo.

It is unclear how Guaido will overcome the border barriers put up by the Venezuelan military, on Maduro's orders.

Volunteer groups have begun meeting in "humanitarian camps" in several Venezuelan states to organize and prepare for the arrival of the aid to alleviate hardship from an imploding economy has driven an estimated 2.3 million Venezuelans to migrate from the oil-rich country.&nbsp;

Maduro, who denies the existence of a humanitarian crisis, dismisses the opposition moves as a "political show" and a cover for a US invasion.

An 'international crime'&nbsp;

"Whoever prevents the entry of humanitarian aid is condemned to spend the rest of their lives fleeing international justice, because that is an international crime," US Senator Marco Rubio said as he toured the Colombian collection centre in Cucuta on Sunday.

Three US military cargo planes delivered several dozen tons of food assistance to Cucuta on Saturday. Another US aircraft is due in Curacao from Miami on Tuesday.

On Friday, Maduro instructed his army to prepare a "special deployment plan" for the 2,200-kilometer (1,370-mile) border with Colombia.

Guaido has ordered the armed forces to let the aid pass, but they remain loyal to Maduro's regime.

Maduro has dismissed the humanitarian assistance as "crumbs" and "rotten and contaminated food," while blaming shortages of food and medicine on US sanctions.

In Maduro-friendly Cuba, Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez said he urged the more than 100 ambassadors and heads of mission serving on the communist island to reject "the US military's aggression of Venezuela" in a meeting.&nbsp;

US President Donald Trump urged Venezuela's military Monday to accept opposition leader Juan Guaido's amnesty offer, or stand to "lose everything," as a crisis deepened over President Nicolas Maduro's refusal to let in desperately needed humanitarian aid.

US President Donald Trump urged Venezuela's military Monday to accept opposition leader Juan Guaido's amnesty offer, or stand to "lose everything," as a crisis deepened over President Nicolas Maduro's refusal to let in desperately needed humanitarian aid. Bringing in humanitarian aid is crucial to the viability of Guaido, who has denounced Maduro's re-election last year as fraudulent and in January declared himself interim president, a move recognized by some 50 countries. He has given the Maduro government until Saturday to let the shipments into the country, which is in the grip of a humanitarian crisis due to shortages of food and medicine exacerbated by hyperinflation. Addressing supporters and Venezuelan expatriates in Miami on Sunday, Trump declared he had a message for officials helping keep Maduro in place. "The eyes of the entire world are upon you today, every day and every day in the future," he said. "You cannot hide from the choice that now confronts you. You can choose to accept president Guaido's generous offer of amnesty to live your life in peace with your families and your countrymen. "Or you can choose the second path: continuing to support Maduro. If you choose this path, you will find no safe harbour, no easy exit and no way out. You will lose everything." Guaido has set a target of signing up to a million volunteers to help bring in the aid, with 600,000 already registered. "On February 23, we have the opportunity to save the lives of hundreds of thousands of Venezuelans," he said on Sunday. Opposition officials Sunday hit out at state internet provider CANTV for blocking the website where volunteers are signing up to help bring in the aid, mostly supplied by the United States but stockpiled in Colombia just over the border from Venezuela. Committed to change A second aid collection centre is due to begin operations in Brazil's northeastern state of Roraima, which borders Venezuela. But there is much uncertainty over the aid in Brazil, with officials there saying they have no information at this point. Military officials in Roraima said they had yet to receive orders, although a collection centre could be set up quickly, with some businesses having already provided warehouses to that effect. A third centre is due to open this week on the Dutch island of Curacao, off Venezuela's north coast. Tensions mounted on Sunday after Guaido branded the government "irrational" for expelling five visiting European lawmakers. The European Parliament members were being tossed out with no explanation, said Spanish MEP Esteban Gonzalez Pons, who led a group including fellow Spaniards Jose Ignacio Salafranca and Gabriel Mato Adrover, as well as Esther de Lange of the Netherlands and Paulo Rangel of Portugal. Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza said the Europeans had "conspiratorial aims" and were sent back from the country's main Maiquetia airport. The humanitarian aid standoff is due to come to a head this weekend when caravans of buses are set to carry volunteers to border entry points to meet and transport arriving cargo. It is unclear how Guaido will overcome the border barriers put up by the Venezuelan military, on Maduro's orders. Volunteer groups have begun meeting in "humanitarian camps" in several Venezuelan states to organize and prepare for the arrival of the aid to alleviate hardship from an imploding economy has driven an estimated 2.3 million Venezuelans to migrate from the oil-rich country. Maduro, who denies the existence of a humanitarian crisis, dismisses the opposition moves as a "political show" and a cover for a US invasion. An 'international crime' "Whoever prevents the entry of humanitarian aid is condemned to spend the rest of their lives fleeing international justice, because that is an international crime," US Senator Marco Rubio said as he toured the Colombian collection centre in Cucuta on Sunday. Three US military cargo planes delivered several dozen tons of food assistance to Cucuta on Saturday. Another US aircraft is due in Curacao from Miami on Tuesday. On Friday, Maduro instructed his army to prepare a "special deployment plan" for the 2,200-kilometer (1,370-mile) border with Colombia. Guaido has ordered the armed forces to let the aid pass, but they remain loyal to Maduro's regime. Maduro has dismissed the humanitarian assistance as "crumbs" and "rotten and contaminated food," while blaming shortages of food and medicine on US sanctions. In Maduro-friendly Cuba, Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez said he urged the more than 100 ambassadors and heads of mission serving on the communist island to reject "the US military's aggression of Venezuela" in a meeting.

Trump tells Venezuela military to back opposition leader Guaido or 'lose everything'

Japan's foreign minister on Tuesday declared his country's support for Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido, who has declared himself interim president in a challenge to ruling leader Nicolas Maduro.

"Our country has called for early elections... but unfortunately elections have not been held yet," Foreign Minister Taro Kono said at a press conference.

"Considering the circumstances, our country clearly backs provisional president Guaido. We once again call on the country to hold free and fair elections," Kono said.

The move by Tokyo comes amid a growing crisis in Venezuela, with increasing pressure on the country's embattled leader Maduro and the army.

On Monday, US President Donald Trump urged the Venezuelan military to back Guaido or "lose everything".

The US has called for Maduro to step aside, backing Guaido who has denounced the Venezuelan president's re-election last year as fraudulent.

The opposition figure declared himself interim president in January, and has now been recognised by around 50 countries.

He is locked in a standoff with Maduro over a US plan to send aid to Venezuela, which is in the grip of a humanitarian crisis due to shortages of food and medicine exacerbated by hyperinflation.

Guaido plans to sign up a million volunteers to bring the aid into the country, despite roadblocks set up by Maduro's government, which says it will receive 300 tonnes of aid from Russia this week.

Japan's foreign minister on Tuesday declared his country's support for Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido, who has declared himself interim president in a challenge to ruling leader Nicolas Maduro.

Japan's foreign minister on Tuesday declared his country's support for Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido, who has declared himself interim president in a challenge to ruling leader Nicolas Maduro. "Our country has called for early elections... but unfortunately elections have not been held yet," Foreign Minister Taro Kono said at a press conference. "Considering the circumstances, our country clearly backs provisional president Guaido. We once again call on the country to hold free and fair elections," Kono said. The move by Tokyo comes amid a growing crisis in Venezuela, with increasing pressure on the country's embattled leader Maduro and the army. On Monday, US President Donald Trump urged the Venezuelan military to back Guaido or "lose everything". The US has called for Maduro to step aside, backing Guaido who has denounced the Venezuelan president's re-election last year as fraudulent. The opposition figure declared himself interim president in January, and has now been recognised by around 50 countries. He is locked in a standoff with Maduro over a US plan to send aid to Venezuela, which is in the grip of a humanitarian crisis due to shortages of food and medicine exacerbated by hyperinflation. Guaido plans to sign up a million volunteers to bring the aid into the country, despite roadblocks set up by Maduro's government, which says it will receive 300 tonnes of aid from Russia this week.

Japan throws support behind Venezuela's Guaido

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro said on Monday that 300 tons of humanitarian aid from Russia will arrive in the country later this week, an announcement made at a time when the opposition is pressing for the entry of donations from other countries amid a shortage of medicines.

"On Wednesday, 300 tons of aid and humanitarian assistance will, legally, arrive from Russia at the Maiquetia (International) Airport (which serves Caracas)," he said in a presidential council which was broadcast on radio and television on a mandatory basis.&nbsp;

He indicated that this aid was paid for by the executive and indicated that his government is receiving "technical assistance" from the United Nations (UN).

The president said that was possible that in the next few days there will be an announcement made by several countries to offer their support, through the UN, to Venezuela.

He also insisted that the donations made by the United States and Colombia at the request of the Venezuelan Parliament, which has an opposition majority, and that is blocked at the border, are expired and contaminated food.

