Venezuela President Nicolas Maduro created a military unit on Friday charged with protecting basic installations and services such as electricity and water just over a week after the country was hit with a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/venezuelas-maduro-blames-us-weapons-for-massive-blackout-202264">massive blackout</a>.

Maduro blamed that on a cyber attack directed by the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-slashes-visa-duration-for-cubans-in-reciprocal-move-203628">United States</a> but critics say the government was at fault for failing to maintain infrastructure.

Speaking on television and radio, Maduro said the "Command for the Defence of Basic Strategic Services" would be tasked with ensuring "security, operability and maintenance."&nbsp;

Its officers would be responsible for guaranteeing both "physical and cybernetic" security of infrastructure and maintenance of equipment.

Maduro repeated his claim that the blackout, which lasted almost a week, was due to "successive attacks" against the country's major hydroelectric facility at Guri in Bolivar state, "directed" by US President Donald Trump's national security advisor John Bolton.

The blackout hit on March 7 and paralyzed the entire country.

The government announced on Tuesday that power was back on in practically the whole country but western regions still reported cuts.

The socialist leader accused the opposition of concocting a plan "to accompany the blackout with general violence," claiming it was neutralised.

Opposition leader Juan Guaido launched a challenge to Maduro's leadership in January by declaring himself acting president.

He has since been recognised by more than 50 countries, led by the US.

He said the blackout was caused by burning vegetation that damaged equipment.

Maduro accused him of "sabotage," although experts doubt that version of events.

Venezuela has been in recession for more than four years and is suffering from an economic crisis.

An estimated 2.7 million people have left the country as poverty soared leaving shortages of food and medicines.

Venezuela President Nicolas Maduro created a military unit on Friday charged with protecting basic installations and services such as electricity and water just over a week after the country was hit with a massive blackout.

Venezuela President Nicolas Maduro created a military unit on Friday charged with protecting basic installations and services such as electricity and water just over a week after the country was hit with a massive blackout. Maduro blamed that on a cyber attack directed by the United States but critics say the government was at fault for failing to maintain infrastructure. Speaking on television and radio, Maduro said the "Command for the Defence of Basic Strategic Services" would be tasked with ensuring "security, operability and maintenance." Its officers would be responsible for guaranteeing both "physical and cybernetic" security of infrastructure and maintenance of equipment. Maduro repeated his claim that the blackout, which lasted almost a week, was due to "successive attacks" against the country's major hydroelectric facility at Guri in Bolivar state, "directed" by US President Donald Trump's national security advisor John Bolton. The blackout hit on March 7 and paralyzed the entire country. The government announced on Tuesday that power was back on in practically the whole country but western regions still reported cuts. The socialist leader accused the opposition of concocting a plan "to accompany the blackout with general violence," claiming it was neutralised. Opposition leader Juan Guaido launched a challenge to Maduro's leadership in January by declaring himself acting president. He has since been recognised by more than 50 countries, led by the US. He said the blackout was caused by burning vegetation that damaged equipment. Maduro accused him of "sabotage," although experts doubt that version of events. Venezuela has been in recession for more than four years and is suffering from an economic crisis. An estimated 2.7 million people have left the country as poverty soared leaving shortages of food and medicines.

Maduro creates military unit to protect public service installations

Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido on Monday called for a new mass demonstration as a devastating blackout that has left millions without power entered its fifth day and the US said it is <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-says-to-withdraw-all-remaining-diplomatic-personnel-from-venezuela-202779">withdrawing its remaining diplomatic personnel</a> from Caracas.

President Nicolas Maduro meanwhile called for grassroots groups to hit back against what he called attacks encouraged by the US against the country's electrical grid.

"The time has come for active resistance," he said in a speech.

Guaido, in a speech to the National Assembly which he leads, said "tomorrow at three o'clock in the afternoon, all of Venezuela will be on the streets" to protest against Maduro.

Parliament accepted the 35-year-old's request to declare a "<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-congress-declares-state-of-alarm-over-blackout-202729">state of alarm</a>" to pave the way for the delivery of international aid, 250 tons of which has been stuck for a month at Venezuela's borders with Colombia and Brazil.

Guaido and the opposition-controlled legislature have no means to enforce it, though, as Maduro controls the military and security services, which are currently preventing aid from entering the country.

Guaido, recognized as Venezuela's interim president by more than 50 countries, called on the military and security services to "refrain from preventing or hindering" Tuesday's protests.

Describing the situation as a "catastrophe," he said the blackout -- the worst in the Latin American country's history -- had claimed dozens of lives since it began on Thursday.

Power was restored to some areas of the country over the weekend but -- with residents and businesses fearing that refrigerated food would spoil -- service was patchy and power often lasted just a few hours before dropping out again.

As the situation worsened, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced Washington is withdrawing all its remaining personnel from the US embassy in Caracas. All non-emergency staff were ordered to leave on January 24.

"This decision reflects the deteriorating situation in #Venezuela as well as the conclusion that the presence of US diplomatic staff at the embassy has become a constraint on US policy," Pompeo wrote on Twitter.

'Tragedy'

Even the National Assembly's emergency session fell victim to the blackout, as the electricity supply failed an hour into the meeting.

"We cannot turn away from this tragedy our country is going through," said Guaido, who declared himself acting president in January, triggering a power struggle with Maduro in the oil-rich South American country of 30 million.

Businesses and schools remain shuttered on Maduro's orders, as they have been since the blackout began. In any event, the lack of public transport made travel difficult, even in Caracas.

Maduro extended the closure for another 24 hours on Monday due to the blackout, the second time he has done so.

In his speech Monday night Maduro asked for resistance from groups known as "colectivos" -- grassroots social work groups that the opposition argues have also been armed by the government and act as militia.

Critics say such groups were behind the death of seven people on February 23 when the opposition tried in vain to bring US-supplied food and medicine across the borders with Colombia and Brazil.&nbsp;

A ball of flame flared across the darkened sky over southeastern Caracas in the early hours of the morning when the Humboldt power station erupted in a massive explosion, increasing the chaos in an area where looting was reported on Sunday.

"I felt like I was in a horror movie," said Carolina Molina, who witnessed the blast from her window.&nbsp;

State-owned electricity company Corpoelec declined to comment on the explosion.

The fire that followed the blast was still smoldering by mid-morning. A metal beam holding one of the huge transformers had melted and a wall had been blackened, AFP reporters said.

'Hollywoodesque'

The power crisis may spell trouble for Maduro's support from the military, the Eurasia Group consultancy said.

"The government's inability to resolve the crisis and the resulting impact on oil exports, along with challenging social dynamics, may start to shift the military's calculations about the sustainability of Maduro's regime," it said.

Maduro has ordered that hospitals -- where patients were languishing without proper treatment, and where at least 15 people reportedly died due to a lack of kidney dialysis treatment -- should be given top priority.

He has blamed the blackout on US "sabotage" in the form of an electromagnetic attack on the country's main hydroelectric complex in Guri, which supplies 80 per cent of Venezuela's electricity.

Guaido dismissed that explanation as "Hollywoodesque." Critics blamed the government for failing to maintain the power grid, as did the Lima Group, a primarily Latin American bloc.

For ordinary Venezuelans, the blackout has piled misery upon an already agonizing day-to-day struggle to survive in a country in economic freefall.

Venezuela has been in recession for more than four years, has struggled with hyperinflation the International Monetary Fund says will hit a staggering 10 million per cent this year, and seen a mass exodus of an estimated 2.7 million migrants since 2015.

"Every day is worse," said Edward Cazano, a 20-year-old who lives with his mother and three brothers in a poor Caracas neighborhood called Pinto Salinas.&nbsp;

"We have the worst services in the world: no light, no water, sometimes no gas."

Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido on Monday called for a new mass demonstration as a devastating blackout that has left millions without power entered its fifth day and the US said it is withdrawing its remaining diplomatic personnel from Caracas.

Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido on Monday called for a new mass demonstration as a devastating blackout that has left millions without power entered its fifth day and the US said it is withdrawing its remaining diplomatic personnel from Caracas. President Nicolas Maduro meanwhile called for grassroots groups to hit back against what he called attacks encouraged by the US against the country's electrical grid. "The time has come for active resistance," he said in a speech. Guaido, in a speech to the National Assembly which he leads, said "tomorrow at three o'clock in the afternoon, all of Venezuela will be on the streets" to protest against Maduro. Parliament accepted the 35-year-old's request to declare a "state of alarm" to pave the way for the delivery of international aid, 250 tons of which has been stuck for a month at Venezuela's borders with Colombia and Brazil. Guaido and the opposition-controlled legislature have no means to enforce it, though, as Maduro controls the military and security services, which are currently preventing aid from entering the country. Guaido, recognized as Venezuela's interim president by more than 50 countries, called on the military and security services to "refrain from preventing or hindering" Tuesday's protests. Describing the situation as a "catastrophe," he said the blackout -- the worst in the Latin American country's history -- had claimed dozens of lives since it began on Thursday. Power was restored to some areas of the country over the weekend but -- with residents and businesses fearing that refrigerated food would spoil -- service was patchy and power often lasted just a few hours before dropping out again. As the situation worsened, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced Washington is withdrawing all its remaining personnel from the US embassy in Caracas. All non-emergency staff were ordered to leave on January 24. "This decision reflects the deteriorating situation in #Venezuela as well as the conclusion that the presence of US diplomatic staff at the embassy has become a constraint on US policy," Pompeo wrote on Twitter. 'Tragedy' Even the National Assembly's emergency session fell victim to the blackout, as the electricity supply failed an hour into the meeting. "We cannot turn away from this tragedy our country is going through," said Guaido, who declared himself acting president in January, triggering a power struggle with Maduro in the oil-rich South American country of 30 million. Businesses and schools remain shuttered on Maduro's orders, as they have been since the blackout began. In any event, the lack of public transport made travel difficult, even in Caracas. Maduro extended the closure for another 24 hours on Monday due to the blackout, the second time he has done so. In his speech Monday night Maduro asked for resistance from groups known as "colectivos" -- grassroots social work groups that the opposition argues have also been armed by the government and act as militia. Critics say such groups were behind the death of seven people on February 23 when the opposition tried in vain to bring US-supplied food and medicine across the borders with Colombia and Brazil. A ball of flame flared across the darkened sky over southeastern Caracas in the early hours of the morning when the Humboldt power station erupted in a massive explosion, increasing the chaos in an area where looting was reported on Sunday. "I felt like I was in a horror movie," said Carolina Molina, who witnessed the blast from her window. State-owned electricity company Corpoelec declined to comment on the explosion. The fire that followed the blast was still smoldering by mid-morning. A metal beam holding one of the huge transformers had melted and a wall had been blackened, AFP reporters said. 'Hollywoodesque' The power crisis may spell trouble for Maduro's support from the military, the Eurasia Group consultancy said. "The government's inability to resolve the crisis and the resulting impact on oil exports, along with challenging social dynamics, may start to shift the military's calculations about the sustainability of Maduro's regime," it said. Maduro has ordered that hospitals -- where patients were languishing without proper treatment, and where at least 15 people reportedly died due to a lack of kidney dialysis treatment -- should be given top priority. He has blamed the blackout on US "sabotage" in the form of an electromagnetic attack on the country's main hydroelectric complex in Guri, which supplies 80 per cent of Venezuela's electricity. Guaido dismissed that explanation as "Hollywoodesque." Critics blamed the government for failing to maintain the power grid, as did the Lima Group, a primarily Latin American bloc. For ordinary Venezuelans, the blackout has piled misery upon an already agonizing day-to-day struggle to survive in a country in economic freefall. Venezuela has been in recession for more than four years, has struggled with hyperinflation the International Monetary Fund says will hit a staggering 10 million per cent this year, and seen a mass exodus of an estimated 2.7 million migrants since 2015. "Every day is worse," said Edward Cazano, a 20-year-old who lives with his mother and three brothers in a poor Caracas neighborhood called Pinto Salinas. "We have the worst services in the world: no light, no water, sometimes no gas."

Venezuela's Guaido calls for new rally as lawmakers declare 'alarm'

The United States is to withdraw all remaining diplomatic personnel from Venezuela this week, the US State Department announced late on Thursday.

"Like the January 24 decision to withdraw all dependents and reduce embassy staff to a minimum, this decision reflects the deteriorating situation in Venezuela as well as the conclusion that the presence of US diplomatic staff at the embassy has become a constraint on US policy," the State Department said.

It did not say on what day the personnel would be withdrawn from the embassy in Caracas.

The South American nation has been in the throes of political unrest for months over its contested presidential election.

Venezuela is suspending school and business activities on Tuesday amid a continuing power blackout, Information Minister Jorge Rodriguez said in a televised broadcast on Monday.

It is the third such cancellation since power went out last week.

The United States is to withdraw all remaining diplomatic personnel from Venezuela this week, the US State Department announced late on Thursday. "Like the January 24 decision to withdraw all dependents and reduce embassy staff to a minimum, this decision reflects the deteriorating situation in Venezuela as well as the conclusion that the presence of US diplomatic staff at the embassy has become a constraint on US policy," the State Department said.

The United States is to withdraw all remaining diplomatic personnel from Venezuela this week, the US State Department announced late on Thursday. "Like the January 24 decision to withdraw all dependents and reduce embassy staff to a minimum, this decision reflects the deteriorating situation in Venezuela as well as the conclusion that the presence of US diplomatic staff at the embassy has become a constraint on US policy," the State Department said. It did not say on what day the personnel would be withdrawn from the embassy in Caracas. The South American nation has been in the throes of political unrest for months over its contested presidential election. Venezuela is suspending school and business activities on Tuesday amid a continuing power blackout, Information Minister Jorge Rodriguez said in a televised broadcast on Monday. It is the third such cancellation since power went out last week.

US says to withdraw all remaining diplomatic personnel from Venezuela

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/do-not-give-economic-lifeline-for-maduro-regime-in-venezuela-pompeo-to-indian-foreign-secretary-vijay-gokhale-202737">Do not give economic lifeline for Maduro regime in Venezuela: Pompeo to Indian foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale</a>

US secretary of state Mike Pompeo on Monday expressed hope that India will supports its efforts in Venezuela by not purchasing oil from the "authoritarian" Maduro regime. The issue was discussed in a meeting with the visiting&nbsp;Indian foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale, Pompeo told reporters at a news conference here, without providing insight into it.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/boeing-to-upgrade-software-in-737-max-8-fleet-in-weeks-202738">Will upgrade software in 737 MAX 8 fleet in coming weeks: Boeing</a>

Boeing&nbsp;Co confirmed late on Monday it will deploy a software upgrade to the 737 MAX 8, a few hours after the Federal Aviation Administration said it would mandate "design changes" in the aircraft by April.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/uk-eu-agree-three-part-deal-on-brexit-deal-202716">UK, EU </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/uk-eu-agree-three-part-deal-on-brexit-deal-202716">agree</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/uk-eu-agree-three-part-deal-on-brexit-deal-202716"> </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/uk-eu-agree-three-part-deal-on-brexit-deal-202716">three-part</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/uk-eu-agree-three-part-deal-on-brexit-deal-202716"> deal on Brexit deal</a>

British Prime Minister Theresa May's government on Monday secured a three-part package of changes from the EU to the&nbsp;terms of its withdrawal deal, hoping to win over&nbsp;sceptical MPs.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/algerias-president-bouteflika-abandons-re-election-bid-after-weeks-of-protest-202747">Algeria's President Bouteflika abandons re-election bid after weeks of protest</a>

Algerian&nbsp;President Abdelaziz Bouteflika&nbsp;abandoned his bid for a fifth term in power on Monday, bowing to weeks of mass demonstrations against his 20-year rule by people demanding a new era of politics in a country dominated by an old guard.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-congress-declares-state-of-alarm-over-blackout-202729">Venezuela congress declares 'state of alarm' over </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-congress-declares-state-of-alarm-over-blackout-202729">blackout</a>

Venezuela's opposition-run congress on Monday declared a "state of alarm" over a&nbsp;five-day power blackout&nbsp;that has crippled the OPEC member&nbsp;country's oil exports&nbsp;and left millions of citizens scrambling to find food and water.&nbsp;

Do not give economic lifeline for Maduro regime in Venezuela: Pompeo to Indian foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale US secretary of state Mike Pompeo on Monday expressed hope that India will supports its efforts in Venezuela by not purchasing oil from the "authoritarian" Maduro regime.