"The humanitarian aid is a 'show', a booby trap. They stole from us $30 billion and offer us $20 million of rotten, contaminated food, in order to try to intervene in Venezuela," he said while asking the Colombian president, Ivan Duque, and the American, Donald Trump, to drop the "madness."

Maduro's announcement came on a day when his communications minister, Jorge Rodriguez, said that he will take food and medical treatment to the Colombian city of Cucuta due to the poverty that its residents suffer.

Cucuta is one of the collection centres for humanitarian aid requested by the Venezuelan Parliament, but Maduro refuses to accept it on the grounds that it may lead to a foreign invasion, especially after the ignoring of his new term in office following his election in polls branded as fraudulent.

For this reason, and after the head of the Parliament, Juan Guaido, was proclaimed interim president because Maduro was considered illegitimate, almost 50 countries have also recognized Guaido as the country's leader.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro said on Monday that 300 tons of humanitarian aid from Russia will arrive in the country later this week, an announcement made at a time when the opposition is pressing for the entry of donations from other countries amid a shortage of medicines.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro said on Monday that 300 tons of humanitarian aid from Russia will arrive in the country later this week, an announcement made at a time when the opposition is pressing for the entry of donations from other countries amid a shortage of medicines. "On Wednesday, 300 tons of aid and humanitarian assistance will, legally, arrive from Russia at the Maiquetia (International) Airport (which serves Caracas)," he said in a presidential council which was broadcast on radio and television on a mandatory basis. He indicated that this aid was paid for by the executive and indicated that his government is receiving "technical assistance" from the United Nations (UN). The president said that was possible that in the next few days there will be an announcement made by several countries to offer their support, through the UN, to Venezuela. He also insisted that the donations made by the United States and Colombia at the request of the Venezuelan Parliament, which has an opposition majority, and that is blocked at the border, are expired and contaminated food. "The humanitarian aid is a 'show', a booby trap. They stole from us $30 billion and offer us $20 million of rotten, contaminated food, in order to try to intervene in Venezuela," he said while asking the Colombian president, Ivan Duque, and the American, Donald Trump, to drop the "madness." Maduro's announcement came on a day when his communications minister, Jorge Rodriguez, said that he will take food and medical treatment to the Colombian city of Cucuta due to the poverty that its residents suffer. Cucuta is one of the collection centres for humanitarian aid requested by the Venezuelan Parliament, but Maduro refuses to accept it on the grounds that it may lead to a foreign invasion, especially after the ignoring of his new term in office following his election in polls branded as fraudulent. For this reason, and after the head of the Parliament, Juan Guaido, was proclaimed interim president because Maduro was considered illegitimate, almost 50 countries have also recognized Guaido as the country's leader.

300 tons of humanitarian aid from Russia to arrive in Venezuela

Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido set a goal Sunday of enlisting a million volunteers within a week to confront a government blockade that has kept tons of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/thousands-of-venezuela-volunteers-begin-preparing-us-aid-entry-197915">humanitarian aid</a>, most of it from the United States, from flowing into the country.

Guaido has given February 23 — one month to the day after he proclaimed himself acting president — as the date for a showdown over the aid with the government of President Nicolas Maduro.

Food supplies, hygiene kits and nutritional supplements have been stockpiled near the Venezuelan border in Cucuta, Colombia.

Additional storage centres are supposed to open this week in Brazil and Curacao, a Dutch island off Venezuela's northern Caribbean coast.&nbsp;

"Our principal task is to reach a million volunteers by February 23," Guaido said in a message to the 600,000 supporters who have signed up so far for the push to bring aid in.

He said the volunteers would gather at designated points, or participate on social media.&nbsp;

Caravans of buses are being planned to carry volunteers to border entry points to meet and transport arriving cargo, but Guaido has kept to himself how he plans to overcome the obstacles put up by the Venezuelan military, on Maduro's orders.

Volunteer groups have already begun meeting in so-called "humanitarian camps" in several Venezuelan states to organize and prepare for the arrival of aid. Sometimes working under awnings or tents, doctors, nurses, dentists and paediatricians have attended to local residents in need.

An imploding economy has driven an estimated 2.3 Venezuelans to migrate, while those who remain have been punished by hyperinflation that has put scarce food and medicine out of reach for many.

Maduro, who denies the existence of a humanitarian crisis, dismisses the opposition moves as a "political show" and a cover for a US invasion.

'Humanitarian avalanche'&nbsp;

"Venezuela is preparing for the humanitarian avalanche," Guaido told about 4,000 supporters clad in white T-shirts and green scarves who gathered Saturday to sign up as volunteers.

Coromoto Crespo, 58, told AFP he volunteered because of the urgent need for supplies.

"To find medicines requires a miracle. I need tablets for high blood pressure, and what I find, I can't pay for," Crespo said.

"One of my relatives died because of a lack of antibiotics."

Andrea Hernandez, a physical therapy student whose mother is a pediatric nurse who was also volunteering, said her mom often "cried from seeing her patients die from lack of medicine."

So "humanitarian aid is the best thing for Venezuela at this time," Hernandez said.

Another woman, who went by Jessenia, added she took advantage of a roving dentist's office to finally get the treatment she was otherwise unable to afford for her son who had cavities.

US senator arrives&nbsp;

US Senator Marco Rubio, meanwhile, arrived Sunday in Cucuta for a first-hand look at the aid operations. He met with officials at the collection point and visited the Simon Bolivar international bridge linking Colombia and Venezuela.

Guaido, in a tweet, thanked Rubio for his "noble effort to achieve humanitarian aid."

Three US military cargo planes delivered several dozen more tons (tonnes) of food assistance to Cucuta on Saturday.&nbsp;

Another US aircraft is due in Curacao from Miami on Tuesday, and a collection centre for Brazilian aid will open Monday on the border, Guaido's team said.

Saturday's shipment was accompanied by a delegation led by Mark Green, head of the US Agency for International Development.&nbsp;

Venezuelans based in Miami held their own drive, putting together 1,000 crates of food to send to their homeland.

On Friday, Maduro instructed his army to prepare a "special deployment plan" for the 2,200-kilometer (1,370-mile) border with Colombia.

Maduro has poured scorn on the aid, spurning it as &nbsp;"crumbs" and "rotten and contaminated food" while blaming shortages of food and medicine on US sanctions.

He said six million families had benefited from subsidized food boxes and he claimed to have bought 933 tons of medicines and medical supplies from China, Cuba and Russia, his main international allies.

On another front, Venezuelan Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza confirmed having held two meetings with special US envoy Elliott Abrams. Arreaza, who travelled to New York on February 13, said he held the talks with Abrams at the request of the State Department. He declined to comment on the substance of their discussions.

Guaido repeated his call on Venezuela's military -- whose support for Maduro has been crucial -- to let the aid pass.

He also announced that British billionaire Richard Branson was organizing a concert for February 22 in Cucuta with renowned international artists to raise money for the relief effort.

Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido set a goal Sunday of enlisting a million volunteers within a week to confront a government blockade that has kept tons of humanitarian aid, most of it from the United States, from flowing into the country.

Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido set a goal Sunday of enlisting a million volunteers within a week to confront a government blockade that has kept tons of humanitarian aid, most of it from the United States, from flowing into the country. Guaido has given February 23 — one month to the day after he proclaimed himself acting president — as the date for a showdown over the aid with the government of President Nicolas Maduro. Food supplies, hygiene kits and nutritional supplements have been stockpiled near the Venezuelan border in Cucuta, Colombia. Additional storage centres are supposed to open this week in Brazil and Curacao, a Dutch island off Venezuela's northern Caribbean coast. "Our principal task is to reach a million volunteers by February 23," Guaido said in a message to the 600,000 supporters who have signed up so far for the push to bring aid in. He said the volunteers would gather at designated points, or participate on social media. Caravans of buses are being planned to carry volunteers to border entry points to meet and transport arriving cargo, but Guaido has kept to himself how he plans to overcome the obstacles put up by the Venezuelan military, on Maduro's orders. Volunteer groups have already begun meeting in so-called "humanitarian camps" in several Venezuelan states to organize and prepare for the arrival of aid. Sometimes working under awnings or tents, doctors, nurses, dentists and paediatricians have attended to local residents in need. An imploding economy has driven an estimated 2.3 Venezuelans to migrate, while those who remain have been punished by hyperinflation that has put scarce food and medicine out of reach for many. Maduro, who denies the existence of a humanitarian crisis, dismisses the opposition moves as a "political show" and a cover for a US invasion. 'Humanitarian avalanche' "Venezuela is preparing for the humanitarian avalanche," Guaido told about 4,000 supporters clad in white T-shirts and green scarves who gathered Saturday to sign up as volunteers. Coromoto Crespo, 58, told AFP he volunteered because of the urgent need for supplies. "To find medicines requires a miracle. I need tablets for high blood pressure, and what I find, I can't pay for," Crespo said. "One of my relatives died because of a lack of antibiotics." Andrea Hernandez, a physical therapy student whose mother is a pediatric nurse who was also volunteering, said her mom often "cried from seeing her patients die from lack of medicine." So "humanitarian aid is the best thing for Venezuela at this time," Hernandez said. Another woman, who went by Jessenia, added she took advantage of a roving dentist's office to finally get the treatment she was otherwise unable to afford for her son who had cavities. US senator arrives US Senator Marco Rubio, meanwhile, arrived Sunday in Cucuta for a first-hand look at the aid operations. He met with officials at the collection point and visited the Simon Bolivar international bridge linking Colombia and Venezuela. Guaido, in a tweet, thanked Rubio for his "noble effort to achieve humanitarian aid." Three US military cargo planes delivered several dozen more tons (tonnes) of food assistance to Cucuta on Saturday. Another US aircraft is due in Curacao from Miami on Tuesday, and a collection centre for Brazilian aid will open Monday on the border, Guaido's team said. Saturday's shipment was accompanied by a delegation led by Mark Green, head of the US Agency for International Development. Venezuelans based in Miami held their own drive, putting together 1,000 crates of food to send to their homeland. On Friday, Maduro instructed his army to prepare a "special deployment plan" for the 2,200-kilometer (1,370-mile) border with Colombia. Maduro has poured scorn on the aid, spurning it as "crumbs" and "rotten and contaminated food" while blaming shortages of food and medicine on US sanctions. He said six million families had benefited from subsidized food boxes and he claimed to have bought 933 tons of medicines and medical supplies from China, Cuba and Russia, his main international allies. On another front, Venezuelan Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza confirmed having held two meetings with special US envoy Elliott Abrams. Arreaza, who travelled to New York on February 13, said he held the talks with Abrams at the request of the State Department. He declined to comment on the substance of their discussions. Guaido repeated his call on Venezuela's military -- whose support for Maduro has been crucial -- to let the aid pass. He also announced that British billionaire Richard Branson was organizing a concert for February 22 in Cucuta with renowned international artists to raise money for the relief effort.

As government blocks aid, Venezuela's Juan Guaido calls for 'million volunteers'

Venezuela on Sunday expelled five visiting European lawmakers, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/venezuelas-opposition-leader-guaido-calls-for-million-volunteers-in-aid-standoff-197977">an act which opposition leader Juan </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/venezuelas-opposition-leader-guaido-calls-for-million-volunteers-in-aid-standoff-197977">Guaido</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/venezuelas-opposition-leader-guaido-calls-for-million-volunteers-in-aid-standoff-197977"> branded "irrational"</a> as his showdown with President Nicolas Maduro over the arrival of international aid intensifies.

The members of the European Parliament were being tossed out with no explanation, said Spanish MEP Esteban Gonzalez Pons, who led the group.

"We are being expelled from Venezuela. Our passports have been seized. They have not informed us of the reason for the expulsion," Pons said.

The incident is the latest point of tension between the international community and Maduro, who is in the grip of a power struggle with Guaido, the head of the National Assembly who proclaimed himself interim president last month.

Guaido has the backing of more than 50 countries including 30 in Europe.

Pons's compatriots Jose Ignacio Salafranca and Gabriel Mato Adrover, as well as Esther de Lange of the Netherlands and Paulo Rangel of Portugal, were also expelled. All are members of the conservative European People's Party (PPE).

Writing on Twitter, Guaido said the MEPs were being "deported by an isolated and increasingly irrational regime."

Earlier Sunday Guaido set a goal of enlisting a million volunteers within a week to confront a government blockade that has kept tons of humanitarian aid, most of it from the United States, from flowing into the country where residents can't get enough food and say they are dying because of a shortage of medicines.

The economy is imploding 
Guaido has given next Saturday -- one month to the day after he proclaimed himself acting president -- as the date for a showdown with Maduro over the aid.

Food supplies, hygiene kits and nutritional supplements have been stockpiled near the Venezuelan border in Cucuta, Colombia.

Additional storage centers are supposed to open this week in Brazil and Curacao, a Dutch island off Venezuela's northern Caribbean coast.&nbsp;

"Our principal task is to reach a million volunteers by February 23," Guaido said in a message to the 600,000 supporters who have signed up so far for the push to bring aid in.

He said the volunteers would gather at designated points, or participate on social media.&nbsp;

Caravans of buses are being planned to carry volunteers to border entry points to meet and transport arriving cargo. Guaido has kept to himself how he plans to overcome the border barriers put up by the Venezuelan military, on Maduro's orders.

Volunteer groups have begun meeting in "humanitarian camps" in several Venezuelan states to organize and prepare for the aid arrival. Sometimes working under awnings or tents, doctors, nurses, dentists and pediatricians have attended to local residents in need.

An imploding economy has driven an estimated 2.3 million Venezuelans to migrate from the oil-rich country. Those who remain have been punished by hyperinflation that has put scarce food and medicine out of reach for many.

Maduro, who denies the existence of a humanitarian crisis, dismisses the opposition moves as a "political show" and a cover for a US invasion.

"Venezuela is preparing for the humanitarian avalanche," Guaido told about 4,000 supporters clad in white T-shirts and green scarves who gathered Saturday to sign up as volunteers.

Andrea Hernandez, a physical therapy student whose mother is a pediatric nurse, is among those offering her help. Hernandez said her mom often "cried from seeing her patients die from lack of medicine."

So "humanitarian aid is the best thing for Venezuela at this time," Hernandez said.

An 'international crime' 
US Senator Marco Rubio arrived Sunday in Cucuta for a first-hand look at the aid operations. He met with officials at the collection point and visited the Simon Bolivar international bridge linking Colombia and Venezuela.

"Whoever prevents the entry of humanitarian aid is condemned to spend the rest of their lives fleeing international justice, because that is an international crime," Rubio said in Spanish.

Three US military cargo planes delivered several dozen more tons (tonnes) of food assistance to Cucuta on Saturday.&nbsp;

Another US aircraft is due in Curacao from Miami on Tuesday, and a collection center for Brazilian aid will open Monday on the border, Guaido's team said.

Venezuelans based in Miami held their own drive, putting together 1,000 crates of food to send to their homeland.

On Friday, Maduro instructed his army to prepare a "special deployment plan" for the 2,200-kilometer (1,370-mile) border with Colombia.

Guaido appealed for the military to let the aid pass.

Maduro has dismissed the humanitarian assistance as "crumbs" and "rotten and contaminated food" while blaming shortages of food and medicine on US sanctions.

He said six million families had benefited from subsidized food boxes and he claimed to have bought 933 tons of medicines and medical supplies from China, Cuba and Russia, his main international allies.

Guaido announced that British billionaire Richard Branson was organizing a concert for February 22 in Cucuta with renowned international artists to raise money for the relief effort.

Venezuela on Sunday expelled five visiting European lawmakers, an act which opposition leader Juan Guaido branded "irrational" as his showdown with President Nicolas Maduro over the arrival of international aid intensifies.