Do not give economic lifeline for Maduro regime in Venezuela: Pompeo to Indian foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale US secretary of state Mike Pompeo on Monday expressed hope that India will supports its efforts in Venezuela by not purchasing oil from the "authoritarian" Maduro regime. The issue was discussed in a meeting with the visiting Indian foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale, Pompeo told reporters at a news conference here, without providing insight into it. Will upgrade software in 737 MAX 8 fleet in coming weeks: Boeing Boeing Co confirmed late on Monday it will deploy a software upgrade to the 737 MAX 8, a few hours after the Federal Aviation Administration said it would mandate "design changes" in the aircraft by April. UK, EU agree three-part deal on Brexit deal British Prime Minister Theresa May's government on Monday secured a three-part package of changes from the EU to the terms of its withdrawal deal, hoping to win over sceptical MPs. Algeria's President Bouteflika abandons re-election bid after weeks of protest Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika abandoned his bid for a fifth term in power on Monday, bowing to weeks of mass demonstrations against his 20-year rule by people demanding a new era of politics in a country dominated by an old guard. Venezuela congress declares 'state of alarm' over blackout Venezuela's opposition-run congress on Monday declared a "state of alarm" over a five-day power blackout that has crippled the OPEC member country's oil exports and left millions of citizens scrambling to find food and water.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Venezuela's opposition-run congress on Monday declared a "<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/juan-guaido-to-ask-legislature-to-declare-state-of-alarm-in-venezuela-202438">state of alarm</a>" over a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/videos/venezuela-blackout-enters-4th-day-paralyses-communications-and-transport-202521">five-day power blackout</a> that has crippled the OPEC member <a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/us-urges-india-to-stop-buying-oil-from-venezuelas-nicolas-maduro-government-top-envoy-202463">country's oil exports</a> and left millions of citizens scrambling to find food and water.&nbsp;

Much of Venezuela remained without power on Monday, although electricity had largely returned to the capital of Caracas following an outage that began on Thursday and which President Nicolas Maduro has called an act of US-backed sabotage.

The outage has added to discontent in a country already suffering from <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-government-prepares-to-sell-small-gold-bars-in-public--161775">hyperinflation</a> and a political crisis after opposition leader Juan Guaido assumed the interim presidency in January after declaring Maduro's 2018 re-election a fraud.

"Nothing is normal in Venezuela, and we will not allow this tragedy to be considered normal, which is why we need this decree of a state of alarm," said Guaido, who heads the legislature, during the session on Monday.

The constitution allows the president to declare states of alarm amid catastrophes that "seriously compromise the security of the nation," but does not explicitly say what practical impact such a declaration would have.

Guaido has been recognised as Venezuela's legitimate leader by the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/venezuelas-maduro-blames-us-weapons-for-massive-blackout-202264">United States</a> and most Western countries, but Maduro retains control of the<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-military-members-in-contact-with-opposition-bolton-202380"> armed forces </a>and state institutions, and the backing of Russia and China, among others.

Oil industry sources said that exports from the primary port of Jose had been halted for lack of power, cutting off Venezuela's primary source of revenue.

During the legislative session, Guaido called for a halt in shipments of oil to Maduro's political ally Cuba, which has received discounted crude from Venezuela for nearly two decades. The deals have drawn scrutiny from the opposition and its allies abroad as Venezuela`s economic crisis worsened.

"We ask for the international community`s cooperation to make this measure effective so that the oil the Venezuelan people urgently need to attend to this national emergency is not given away," Guaido said.

US National Security Advisor John Bolton backed the measure, writing on Twitter that, "insurance companies and flag carriers that facilitate these give-away shipments to Cuba are now on notice." He did not specify any measures the US government may take.

Earlier on Monday, the US Treasury imposed sanctions on a Russian bank over its dealings with Venezuela's state-owned oil company PDVSA and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo criticised Russia's Rosneft for buying PDVSA oil.

RESTORATION 'COMPLEX'

The blackout has left food rotting in refrigerators, hospitals have struggled to keep equipment operating, and people have clustered on the streets of Caracas to pick up patchy telephone signals to reach relatives abroad.&nbsp;

On Monday, Venezuelans seeking water formed lines to fill containers from a sewage pipe.

"This is driving me crazy," said Naile Gonzalez in Chacaito, a commercial neighbourhood of Caracas. "The government doesn't want to accept that this is their fault because they haven`t carried out any maintenance in years."&nbsp;

Venezuela's electrical grid has suffered from years of underinvestment. Restrictions on imports have affected the provision of spare parts, while many skilled technical personnel have fled the country amid an exodus of more than 3 million Venezuelans in recent years.

Winston Cabas, the president of an electrical engineers'&nbsp;professional association, told reporters that several of the country's thermoelectric plants were operating at just 20 per cent of capacity, in part due to lack of fuel. He said the government was rationing electricity.&nbsp;

The process of restoring service was "complex" and could take between five and six days, he said.

"We once had the best electricity system in the world - the most vigorous, the most robust, the most powerful - and those who now administer the system have destroyed it," he said.&nbsp;

A source at PDVSA also said the government had decided to ration electricity, in part to supply power to the Jose oil export terminal.

The Information Ministry did not respond to a request for comment.

Experts consulted by Reuters believe the nationwide blackout originated in transmission lines that transport energy from the Guri hydroelectric plant to the Venezuelan south.

The lack of electricity has aggravated a crisis in Venezuelan hospitals, already lacking investment and maintenance in addition to a shortage of medicines.

School and work activities are set to be suspended on Tuesday, the third working day in a row.

Venezuela's opposition-run congress on Monday declared a "state of alarm" over a five-day power blackout that has crippled the OPEC member country's oil exports and left millions of citizens scrambling to find food and water.

Venezuela's opposition-run congress on Monday declared a "state of alarm" over a five-day power blackout that has crippled the OPEC member country's oil exports and left millions of citizens scrambling to find food and water. Much of Venezuela remained without power on Monday, although electricity had largely returned to the capital of Caracas following an outage that began on Thursday and which President Nicolas Maduro has called an act of US-backed sabotage. The outage has added to discontent in a country already suffering from hyperinflation and a political crisis after opposition leader Juan Guaido assumed the interim presidency in January after declaring Maduro's 2018 re-election a fraud. "Nothing is normal in Venezuela, and we will not allow this tragedy to be considered normal, which is why we need this decree of a state of alarm," said Guaido, who heads the legislature, during the session on Monday. The constitution allows the president to declare states of alarm amid catastrophes that "seriously compromise the security of the nation," but does not explicitly say what practical impact such a declaration would have. Guaido has been recognised as Venezuela's legitimate leader by the United States and most Western countries, but Maduro retains control of the armed forces and state institutions, and the backing of Russia and China, among others. Oil industry sources said that exports from the primary port of Jose had been halted for lack of power, cutting off Venezuela's primary source of revenue. During the legislative session, Guaido called for a halt in shipments of oil to Maduro's political ally Cuba, which has received discounted crude from Venezuela for nearly two decades. The deals have drawn scrutiny from the opposition and its allies abroad as Venezuela`s economic crisis worsened. "We ask for the international community`s cooperation to make this measure effective so that the oil the Venezuelan people urgently need to attend to this national emergency is not given away," Guaido said. US National Security Advisor John Bolton backed the measure, writing on Twitter that, "insurance companies and flag carriers that facilitate these give-away shipments to Cuba are now on notice." He did not specify any measures the US government may take. Earlier on Monday, the US Treasury imposed sanctions on a Russian bank over its dealings with Venezuela's state-owned oil company PDVSA and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo criticised Russia's Rosneft for buying PDVSA oil. RESTORATION 'COMPLEX' The blackout has left food rotting in refrigerators, hospitals have struggled to keep equipment operating, and people have clustered on the streets of Caracas to pick up patchy telephone signals to reach relatives abroad. On Monday, Venezuelans seeking water formed lines to fill containers from a sewage pipe. "This is driving me crazy," said Naile Gonzalez in Chacaito, a commercial neighbourhood of Caracas. "The government doesn't want to accept that this is their fault because they haven`t carried out any maintenance in years." Venezuela's electrical grid has suffered from years of underinvestment. Restrictions on imports have affected the provision of spare parts, while many skilled technical personnel have fled the country amid an exodus of more than 3 million Venezuelans in recent years. Winston Cabas, the president of an electrical engineers' professional association, told reporters that several of the country's thermoelectric plants were operating at just 20 per cent of capacity, in part due to lack of fuel. He said the government was rationing electricity. The process of restoring service was "complex" and could take between five and six days, he said. "We once had the best electricity system in the world - the most vigorous, the most robust, the most powerful - and those who now administer the system have destroyed it," he said. A source at PDVSA also said the government had decided to ration electricity, in part to supply power to the Jose oil export terminal. The Information Ministry did not respond to a request for comment. Experts consulted by Reuters believe the nationwide blackout originated in transmission lines that transport energy from the Guri hydroelectric plant to the Venezuelan south. The lack of electricity has aggravated a crisis in Venezuelan hospitals, already lacking investment and maintenance in addition to a shortage of medicines. School and work activities are set to be suspended on Tuesday, the third working day in a row.

Venezuela congress declares 'state of alarm' over blackout

Fifteen Venezuelans with advanced kidney disease have died after being unable to get dialysis during the country's extended power outage, an NGO reported Saturday.

"Between yesterday and today, there were 15 deaths for lack of dialysis," said Francisco Valencia, director of the Codevida health rights group.

"The situation of people with kidney failure is very difficult, critical, we are talking about 95 per cent of dialysis units, which today likely hit 100 per cent, are paralyzed, due to the power outage," Valencia added.

He warned that there are more than 10,200 dialysis-dependent people nationwide who were at risk by the blackout.

Venezuelans since Thursday afternoon have been in the grips of the worst blackout in the history of the oil-producing country.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/juan-guaido-nicolas-maduro-rallies-set-as-venezuela-struggles-with-blackout-202146">President Nicolas Maduro</a> government has charged that a US-led war on electric power supply was underway.

The United States backs the interim presidency of opposition leader Juan Guaido. He is now recognized as interim president for more than 50 countries.

Maduro told supporters Saturday that almost 70 per cent of power had been restored but at midday there was another cyber "attack at one of the generators that was working perfectly and that disturbed and undid everything we had achieved."

Although Caracas and the states of Miranda and Vargas -- home to the country's international airport and main port -- had intermittent power, the western regions of Barinas, Tachira and Zulia remained without electricity.

Fifteen Venezuelans with advanced kidney disease have died after being unable to get dialysis during the country's extended power outage, an NGO reported Saturday.

Fifteen Venezuelans with advanced kidney disease have died after being unable to get dialysis during the country's extended power outage, an NGO reported Saturday. "Between yesterday and today, there were 15 deaths for lack of dialysis," said Francisco Valencia, director of the Codevida health rights group. "The situation of people with kidney failure is very difficult, critical, we are talking about 95 per cent of dialysis units, which today likely hit 100 per cent, are paralyzed, due to the power outage," Valencia added. He warned that there are more than 10,200 dialysis-dependent people nationwide who were at risk by the blackout. Venezuelans since Thursday afternoon have been in the grips of the worst blackout in the history of the oil-producing country. President Nicolas Maduro government has charged that a US-led war on electric power supply was underway. The United States backs the interim presidency of opposition leader Juan Guaido. He is now recognized as interim president for more than 50 countries. Maduro told supporters Saturday that almost 70 per cent of power had been restored but at midday there was another cyber "attack at one of the generators that was working perfectly and that disturbed and undid everything we had achieved." Although Caracas and the states of Miranda and Vargas -- home to the country's international airport and main port -- had intermittent power, the western regions of Barinas, Tachira and Zulia remained without electricity.

At least 15 dialysis patients die in Venezuela's blackout: NGO

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/venezuela-stands-close-to-the-brink-of-another-revolution-199805">Venezuela</a>'s opposition leader Juan Guaido slammed the government on Friday&nbsp;after the country plunged into darkness because of a massive blackout.

"Imagine being without electricity for 18 hours, what that means for the hospitals, what that means for the Venezuelan people, the rotting of food which is already hard to come by," Guaido said, surrounded by dozens of supporters as he walked towards an event.

Early on Friday, the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-maduro-government-shuts-schools-suspends-working-day-as-blackout-enters-second-day-202053">government shut schools and suspended the workday</a> as the worst blackout in decades paralysed most of the troubled nation for a second day, spurring outrage among citizens already suffering from hyperinflation and a crippling recession.

Power went out late on Thursday afternoon due to a problem at Venezuela's main hydroelectric plant, the government said, calling the event an act of "sabotage" by ideological adversaries.

While blackouts are routine in many Venezuelan provinces, particularly along the western border with Colombia, nationwide power outages under the ruling Socialist Party have never extended for more than a day.

In Caracas, scores of people walked through the streets early in the morning due to the closure of the metro, while others took the few buses that were circulating. Many did not realize the workday was suspended because they could not watch television or listen to the news.

President Nicolas Maduro always attributes major power outages to sabotage by opposition adversaries.

Maduro, who was re-elected last year in a vote widely viewed as fraudulent, blames the crisis on a U.S.-backed sabotage campaign.

His critics say his government has mismanaged the power sector since late socialist leader Hugo Chavez nationalized it in 2007 while setting aside billions of dollars for power projects that were swallowed by corruption.

More than 3 million people are believed to have fled Venezuela amid a deep economic crisis marked by shortages of food and medicine and hyperinflation.

Venezuela suffered major blackouts in 2008 and 2013 that affected significant parts of the country, but both were resolved in less than six hours.

Maduro's televised speeches have on several occasions been interrupted by power outages, spurring chuckles from opposition critics.

Local power outages continue to be chronic, particularly in the sweltering western state of Zulia where residents complain of days without power or with limited electricity and voltage fluctuations that damage appliances.

Venezuela is mired in a major political crisis, with more than 40 foreign governments disavowing Maduro in favour of Guaido. The United States in January levied crippling oil industry sanctions meant to starve Maduro's government of revenue.

Venezuela's opposition leader Juan Guaido slammed the government on Friday after the country plunged into darkness because of a massive blackout. "Imagine being without electricity for 18 hours, what that means for the hospitals, what that means for the Venezuelan people, the rotting of food which is already hard to come by," Guaido said, surrounded by dozens of supporters as he walked towards an event.

Venezuela's opposition leader Juan Guaido slammed the government on Friday after the country plunged into darkness because of a massive blackout. "Imagine being without electricity for 18 hours, what that means for the hospitals, what that means for the Venezuelan people, the rotting of food which is already hard to come by," Guaido said, surrounded by dozens of supporters as he walked towards an event. Early on Friday, the government shut schools and suspended the workday as the worst blackout in decades paralysed most of the troubled nation for a second day, spurring outrage among citizens already suffering from hyperinflation and a crippling recession. Power went out late on Thursday afternoon due to a problem at Venezuela's main hydroelectric plant, the government said, calling the event an act of "sabotage" by ideological adversaries. While blackouts are routine in many Venezuelan provinces, particularly along the western border with Colombia, nationwide power outages under the ruling Socialist Party have never extended for more than a day. In Caracas, scores of people walked through the streets early in the morning due to the closure of the metro, while others took the few buses that were circulating. Many did not realize the workday was suspended because they could not watch television or listen to the news. President Nicolas Maduro always attributes major power outages to sabotage by opposition adversaries. Maduro, who was re-elected last year in a vote widely viewed as fraudulent, blames the crisis on a U.S.-backed sabotage campaign. His critics say his government has mismanaged the power sector since late socialist leader Hugo Chavez nationalized it in 2007 while setting aside billions of dollars for power projects that were swallowed by corruption. More than 3 million people are believed to have fled Venezuela amid a deep economic crisis marked by shortages of food and medicine and hyperinflation. Venezuela suffered major blackouts in 2008 and 2013 that affected significant parts of the country, but both were resolved in less than six hours. Maduro's televised speeches have on several occasions been interrupted by power outages, spurring chuckles from opposition critics. Local power outages continue to be chronic, particularly in the sweltering western state of Zulia where residents complain of days without power or with limited electricity and voltage fluctuations that damage appliances. Venezuela is mired in a major political crisis, with more than 40 foreign governments disavowing Maduro in favour of Guaido. The United States in January levied crippling oil industry sanctions meant to starve Maduro's government of revenue.

Venezuela's Guaido says blackout exasperates an already desperate situation

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/venezuela-stands-close-to-the-brink-of-another-revolution-199805">Venezuela</a> shut schools and suspended working hours on Friday after the capital Caracas and other major cities awoke without electricity for a second day due to a problem that struck the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/people-opting-for-smugglers-routes-amid-venezuela-colombia-border-shutdown-201944">South American country</a>'s main hydroelectric plant.

Much of Venezuela had no electricity since Thursday afternoon due to problems at the Guri dam plant, in a long blackout that affected the telephone network and the metro service in Caracas.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/videos/venezuela-crisis-us-to-punish-foreign-entities-funding-maduro-regime-201679">President Nicolas Maduro</a> "has suspended classes and the working day today in order to facilitate the efforts for the recovery of electric service in the country," wrote Vice President Delcy Rodríguez on her Twitter account.

On Thursday, the Minister of Electric Energy Luis Motta Domínguez attributed the difficulties at the hydroelectric plant to "sabotage", without providing further details.

Power cuts have become frequent in the OPEC member nation, which has suffered five years of deep recession and hyperinflation that has eroded the quality of public services.

In <a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/venezuela-crisis-donald-trumps-threats-to-nicolas-maduro-evoke-history-of-us-intervention-in-latin-america-200063">Caracas</a>, scores of people walked through the streets early in the morning due to the closure of the metro, while others took the few buses that were circulating. Many had not realized the workday had been suspended because they were unable to watch television or listen to the news.

"This is a severe problem. It is not just any blackout," said Luis Martinez, a 53-year-old walking to work in eastern Caracas.

Reuters witnesses could only corroborate that there was light in Puerto Ordaz, a city on Venezuela's southern border with Brazil.

Venezuela has been mired in a political crisis since January, when opposition leader Juan Guaidó proclaimed himself interim president invoking the Constitution.

He has been recognized by the United States and dozens of countries, which say that Maduro's reelection last year was fraudulent.

Maduro, meanwhile, says that Guaidó is a "puppet" of Washington, whom he accuses of wanting to remove him from power to seize the oil wealth of Venezuela.

At the Domingo Luciani public hospital in eastern Caracas power was kept on by an emergency generator, according to an employee cleaning the hospital.

"It's the first time we have gone a day and a night without power," said Elcida Pérez, 45.

Venezuela shut schools and suspended working hours on Friday after the capital Caracas and other major cities awoke without electricity for a second day due to a problem that struck the South American country's main hydroelectric plant.

Venezuela shut schools and suspended working hours on Friday after the capital Caracas and other major cities awoke without electricity for a second day due to a problem that struck the South American country's main hydroelectric plant. Much of Venezuela had no electricity since Thursday afternoon due to problems at the Guri dam plant, in a long blackout that affected the telephone network and the metro service in Caracas. President Nicolas Maduro "has suspended classes and the working day today in order to facilitate the efforts for the recovery of electric service in the country," wrote Vice President Delcy Rodríguez on her Twitter account. On Thursday, the Minister of Electric Energy Luis Motta Domínguez attributed the difficulties at the hydroelectric plant to "sabotage", without providing further details. Power cuts have become frequent in the OPEC member nation, which has suffered five years of deep recession and hyperinflation that has eroded the quality of public services. In Caracas, scores of people walked through the streets early in the morning due to the closure of the metro, while others took the few buses that were circulating. Many had not realized the workday had been suspended because they were unable to watch television or listen to the news. "This is a severe problem. It is not just any blackout," said Luis Martinez, a 53-year-old walking to work in eastern Caracas. Reuters witnesses could only corroborate that there was light in Puerto Ordaz, a city on Venezuela's southern border with Brazil. Venezuela has been mired in a political crisis since January, when opposition leader Juan Guaidó proclaimed himself interim president invoking the Constitution. He has been recognized by the United States and dozens of countries, which say that Maduro's reelection last year was fraudulent. Maduro, meanwhile, says that Guaidó is a "puppet" of Washington, whom he accuses of wanting to remove him from power to seize the oil wealth of Venezuela. At the Domingo Luciani public hospital in eastern Caracas power was kept on by an emergency generator, according to an employee cleaning the hospital. "It's the first time we have gone a day and a night without power," said Elcida Pérez, 45.

Venezuela: Maduro shuts schools, suspends working day as blackout enters second day

The United States imposed sanctions on Friday on six <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/russia-china-veto-us-push-for-fresh-election-in-venezuela-200376">Venezuelan security officials</a> for obstructing aid that Washington had tried to force in as part of its effort to support the country's opposition leader against President Nicolas Maduro.&nbsp;

"We are sanctioning members of Maduro's security forces in response to the reprehensible<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/colombia-venezuela-border-bridge-remains-closed-amid-us-aid-standoff-200319"> violence, tragic deaths, and unconscionable</a> torching of food and medicine destined for sick and starving Venezuelans," Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said in a statement.

The six include Major General Richard Jesus Lopez Vargas, the commander of the Venezuelan National Guard, and Jesus Maria Mantilla Oliveros, commander of a unit tasked by Maduro with reinforcing security on the Brazilian border, the Treasury Department said.

The sanctions freeze any assets in the United States by the six security officials as well as US financial dealings with them.&nbsp;

The United States, backed by Colombia and Brazil, last weekend tried to push badly needed aid into the crisis-torn country in coordination with Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido, whom Washington has recognized as interim president.

Venezuelan forces blocked the operation, fearing it was a precursor to an invasion as President Donald Trump has not ruled out the use of force to depose Maduro.

Four people were killed in the ensuing melee and Guaido was stuck outside Venezuela, although he has vowed to return.

"The United States strongly supports the efforts of Interim President Juan Guaido, and Treasury will continue to target Maduro loyalists prolonging the suffering of the victims of this man-made humanitarian crisis," Mnuchin said.

Russia and China on Thursday vetoed a US and European-backed resolution at the United Nations that would have called for new presidential elections in Venezuela and unimpeded deliveries of humanitarian aid.

The United States imposed sanctions on Friday on six Venezuelan security officials for obstructing aid that Washington had tried to force in as part of its effort to support the country's opposition leader against President Nicolas Maduro.

The United States imposed sanctions on Friday on six Venezuelan security officials for obstructing aid that Washington had tried to force in as part of its effort to support the country's opposition leader against President Nicolas Maduro. "We are sanctioning members of Maduro's security forces in response to the reprehensible violence, tragic deaths, and unconscionable torching of food and medicine destined for sick and starving Venezuelans," Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said in a statement. The six include Major General Richard Jesus Lopez Vargas, the commander of the Venezuelan National Guard, and Jesus Maria Mantilla Oliveros, commander of a unit tasked by Maduro with reinforcing security on the Brazilian border, the Treasury Department said. The sanctions freeze any assets in the United States by the six security officials as well as US financial dealings with them. The United States, backed by Colombia and Brazil, last weekend tried to push badly needed aid into the crisis-torn country in coordination with Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido, whom Washington has recognized as interim president. Venezuelan forces blocked the operation, fearing it was a precursor to an invasion as President Donald Trump has not ruled out the use of force to depose Maduro. Four people were killed in the ensuing melee and Guaido was stuck outside Venezuela, although he has vowed to return. "The United States strongly supports the efforts of Interim President Juan Guaido, and Treasury will continue to target Maduro loyalists prolonging the suffering of the victims of this man-made humanitarian crisis," Mnuchin said. Russia and China on Thursday vetoed a US and European-backed resolution at the United Nations that would have called for new presidential elections in Venezuela and unimpeded deliveries of humanitarian aid.

US sanctions six Venezuelan security officials for obstructing aid

One of the three border bridges between Colombia and Venezuela, the Tienditas Bridge, has remained closed since it was built four years ago, amid the ongoing US aid standoff.

Some news media reported that Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro deliberately closed the Tienditas Bridge to prevent humanitarian aid from the US.

However, in an interview with China Central Television, a Colombian resident living on the common border said that the bridge has been closed since it was built four years ago, which proves that the closure of the bridge is not a deliberate move.

"The Tienditas Bridge was built four years ago for vehicle traffic. It has been closed for four years," said Rodrigez, the local resident.

The Columbian government has posed guards outside the bridge. Vehicles and pedestrians without permission are not allowed to enter the country.

The three bridges on the border are the Simón Bolívar International Bridge, the Francisco de Paula Santander Bridge and the Tienditas Bridge.

Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez announced last Friday the closure of the three bridges.

The move came after the United States and other countries in the region, in coordination with the Venezuelan opposition, declared their plan to deliver aid into Venezuela.

The Venezuelan government has refused to let the aid cross the border and called the aid operation a "US-orchestrated show" designed to lead to an eventual invasion.

&nbsp;

One of the three border bridges between Colombia and Venezuela, the Tienditas Bridge, has remained closed since it was built four years ago, amid the ongoing US aid standoff.

One of the three border bridges between Colombia and Venezuela, the Tienditas Bridge, has remained closed since it was built four years ago, amid the ongoing US aid standoff. Some news media reported that Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro deliberately closed the Tienditas Bridge to prevent humanitarian aid from the US. However, in an interview with China Central Television, a Colombian resident living on the common border said that the bridge has been closed since it was built four years ago, which proves that the closure of the bridge is not a deliberate move. "The Tienditas Bridge was built four years ago for vehicle traffic. It has been closed for four years," said Rodrigez, the local resident. The Columbian government has posed guards outside the bridge. Vehicles and pedestrians without permission are not allowed to enter the country. The three bridges on the border are the Simón Bolívar International Bridge, the Francisco de Paula Santander Bridge and the Tienditas Bridge. Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez announced last Friday the closure of the three bridges. The move came after the United States and other countries in the region, in coordination with the Venezuelan opposition, declared their plan to deliver aid into Venezuela. The Venezuelan government has refused to let the aid cross the border and called the aid operation a "US-orchestrated show" designed to lead to an eventual invasion.

Colombia-Venezuela border bridge remains closed amid US aid standoff

John Bolton, US President Donald Trump`s national security adviser, shakes stars-and-stripes maracas as he dreams of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro behind bars in an orange prison suit.

"Guantanamero ... Maduro Guantanamero ...," Bolton sings in a caricature by Venezuelan cartoonist Fernando Pinilla - a play on both the well-known Cuban song, and the US military detention center at Guantanamo Bay.

A mounted copy of the cartoon from Miami newspaper Diario Las Americas has joined the trophy wall in Bolton`s West Wing office, which until now has been dominated by mementos associated with his signature foreign policy fight: Iran.

One cartoon features an ayatollah hearing about Trump`s withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal.

The new addition is a sign of how Bolton`s hawkish focus has zeroed in on a new target - getting Maduro to leave Venezuela. It`s a battle he has waged on Twitter, where his acid-tongued trolling of the socialist leader has made him one of the Trump administration`s fiercest voices on the issue.

The United States has led an international effort to recognise opposition leader Juan Guaido as the legitimate interim president of Venezuela, considering Maduro`s 2018 re-election a sham.

Since January, Bolton has fired off more than 130 withering missives directed at Maduro, accounting for three quarters of all his Twitter activity in that time and more than a third of all his tweets since Trump named him national security adviser in March 2018.

A spokesman for Bolton declined comment on the strategy.

Bolton, a veteran neoconservative who critics call a warmonger, has tweeted far more about Venezuela in his time as national security adviser than any other topic, including Iran (34 tweets) or the Middle East and Syria (29 tweets).

It was Bolton`s most viral Venezuela tweet that was the genesis for the cartoon that now graces his office.

"I wish Nicolas Maduro and his top advisors a long, quiet retirement, living on a nice beach somewhere far from Venezuela," Bolton said, a zing that has since been retweeted 19,000 times and liked 39,000 times.

The next day, Bolton talked about the tweet with conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt, and added a threat: "The sooner he takes advantage of that, the sooner he`s likely to have a nice, quiet retirement on a pretty beach, rather than being in some other beach area like Guantanamo," Bolton said.

In Caracas, Pinilla heard about Bolton`s warning and was inspired.

"It was easy to imagine that it would be the soundtrack of that arrest, which is our dream," said Pinilla, who said he was surprised and honored when he learned from Reuters that his work was hanging on Bolton`s wall.&nbsp;

`I DREAM OF BOLTON`

Bolton`s war of words has rankled his targets.

Earlier this month, Venezuelan Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza held up his phone at a United Nations press conference, brandishing a Bolton tweet warning countries and companies against buying oil and gold from Maduro`s government.

"What he’s trying to do here is give orders," Arreaza complained to reporters.

Arreaza follows Bolton on Twitter. Bolton does not follow him back.

"Bolton`s gangster-style language and threats are proof of the most sublime diplomatic practice. How regrettable that US foreign policy has fallen into the hands of such a gang," Arreaza tweeted last week.

While Bolton has far fewer followers than Maduro - 543,000 to Maduro`s 3.5 million - Bolton has stronger stats on "engagement," a measurement of how readers connect with a message, noted Matthias Luefkens, who produces an annual "Twiplomacy" study on how world leaders use Twitter.

"His language is very bold, very daring, direct. It`s not diplomatic language that he uses," said Luefkens, who works for the public relations firm BCW Global in Geneva.

The strategy bypasses the time-sucking layers of approvals needed to release a traditional White House statement and also side-steps the media.

"It`s the Trump formula of avoiding the gatekeepers," said Philip Seib, who writes about diplomacy and social media at the University of Southern California`s School for Communication and Journalism.

Bolton`s brash style won fans in Caracas among supporters of opposition leader Guaido, like Martha Anez. She gushed about the mustachioed Trump adviser as she welcomed her friends to a crochet circle in her home in a well-to-do district earlier this month.

"I dream of Bolton!" Anez quipped. "The first thing I do in the morning, even before my coffee, is check whether or not the gringos have said they will intervene. Here we need a square in honor of Bolton! Because he has helped us," she said.