Venezuela on Sunday expelled five visiting European lawmakers, an act which opposition leader Juan Guaido branded "irrational" as his showdown with President Nicolas Maduro over the arrival of international aid intensifies. The members of the European Parliament were being tossed out with no explanation, said Spanish MEP Esteban Gonzalez Pons, who led the group. "We are being expelled from Venezuela. Our passports have been seized. They have not informed us of the reason for the expulsion," Pons said. The incident is the latest point of tension between the international community and Maduro, who is in the grip of a power struggle with Guaido, the head of the National Assembly who proclaimed himself interim president last month. Guaido has the backing of more than 50 countries including 30 in Europe. Pons's compatriots Jose Ignacio Salafranca and Gabriel Mato Adrover, as well as Esther de Lange of the Netherlands and Paulo Rangel of Portugal, were also expelled. All are members of the conservative European People's Party (PPE). Writing on Twitter, Guaido said the MEPs were being "deported by an isolated and increasingly irrational regime." Earlier Sunday Guaido set a goal of enlisting a million volunteers within a week to confront a government blockade that has kept tons of humanitarian aid, most of it from the United States, from flowing into the country where residents can't get enough food and say they are dying because of a shortage of medicines. The economy is imploding Guaido has given next Saturday -- one month to the day after he proclaimed himself acting president -- as the date for a showdown with Maduro over the aid. Food supplies, hygiene kits and nutritional supplements have been stockpiled near the Venezuelan border in Cucuta, Colombia. Additional storage centers are supposed to open this week in Brazil and Curacao, a Dutch island off Venezuela's northern Caribbean coast. "Our principal task is to reach a million volunteers by February 23," Guaido said in a message to the 600,000 supporters who have signed up so far for the push to bring aid in. He said the volunteers would gather at designated points, or participate on social media. Caravans of buses are being planned to carry volunteers to border entry points to meet and transport arriving cargo. Guaido has kept to himself how he plans to overcome the border barriers put up by the Venezuelan military, on Maduro's orders. Volunteer groups have begun meeting in "humanitarian camps" in several Venezuelan states to organize and prepare for the aid arrival. Sometimes working under awnings or tents, doctors, nurses, dentists and pediatricians have attended to local residents in need. An imploding economy has driven an estimated 2.3 million Venezuelans to migrate from the oil-rich country. Those who remain have been punished by hyperinflation that has put scarce food and medicine out of reach for many. Maduro, who denies the existence of a humanitarian crisis, dismisses the opposition moves as a "political show" and a cover for a US invasion. "Venezuela is preparing for the humanitarian avalanche," Guaido told about 4,000 supporters clad in white T-shirts and green scarves who gathered Saturday to sign up as volunteers. Andrea Hernandez, a physical therapy student whose mother is a pediatric nurse, is among those offering her help. Hernandez said her mom often "cried from seeing her patients die from lack of medicine." So "humanitarian aid is the best thing for Venezuela at this time," Hernandez said. An 'international crime' US Senator Marco Rubio arrived Sunday in Cucuta for a first-hand look at the aid operations. He met with officials at the collection point and visited the Simon Bolivar international bridge linking Colombia and Venezuela. "Whoever prevents the entry of humanitarian aid is condemned to spend the rest of their lives fleeing international justice, because that is an international crime," Rubio said in Spanish. Three US military cargo planes delivered several dozen more tons (tonnes) of food assistance to Cucuta on Saturday. Another US aircraft is due in Curacao from Miami on Tuesday, and a collection center for Brazilian aid will open Monday on the border, Guaido's team said. Venezuelans based in Miami held their own drive, putting together 1,000 crates of food to send to their homeland. On Friday, Maduro instructed his army to prepare a "special deployment plan" for the 2,200-kilometer (1,370-mile) border with Colombia. Guaido appealed for the military to let the aid pass. Maduro has dismissed the humanitarian assistance as "crumbs" and "rotten and contaminated food" while blaming shortages of food and medicine on US sanctions. He said six million families had benefited from subsidized food boxes and he claimed to have bought 933 tons of medicines and medical supplies from China, Cuba and Russia, his main international allies. Guaido announced that British billionaire Richard Branson was organizing a concert for February 22 in Cucuta with renowned international artists to raise money for the relief effort.

Venezuela expels five visiting European lawmakers, opposition leader Guaido says it's 'irrational'

Thousands of volunteers in Venezuela will begin mobilising on Sunday to bring American aid into their crisis-hit country despite a blockade by President Nicolas Maduro who claims the assistance could be cover for a US invasion.

Once-wealthy Venezuela is gripped by a power struggle between socialist leader Maduro and Juan Guaido, the head of the National Assembly who proclaimed himself interim president last month and now has the backing of more than 50 countries.&nbsp;

But even as the political battle pitting Guaido against Maduro continued to deepen, Caracas confirmed talks had taken place with an envoy for US President Donald Trump's administration.

The oil-rich country's economic meltdown under Maduro has left millions in poverty facing shortages of medicine and food, with hyperinflation making purchases impossible.

US aid that has been piling up in the Colombian border town of Cucuta has become the frontline of the confrontation between Guaido and Maduro.

"Venezuela is preparing for the humanitarian avalanche," Guaido told about 4,000 supporters clad in white T-shirts and green scarves who gathered Saturday to sign up as volunteers.

The throng included doctors, nurses and students.

Six hundred thousand people have registered to help bring aid in through border points, Guaido told the Caracas rally, asking the volunteers to meet in town councils on Sunday to get instructions about the process.

Without revealing details that could jeopardize the operation, Guaido said volunteer brigades will travel in a bus caravan to entry points for the aid which he wants to come in next Saturday.

Coromoto Crespo, 58, told AFP he volunteered because of the urgent need for supplies.

"To find medicines requires a miracle. I need tablets for high blood pressure, and what I find, I can't pay for," Crespo said.

"One of my relatives died because of a lack of antibiotics."

Guaido has targeted February 23 for entry of the aid, more of which arrived for the stockpile on Saturday. Three US military cargo planes delivered several dozen more tons (tonnes) of food assistance to Cucuta.&nbsp;

Another US aircraft is due in the Caribbean island of Curacao from Miami on Tuesday, and a collection centre for Brazilian aid will open Monday on the border, Guaido's team said.

The US shipment Saturday was accompanied by a delegation led by Mark Green, head of the US Agency for International Development.&nbsp;

US assistance has been blocked by containers which Maduro loyalists placed on a border bridge to prevent access.

On another front, Venezuelan Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza confirmed having held two meetings with special US envoy Elliott Abrams. Arreaza, who traveled to New York on February 13, said he held the talks with Abrams at the request of the State Department. He declined to comment on the substance of their discussions.

Guaido repeated his call on Venezuela's military -- whose support for Maduro has been crucial -- to let the aid pass.

"You have, in your hands, the possibility of fighting alongside the people who are suffering the same shortages you are," Guaido said in a tweet addressed to soldiers.

A State Department spokeswoman, Julie Chung, issued a similar plea during a news conference in Cucuta, urging the military to stand aside at a time when Venezuelans are "dying of hunger."&nbsp;

'Crumbs' and 'rotten food'

Maduro asserts that aid could be used as a way for the United States to invade. He called for reinforced border security and dismissed the arriving "crumbs" as "rotten and contaminated food."

On Friday Maduro instructed his army to prepare a "special deployment plan" for the 2,200-kilometer (1,370-mile) border with Colombia. He said he would examine "what new forces" might be needed to keep the frontier "inviolable."&nbsp;

Maduro has assailed the US aid as a "show" but Arreaza said he would be willing to meet with "the devil" if it helped ensure Venezuelan sovereignty.

About 2.3 million Venezuelans have fled the country since 2015 as the crisis intensified, according to the United Nations.

Guaido accuses Maduro of being a "usurper" over his controversial reelection last year in polls widely branded as fraudulent.

Maduro, the hand-picked successor to socialist firebrand Hugo Chavez, blames Venezuela's woes on US sanctions, more of which were added on Friday.

He said six million families had benefited from subsidized food boxes and he claimed to have bought 933 tons of medicines and medical supplies from China, Cuba and Russia, his main international allies.

"We paid for it with our own money because we're beggars to no one," Maduro said.

Thousands of volunteers in Venezuela will begin mobilising on Sunday to bring American aid into their crisis-hit country despite a blockade by President Nicolas Maduro who claims the assistance could be cover for a US invasion.

Thousands of volunteers in Venezuela will begin mobilising on Sunday to bring American aid into their crisis-hit country despite a blockade by President Nicolas Maduro who claims the assistance could be cover for a US invasion. Once-wealthy Venezuela is gripped by a power struggle between socialist leader Maduro and Juan Guaido, the head of the National Assembly who proclaimed himself interim president last month and now has the backing of more than 50 countries. But even as the political battle pitting Guaido against Maduro continued to deepen, Caracas confirmed talks had taken place with an envoy for US President Donald Trump's administration. The oil-rich country's economic meltdown under Maduro has left millions in poverty facing shortages of medicine and food, with hyperinflation making purchases impossible. US aid that has been piling up in the Colombian border town of Cucuta has become the frontline of the confrontation between Guaido and Maduro. "Venezuela is preparing for the humanitarian avalanche," Guaido told about 4,000 supporters clad in white T-shirts and green scarves who gathered Saturday to sign up as volunteers. The throng included doctors, nurses and students. Six hundred thousand people have registered to help bring aid in through border points, Guaido told the Caracas rally, asking the volunteers to meet in town councils on Sunday to get instructions about the process. Without revealing details that could jeopardize the operation, Guaido said volunteer brigades will travel in a bus caravan to entry points for the aid which he wants to come in next Saturday. Coromoto Crespo, 58, told AFP he volunteered because of the urgent need for supplies. "To find medicines requires a miracle. I need tablets for high blood pressure, and what I find, I can't pay for," Crespo said. "One of my relatives died because of a lack of antibiotics." Guaido has targeted February 23 for entry of the aid, more of which arrived for the stockpile on Saturday. Three US military cargo planes delivered several dozen more tons (tonnes) of food assistance to Cucuta. Another US aircraft is due in the Caribbean island of Curacao from Miami on Tuesday, and a collection centre for Brazilian aid will open Monday on the border, Guaido's team said. The US shipment Saturday was accompanied by a delegation led by Mark Green, head of the US Agency for International Development. US assistance has been blocked by containers which Maduro loyalists placed on a border bridge to prevent access. On another front, Venezuelan Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza confirmed having held two meetings with special US envoy Elliott Abrams. Arreaza, who traveled to New York on February 13, said he held the talks with Abrams at the request of the State Department. He declined to comment on the substance of their discussions. Guaido repeated his call on Venezuela's military -- whose support for Maduro has been crucial -- to let the aid pass. "You have, in your hands, the possibility of fighting alongside the people who are suffering the same shortages you are," Guaido said in a tweet addressed to soldiers. A State Department spokeswoman, Julie Chung, issued a similar plea during a news conference in Cucuta, urging the military to stand aside at a time when Venezuelans are "dying of hunger." 'Crumbs' and 'rotten food' Maduro asserts that aid could be used as a way for the United States to invade. He called for reinforced border security and dismissed the arriving "crumbs" as "rotten and contaminated food." On Friday Maduro instructed his army to prepare a "special deployment plan" for the 2,200-kilometer (1,370-mile) border with Colombia. He said he would examine "what new forces" might be needed to keep the frontier "inviolable." Maduro has assailed the US aid as a "show" but Arreaza said he would be willing to meet with "the devil" if it helped ensure Venezuelan sovereignty. About 2.3 million Venezuelans have fled the country since 2015 as the crisis intensified, according to the United Nations. Guaido accuses Maduro of being a "usurper" over his controversial reelection last year in polls widely branded as fraudulent. Maduro, the hand-picked successor to socialist firebrand Hugo Chavez, blames Venezuela's woes on US sanctions, more of which were added on Friday. He said six million families had benefited from subsidized food boxes and he claimed to have bought 933 tons of medicines and medical supplies from China, Cuba and Russia, his main international allies. "We paid for it with our own money because we're beggars to no one," Maduro said.