John Bolton, US President Donald Trump`s national security adviser, shakes stars-and-stripes maracas as he dreams of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro behind bars in an orange prison suit.

John Bolton, US President Donald Trump`s national security adviser, shakes stars-and-stripes maracas as he dreams of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro behind bars in an orange prison suit. "Guantanamero ... Maduro Guantanamero ...," Bolton sings in a caricature by Venezuelan cartoonist Fernando Pinilla - a play on both the well-known Cuban song, and the US military detention center at Guantanamo Bay. A mounted copy of the cartoon from Miami newspaper Diario Las Americas has joined the trophy wall in Bolton`s West Wing office, which until now has been dominated by mementos associated with his signature foreign policy fight: Iran. One cartoon features an ayatollah hearing about Trump`s withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal. The new addition is a sign of how Bolton`s hawkish focus has zeroed in on a new target - getting Maduro to leave Venezuela. It`s a battle he has waged on Twitter, where his acid-tongued trolling of the socialist leader has made him one of the Trump administration`s fiercest voices on the issue. The United States has led an international effort to recognise opposition leader Juan Guaido as the legitimate interim president of Venezuela, considering Maduro`s 2018 re-election a sham. Since January, Bolton has fired off more than 130 withering missives directed at Maduro, accounting for three quarters of all his Twitter activity in that time and more than a third of all his tweets since Trump named him national security adviser in March 2018. A spokesman for Bolton declined comment on the strategy. Bolton, a veteran neoconservative who critics call a warmonger, has tweeted far more about Venezuela in his time as national security adviser than any other topic, including Iran (34 tweets) or the Middle East and Syria (29 tweets). It was Bolton`s most viral Venezuela tweet that was the genesis for the cartoon that now graces his office. "I wish Nicolas Maduro and his top advisors a long, quiet retirement, living on a nice beach somewhere far from Venezuela," Bolton said, a zing that has since been retweeted 19,000 times and liked 39,000 times. The next day, Bolton talked about the tweet with conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt, and added a threat: "The sooner he takes advantage of that, the sooner he`s likely to have a nice, quiet retirement on a pretty beach, rather than being in some other beach area like Guantanamo," Bolton said. In Caracas, Pinilla heard about Bolton`s warning and was inspired. "It was easy to imagine that it would be the soundtrack of that arrest, which is our dream," said Pinilla, who said he was surprised and honored when he learned from Reuters that his work was hanging on Bolton`s wall. `I DREAM OF BOLTON` Bolton`s war of words has rankled his targets. Earlier this month, Venezuelan Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza held up his phone at a United Nations press conference, brandishing a Bolton tweet warning countries and companies against buying oil and gold from Maduro`s government. "What he’s trying to do here is give orders," Arreaza complained to reporters. Arreaza follows Bolton on Twitter. Bolton does not follow him back. "Bolton`s gangster-style language and threats are proof of the most sublime diplomatic practice. How regrettable that US foreign policy has fallen into the hands of such a gang," Arreaza tweeted last week. While Bolton has far fewer followers than Maduro - 543,000 to Maduro`s 3.5 million - Bolton has stronger stats on "engagement," a measurement of how readers connect with a message, noted Matthias Luefkens, who produces an annual "Twiplomacy" study on how world leaders use Twitter. "His language is very bold, very daring, direct. It`s not diplomatic language that he uses," said Luefkens, who works for the public relations firm BCW Global in Geneva. The strategy bypasses the time-sucking layers of approvals needed to release a traditional White House statement and also side-steps the media. "It`s the Trump formula of avoiding the gatekeepers," said Philip Seib, who writes about diplomacy and social media at the University of Southern California`s School for Communication and Journalism. Bolton`s brash style won fans in Caracas among supporters of opposition leader Guaido, like Martha Anez. She gushed about the mustachioed Trump adviser as she welcomed her friends to a crochet circle in her home in a well-to-do district earlier this month. "I dream of Bolton!" Anez quipped. "The first thing I do in the morning, even before my coffee, is check whether or not the gringos have said they will intervene. Here we need a square in honor of Bolton! Because he has helped us," she said.

Move over ayatollahs: Bolton turns tweets and talons on Maduro

Venezuela on Tuesday deported a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/venezuela-stands-close-to-the-brink-of-another-revolution-199805">US television network Univision news</a> team led by anchor Jorge Ramos after they were briefly detained at the presidential palace because their line of questioning upset President Nicolas Maduro.

The six-person team was held for more than two hours in the Miraflores palace after Maduro said he did not like their questions, Ramos said at Caracas airport before boarding his flight.

Univision Producer, Ana Martinez, said she and Ramos had been body checked by Maduro's people who also turned off the lights to take away their backpacks and equipment.

Venezuela's socialist government has long had a tense relationship with Western media, which it largely considers hostile and in league with "imperialist" interests.

Short detentions and deportations have become common, especially as reporters facing delays for official permissions seek shortcuts to report in Venezuela.

Ramos, a veteran anchor born in Mexico, said he asked Maduro about the lack of democracy in Venezuela, the torture of political prisoners and the country's humanitarian crisis.

The president stopped the interview after being shown a video of young Venezuelans eating from a garbage truck. "They confiscated all our equipment," Ramos said.

Ramos and his team were deported on Tuesday and were at the airport at 0800 local (0700 ET). Ramos had said they were scheduled to leave on a midday flight to Miami.

Information Minister Jorge Rodriguez said on Twitter the government had in the past welcomed hundreds of journalists to the Miraflores presidential palace, but it did not support "cheap shows" put on with the help of the US&nbsp;Department of State.

Maduro had been conducting interviews with several US media networks on Monday.

Venezuela's government accuses the United States, which is openly pushing for Maduro to step down, of attempting to orchestrate a coup. Washington earlier on Monday targeted Venezuela with new sanctions and called on allies to freeze assets of its state-owned oil company PDVSA.

Spanish-language Univision and the US Department of State had called on Maduro to release the journalists after Ramos rang the network to say they had been detained.

Venezuela on Tuesday deported a US television network Univision news team led by anchor Jorge Ramos after they were briefly detained at the presidential palace because their line of questioning upset President Nicolas Maduro.

Venezuela on Tuesday deported a US television network Univision news team led by anchor Jorge Ramos after they were briefly detained at the presidential palace because their line of questioning upset President Nicolas Maduro. The six-person team was held for more than two hours in the Miraflores palace after Maduro said he did not like their questions, Ramos said at Caracas airport before boarding his flight. Univision Producer, Ana Martinez, said she and Ramos had been body checked by Maduro's people who also turned off the lights to take away their backpacks and equipment. Venezuela's socialist government has long had a tense relationship with Western media, which it largely considers hostile and in league with "imperialist" interests. Short detentions and deportations have become common, especially as reporters facing delays for official permissions seek shortcuts to report in Venezuela. Ramos, a veteran anchor born in Mexico, said he asked Maduro about the lack of democracy in Venezuela, the torture of political prisoners and the country's humanitarian crisis. The president stopped the interview after being shown a video of young Venezuelans eating from a garbage truck. "They confiscated all our equipment," Ramos said. Ramos and his team were deported on Tuesday and were at the airport at 0800 local (0700 ET). Ramos had said they were scheduled to leave on a midday flight to Miami. Information Minister Jorge Rodriguez said on Twitter the government had in the past welcomed hundreds of journalists to the Miraflores presidential palace, but it did not support "cheap shows" put on with the help of the US Department of State. Maduro had been conducting interviews with several US media networks on Monday. Venezuela's government accuses the United States, which is openly pushing for Maduro to step down, of attempting to orchestrate a coup. Washington earlier on Monday targeted Venezuela with new sanctions and called on allies to freeze assets of its state-owned oil company PDVSA. Spanish-language Univision and the US Department of State had called on Maduro to release the journalists after Ramos rang the network to say they had been detained.

Venezuela deports Univision team after Maduro shown 'garbage eating' video

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 crisis: UN Secy warns Maduro against use of lethal force

The Venezuelan government completely closed its border with Colombia in the face of alleged threats to its sovereignty from the neighboring country, from where the opposition plans to take in <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-threatens-new-sanctions-on-venezuela-if-aid-convoys-blocked-top-official-199117">humanitarian aid from several countries</a> that is currently stored in Cucuta city, the authorities said.

The step was taken hours after Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro ordered communications to be shut off with Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao islands and closed the border with Brazil, to stop the entry of humanitarian aid amassed there.

"The government informs the people that, due to the serious and illegal threats attempted by the Government of Colombia against the peace and sovereignty of Venezuela, it has taken the decision of a temporary total closure of the Simon Bolivar, Santander and Union bridges!" Vice President Delcy Rodriguez tweeted.

She said that the Colombian government of Ivan Duque is acting against the rights of Venezuelans to live in peace and sovereignty at the orders of the President of the United States, Donald Trump.

She added that the border normality will be restored as soon as the gross acts of violence - which Caracas has alleged were generated from Bogota - is controlled.

The shutdown was expected after Maduro said on Thursday that closing the Venezuelan border with Colombia was being contemplated, where billionaire Richard Branson has organized a solidarity concert aimed at raising millions in donations to fund humanitarian assistance in Venezuela.

Moreover, Maduro has frequently accused the Colombian government of scheming in war plans along with the US to take down the socialist policies which were implemented in 1999, and ordered a special deployment of armed forces to secure the region.

The opposition has said that it will take the humanitarian aid contributed by several countries to Venezuela on Saturday despite Maduro's attempts to block its entry.

Miguel Pizarro, the opposition leader in charge of bringing in the humanitarian aid, said on Friday that the opposition is ready to take in the donations through several corridors that join Colombia and Venezuela.

But Maduro has said that he will not accept the aid, called it "rotten donations" and alleged that it carries "the venom of humiliation".

The aid has been gathered in the Colombian border city of Cucuta, the Brazilian state of Roraima and the island of Curaçao.

Venezuela's long-simmering political crisis moved into a more acute phase on January&nbsp;23 with Guaido's claim to be the country's legitimate leader after calling Maduro's election illegitimate following his re-election on May 20, 2018.

A large part of the international community - including the US, several European and Latin American countries - supports Guaido and is pressing for fresh elections in the country.

The Venezuelan government completely closed its border with Colombia in the face of alleged threats to its sovereignty from the neighboring country, from where the opposition plans to take in humanitarian aid from several countries that is currently stored in Cucuta city, the authorities said.

The Venezuelan government completely closed its border with Colombia in the face of alleged threats to its sovereignty from the neighboring country, from where the opposition plans to take in humanitarian aid from several countries that is currently stored in Cucuta city, the authorities said. The step was taken hours after Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro ordered communications to be shut off with Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao islands and closed the border with Brazil, to stop the entry of humanitarian aid amassed there. "The government informs the people that, due to the serious and illegal threats attempted by the Government of Colombia against the peace and sovereignty of Venezuela, it has taken the decision of a temporary total closure of the Simon Bolivar, Santander and Union bridges!" Vice President Delcy Rodriguez tweeted. She said that the Colombian government of Ivan Duque is acting against the rights of Venezuelans to live in peace and sovereignty at the orders of the President of the United States, Donald Trump. She added that the border normality will be restored as soon as the gross acts of violence - which Caracas has alleged were generated from Bogota - is controlled. The shutdown was expected after Maduro said on Thursday that closing the Venezuelan border with Colombia was being contemplated, where billionaire Richard Branson has organized a solidarity concert aimed at raising millions in donations to fund humanitarian assistance in Venezuela. Moreover, Maduro has frequently accused the Colombian government of scheming in war plans along with the US to take down the socialist policies which were implemented in 1999, and ordered a special deployment of armed forces to secure the region. The opposition has said that it will take the humanitarian aid contributed by several countries to Venezuela on Saturday despite Maduro's attempts to block its entry. Miguel Pizarro, the opposition leader in charge of bringing in the humanitarian aid, said on Friday that the opposition is ready to take in the donations through several corridors that join Colombia and Venezuela. But Maduro has said that he will not accept the aid, called it "rotten donations" and alleged that it carries "the venom of humiliation". The aid has been gathered in the Colombian border city of Cucuta, the Brazilian state of Roraima and the island of Curaçao. Venezuela's long-simmering political crisis moved into a more acute phase on January 23 with Guaido's claim to be the country's legitimate leader after calling Maduro's election illegitimate following his re-election on May 20, 2018. A large part of the international community - including the US, several European and Latin American countries - supports Guaido and is pressing for fresh elections in the country.

In face of alleged threats, Maduro government 'completely' shuts Venezuela's border with Colombia

Brazil Vice President Hamilton Mourao on Thursday dismissed US threats of military intervention in Venezuela as "premature" and said it "wouldn't make sense."

"I think they're more in the realm of rhetoric than action," Mourao said, referring to the threats, in an interview with AFP.

"The Venezuela question needs to be resolved by Venezuelans."

Mourao's comments came after Venezuela President Nicolas Maduro announced earlier that the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/venezuelas-maduro-starts-shutting-borders-to-block-humanitarian-aid-198833">border with Brazil would be shut</a> "completely and absolutely" until further notice from 8:00 pm.

But Mourao said that "doesn't signify an act of aggression."

"This reaction is simply a way to prevent the humanitarian aid process," he said, adding that Venezuela "has the right to whatever it wants on its side of the border."

President Jair Bolsonaro's spokesman Otavio Rego Barros also dismissed the possibility of Maduro's decision causing "frictions" between the neighbors.

Maduro's move came two days before a deadline set by opposition leader Juan Guaido for humanitarian aid stockpiled in Colombia, Brazil and the island of Curacao to be brought into Venezuela.

The self-proclaimed acting president, recognized as such by 50 countries, set out in a convoy of vehicles from Caracas towards the border with Colombia on Thursday to personally take charge of the aid entry.

A bridge border crossing between the two countries remains blocked by the military, though, with Maduro vowing not to let it in.

The embattled socialist leader also said on Thursday he was considering "a total closure of the border with Colombia."

The issue of aid has taken center stage in the power-struggle between Maduro and Guaido, the president of the opposition controlled National Assembly legislature.

Guaido has branded Maduro a usurper over his controversial reelection last May in polls boycotted by the opposition, many of whose leaders were unable to stand due to being imprisoned, barred or in exile.

The 35-year-old Guido wants to force out Maduro, 56, so he can set up a transitional government ahead of new elections. 
&nbsp;

Brazil Vice President Hamilton Mourao on Thursday dismissed US threats of military intervention in Venezuela as "premature" and said it "wouldn't make sense." "I think they're more in the realm of rhetoric than action," Mourao said, referring to the threats, in an interview with AFP.

Brazil Vice President Hamilton Mourao on Thursday dismissed US threats of military intervention in Venezuela as "premature" and said it "wouldn't make sense." "I think they're more in the realm of rhetoric than action," Mourao said, referring to the threats, in an interview with AFP. "The Venezuela question needs to be resolved by Venezuelans." Mourao's comments came after Venezuela President Nicolas Maduro announced earlier that the border with Brazil would be shut "completely and absolutely" until further notice from 8:00 pm. But Mourao said that "doesn't signify an act of aggression." "This reaction is simply a way to prevent the humanitarian aid process," he said, adding that Venezuela "has the right to whatever it wants on its side of the border." President Jair Bolsonaro's spokesman Otavio Rego Barros also dismissed the possibility of Maduro's decision causing "frictions" between the neighbors. Maduro's move came two days before a deadline set by opposition leader Juan Guaido for humanitarian aid stockpiled in Colombia, Brazil and the island of Curacao to be brought into Venezuela. The self-proclaimed acting president, recognized as such by 50 countries, set out in a convoy of vehicles from Caracas towards the border with Colombia on Thursday to personally take charge of the aid entry. A bridge border crossing between the two countries remains blocked by the military, though, with Maduro vowing not to let it in. The embattled socialist leader also said on Thursday he was considering "a total closure of the border with Colombia." The issue of aid has taken center stage in the power-struggle between Maduro and Guaido, the president of the opposition controlled National Assembly legislature. Guaido has branded Maduro a usurper over his controversial reelection last May in polls boycotted by the opposition, many of whose leaders were unable to stand due to being imprisoned, barred or in exile. The 35-year-old Guido wants to force out Maduro, 56, so he can set up a transitional government ahead of new elections.

US military intervention in Venezuela 'wouldn't make sense': Brazil's Vice President

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/sixteen-us-states-sue-trump-over-border-wall-emergency-198197">Sixteen US states sue Trump after he declares emergency to fund border wall</a>

Sixteen US states sued President Donald Trump's administration on Monday over his decision to declare a national emergency to fund a wall on the southern border with Mexico, saying the move violated the constitution.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/saudi-crown-prince-salman-to-arrive-in-india-today-198189">Saudi Crown Prince Salman to land in India today</a>

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad-bin Salman will arrive in New Delhi on Tuesday on his maiden visit to the country.

India is likely to raise the issue of Pakistan-sponsored terrorism and the two countries are expected to sign ties to enhance cooperation in various fields during the "landmark event in high-level bilateral ties".

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-tells-venezuela-military-to-back-opposition-leader-guaido-or-lose-everything-198182">Trump tells Venezuela military to back opposition leader Guaido or 'lose everything'</a>

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.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/israel-readies-to-launch-worlds-first-private-spacecraft-to-moon-198194">Israel readies to launch </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/israel-readies-to-launch-worlds-first-private-spacecraft-to-moon-198194">world's</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/israel-readies-to-launch-worlds-first-private-spacecraft-to-moon-198194"> first private spacecraft to </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/israel-readies-to-launch-worlds-first-private-spacecraft-to-moon-198194">moon</a>

Israel was gearing up to launch a spacecraft to the moon that will be the first private initiative of its kind in the world, the non-profit organization responsible for the project announced on Monday.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/kissing-sailor-in-iconic-new-york-picture-dies-at-95-198199">'Kissing sailor' in iconic New York picture dies at 95</a>

The sailor pictured kissing a woman in Times Square as people celebrated the end of World War II has died at age 95, his daughter told The Providence Journal.

George Mendonsa had a seizure Sunday after falling at an assisted living facility in Middletown, Rhode Island, his daughter Sharon Molleur said.

Sixteen US states sue Trump after he declares emergency to fund border wall Sixteen US states sued President Donald Trump's administration on Monday over his decision to declare a national emergency to fund a wall on the southern border with Mexico, saying the move violated the constitution.

Sixteen US states sue Trump after he declares emergency to fund border wall Sixteen US states sued President Donald Trump's administration on Monday over his decision to declare a national emergency to fund a wall on the southern border with Mexico, saying the move violated the constitution. Saudi Crown Prince Salman to land in India today Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad-bin Salman will arrive in New Delhi on Tuesday on his maiden visit to the country. India is likely to raise the issue of Pakistan-sponsored terrorism and the two countries are expected to sign ties to enhance cooperation in various fields during the "landmark event in high-level bilateral ties". Trump tells Venezuela military to back opposition leader Guaido or 'lose everything' 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. Israel readies to launch world's first private spacecraft to moon Israel was gearing up to launch a spacecraft to the moon that will be the first private initiative of its kind in the world, the non-profit organization responsible for the project announced on Monday. 'Kissing sailor' in iconic New York picture dies at 95 The sailor pictured kissing a woman in Times Square as people celebrated the end of World War II has died at age 95, his daughter told The Providence Journal. George Mendonsa had a seizure Sunday after falling at an assisted living facility in Middletown, Rhode Island, his daughter Sharon Molleur said.

A US military transport plane carrying humanitarian aid meant for Venezuelans landed in the Colombian border city of Cucuta on Saturday, where food and medicine is being stored amidst uncertainty over <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/maduro-making-terrible-mistake-by-not-allowing-aid-to-enter-venezuela-trump-197250">how and where aid will be distributed</a>.

The shipment will be the second arrival of large-scale US and international aid for Venezuelans, many of whom have scant access to food and medicine, since opposition leader <a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/venezuela-crisis-can-nicolas-maduro-with-support-of-foreign-powers-state-that-hugo-chavez-is-not-actually-the-president-197536">Juan Guaido</a> declared himself interim president in defiance of socialist <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-raises-pressure-on-venezuelas-maduro-via-sanctions-aid-airlift-197708">President Nicolas Maduro</a>.

Guaido, who invoked constitutional provisions to declare himself the country's leader last month, arguing Maduro's 2018 re-election was a sham, has said aid will enter Venezuela on February 23.

But it remains unclear whether Maduro, who has called the aid a US-orchestrated show and denies any crisis, will allow the supplies to cross into Venezuela.

Millions of Venezuelans will be traveling to the border to safeguard arriving aid, Lester Toledo, a Guaido representative, said at a press conference in Cucuta.

"We are seven days from this being a reality, we are going to have the accompaniment of people, of hundreds of thousands, of millions of Venezuelans that our president Juan Guaido has called upon, who we have asked to go to the border dressed in white as a sign of peace," said Toledo.

A US official told Reuters the aid delivered on Saturday amounted to more than 200 tonnes, but a US embassy representative said they had no measurements of the shipment. Toledo said three planes would eventually arrive.

Most Western countries and many of Venezuela's neighbors have recognized Guaido as the legitimate head of state, while Maduro retains the backing of Russia and China and control of Venezuelan state institutions including the military.

The supplies, including hygiene kits and special products meant for children suffering malnutrition, are arriving from an air force base in Florida aboard C-17 military cargo planes, the US embassy said in a statement.

Additional aid flights will take place over the coming days, the statement added, and medical supplies and pharmaceuticals meant for use in hospitals will arrive early next week.

A US military transport plane carrying humanitarian aid meant for Venezuelans landed in the Colombian border city of Cucuta on Saturday, where food and medicine is being stored amidst uncertainty over how and where aid will be distributed.

A US military transport plane carrying humanitarian aid meant for Venezuelans landed in the Colombian border city of Cucuta on Saturday, where food and medicine is being stored amidst uncertainty over how and where aid will be distributed. The shipment will be the second arrival of large-scale US and international aid for Venezuelans, many of whom have scant access to food and medicine, since opposition leader Juan Guaido declared himself interim president in defiance of socialist President Nicolas Maduro. Guaido, who invoked constitutional provisions to declare himself the country's leader last month, arguing Maduro's 2018 re-election was a sham, has said aid will enter Venezuela on February 23. But it remains unclear whether Maduro, who has called the aid a US-orchestrated show and denies any crisis, will allow the supplies to cross into Venezuela. Millions of Venezuelans will be traveling to the border to safeguard arriving aid, Lester Toledo, a Guaido representative, said at a press conference in Cucuta. "We are seven days from this being a reality, we are going to have the accompaniment of people, of hundreds of thousands, of millions of Venezuelans that our president Juan Guaido has called upon, who we have asked to go to the border dressed in white as a sign of peace," said Toledo. A US official told Reuters the aid delivered on Saturday amounted to more than 200 tonnes, but a US embassy representative said they had no measurements of the shipment. Toledo said three planes would eventually arrive. Most Western countries and many of Venezuela's neighbors have recognized Guaido as the legitimate head of state, while Maduro retains the backing of Russia and China and control of Venezuelan state institutions including the military. The supplies, including hygiene kits and special products meant for children suffering malnutrition, are arriving from an air force base in Florida aboard C-17 military cargo planes, the US embassy said in a statement. Additional aid flights will take place over the coming days, the statement added, and medical supplies and pharmaceuticals meant for use in hospitals will arrive early next week.

More US aid for Venezuela touches down in Colombia

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/nigeria-postpones-presidential-parliamentary-election-for-one-week-197707">Nigeria postpones presidential, parliamentary election hours before polls due to open</a>

Nigeria's electoral watchdog on Saturday postponed presidential and parliamentary elections for one week, just hours before polls were due to open.

The voting has been rescheduled on February 23.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pulwama-attack-india-slams-pakistan-yet-again-says-islamabad-cannot-claim-its-unaware-of-jem-presence-197702">Pulwama attack: India says Islamabad cannot be blind to JeM presence in its soil</a>

India slammed Pakistan Foreign Secretary (FS) Tehmina Janjua on Friday after the latter in his briefing to ambassador of permanent five (P5) members of United Nations security council (UNSC) rejected Pakistan's involvement in the Pulwama attack. &nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/five-dead-multiple-wounded-in-us-mass-shooting-police-197682">Five dead, multiple wounded in US mass shooting: Police</a>

Five people were killed and multiple police officers shot Friday when a gunman opened fire in an industrial area on the outskirts of Chicago, the latest mass shooting to hit the United States.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/mueller-seeks-tough-sentence-for-ex-trump-campaign-chairman-manafort-197689">Special Counsel Mueller seeks </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/mueller-seeks-tough-sentence-for-ex-trump-campaign-chairman-manafort-197689">tough</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/mueller-seeks-tough-sentence-for-ex-trump-campaign-chairman-manafort-197689"> sentence for ex-Trump campaign chairman Manafort</a>

Prosecutors for Special Counsel Robert Mueller urged a federal judge in Virginia on Friday to impose a strict prison sentence for President Donald Trump's former campaign manager Paul Manafort, after a jury last year convicted him on eight counts of bank and tax fraud.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-raises-pressure-on-venezuelas-maduro-via-sanctions-aid-airlift-197708">US</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-raises-pressure-on-venezuelas-maduro-via-sanctions-aid-airlift-197708"> raises pressure on Venezuela's Maduro via sanctions, aid airlift</a>

The United States ratcheted up pressure on Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on Friday by sanctioning some of his top security officials and the head of the state oil company, and unveiling plans to airlift over 200 tons of aid to the Colombian border.

Nigeria postpones presidential, parliamentary election hours before polls due to open Nigeria's electoral watchdog on Saturday postponed presidential and parliamentary elections for one week, just hours before polls were due to open.

Nigeria postpones presidential, parliamentary election hours before polls due to open Nigeria's electoral watchdog on Saturday postponed presidential and parliamentary elections for one week, just hours before polls were due to open. The voting has been rescheduled on February 23. Pulwama attack: India says Islamabad cannot be blind to JeM presence in its soil India slammed Pakistan Foreign Secretary (FS) Tehmina Janjua on Friday after the latter in his briefing to ambassador of permanent five (P5) members of United Nations security council (UNSC) rejected Pakistan's involvement in the Pulwama attack. Five dead, multiple wounded in US mass shooting: Police Five people were killed and multiple police officers shot Friday when a gunman opened fire in an industrial area on the outskirts of Chicago, the latest mass shooting to hit the United States. Special Counsel Mueller seeks tough sentence for ex-Trump campaign chairman Manafort Prosecutors for Special Counsel Robert Mueller urged a federal judge in Virginia on Friday to impose a strict prison sentence for President Donald Trump's former campaign manager Paul Manafort, after a jury last year convicted him on eight counts of bank and tax fraud. US raises pressure on Venezuela's Maduro via sanctions, aid airlift The United States ratcheted up pressure on Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on Friday by sanctioning some of his top security officials and the head of the state oil company, and unveiling plans to airlift over 200 tons of aid to the Colombian border.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/maduro-making-terrible-mistake-by-not-allowing-aid-to-enter-venezuela-trump-197250">Maduro making </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/maduro-making-terrible-mistake-by-not-allowing-aid-to-enter-venezuela-trump-197250">terrible</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/maduro-making-terrible-mistake-by-not-allowing-aid-to-enter-venezuela-trump-197250"> mistake by not allowing aid to enter Venezuela: Trump</a>

The US aid, sitting on the Colombian side of the border with Venezuela, has become the latest flashpoint in the US-led push to topple Maduro.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-sweden-sign-agreement-for-greater-cooperation-on-technology-manufacturing-197256">India, Sweden sign key pacts on technology, manufacturing</a>

The pact will provide a facilitating framework for greater cooperation on the high end and cutting edge technology and manufacturing.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/entertainment/gully-boy-quick-review-you-dont-have-to-be-a-fan-of-hip-hop-to-like-this-film-197233">'Gully Boy' quick review: You don't have to be a fan of hip-hop to like this film</a>

'Gully Boy' is the story of an honest, diligent Murad who may share a cube-like home with his large family in Dharavi but who also harbours dreams of becoming the next big thing in hip-hop.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/pak-saudi-arabia-sri-lanka-in-european-commission-blacklist-for-terror-financing-money-laundering-197258">Pak, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka in European Commission blacklist for terror financing, money laundering</a>

The European Commission had added Saudi Arabia, Panama, Nigeria and other jurisdictions to a blacklist of nations seen as posing a threat because of lax controls on terrorism financing and money laundering.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-real-madrid-edge-out-ajax-as-asensio-scores-late-winner-197252">Champions League: Real Madrid edge out Ajax as Asensio scores late winner</a>

Karim Benzema swept holders Real into the lead in the second half, before Hakim Ziyech scored a deserved equaliser for an energetic Ajax.

Maduro making terrible mistake by not allowing aid to enter Venezuela: Trump The US aid, sitting on the Colombian side of the border with Venezuela, has become the latest flashpoint in the US-led push to topple Maduro.

Maduro making terrible mistake by not allowing aid to enter Venezuela: Trump The US aid, sitting on the Colombian side of the border with Venezuela, has become the latest flashpoint in the US-led push to topple Maduro. India, Sweden sign key pacts on technology, manufacturing The pact will provide a facilitating framework for greater cooperation on the high end and cutting edge technology and manufacturing. 'Gully Boy' quick review: You don't have to be a fan of hip-hop to like this film 'Gully Boy' is the story of an honest, diligent Murad who may share a cube-like home with his large family in Dharavi but who also harbours dreams of becoming the next big thing in hip-hop. Pak, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka in European Commission blacklist for terror financing, money laundering The European Commission had added Saudi Arabia, Panama, Nigeria and other jurisdictions to a blacklist of nations seen as posing a threat because of lax controls on terrorism financing and money laundering. Champions League: Real Madrid edge out Ajax as Asensio scores late winner Karim Benzema swept holders Real into the lead in the second half, before Hakim Ziyech scored a deserved equaliser for an energetic Ajax.

President Donald Trump <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/showdown-looms-as-venezuelan-opposition-leader-guaido-sets-aid-entry-date-197058">warned Venezuela </a>on Wednesday that "all options" are on the table and demanded that far left leader Nicolas Maduro unblock US aid shipments to the country.

Again stressing that he had not ruled out military options, Trump said he was "sad" about the "turmoil" in the oil-rich Latin American nation.

"You'll see," he told reporters at a White House meeting with his Colombian counterpart Ivan Duque, when asked if thousands of US troops could deploy.

Duque, whose country has taken in large numbers of Venezuelan refugees, also lambasted Maduro, saying that "obstructing the access of humanitarian aid is a crime against humanity."

The US aid, sitting on the Colombian side of the border with Venezuela, has become the latest flashpoint in the US-led push to topple Maduro, whose socialist government is bolstered by the military and backed by Russia and China.

Maduro accuses the United States of using the blocked aid shipments as pretext for an invasion.

However, much of Venezuela's population is in desperate need, lacking even basics like food and medicine.