Thousands of Venezuela volunteers begin preparing US aid entry

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/china-russia-dozens-of-countries-promise-to-defend-maduro-at-un-197526">Venezuela President Nicolas Maduro</a> hit out at the United States on Friday for "stealing" billions of dollars and offering "crumbs" in return as humanitarian aid.

Tons of US aid is piling up in Colombia close to the border with Venezuela as opposition leader Juan Guaido has vowed to defy Maduro's efforts to block the supplies from entering the country.

"It's a booby trap, they're putting on a show with rotten and contaminated food," said Maduro, speaking at an event in the southeastern town of Ciudad Bolivar.

"They've stolen $30 billion and are offering four crumbs of rotten food," added the beleaguered socialist leader, referring to the United States.

Venezuela is in the midst of an economic crisis that has left millions in poverty and facing shortages of basic necessities such as food and medicine.

Guaido, who is recognized by 50 countries as the interim president, accuses Maduro of causing economic hardship through mismanagement.

Among those countries is Costa Rica, whose foreign affairs ministry on Friday gave three Maduro-appointed diplomats "60 calendar days" to leave the country.

Maduro meanwhile blames Venezuela's woes on US sanctions, claiming they have cost the country $30 billion.

The 56-year-old, the hand-picked successor to socialist firebrand Hugo Chavez, branded it the "war of the oligarchy."

US sanctions mostly target regime individuals and state oil company PDVSA, the government's main source of income.

Humanitarian aid has become a key issue in the power struggle between Maduro and Guaido.

The opposition leader, who last month declared himself acting president, has promised to bring in the aid on February 23.

Maduro refuses to let it in. And his loyal military has barricaded a border bridge between Venezuela and Colombia.

The socialist leader insists the aid is just a cover for a planned US military invasion, while Guaido says 300,000 people could die without the desperately-needed aid.

Speaking on Friday, Maduro said six million families had benefitted from subsidized food boxes and claimed to have bought 933 tons of medicines and medical supplies from China, Cuba and Russia, his main international allies.

"We paid for it with our own money because we're beggars to no one," he said.

Guaido accuses Maduro of being a "usurper" over his controversial reelection last year in polls widely branded fraudulent.

Maduro says the 35-year-old National Assembly speaker is a puppet to the US, which is trying to secure access to Venezuela's gold and vast oil reserves -- the largest in the world.

He said Guaido's challenge to his authority is "treason."

"The worst thing is stimulating the imperial madness of an extremist Ku Klux Klan government in the White House," said Maduro.

US national security advisor John Bolton announced on Thursday that 25 countries had "pledged $100 million in humanitarian assistance."

Venezuela President Nicolas Maduro hit out at the United States on Friday for "stealing" billions of dollars and offering "crumbs" in return as humanitarian aid.

Venezuela President Nicolas Maduro hit out at the United States on Friday for "stealing" billions of dollars and offering "crumbs" in return as humanitarian aid. Tons of US aid is piling up in Colombia close to the border with Venezuela as opposition leader Juan Guaido has vowed to defy Maduro's efforts to block the supplies from entering the country. "It's a booby trap, they're putting on a show with rotten and contaminated food," said Maduro, speaking at an event in the southeastern town of Ciudad Bolivar. "They've stolen $30 billion and are offering four crumbs of rotten food," added the beleaguered socialist leader, referring to the United States. Venezuela is in the midst of an economic crisis that has left millions in poverty and facing shortages of basic necessities such as food and medicine. Guaido, who is recognized by 50 countries as the interim president, accuses Maduro of causing economic hardship through mismanagement. Among those countries is Costa Rica, whose foreign affairs ministry on Friday gave three Maduro-appointed diplomats "60 calendar days" to leave the country. Maduro meanwhile blames Venezuela's woes on US sanctions, claiming they have cost the country $30 billion. The 56-year-old, the hand-picked successor to socialist firebrand Hugo Chavez, branded it the "war of the oligarchy." US sanctions mostly target regime individuals and state oil company PDVSA, the government's main source of income. Humanitarian aid has become a key issue in the power struggle between Maduro and Guaido. The opposition leader, who last month declared himself acting president, has promised to bring in the aid on February 23. Maduro refuses to let it in. And his loyal military has barricaded a border bridge between Venezuela and Colombia. The socialist leader insists the aid is just a cover for a planned US military invasion, while Guaido says 300,000 people could die without the desperately-needed aid. Speaking on Friday, Maduro said six million families had benefitted from subsidized food boxes and claimed to have bought 933 tons of medicines and medical supplies from China, Cuba and Russia, his main international allies. "We paid for it with our own money because we're beggars to no one," he said. Guaido accuses Maduro of being a "usurper" over his controversial reelection last year in polls widely branded fraudulent. Maduro says the 35-year-old National Assembly speaker is a puppet to the US, which is trying to secure access to Venezuela's gold and vast oil reserves -- the largest in the world. He said Guaido's challenge to his authority is "treason." "The worst thing is stimulating the imperial madness of an extremist Ku Klux Klan government in the White House," said Maduro. US national security advisor John Bolton announced on Thursday that 25 countries had "pledged $100 million in humanitarian assistance."

Venezuela's Maduro blasts US for 'stealing' billions and offering 'crumbs'

US&nbsp;Vice President Mike Pence pressed European countries on Saturday&nbsp;to withdraw from a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/iran-says-us-hit-by-hysteria-since-dropping-nuclear-deal-189680">nuclear deal </a>between Iran and major powers and urged them to be wary of using telecoms equipment supplied by Chinese provider Huawei.

"The time has come for all of us to act. The time has come for our European partners to stop undermining US sanctions against this murderous, revolutionary regime. The time has come for our European partners to stand with us, and with the Iranian people, our allies and friends in the region," Pence said.

"The time has come for our European partners to withdraw from the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/iran-sticking-to-nuclear-deal-conditions-iaea-176925">Iran nuclear deal</a> and join us as we bring the economic and diplomatic pressure necessary to give the Iranian people, the region, and the world, the peace, security and freedom they deserve."

He also called for the European Union must to recognise <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-raises-pressure-on-venezuelas-maduro-via-sanctions-aid-airlift-197708">Venezuelan</a> congress leader Juan Guaido as the president of the South American country, pressing not just individual European governments but the bloc as a whole.

"We call on the European Union to step forward for freedom and recognise Juan Guaido as the only legitimate president of Venezuela," Pence said.

Pence said Guaido, who has declared himself interim leader and has won the US&nbsp;and international support to replace <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/venezuelas-maduro-blasts-us-for-stealing-billions-and-offering-crumbs-197688">Nicolas Maduro</a>, deserved that "the rest of the world" recognise him, and called Maduro a dictator who must step down.

The audience at the speech included the largest American delegation to ever attend the Munich Security Conference. 
&nbsp;

US Vice President Mike Pence pressed European countries on Saturday to withdraw from a nuclear deal between Iran and major powers and urged them to be wary of using telecoms equipment supplied by Chinese provider Huawei.

US Vice President Mike Pence pressed European countries on Saturday to withdraw from a nuclear deal between Iran and major powers and urged them to be wary of using telecoms equipment supplied by Chinese provider Huawei. "The time has come for all of us to act. The time has come for our European partners to stop undermining US sanctions against this murderous, revolutionary regime. The time has come for our European partners to stand with us, and with the Iranian people, our allies and friends in the region," Pence said. "The time has come for our European partners to withdraw from the Iran nuclear deal and join us as we bring the economic and diplomatic pressure necessary to give the Iranian people, the region, and the world, the peace, security and freedom they deserve." He also called for the European Union must to recognise Venezuelan congress leader Juan Guaido as the president of the South American country, pressing not just individual European governments but the bloc as a whole. "We call on the European Union to step forward for freedom and recognise Juan Guaido as the only legitimate president of Venezuela," Pence said. Pence said Guaido, who has declared himself interim leader and has won the US and international support to replace Nicolas Maduro, deserved that "the rest of the world" recognise him, and called Maduro a dictator who must step down. The audience at the speech included the largest American delegation to ever attend the Munich Security Conference.