"I think he's making a terrible mistake by not allowing that to happen," Trump said of Maduro's refusal to allow in the aid.

"We're trying to get food to people that are starving. You have people starving in Venezuela."&nbsp;

Washington has thrown its full weight behind opposition leader Juan Guaido, recognizing him as interim president, demanding that Maduro step aside and imposing sanctions. 
Around 50 countries have now recognized Guaido as interim president.

At a huge opposition rally on Tuesday, Guaido vowed that humanitarian aid would enter the country on February 23.

"We have almost 300,000 Venezuelans who will die if the aid doesn't enter," he added.

In his latest attempt to erode Maduro's authority over the military, Guaido said: "Here is a direct order to the armed forces: allow in the humanitarian aid once and for all (and) end the repression."

Guaido's team has also met with Brazilian officials to set up a second aid storage center on that border. 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 growing coalition against Maduro.

But Maduro has so far resisted, portraying himself in the mold of historic Latin American anti-imperialist leaders. 
Moscow weighed in on Tuesday, with Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov warning "against all interference in Venezuela's domestic affairs, including the use of force threatened by Washington."

President Donald Trump warned Venezuela on Wednesday that "all options" are on the table and demanded that far left leader Nicolas Maduro unblock US aid shipments to the country.

President Donald Trump warned Venezuela on Wednesday that "all options" are on the table and demanded that far left leader Nicolas Maduro unblock US aid shipments to the country. Again stressing that he had not ruled out military options, Trump said he was "sad" about the "turmoil" in the oil-rich Latin American nation. "You'll see," he told reporters at a White House meeting with his Colombian counterpart Ivan Duque, when asked if thousands of US troops could deploy. Duque, whose country has taken in large numbers of Venezuelan refugees, also lambasted Maduro, saying that "obstructing the access of humanitarian aid is a crime against humanity." The US aid, sitting on the Colombian side of the border with Venezuela, has become the latest flashpoint in the US-led push to topple Maduro, whose socialist government is bolstered by the military and backed by Russia and China. Maduro accuses the United States of using the blocked aid shipments as pretext for an invasion. However, much of Venezuela's population is in desperate need, lacking even basics like food and medicine. "I think he's making a terrible mistake by not allowing that to happen," Trump said of Maduro's refusal to allow in the aid. "We're trying to get food to people that are starving. You have people starving in Venezuela." Washington has thrown its full weight behind opposition leader Juan Guaido, recognizing him as interim president, demanding that Maduro step aside and imposing sanctions. Around 50 countries have now recognized Guaido as interim president. At a huge opposition rally on Tuesday, Guaido vowed that humanitarian aid would enter the country on February 23. "We have almost 300,000 Venezuelans who will die if the aid doesn't enter," he added. In his latest attempt to erode Maduro's authority over the military, Guaido said: "Here is a direct order to the armed forces: allow in the humanitarian aid once and for all (and) end the repression." Guaido's team has also met with Brazilian officials to set up a second aid storage center on that border. 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 growing coalition against Maduro. But Maduro has so far resisted, portraying himself in the mold of historic Latin American anti-imperialist leaders. Moscow weighed in on Tuesday, with Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov warning "against all interference in Venezuela's domestic affairs, including the use of force threatened by Washington."

Maduro making terrible mistake by not allowing aid to enter Venezuela: Trump

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

Tens of thousands of opposition activists flooded the streets of Venezuela on Tuesday to demand the military allow in desperately-needed aid, as President Nicolas Maduro's supporters rallied against "imperialist intervention."

Opposition leader Juan Guaido called the Youth Day demonstrations to honour 40 people killed in anti-government rallies and press for the food and medicine to be brought into the economically-ravaged South American country.

While waiting for the National Assembly leader to speak in east Caracas, his supporters chanted: "Freedom!"

"We're asking the military authorities to let in the aid and to protect it so that it reaches those most in need," Juan Perez, 68, told AFP.

Guaido, who stunned the world on January 23 when he declared himself acting president, said the protest would "demand the entry of humanitarian aid that will save the lives of more than 300,000 Venezuelans." &nbsp;

Taking his authority from the constitution, Guaido says Maduro's presidency is "illegitimate" as it was founded on flawed elections.

He is trying to force the socialist leader from power so he can set up a transitional government and hold new presidential elections.

Maduro meanwhile called a march of young leftists in the centre of Caracas denouncing foreign intervention in Venezuela's affairs and collecting signatures of people who reject US President Donald Trump.

The fate of tons of aid piling up in Colombian collection centres at the border with Venezuela has become central to the power struggle between Guaido and Maduro, who is backed by the powerful armed forces.

Venezuela is in the grip of recession and hyperinflation while millions of people are suffering from a shortage of basic necessities. The UN says some 2.3 million people have fled since 2015.

Military exercises

But the military has barricaded a border bridge linking the countries, with Maduro describing the aid as a "political show" and a pretext to a US intervention.

Guaido, recognized by some 50 countries as interim president, has offered amnesty to military personnel who dump Maduro and told them that refusing to allow in aid was a "crime against humanity."

He says almost 100,000 Venezuelans have signed up as volunteers to help bring in aid and distribute it to those most in need.

"The military are the ones keeping Maduro in power. I call on them to reflect and take the side of the people suffering from hunger," said protester Maria Ballera, 75.

The Venezuelan government distributed food and medicine on Monday.

Guaido's envoys met Brazilian officials in Brasilia on Monday and announced plans to establish a second aid storage center in the state of Roraima, on Venezuela's southeastern border, from next week.

But Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino said the armed forces were deploying a "reinforced presence all along the border."

Although he has wide international support in his bid to oust Maduro, Guaido needs the backing of the armed forces.

He has warned the military that it will be held responsible for any deaths among the protesters on Tuesday.

The US has presented a draft resolution to the UN Security Council calling for international aid deliveries and new presidential elections.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Tuesday dismissed the move as an attempt to "cover up planned provocations... to destabilize the situation in Venezuela and even gain an excuse for direct military intervention."

Speaking to AFP last week, Guaido refused to rule out asking for foreign intervention.

The Venezuelan military meanwhile announced it had started conducting exercises, set to run until Friday, to "reinforce the country's defensive capacity."

Maduro wants gold

Venezuela is oil dependent and sells more than 40 per cent of its crude, which makes up 96 per cent of its revenue, to the US, while Washington is using sanctions as an attempt to starve Maduro's regime of its funding.

"Venezuela is in the eye of a global geopolitical hurricane," said Maduro, who claims Trump is trying to force him out in order to take control of Venezuela's oil reserves, the largest in the world.

In an interview with the BBC aired on Tuesday, he called for Britain to return "more than 80 tons of gold" reserves deposited in London.

"Send a convoy with the 80 tons of gold. Let it come, the convoy of money, it's our money. With that we could solve our country's problems," he said.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres renewed his offer on Monday to help broker talks to end the political stalemate.

Guaido has rejected negotiations with Maduro, believing he would use them to buy time.

The European Union and a group of European and Latin American ministers have called for new presidential elections, but Maduro rejected both.

Tens of thousands of opposition activists flooded the streets of Venezuela on Tuesday to demand the military allow in desperately-needed aid, as President Nicolas Maduro's supporters rallied against "imperialist intervention.

Tens of thousands of opposition activists flooded the streets of Venezuela on Tuesday to demand the military allow in desperately-needed aid, as President Nicolas Maduro's supporters rallied against "imperialist intervention." Opposition leader Juan Guaido called the Youth Day demonstrations to honour 40 people killed in anti-government rallies and press for the food and medicine to be brought into the economically-ravaged South American country. While waiting for the National Assembly leader to speak in east Caracas, his supporters chanted: "Freedom!" "We're asking the military authorities to let in the aid and to protect it so that it reaches those most in need," Juan Perez, 68, told AFP. Guaido, who stunned the world on January 23 when he declared himself acting president, said the protest would "demand the entry of humanitarian aid that will save the lives of more than 300,000 Venezuelans." Taking his authority from the constitution, Guaido says Maduro's presidency is "illegitimate" as it was founded on flawed elections. He is trying to force the socialist leader from power so he can set up a transitional government and hold new presidential elections. Maduro meanwhile called a march of young leftists in the centre of Caracas denouncing foreign intervention in Venezuela's affairs and collecting signatures of people who reject US President Donald Trump. The fate of tons of aid piling up in Colombian collection centres at the border with Venezuela has become central to the power struggle between Guaido and Maduro, who is backed by the powerful armed forces. Venezuela is in the grip of recession and hyperinflation while millions of people are suffering from a shortage of basic necessities. The UN says some 2.3 million people have fled since 2015. Military exercises But the military has barricaded a border bridge linking the countries, with Maduro describing the aid as a "political show" and a pretext to a US intervention. Guaido, recognized by some 50 countries as interim president, has offered amnesty to military personnel who dump Maduro and told them that refusing to allow in aid was a "crime against humanity." He says almost 100,000 Venezuelans have signed up as volunteers to help bring in aid and distribute it to those most in need. "The military are the ones keeping Maduro in power. I call on them to reflect and take the side of the people suffering from hunger," said protester Maria Ballera, 75. The Venezuelan government distributed food and medicine on Monday. Guaido's envoys met Brazilian officials in Brasilia on Monday and announced plans to establish a second aid storage center in the state of Roraima, on Venezuela's southeastern border, from next week. But Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino said the armed forces were deploying a "reinforced presence all along the border." Although he has wide international support in his bid to oust Maduro, Guaido needs the backing of the armed forces. He has warned the military that it will be held responsible for any deaths among the protesters on Tuesday. The US has presented a draft resolution to the UN Security Council calling for international aid deliveries and new presidential elections. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Tuesday dismissed the move as an attempt to "cover up planned provocations... to destabilize the situation in Venezuela and even gain an excuse for direct military intervention." Speaking to AFP last week, Guaido refused to rule out asking for foreign intervention. The Venezuelan military meanwhile announced it had started conducting exercises, set to run until Friday, to "reinforce the country's defensive capacity." Maduro wants gold Venezuela is oil dependent and sells more than 40 per cent of its crude, which makes up 96 per cent of its revenue, to the US, while Washington is using sanctions as an attempt to starve Maduro's regime of its funding. "Venezuela is in the eye of a global geopolitical hurricane," said Maduro, who claims Trump is trying to force him out in order to take control of Venezuela's oil reserves, the largest in the world. In an interview with the BBC aired on Tuesday, he called for Britain to return "more than 80 tons of gold" reserves deposited in London. "Send a convoy with the 80 tons of gold. Let it come, the convoy of money, it's our money. With that we could solve our country's problems," he said. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres renewed his offer on Monday to help broker talks to end the political stalemate. Guaido has rejected negotiations with Maduro, believing he would use them to buy time. The European Union and a group of European and Latin American ministers have called for new presidential elections, but Maduro rejected both.

Venezuela opposition takes to streets over blocked aid

Venezuela President Nicolas Maduro has called on Britain to return "more than 80 tons of gold" reserves deposited in London instead of sending humanitarian aid, in an interview with the BBC.

Venezuela is in the midst of an economic crisis as millions of people face shortages of basic necessities such as food and medicines.

But Maduro refuses to allow in aid sent by the United States to alleviate the crisis.

The socialist leader told the BBC, according to a transcript made public Tuesday, that his country may have gold reserves weighing 80 tons or more deposited at the Bank of England.

Maduro, who faces a challenge to his authority back home from opposition leader Juan Guaido, said the gold is "legally Venezuela's, it belongs to the Central Bank of Venezuela."

Maduro says the US has frozen $10 billion in Venezuelan accounts through its sanctions.

Washington has said it will turn over control of those resources to Guaido once Maduro has been removed from power.

"They should send a convoy with the dollars they've stolen from us," said Maduro, who claims that aid would be a pretext to foreign intervention.

"Send a convoy with the 80 tons of gold. Let it come, the convoy of money, it's our money. With that, we could solve our country's problems."

The government is hamstrung by a serious lack of liquidity, aggravated by US sanctions targeting both regime individuals and the state oil company PDVSA.

Venezuela has spent months trying to repatriate its gold reserves from London.

"I hope there will be respect for international law and the Central Bank of Venezuela," said Maduro, who is under huge international pressure to leave power so self-proclaimed acting president Guaido can set up a transitional government and hold new elections.

"Hopefully justice will prevail and Venezuela won't be expropriated of something it owns," added the socialist leader.

Guaido, who is recognized as Venezuela's true leader by around 50 countries, has asked the British government to ensure the Bank of England doesn't release the gold or other assets held there to Maduro.

British Prime Minister Theresa May is one of the world leaders to have recognized Guaido.

Maduro claims the government needs its foreign assets to alleviate the shortages of food and medicines, which he says is being used by the Washington-backed opposition to paint a picture of a humanitarian crisis to justify a US military intervention.

French corporate and investment bank Natixis claims Venezuela has 31 tons of gold worth $1.3 billion stashed in the Bank of England.

Venezuela President Nicolas Maduro has called on Britain to return "more than 80 tons of gold" reserves deposited in London instead of sending humanitarian aid, in an interview with the BBC.

Venezuela President Nicolas Maduro has called on Britain to return "more than 80 tons of gold" reserves deposited in London instead of sending humanitarian aid, in an interview with the BBC. Venezuela is in the midst of an economic crisis as millions of people face shortages of basic necessities such as food and medicines. But Maduro refuses to allow in aid sent by the United States to alleviate the crisis. The socialist leader told the BBC, according to a transcript made public Tuesday, that his country may have gold reserves weighing 80 tons or more deposited at the Bank of England. Maduro, who faces a challenge to his authority back home from opposition leader Juan Guaido, said the gold is "legally Venezuela's, it belongs to the Central Bank of Venezuela." Maduro says the US has frozen $10 billion in Venezuelan accounts through its sanctions. Washington has said it will turn over control of those resources to Guaido once Maduro has been removed from power. "They should send a convoy with the dollars they've stolen from us," said Maduro, who claims that aid would be a pretext to foreign intervention. "Send a convoy with the 80 tons of gold. Let it come, the convoy of money, it's our money. With that, we could solve our country's problems." The government is hamstrung by a serious lack of liquidity, aggravated by US sanctions targeting both regime individuals and the state oil company PDVSA. Venezuela has spent months trying to repatriate its gold reserves from London. "I hope there will be respect for international law and the Central Bank of Venezuela," said Maduro, who is under huge international pressure to leave power so self-proclaimed acting president Guaido can set up a transitional government and hold new elections. "Hopefully justice will prevail and Venezuela won't be expropriated of something it owns," added the socialist leader. Guaido, who is recognized as Venezuela's true leader by around 50 countries, has asked the British government to ensure the Bank of England doesn't release the gold or other assets held there to Maduro. British Prime Minister Theresa May is one of the world leaders to have recognized Guaido. Maduro claims the government needs its foreign assets to alleviate the shortages of food and medicines, which he says is being used by the Washington-backed opposition to paint a picture of a humanitarian crisis to justify a US military intervention. French corporate and investment bank Natixis claims Venezuela has 31 tons of gold worth $1.3 billion stashed in the Bank of England.

Maduro calls for return of Venezuela's UK-deposited gold

WION Fineprint, 12th February, 2019

Venezuela's most successful financial operations in recent years have not taken place on Wall Street, but in primitive gold-mining camps in the nation's southern reaches.

With the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/humanitarian-aid-is-a-big-lie-venezuelan-vice-president-196432">country's economy in meltdown</a>, an estimated 300,000 fortune hunters have descended on this mineral-rich jungle area to earn a living pulling gold-flecked earth from makeshift mines.