Pence calls for EU to leave Iran nuclear deal, recognise Guaido as Venezuelan president

China, Russia and several dozen other countries on Thursday committed themselves at the United Nations to defend the Venezuelan government of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/maduro-making-terrible-mistake-by-not-allowing-aid-to-enter-venezuela-trump-197250">Nicolas Maduro</a> in the face of moves by the United States.

Surrounded by representatives of many of those nations, Venezuelan Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza presented a declaration in which that coalition denounced the violation of basic UN principles such as the respect for national sovereignty and criticized Washington's sanctions and threats against the Maduro regime.

"In the coming days we will begin a series of actions as a group to raise awareness regarding the dangers that are currently confronting our peoples and, especially, the people of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela," Arreaza stated, reading directly from the document.

When asked about the situation, the Venezuelan foreign minister refused to divulge what measures were being contemplated, but he emphasized that Caracas and its supporting nations will seek "coordinated" action at all levels of the UN.

Russia and China are permanent members of the UN Security Council and thus have the ability to veto any initiative put forward by the US and/or its allies in that body.

Accompanying the Maduro regime's top diplomat were the UN ambassadors of Cuba, Nicaragua, Iran, Syria and Palestine.

"We are organizing to defend the right of peoples to live in healthy peace, to coexist in accord with the principles of international law, which are being violated in a flagrant and open manner and - in the case of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela - at this time in the most notorious way they can be violated," Arreaza said.

Once again, he attacked the US sanctions imposed on Caracas and other countries emphasizing that Washington has no "moral ... authority to impose sanctions on anyone."

In addition, he charged that the US is threatening to use military force against his nation and stressed that "Venezuela is a sovereign" country and will protect "every millimetre of (its) territory."

"The response that we will give in every situation will be proportional and appropriate to any type of attack or interference that may be made," Arreaza declared.

Russia's UN ambassador, Vasily Nebenzia, told reporters that Moscow is very concerned about the possibility that "military action" might be considered against Venezuela.

This week, Arreaza has held meetings at the UN to seek support for his government in the face of the crisis Venezuela is experiencing.

Tension within Venezuela increased markedly starting on January 23, when the head of the country's opposition-controlled Parliament, Juan Guaido, proclaimed himself interim president, given that he and the rest of the opposition consider Maduro to be an illegitimate leader after he won a "fraudulent" election last May in which opposition candidates were barred from running against him.

Guaido's move accelerated the political crisis in the South American nation, with a good portion of the international community - including the US, some 20 European nations and a number of key Latin American countries - backing the interim leader and pressuring for the holding of free and fair elections.

China, Russia and several dozen other countries on Thursday committed themselves at the United Nations to defend the Venezuelan government of Nicolas Maduro in the face of moves by the United States.

China, Russia and several dozen other countries on Thursday committed themselves at the United Nations to defend the Venezuelan government of Nicolas Maduro in the face of moves by the United States. Surrounded by representatives of many of those nations, Venezuelan Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza presented a declaration in which that coalition denounced the violation of basic UN principles such as the respect for national sovereignty and criticized Washington's sanctions and threats against the Maduro regime. "In the coming days we will begin a series of actions as a group to raise awareness regarding the dangers that are currently confronting our peoples and, especially, the people of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela," Arreaza stated, reading directly from the document. When asked about the situation, the Venezuelan foreign minister refused to divulge what measures were being contemplated, but he emphasized that Caracas and its supporting nations will seek "coordinated" action at all levels of the UN. Russia and China are permanent members of the UN Security Council and thus have the ability to veto any initiative put forward by the US and/or its allies in that body. Accompanying the Maduro regime's top diplomat were the UN ambassadors of Cuba, Nicaragua, Iran, Syria and Palestine. "We are organizing to defend the right of peoples to live in healthy peace, to coexist in accord with the principles of international law, which are being violated in a flagrant and open manner and - in the case of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela - at this time in the most notorious way they can be violated," Arreaza said. Once again, he attacked the US sanctions imposed on Caracas and other countries emphasizing that Washington has no "moral ... authority to impose sanctions on anyone." In addition, he charged that the US is threatening to use military force against his nation and stressed that "Venezuela is a sovereign" country and will protect "every millimetre of (its) territory." "The response that we will give in every situation will be proportional and appropriate to any type of attack or interference that may be made," Arreaza declared. Russia's UN ambassador, Vasily Nebenzia, told reporters that Moscow is very concerned about the possibility that "military action" might be considered against Venezuela. This week, Arreaza has held meetings at the UN to seek support for his government in the face of the crisis Venezuela is experiencing. Tension within Venezuela increased markedly starting on January 23, when the head of the country's opposition-controlled Parliament, Juan Guaido, proclaimed himself interim president, given that he and the rest of the opposition consider Maduro to be an illegitimate leader after he won a "fraudulent" election last May in which opposition candidates were barred from running against him. Guaido's move accelerated the political crisis in the South American nation, with a good portion of the international community - including the US, some 20 European nations and a number of key Latin American countries - backing the interim leader and pressuring for the holding of free and fair elections.

China, Russia, dozens of countries promise to defend Maduro at UN

Twenty-five countries have pledged $100 million in <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-enlists-50-countries-at-un-to-show-support-197489">aid to Venezuela</a>, a top US official said Thursday, as the crisis-hit country's Supreme Court took aim at oil executives appointed by the opposition.

Venezuela is plagued by hyperinflation and major shortages of basic goods, and two men -- <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/showdown-looms-as-venezuelan-opposition-leader-guaido-sets-aid-entry-date-197058">opposition leader Juan Guaido</a> and President Nicolas Maduro -- are vying for control of the country.

The United States is among more than 50 countries that have recognized Guaido as interim president, but Maduro -- backed by the country's military as well as Russia, China and dozens of other states -- has so far refused to relinquish his office.

US national security advisor John Bolton made the announcement on the aid pledged to Venezuela following an Organization of American States conference on assisting the country.

"Today, 25 countries, united at the OAS-hosted Conference on Humanitarian Assistance in Support of Venezuela pledged $100 million in humanitarian assistance," Bolton tweeted.

According to David Smolanksy, coordinator of an OAS working group on migration and refugees from Venezuela, the money will go directly to aid collection centres set up on the borders with Colombia and Brazil and on the Caribbean island of Curazao.

At the opening of the conference in Washington, Guaido's representative in the United States, Carlos Vecchio, said the priority is to get aid into Venezuela on February 23 -- a month after Guaido declared himself Venezuela's interim president.

Blockade at the border&nbsp;

Guaido and Maduro have been locked in a battle over allowing aid into the country, and the military reinforced a blockade on Thursday at the border with Colombia, where the opposition leader has vowed to bring in desperately-needed goods.

AFP journalists saw several new freight containers blocking the road that connects the town of Urena in Venezuela to Cucuta in Colombia, where tons of US aid has been piling up for a week.

Venezuela is enduring the biggest economic crisis in its modern history, with hyperinflation predicted to hit 10 million per cent this year according to the International Monetary Fund.

On Wednesday, the opposition-controlled National Assembly -- which is headed by Guaido -- appointed executives to form new boards for Venezuelan state oil firm PDVSA and its US-based affiliate Citgo.

Venezuela's Supreme Court took aim at the move the following day, ordering that the new appointees face criminal prosecution.

The high court -- which is packed with Maduro loyalists -- ruled that the executives were named by a legislature whose decisions are "null," and that the appointees should face prosecution for crimes including "usurpation," "corruption," "organized crime" and "terrorism."

The Supreme Court decision set in motion the process of extraditing the accused, most of whom are in the United States, and freezing their accounts.

Guaido celebrated the appointments as a "step forward in the reconstruction of PDVSA," but Maduro had warned that those accepting "illegal" appointments would face justice.

The United States, which is leading the push to topple Maduro, has sanctioned key regime financial assets including the Citgo subsidiary, and President Donald Trump has refused to rule out military action against the leftist leader.

Twenty-five countries have pledged $100 million in aid to Venezuela, a top US official said Thursday, as the crisis-hit country's Supreme Court took aim at oil executives appointed by the opposition.