Their picks and shovels are helping to prop up the leftist government of President Nicolas Maduro. Since 2016, his administration has purchased 17 tonnes of the metal worth around $650 million from so-called artisan miners, according to the most recent data from the nation's central bank.

Paid with the country's near-worthless bank notes, these amateurs, in turn, supply the government with hard currency to purchase badly needed imports of food and hygiene products. This gold trade is a blip on international markets. Still, the United States is using sanctions and intimidation in an effort to stop Maduro from using his nation's gold to stay afloat.

The Trump administration is pressuring the United Kingdom not to release $1.2 billion in gold reserves Venezuela has stored in the Bank of England. US&nbsp;officials recently castigated an Abu Dhabi-based investment firm for its Venezuela gold purchases, and have warned other potential foreign buyers to back off.

The existence of Maduro's gold program is well-known. How it functions is not.

To get a glimpse inside, Reuters tracked Venezuela's gold from steamy jungle mines, through the central bank in the capital of Caracas to gold refineries and food exporters abroad, speaking with more than 30 people with knowledge of the trade. They included miners, intermediaries, merchants, academic researchers, diplomats and government officials. Almost all requested anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly, or because they feared retribution from Venezuelan or US&nbsp;authorities.

What emerges is the portrait of a desperate experiment in laissez-faire industrial policy by Venezuela's socialist leaders. <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-shifts-oil-ventures-accounts-to-russian-bank-document-and-sources-196318">US&nbsp;sanctions have hammered the nation's oil industry</a> and crippled its ability to borrow. The formal mining sector has been decimated by nationalization. So Maduro has unleashed freelance prospectors to extract the nation's mineral wealth with virtually no regulation or state investment.

The Bolivarian Revolution now leans heavily on ragtag labourers such as Jose Aular, a teenager who says he has contracted malaria five times at a wildcat mine near Venezuela's border with Brazil. Aular works 12 hours daily lugging sacks of the earth to a small mill that uses toxic mercury to extract flecks of precious metal. Mining accidents are common in these ramshackle operations, workers said. So are shootings and robberies.

"The government knows what happens in these mines and it benefits from it," said Aular, 18. "Our gold goes into their hands."

Maduro has also received a crucial assist from Turkish President Recep Erdogan, a fellow strongman who has likewise sparred with the Trump administration.

Venezuela sells most of its gold to Turkish refineries, then uses some of the proceeds to buy that nation's consumer goods, according to people with direct knowledge of the trade. Turkish pasta and powdered milk are now staples in Maduro's subsidized food program. Trade between the two nations grew eightfold last year.

But scrutiny is intensifying as Venezuela's politics reach the boiling point. In recent days, many Western countries have recognized Venezuela's opposition leader Juan Guaido as the South American nation's rightful president.

Maduro's adversaries have called on foreign buyers of Venezuela's precious metal to stop doing business with what they say is an illegitimate regime.

"We are going to protect our gold," opposition legislator Carlos Paparoni told Reuters in an interview.

Gold fever

The gold road begins in places like La Culebra, an isolated jungle area in southern Venezuela. Here, hundreds of men labour in crude mining operations that would be at home in the 19th century. They excavate mineral-laden dirt with picks in hand-dug tunnels, hauling it out with pulleys and winches.

Their activity is laying waste to fragile forest ecosystems and spreading mosquito-borne diseases. Miners complain of shakedowns by military forces sent to guard the region, whose homicide rate is seven times the national average. Venezuela's ministries of defence and information did not respond to requests for comment.

Miner Jose Rondon is used to hardship. Now 47, he arrived in 2016 from northeast Venezuela with his two adult sons. His bus driver's salary could not keep pace with Venezuela's hyperinflation, which the International Monetary Fund projects will hit 10 million per cent this year.

The three men net roughly 10 grams of gold monthly from backbreaking work. Still, it is roughly 20 times what they could earn back home.

"Here I do much better," said Rondon, resting in a crude bunkhouse strung with hammocks.

Gold in hand, miners head to the town of El Callao to sell their nuggets. Most buyers are unlicensed, small-scale traders working in cramped shops fitted with alarms and steel doors.

"The state is buying gold, everyone is buying gold, because it's what is doing well," said Jhony Diaz, a licensed wholesaler in Puerto Ordaz, 171 kilometres (106 miles) north of El Callao. Diaz says he buys gold from traders and resells every three days to the central bank.

Because Venezuela's currency, the bolivar, is worthless every hour someone holds it, the state pays a premium over international prices to make it worthwhile for those who could smuggle gold out of the country to exchange for dollars.

Traders who sell to Diaz end up with bricks of cash to carry back to El Callao and other gold-rush towns to pay miners, who use it to buy food, supplies and send whatever is left to their families.

Gold purchased by the government is smelted in the nearby furnaces of Minerven, the state-run mining company, according to a high-ranking employee. It is then transported to the vaults of the central bank in the capital Caracas, 843 kilometres (524 miles) away.

The gold does not stay there long. The central bank's gold reserves have plummeted to their lowest levels in 75 years. Venezuela is selling the artisan metal as well as existing reserves to pay its bills, according to two high-ranking government officials.

The main buyer these days is Turkey, the officials said.

Turkish alliance

Maduro's gold program has developed in tandem with his deepening relationship with Turkey's Erdogan. Both leaders have been criticized internationally for cracking down on political dissent and undermining democratic norms to concentrate power.

A November 1 executive order signed by US&nbsp;President Donald Trump bars US&nbsp;persons and entities from buying gold from Venezuela. It does not apply to foreigners. Ankara has assured the US&nbsp;Treasury that all of Turkey's trade with Venezuela is in accordance with international law.

Venezuela in December 2016 announced a direct flight from Caracas to Istanbul on Turkish Airlines. The development was surprising given low demand for travel between the two nations.

Trade data show those planes are carrying more than passengers. On New Year's Day, 2018, Venezuela's central bank began shipping gold to Turkey with a $36 million air shipment of the metal to Istanbul. It came just weeks after a visit by Maduro to Turkey.

Shipments last year reached $900 million, according to Turkish government data and trade reports.

Venezuela's central bank has been selling its artisan gold directly to Turkish refiners, according to two senior Venezuelan officials. Proceeds go to the Venezuelan state development bank Bandes to purchase Turkish consumer goods, the officials said.

Gold buyers include Istanbul Gold Refinery, or IGR; and Sardes Kiymetli Mandele, a Turkish trading firm, according to a person who works in Turkey's gold industry as well as a Caracas-based diplomat and the two senior Venezuelan officials.

In an interview with Reuters, IGR CEO Aysan Esen denied the company has been involved in any Venezuelan gold deals. In a written statement, she said she met with Venezuelan and Turkish officials in Istanbul in April to offer her views on compliance with international regulations.

Esen said she advised the Turkish government that working with Venezuela "would not be right for leading institutions or the state."

As for Sardes Kiymetli Mandele, no one at its Istanbul offices responded to inquiries from Reuters.

Turkish consumer products, meanwhile, are making their way to Venezuelan tables. In early December, 54 containers of Turkish powdered milk arrived at the port of La Guaira near Caracas, according to port records seen by Reuters.

The Istanbul-based shipper, Mulberry Proje Yatirim, shares an address with Marilyns Proje Yatirin, a mining company that signed a joint venture with Venezuela's state mining firm Minerven last year, according to filings with a Turkish trade registry gazette in September.

The companies did not respond to a request for comment.

Even Maduro's critics acknowledge he has pulled off a neat trick of alchemy: By compensating hard-pressed citizen miners with inflation-ravaged bolivars and obtaining precious metal in return, he has found a way to spin straw into gold.

Venezuelan economist Angel Alvarado, an opposition lawmaker, said "dark operations and unusual mechanisms of commercial exchange," are among the few tools Maduro has left.

"There is a desperation to stay in power at all costs," Alvarado said.

Venezuela's most successful financial operations in recent years have not taken place on Wall Street, but in primitive gold-mining camps in the nation's southern reaches.

Venezuela's most successful financial operations in recent years have not taken place on Wall Street, but in primitive gold-mining camps in the nation's southern reaches. With the country's economy in meltdown, an estimated 300,000 fortune hunters have descended on this mineral-rich jungle area to earn a living pulling gold-flecked earth from makeshift mines. Their picks and shovels are helping to prop up the leftist government of President Nicolas Maduro. Since 2016, his administration has purchased 17 tonnes of the metal worth around $650 million from so-called artisan miners, according to the most recent data from the nation's central bank. Paid with the country's near-worthless bank notes, these amateurs, in turn, supply the government with hard currency to purchase badly needed imports of food and hygiene products. This gold trade is a blip on international markets. Still, the United States is using sanctions and intimidation in an effort to stop Maduro from using his nation's gold to stay afloat. The Trump administration is pressuring the United Kingdom not to release $1.2 billion in gold reserves Venezuela has stored in the Bank of England. US officials recently castigated an Abu Dhabi-based investment firm for its Venezuela gold purchases, and have warned other potential foreign buyers to back off. The existence of Maduro's gold program is well-known. How it functions is not. To get a glimpse inside, Reuters tracked Venezuela's gold from steamy jungle mines, through the central bank in the capital of Caracas to gold refineries and food exporters abroad, speaking with more than 30 people with knowledge of the trade. They included miners, intermediaries, merchants, academic researchers, diplomats and government officials. Almost all requested anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly, or because they feared retribution from Venezuelan or US authorities. What emerges is the portrait of a desperate experiment in laissez-faire industrial policy by Venezuela's socialist leaders. US sanctions have hammered the nation's oil industry and crippled its ability to borrow. The formal mining sector has been decimated by nationalization. So Maduro has unleashed freelance prospectors to extract the nation's mineral wealth with virtually no regulation or state investment. The Bolivarian Revolution now leans heavily on ragtag labourers such as Jose Aular, a teenager who says he has contracted malaria five times at a wildcat mine near Venezuela's border with Brazil. Aular works 12 hours daily lugging sacks of the earth to a small mill that uses toxic mercury to extract flecks of precious metal. Mining accidents are common in these ramshackle operations, workers said. So are shootings and robberies. "The government knows what happens in these mines and it benefits from it," said Aular, 18. "Our gold goes into their hands." Maduro has also received a crucial assist from Turkish President Recep Erdogan, a fellow strongman who has likewise sparred with the Trump administration. Venezuela sells most of its gold to Turkish refineries, then uses some of the proceeds to buy that nation's consumer goods, according to people with direct knowledge of the trade. Turkish pasta and powdered milk are now staples in Maduro's subsidized food program. Trade between the two nations grew eightfold last year. But scrutiny is intensifying as Venezuela's politics reach the boiling point. In recent days, many Western countries have recognized Venezuela's opposition leader Juan Guaido as the South American nation's rightful president. Maduro's adversaries have called on foreign buyers of Venezuela's precious metal to stop doing business with what they say is an illegitimate regime. "We are going to protect our gold," opposition legislator Carlos Paparoni told Reuters in an interview. Gold fever The gold road begins in places like La Culebra, an isolated jungle area in southern Venezuela. Here, hundreds of men labour in crude mining operations that would be at home in the 19th century. They excavate mineral-laden dirt with picks in hand-dug tunnels, hauling it out with pulleys and winches. Their activity is laying waste to fragile forest ecosystems and spreading mosquito-borne diseases. Miners complain of shakedowns by military forces sent to guard the region, whose homicide rate is seven times the national average. Venezuela's ministries of defence and information did not respond to requests for comment. Miner Jose Rondon is used to hardship. Now 47, he arrived in 2016 from northeast Venezuela with his two adult sons. His bus driver's salary could not keep pace with Venezuela's hyperinflation, which the International Monetary Fund projects will hit 10 million per cent this year. The three men net roughly 10 grams of gold monthly from backbreaking work. Still, it is roughly 20 times what they could earn back home. "Here I do much better," said Rondon, resting in a crude bunkhouse strung with hammocks. Gold in hand, miners head to the town of El Callao to sell their nuggets. Most buyers are unlicensed, small-scale traders working in cramped shops fitted with alarms and steel doors. "The state is buying gold, everyone is buying gold, because it's what is doing well," said Jhony Diaz, a licensed wholesaler in Puerto Ordaz, 171 kilometres (106 miles) north of El Callao. Diaz says he buys gold from traders and resells every three days to the central bank. Because Venezuela's currency, the bolivar, is worthless every hour someone holds it, the state pays a premium over international prices to make it worthwhile for those who could smuggle gold out of the country to exchange for dollars. Traders who sell to Diaz end up with bricks of cash to carry back to El Callao and other gold-rush towns to pay miners, who use it to buy food, supplies and send whatever is left to their families. Gold purchased by the government is smelted in the nearby furnaces of Minerven, the state-run mining company, according to a high-ranking employee. It is then transported to the vaults of the central bank in the capital Caracas, 843 kilometres (524 miles) away. The gold does not stay there long. The central bank's gold reserves have plummeted to their lowest levels in 75 years. Venezuela is selling the artisan metal as well as existing reserves to pay its bills, according to two high-ranking government officials. The main buyer these days is Turkey, the officials said. Turkish alliance Maduro's gold program has developed in tandem with his deepening relationship with Turkey's Erdogan. Both leaders have been criticized internationally for cracking down on political dissent and undermining democratic norms to concentrate power. A November 1 executive order signed by US President Donald Trump bars US persons and entities from buying gold from Venezuela. It does not apply to foreigners. Ankara has assured the US Treasury that all of Turkey's trade with Venezuela is in accordance with international law. Venezuela in December 2016 announced a direct flight from Caracas to Istanbul on Turkish Airlines. The development was surprising given low demand for travel between the two nations. Trade data show those planes are carrying more than passengers. On New Year's Day, 2018, Venezuela's central bank began shipping gold to Turkey with a $36 million air shipment of the metal to Istanbul. It came just weeks after a visit by Maduro to Turkey. Shipments last year reached $900 million, according to Turkish government data and trade reports. Venezuela's central bank has been selling its artisan gold directly to Turkish refiners, according to two senior Venezuelan officials. Proceeds go to the Venezuelan state development bank Bandes to purchase Turkish consumer goods, the officials said. Gold buyers include Istanbul Gold Refinery, or IGR; and Sardes Kiymetli Mandele, a Turkish trading firm, according to a person who works in Turkey's gold industry as well as a Caracas-based diplomat and the two senior Venezuelan officials. In an interview with Reuters, IGR CEO Aysan Esen denied the company has been involved in any Venezuelan gold deals. In a written statement, she said she met with Venezuelan and Turkish officials in Istanbul in April to offer her views on compliance with international regulations. Esen said she advised the Turkish government that working with Venezuela "would not be right for leading institutions or the state." As for Sardes Kiymetli Mandele, no one at its Istanbul offices responded to inquiries from Reuters. Turkish consumer products, meanwhile, are making their way to Venezuelan tables. In early December, 54 containers of Turkish powdered milk arrived at the port of La Guaira near Caracas, according to port records seen by Reuters. The Istanbul-based shipper, Mulberry Proje Yatirim, shares an address with Marilyns Proje Yatirin, a mining company that signed a joint venture with Venezuela's state mining firm Minerven last year, according to filings with a Turkish trade registry gazette in September. The companies did not respond to a request for comment. Even Maduro's critics acknowledge he has pulled off a neat trick of alchemy: By compensating hard-pressed citizen miners with inflation-ravaged bolivars and obtaining precious metal in return, he has found a way to spin straw into gold. Venezuelan economist Angel Alvarado, an opposition lawmaker, said "dark operations and unusual mechanisms of commercial exchange," are among the few tools Maduro has left. "There is a desperation to stay in power at all costs," Alvarado said.