Twenty-five countries have pledged $100 million in aid to Venezuela, a top US official said Thursday, as the crisis-hit country's Supreme Court took aim at oil executives appointed by the opposition. Venezuela is plagued by hyperinflation and major shortages of basic goods, and two men -- opposition leader Juan Guaido and President Nicolas Maduro -- are vying for control of the country. The United States is among more than 50 countries that have recognized Guaido as interim president, but Maduro -- backed by the country's military as well as Russia, China and dozens of other states -- has so far refused to relinquish his office. US national security advisor John Bolton made the announcement on the aid pledged to Venezuela following an Organization of American States conference on assisting the country. "Today, 25 countries, united at the OAS-hosted Conference on Humanitarian Assistance in Support of Venezuela pledged $100 million in humanitarian assistance," Bolton tweeted. According to David Smolanksy, coordinator of an OAS working group on migration and refugees from Venezuela, the money will go directly to aid collection centres set up on the borders with Colombia and Brazil and on the Caribbean island of Curazao. At the opening of the conference in Washington, Guaido's representative in the United States, Carlos Vecchio, said the priority is to get aid into Venezuela on February 23 -- a month after Guaido declared himself Venezuela's interim president. Blockade at the border Guaido and Maduro have been locked in a battle over allowing aid into the country, and the military reinforced a blockade on Thursday at the border with Colombia, where the opposition leader has vowed to bring in desperately-needed goods. AFP journalists saw several new freight containers blocking the road that connects the town of Urena in Venezuela to Cucuta in Colombia, where tons of US aid has been piling up for a week. Venezuela is enduring the biggest economic crisis in its modern history, with hyperinflation predicted to hit 10 million per cent this year according to the International Monetary Fund. On Wednesday, the opposition-controlled National Assembly -- which is headed by Guaido -- appointed executives to form new boards for Venezuelan state oil firm PDVSA and its US-based affiliate Citgo. Venezuela's Supreme Court took aim at the move the following day, ordering that the new appointees face criminal prosecution. The high court -- which is packed with Maduro loyalists -- ruled that the executives were named by a legislature whose decisions are "null," and that the appointees should face prosecution for crimes including "usurpation," "corruption," "organized crime" and "terrorism." The Supreme Court decision set in motion the process of extraditing the accused, most of whom are in the United States, and freezing their accounts. Guaido celebrated the appointments as a "step forward in the reconstruction of PDVSA," but Maduro had warned that those accepting "illegal" appointments would face justice. The United States, which is leading the push to topple Maduro, has sanctioned key regime financial assets including the Citgo subsidiary, and President Donald Trump has refused to rule out military action against the leftist leader.

25 countries pledge $100 million in humanitarian aid to crisis-hit Venezuela

Russia and China joined Cuba, Iran, North Korea and dozens of other countries at the United Nations on Thursday to show support for Venezuela in its showdown with the United States.

Venezuela's Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza told reporters the newly-formed support group of about 50 countries would take action in the coming days "to raise awareness around the dangers that our people currently face."&nbsp;

"We all have the right to live without the threat of use of force and without application of illegal coercive unilateral measures," Arreaza told journalists, flanked by the ambassadors of several countries.

Among those at Arreaza's side were envoys from Russia, China, Iran, Cuba, Nicaragua, Bolivia, North Korea, Syria along with the Palestinian representative and diplomats from Caribbean countries.

Arreaza did not provide details of the planned action but called on all UN nations to "join us in defending international law as the only guarantor for humanity's peaceful coexistence".

The United Nations has been divided between countries that support Juan Guaido, who declared himself interim president on January 23, and those who back President Nicolas Maduro.

The United States is leading a push to recognize Guaido, backed by about 50 countries.

Washington has sent aid to the Colombian border with Venezuela but Maduro's government has refused to let the shipments, accusing the United States of using the relief packages as a political tool aimed at regime change.&nbsp;

Declaring himself "sad" about the "turmoil" in Venezuela, President Donald Trump on Wednesday demanded that Maduro unblock US aid shipments and has refused to rule out military action.

Venezuela's economy is in a tailspin marked by hyperinflation and shortages of basic necessities that the opposition blames on corruption and mismanagement by the Maduro government.

Caracas maintains that US sanctions are to blame for the economic meltdown.

Russia and China joined Cuba, Iran, North Korea and dozens of other countries at the United Nations on Thursday to show support for Venezuela in its showdown with the United States.

Russia and China joined Cuba, Iran, North Korea and dozens of other countries at the United Nations on Thursday to show support for Venezuela in its showdown with the United States. Venezuela's Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza told reporters the newly-formed support group of about 50 countries would take action in the coming days "to raise awareness around the dangers that our people currently face." "We all have the right to live without the threat of use of force and without application of illegal coercive unilateral measures," Arreaza told journalists, flanked by the ambassadors of several countries. Among those at Arreaza's side were envoys from Russia, China, Iran, Cuba, Nicaragua, Bolivia, North Korea, Syria along with the Palestinian representative and diplomats from Caribbean countries. Arreaza did not provide details of the planned action but called on all UN nations to "join us in defending international law as the only guarantor for humanity's peaceful coexistence". The United Nations has been divided between countries that support Juan Guaido, who declared himself interim president on January 23, and those who back President Nicolas Maduro. The United States is leading a push to recognize Guaido, backed by about 50 countries. Washington has sent aid to the Colombian border with Venezuela but Maduro's government has refused to let the shipments, accusing the United States of using the relief packages as a political tool aimed at regime change. Declaring himself "sad" about the "turmoil" in Venezuela, President Donald Trump on Wednesday demanded that Maduro unblock US aid shipments and has refused to rule out military action. Venezuela's economy is in a tailspin marked by hyperinflation and shortages of basic necessities that the opposition blames on corruption and mismanagement by the Maduro government. Caracas maintains that US sanctions are to blame for the economic meltdown.

Venezuela enlists 50 countries at UN to show support

President Donald Trump hosts his Colombian counterpart Ivan Duque at the White House on Wednesday to discuss their campaign to pressure Venezuela's far left president, Nicolas Maduro, from power.

The Trump-Duque talks in the Oval Office, followed by lunch, will give the allies a chance to compare notes just as the standoff between Maduro and opposition leader Juan Guaido heats up over the arrival of mostly US aid shipments.

Washington has thrown its full weight behind Guaido, recognizing him as interim president, demanding that Maduro step aside, imposing sanctions, and even threatening the "option" of military intervention.

Colombia plays a crucial role because it has taken in the lion's share of the more than two million Venezuelans fleeing chaos, poverty and political violence under Maduro.

Now, Colombia is the staging post for US and other foreign humanitarian aid that Maduro is refusing to allow in, saying it would be a precursor to US military action.

At a huge opposition rally on Tuesday, Guaido vowed "it's sure that the humanitarian aid will enter" on February 23. "We have almost 300,000 Venezuelans who will die if the aid doesn't enter."

Trump's hawkish national security advisor John Bolton on Wednesday tweeted that "Maduro would rather stand for tyranny than ... accept aid for the Venezuelan people."

Guaido has been recognized as interim president by 50 countries.

But Maduro, whose government has the financial and political backing of China and Russia, has so far resisted the intensifying US pressure, portraying himself in the mold of historic Latin American anti-imperialist leaders.

Moscow weighed in on Tuesday, with Foreign Minster Sergei Lavrov warning "against all interference in Venezuela's domestic affairs, including the use of force threatened by Washington."

Country in collapse

Venezuela has the world's biggest oil reserves but its once-thriving economy has fallen into ruin under the long-running leftist government.

Venezuelans face shortages of even basic necessities such as food and medicine and some 2.3 million people have fled since 2015, their salaries and savings rendered worthless by hyperinflation.

Maduro, who gets crucial backing from the country's powerful armed forces, denies there is a humanitarian emergency and has branded the crisis a "political show" and pretext for a US-led invasion.

Now, the focus of the struggle between Maduro and Guaido has turned to the aid shipments. Tons of aid are piling up in Colombian collection centers at the border.

On Tuesday, Guaido insisted that the border be opened.

"Here is a direct order to the armed forces: allow in the humanitarian aid once and for all (and) end the repression," he said.

Guaido's team has also met with Brazilian officials to set up a second aid storage center. The new right-wing government of President Jair Bolsonaro in Brazil, which took over in January after more than a decade of leftist rule there, has joined the coalition against Maduro.

President Donald Trump hosts his Colombian counterpart Ivan Duque at the White House on Wednesday to discuss their campaign to pressure Venezuela's far left president, Nicolas Maduro, from power.