How Venezuela turns its useless bank notes into gold

China has backed multinational efforts in finding a solution to an ongoing power tussle in Venezuela, insisting that only a peaceful dialogue would solve the crisis in the South American country.

"Venezuela's affairs should be resolved by its people within the framework of the constitution and the law through peaceful dialogue and political channels," Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said in a statement late Friday.

Hua's statement came after Thursday's meeting on Venezuela of an International Contact Group led by Uruguayan President Tabare Vazquez. The meeting was attended by leaders of 14 other countries, including Germany, the United Kingdom, Spain, Italy, Portugal and Sweden.

A handful of Latin American countries such as Uruguay, Ecuador and Costa Rica are also part of the group.

Hua said China hoped all parties would play a constructive role in the peaceful resolution of the Venezuela issue, insisting that dialogue was the only way that long-term peace and stability could be attained in Venezuela.

China is a close ally of embattled Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro who is now locked in a bitter power tussle with Juan Guaido, the 35-year-old opposition leader, who has declared himself interim president.

On Thursday, the International Contact Group agreed in Montevideo (Uruguay) to send a technical mission to the country and meet again in March to keep working towards a peaceful solution to the crisis, and prevent the situation from getting worse.

The contact group seeks a solution to Venezuela's political and economic crisis through dialogue and new presidential elections.

On its part, Uruguay, Mexico and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) proposed the initiative Montevideo Mechanism, which seeks to achieve peace in Venezuela in four stages - immediate dialogue, negotiation, commitment and implementation.

The US, Canada, numerous Latin American countries and the major European powers all consider Maduro's May 2018 re-election victory to be tainted by fraud and have recognized Guaido, the speaker of the opposition-controlled National Assembly, as interim president.

Venezuela has been battling political, social and humanitarian crises with instability and breakdown of law and order, along with acute shortage of basic necessities, which has also led to large number of people fleeing to neighboring countries.

On Monday, the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement said they could not participate in the distribution of international humanitarian aid to Venezuela from Colombia if there was no prior agreement with those organizations.

However, the first shipment of humanitarian aid from the United States arrived Thursday in the Colombian border city of Cucuta, while officials have been working on means of getting them distributed.

Tensions increased in Venezuela on January 23 when the head of the opposition-controlled Venezuelan Parliament, Guaido, proclaimed himself interim president of the country.

The opposition considers the presidency of Maduro, who has been the head of state since 2013, to be illegitimate after he won "fraudulent" election last May without any meaningful competition.

China has backed multinational efforts in finding a solution to an ongoing power tussle in Venezuela, insisting that only a peaceful dialogue would solve the crisis in the South American country.

China has backed multinational efforts in finding a solution to an ongoing power tussle in Venezuela, insisting that only a peaceful dialogue would solve the crisis in the South American country. "Venezuela's affairs should be resolved by its people within the framework of the constitution and the law through peaceful dialogue and political channels," Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said in a statement late Friday. Hua's statement came after Thursday's meeting on Venezuela of an International Contact Group led by Uruguayan President Tabare Vazquez. The meeting was attended by leaders of 14 other countries, including Germany, the United Kingdom, Spain, Italy, Portugal and Sweden. A handful of Latin American countries such as Uruguay, Ecuador and Costa Rica are also part of the group. Hua said China hoped all parties would play a constructive role in the peaceful resolution of the Venezuela issue, insisting that dialogue was the only way that long-term peace and stability could be attained in Venezuela. China is a close ally of embattled Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro who is now locked in a bitter power tussle with Juan Guaido, the 35-year-old opposition leader, who has declared himself interim president. On Thursday, the International Contact Group agreed in Montevideo (Uruguay) to send a technical mission to the country and meet again in March to keep working towards a peaceful solution to the crisis, and prevent the situation from getting worse. The contact group seeks a solution to Venezuela's political and economic crisis through dialogue and new presidential elections. On its part, Uruguay, Mexico and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) proposed the initiative Montevideo Mechanism, which seeks to achieve peace in Venezuela in four stages - immediate dialogue, negotiation, commitment and implementation. The US, Canada, numerous Latin American countries and the major European powers all consider Maduro's May 2018 re-election victory to be tainted by fraud and have recognized Guaido, the speaker of the opposition-controlled National Assembly, as interim president. Venezuela has been battling political, social and humanitarian crises with instability and breakdown of law and order, along with acute shortage of basic necessities, which has also led to large number of people fleeing to neighboring countries. On Monday, the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement said they could not participate in the distribution of international humanitarian aid to Venezuela from Colombia if there was no prior agreement with those organizations. However, the first shipment of humanitarian aid from the United States arrived Thursday in the Colombian border city of Cucuta, while officials have been working on means of getting them distributed. Tensions increased in Venezuela on January 23 when the head of the opposition-controlled Venezuelan Parliament, Guaido, proclaimed himself interim president of the country. The opposition considers the presidency of Maduro, who has been the head of state since 2013, to be illegitimate after he won "fraudulent" election last May without any meaningful competition.

China backs multinational efforts, calls for talks to end Venezuela crisis

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau Monday pledged Can$53 million (US$40 million) in humanitarian aid for Venezuelans amid a deepening crisis.

"Today, Canada is stepping up and announcing $53 million to address the most pressing needs of Venezuelans on the ground, including almost 3 million refugees," Trudeau told a gathering of the Lima Group of nations.

"The bulk of the funds will go to trusted partners, and neighbouring countries to help them support Venezuela and Venezuelans," he said.

The 14-member Lima Group, which includes most Latin American countries and Canada, met to discuss how to support opposition leader Juan Guaido, who proclaimed himself acting president last month.

Guaido, who heads the opposition-controlled National Assembly, addressed the gathering in a video message, saying he looked forward to having "free and fair elections as soon as possible in order to restore democracy to Venezuela."

Most of the bloc has urged Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro to step down, and make way for elections to deal with an economic collapse that has sent Venezuelans flooding into neighbouring countries.

Maduro began a new term in office last month after disputed 2018 elections whose results were rejected as invalid by the opposition. The Lima Group also had refused to recognize the results.

Guaido has been recognized as the legitimate interim president by a number of countries, including the United States and some EU member states.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau Monday pledged Can$53 million (US$40 million) in humanitarian aid for Venezuelans amid a deepening crisis. "Today, Canada is stepping up and announcing $53 million to address the most pressing needs of Venezuelans on the ground, including almost 3 million refugees," Trudeau told a gathering of the Lima Group of nations.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau Monday pledged Can$53 million (US$40 million) in humanitarian aid for Venezuelans amid a deepening crisis. "Today, Canada is stepping up and announcing $53 million to address the most pressing needs of Venezuelans on the ground, including almost 3 million refugees," Trudeau told a gathering of the Lima Group of nations. "The bulk of the funds will go to trusted partners, and neighbouring countries to help them support Venezuela and Venezuelans," he said. The 14-member Lima Group, which includes most Latin American countries and Canada, met to discuss how to support opposition leader Juan Guaido, who proclaimed himself acting president last month. Guaido, who heads the opposition-controlled National Assembly, addressed the gathering in a video message, saying he looked forward to having "free and fair elections as soon as possible in order to restore democracy to Venezuela." Most of the bloc has urged Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro to step down, and make way for elections to deal with an economic collapse that has sent Venezuelans flooding into neighbouring countries. Maduro began a new term in office last month after disputed 2018 elections whose results were rejected as invalid by the opposition. The Lima Group also had refused to recognize the results. Guaido has been recognized as the legitimate interim president by a number of countries, including the United States and some EU member states.

Canada's Trudeau announces $53 million in aid to Venezuelans

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/russia-slams-european-interference-in-venezuela-195064">Russia slams European 'interference' in Venezuela</a>

Russia on Monday slammed what it said were attempts to interfere in Venezuela's domestic affairs after several European countries recognised opposition chief Juan Guaido as interim leader.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/centre-vs-bengal-ready-to-give-my-life-but-not-compromise-says-mamata-cbi-files-contempt-plea-in-sc-195124">Centre vs Bengal: Ready to give my life but not compromise, says Mamata; CBI files contempt plea in SC</a>

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has said she is "ready to give my life but not compromise" in the wake of the CBI-Kolkata Police face-off in her state.&nbsp;

"I am ready to give my life but not compromise. I did not take to the streets when you touched TMC leaders. But I am angry when they tried to insult the chair of the Kolkata Police Commissioner, he is leading the organisation," Mamata said.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/uk-spain-recognises-venezuela-opposition-leader-guaido-as-acting-president-195050">UK, France, Germany recognise Venezuela opposition leader Guaido as acting president</a>

Britain, France, Spain and Germany on Monday recognised Venezuela's opposition chief Juan Guaido as interim leader after President Nicolas Maduro rejected a demand by several European powers for fresh elections.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/iraqi-constitution-rejects-use-of-iraq-as-a-base-for-attacking-a-neighbouring-country-barham-saleh-195059">After Trump speaks, Iraqis demand </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/iraqi-constitution-rejects-use-of-iraq-as-a-base-for-attacking-a-neighbouring-country-barham-saleh-195059">US</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/iraqi-constitution-rejects-use-of-iraq-as-a-base-for-attacking-a-neighbouring-country-barham-saleh-195059"> leave </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/iraqi-constitution-rejects-use-of-iraq-as-a-base-for-attacking-a-neighbouring-country-barham-saleh-195059">country</a>

Iraqi politicians on Monday hit back at Donald Trump after the US president said he plans to keep American forces in the country to spy on Iran.

In an interview with CBS television, Trump reaffirmed his determination to pull the United States out of "endless wars" in Syria and Afghanistan but said American troops would stay on in Iraq, partly "to be looking a little bit at Iran".

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/body-found-in-wreckage-of-footballer-salas-plane-investigators-195090">Body found in </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/body-found-in-wreckage-of-footballer-salas-plane-investigators-195090">wreckage</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/body-found-in-wreckage-of-footballer-salas-plane-investigators-195090"> of footballer Emiliano Sala's plane: Investigators</a>

British investigators on Monday said they had spotted a body in underwater images of the wreckage of the plane carrying footballer Emiliano Sala and pilot David Ibbotson that disappeared in the Channel two weeks ago.

Russia slams European 'interference' in Venezuela Russia on Monday slammed what it said were attempts to interfere in Venezuela's domestic affairs after several European countries recognised opposition chief Juan Guaido as interim leader.

Russia slams European 'interference' in Venezuela Russia on Monday slammed what it said were attempts to interfere in Venezuela's domestic affairs after several European countries recognised opposition chief Juan Guaido as interim leader. Centre vs Bengal: Ready to give my life but not compromise, says Mamata; CBI files contempt plea in SC West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has said she is "ready to give my life but not compromise" in the wake of the CBI-Kolkata Police face-off in her state. "I am ready to give my life but not compromise. I did not take to the streets when you touched TMC leaders. But I am angry when they tried to insult the chair of the Kolkata Police Commissioner, he is leading the organisation," Mamata said. UK, France, Germany recognise Venezuela opposition leader Guaido as acting president Britain, France, Spain and Germany on Monday recognised Venezuela's opposition chief Juan Guaido as interim leader after President Nicolas Maduro rejected a demand by several European powers for fresh elections. After Trump speaks, Iraqis demand US leave country Iraqi politicians on Monday hit back at Donald Trump after the US president said he plans to keep American forces in the country to spy on Iran. In an interview with CBS television, Trump reaffirmed his determination to pull the United States out of "endless wars" in Syria and Afghanistan but said American troops would stay on in Iraq, partly "to be looking a little bit at Iran". Body found in wreckage of footballer Emiliano Sala's plane: Investigators British investigators on Monday said they had spotted a body in underwater images of the wreckage of the plane carrying footballer Emiliano Sala and pilot David Ibbotson that disappeared in the Channel two weeks ago.

The week that was, in pictures

After reports said <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/venezuelas-maduro-says-he-is-ready-for-talks-with-the-opposition-russias-ria-193833">Venezuela president Maduro </a>was ready to negotiate' with opposition and call for elections, President Trump in a tweet said Guaido was being targeted by the Venezuelan Supreme Court.

Juan Guaido who has declared himself as <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-supreme-court-hits-juan-guaido-with-travel-ban-freezes-his-bank-accounts-193781">interim</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-supreme-court-hits-juan-guaido-with-travel-ban-freezes-his-bank-accounts-193781"> president said the regime </a>only thought about repression and persecution, adding it was nothing new. Venezuela's Attorney General&nbsp;Tarek Saab had asked the Supreme Court to open a preliminary investigation against Guaido and freeze his assets and impose a travel ban on him.

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Maduro willing to negotiate with opposition in Venezuela following U.S. sanctions and the cutting off of oil revenues. Guaido is being targeted by Venezuelan Supreme Court. Massive protest expected today. Americans should not travel to Venezuela until further notice.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1090566017238093824?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 30, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The United States, several Latin American countries and Canada have recognized Guaido as interim president. Trump cautioned Americans from travelling to the country while informing that massive protests are expected today

"Maduro willing to negotiate with opposition in Venezuela following US sanctions and the cutting off of oil revenues. Guaido is being targeted by Venezuelan Supreme Court. Massive protest expected today. Americans should not travel to Venezuela until further notice," the US president said.

Maduro claimed that President Trump had ordered the government of Colombia to assassinate him. "If something happens to me one day then Donald Trump and Colombian President Ivan Duque will be responsible for everything that is happening to me," he told a local television channel.

Russia and China have backed Muduro's regime with Kremlin denouncing the opposition's "usurpation of power".

Maduro on Monday had accused&nbsp;the United States of trying to steal US refining arm Citgo Petroleum after the Trump administration annouced &nbsp;sweeping sanctions on Venezuelan state-owned oil firm PDVSA. 
&nbsp;

After reports said Venezuela president Maduro was ready to negotiate' with opposition and call for elections, President Trump in a tweet said Guaido was being targeted by the Venezuelan Supreme Court.

After reports said Venezuela president Maduro was ready to negotiate' with opposition and call for elections, President Trump in a tweet said Guaido was being targeted by the Venezuelan Supreme Court. Juan Guaido who has declared himself as interim president said the regime only thought about repression and persecution, adding it was nothing new. Venezuela's Attorney General Tarek Saab had asked the Supreme Court to open a preliminary investigation against Guaido and freeze his assets and impose a travel ban on him. Maduro willing to negotiate with opposition in Venezuela following U.S. sanctions and the cutting off of oil revenues. Guaido is being targeted by Venezuelan Supreme Court. Massive protest expected today. Americans should not travel to Venezuela until further notice. — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 30, 2019 × The United States, several Latin American countries and Canada have recognized Guaido as interim president. Trump cautioned Americans from travelling to the country while informing that massive protests are expected today "Maduro willing to negotiate with opposition in Venezuela following US sanctions and the cutting off of oil revenues. Guaido is being targeted by Venezuelan Supreme Court. Massive protest expected today. Americans should not travel to Venezuela until further notice," the US president said. Maduro claimed that President Trump had ordered the government of Colombia to assassinate him. "If something happens to me one day then Donald Trump and Colombian President Ivan Duque will be responsible for everything that is happening to me," he told a local television channel. Russia and China have backed Muduro's regime with Kremlin denouncing the opposition's "usurpation of power". Maduro on Monday had accused the United States of trying to steal US refining arm Citgo Petroleum after the Trump administration annouced sweeping sanctions on Venezuelan state-owned oil firm PDVSA.

Guaido being targeted by Venezuela's Supreme Court: Trump

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