President Donald Trump hosts his Colombian counterpart Ivan Duque at the White House on Wednesday to discuss their campaign to pressure Venezuela's far left president, Nicolas Maduro, from power. The Trump-Duque talks in the Oval Office, followed by lunch, will give the allies a chance to compare notes just as the standoff between Maduro and opposition leader Juan Guaido heats up over the arrival of mostly US aid shipments. Washington has thrown its full weight behind Guaido, recognizing him as interim president, demanding that Maduro step aside, imposing sanctions, and even threatening the "option" of military intervention. Colombia plays a crucial role because it has taken in the lion's share of the more than two million Venezuelans fleeing chaos, poverty and political violence under Maduro. Now, Colombia is the staging post for US and other foreign humanitarian aid that Maduro is refusing to allow in, saying it would be a precursor to US military action. At a huge opposition rally on Tuesday, Guaido vowed "it's sure that the humanitarian aid will enter" on February 23. "We have almost 300,000 Venezuelans who will die if the aid doesn't enter." Trump's hawkish national security advisor John Bolton on Wednesday tweeted that "Maduro would rather stand for tyranny than ... accept aid for the Venezuelan people." Guaido has been recognized as interim president by 50 countries. But Maduro, whose government has the financial and political backing of China and Russia, has so far resisted the intensifying US pressure, portraying himself in the mold of historic Latin American anti-imperialist leaders. Moscow weighed in on Tuesday, with Foreign Minster Sergei Lavrov warning "against all interference in Venezuela's domestic affairs, including the use of force threatened by Washington." Country in collapse Venezuela has the world's biggest oil reserves but its once-thriving economy has fallen into ruin under the long-running leftist government. Venezuelans face shortages of even basic necessities such as food and medicine and some 2.3 million people have fled since 2015, their salaries and savings rendered worthless by hyperinflation. Maduro, who gets crucial backing from the country's powerful armed forces, denies there is a humanitarian emergency and has branded the crisis a "political show" and pretext for a US-led invasion. Now, the focus of the struggle between Maduro and Guaido has turned to the aid shipments. Tons of aid are piling up in Colombian collection centers at the border. On Tuesday, Guaido insisted that the border be opened. "Here is a direct order to the armed forces: allow in the humanitarian aid once and for all (and) end the repression," he said. Guaido's team has also met with Brazilian officials to set up a second aid storage center. The new right-wing government of President Jair Bolsonaro in Brazil, which took over in January after more than a decade of leftist rule there, has joined the coalition against Maduro.

Trump, Colombian president meet over Venezuela crisis

Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido told a huge rally of supporters on Tuesday that humanitarian aid would enter the country on February 23, setting the stage for a showdown with President Nicolas Maduro who has refused to let supplies in.

Tens of thousands of Venezuelans had protested in the streets nationwide on Tuesday to demand that Maduro allow aid into the country, where food and medicine shortages are rife.

Guaido invoked a constitutional provision to assume the presidency three weeks ago, arguing that Maduro's re-election last year was a sham. Most Western countries, including the United States, have recognized Guaido as Venezuela's legitimate president, but Maduro retains the backing of Russia and China as well as control of state institutions including the military.

An aid convoy supplied by the United States and Colombia arrived in the Colombian border town of Cucuta last week, where it is being held in warehouses. A Venezuelan opposition envoy has also said Brazil's government would try to get humanitarian aid to the border.

Maduro has denounced the aid as a US-orchestrated show to overthrow his socialist government and said it will not be let into the country. He has demanded instead that Washington lift economic sanctions.

On Tuesday, Guaido said he was issuing a "direct order" to the armed forces to allow the aid in, though so far there are not clear signs the military will disobey Maduro. Guaido did not specify from where aid would enter, but said the opposition would go in a convoy to safeguard the supplies.

Guaido, who has galvanised the opposition after several years of in-fighting and government crackdowns, vows to keep calling protests to pressure Maduro to step down so new presidential elections can be held.

On Monday, Guaido announced the first delivery of humanitarian aid, including vitamin and nutritional supplements for children and pregnant women, to a network of health centres. He did not explain how it had entered the country and said it was a small-scale donation.

Maduro's adversaries say he has run roughshod over democratic institutions and ravaged the nation's economy through nationalisations and a corruption-riddled exchange control system. Maduro counters that he is victim of an "economic war."

Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido told a huge rally of supporters on Tuesday that humanitarian aid would enter the country on February 23, setting the stage for a showdown with President Nicolas Maduro who has refused to let supplies in.

Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido told a huge rally of supporters on Tuesday that humanitarian aid would enter the country on February 23, setting the stage for a showdown with President Nicolas Maduro who has refused to let supplies in. Tens of thousands of Venezuelans had protested in the streets nationwide on Tuesday to demand that Maduro allow aid into the country, where food and medicine shortages are rife. Guaido invoked a constitutional provision to assume the presidency three weeks ago, arguing that Maduro's re-election last year was a sham. Most Western countries, including the United States, have recognized Guaido as Venezuela's legitimate president, but Maduro retains the backing of Russia and China as well as control of state institutions including the military. An aid convoy supplied by the United States and Colombia arrived in the Colombian border town of Cucuta last week, where it is being held in warehouses. A Venezuelan opposition envoy has also said Brazil's government would try to get humanitarian aid to the border. Maduro has denounced the aid as a US-orchestrated show to overthrow his socialist government and said it will not be let into the country. He has demanded instead that Washington lift economic sanctions. On Tuesday, Guaido said he was issuing a "direct order" to the armed forces to allow the aid in, though so far there are not clear signs the military will disobey Maduro. Guaido did not specify from where aid would enter, but said the opposition would go in a convoy to safeguard the supplies. Guaido, who has galvanised the opposition after several years of in-fighting and government crackdowns, vows to keep calling protests to pressure Maduro to step down so new presidential elections can be held. On Monday, Guaido announced the first delivery of humanitarian aid, including vitamin and nutritional supplements for children and pregnant women, to a network of health centres. He did not explain how it had entered the country and said it was a small-scale donation. Maduro's adversaries say he has run roughshod over democratic institutions and ravaged the nation's economy through nationalisations and a corruption-riddled exchange control system. Maduro counters that he is victim of an "economic war."

Showdown looms as Venezuelan opposition leader Guaido sets aid entry date

Russia said on Tuesday it was ready to facilitate the start of dialogue between Venezuela's government and opposition but warned the United States against <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-seeks-un-resolution-calling-for-venezuela-elections-196300">intervening in Caracas' internal affairs</a>.

Russia has sided with President Nicolas Maduro in his stand-off with opposition leader Juan Guaido. Maduro retains control of state institutions including the military, but most Western countries, including the United States, have recognised <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/it-is-the-military-which-is-supporting-dictator-maduro-venezuela-opposition-leader-guaido-196840">Guaido as Venezuela's president</a>.

"We have been maintaining very important contacts with the government of this country and stand ready to provide a kind service in order to facilitate the process of finding ways out of the situation," Tass news agency quoted Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov.

He also said Russia had made some proposals to Venezuela on settling its crisis but gave no details.

Moscow has invested billions of dollars into Venezuela's economy and oil production.

On Tuesday opposition supporters returned to the streets nationwide to keep the heat on Maduro and demand that he allow humanitarian aid into Venezuela, where food and medicine shortages are rife.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in a telephone call on Tuesday evening that Washington should avoid any interference, including military, in Venezuela's internal affairs.

Lavrov also said Russia was ready for consultations on the situation in Venezuela in line with the United Nations charter.

At the United Nations, the United States is pushing the Security Council to formally call for free, fair and credible presidential elections in Venezuela with international observers, diplomats said on Saturday, a move that prompted Russia to propose a rival draft resolution.

Russia's UN Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia described the US draft resolution on Tuesday as "completely unbalanced." When asked if he would put the Russian draft resolution to a vote, he said: "We're just discussing it."

It was also unclear if or when the US draft Security Council resolution could be put to a vote. A council resolution needs nine votes and no vetoes by the United States, Britain, France, Russia or China to pass.

Russia said on Tuesday it was ready to facilitate the start of dialogue between Venezuela's government and opposition but warned the United States against intervening in Caracas' internal affairs.

Russia said on Tuesday it was ready to facilitate the start of dialogue between Venezuela's government and opposition but warned the United States against intervening in Caracas' internal affairs. Russia has sided with President Nicolas Maduro in his stand-off with opposition leader Juan Guaido. Maduro retains control of state institutions including the military, but most Western countries, including the United States, have recognised Guaido as Venezuela's president. "We have been maintaining very important contacts with the government of this country and stand ready to provide a kind service in order to facilitate the process of finding ways out of the situation," Tass news agency quoted Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov. He also said Russia had made some proposals to Venezuela on settling its crisis but gave no details. Moscow has invested billions of dollars into Venezuela's economy and oil production. On Tuesday opposition supporters returned to the streets nationwide to keep the heat on Maduro and demand that he allow humanitarian aid into Venezuela, where food and medicine shortages are rife. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in a telephone call on Tuesday evening that Washington should avoid any interference, including military, in Venezuela's internal affairs. Lavrov also said Russia was ready for consultations on the situation in Venezuela in line with the United Nations charter. At the United Nations, the United States is pushing the Security Council to formally call for free, fair and credible presidential elections in Venezuela with international observers, diplomats said on Saturday, a move that prompted Russia to propose a rival draft resolution. Russia's UN Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia described the US draft resolution on Tuesday as "completely unbalanced." When asked if he would put the Russian draft resolution to a vote, he said: "We're just discussing it." It was also unclear if or when the US draft Security Council resolution could be put to a vote. A council resolution needs nine votes and no vetoes by the United States, Britain, France, Russia or China to pass.

Russia ready to help Venezuela resolve crisis, warns US against meddling

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