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

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

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

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

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

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

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

US goes after Venezuela's oil to hit Maduro

The United States should bear responsibility for the consequences of its <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-goes-after-venezuelas-oil-to-hit-maduro-193555">sanctions on Venezuela</a>, China said on Tuesday, after Washington imposed sweeping restrictions on Venezuelan state-owned oil firm PDVSA.

The latest US sanctions announced on Monday appear to be aimed at pressuring President Nicolas Maduro to step down and to build on the momentum that has mounted in recent weeks against him at home and abroad.

Juan Guaido, the Venezuelan opposition leader who proclaimed himself interim president last week with US backing, and who is supported by most Western countries, says Maduro stole his re-election and must resign to allow new, fair polls.

China has said it opposes unilateral sanctions.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said historical experience showed foreign interference "only makes situations more complicated".

"The relevant country's sanctions on Venezuela will lead to the deterioration of conditions of people's lives," Geng told a regular news briefing in Beijing, referring to the United States.

"They should bear responsibility for the serious consequences from this," he said.

China has lent more than $50 billion to Venezuela through oil-for-loan agreements over the past decade, securing energy supplies for its fast-growing economy.

But the financing dried up as the South American country's economy began spiralling downward in 2015, pressured by plummeting oil prices.

The Trump administration had long held off targeting Venezuela's oil sector for fear that it would hurt US refiners and raise oil prices for Americans. White House officials had also expressed concern about inflicting further hardship on the Venezuelan people.

The United States should bear responsibility for the consequences of its sanctions on Venezuela, China said on Tuesday, after Washington imposed sweeping restrictions on Venezuelan state-owned oil firm PDVSA.

The United States should bear responsibility for the consequences of its sanctions on Venezuela, China said on Tuesday, after Washington imposed sweeping restrictions on Venezuelan state-owned oil firm PDVSA. The latest US sanctions announced on Monday appear to be aimed at pressuring President Nicolas Maduro to step down and to build on the momentum that has mounted in recent weeks against him at home and abroad. Juan Guaido, the Venezuelan opposition leader who proclaimed himself interim president last week with US backing, and who is supported by most Western countries, says Maduro stole his re-election and must resign to allow new, fair polls. China has said it opposes unilateral sanctions. Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said historical experience showed foreign interference "only makes situations more complicated". "The relevant country's sanctions on Venezuela will lead to the deterioration of conditions of people's lives," Geng told a regular news briefing in Beijing, referring to the United States. "They should bear responsibility for the serious consequences from this," he said. China has lent more than $50 billion to Venezuela through oil-for-loan agreements over the past decade, securing energy supplies for its fast-growing economy. But the financing dried up as the South American country's economy began spiralling downward in 2015, pressured by plummeting oil prices. The Trump administration had long held off targeting Venezuela's oil sector for fear that it would hurt US refiners and raise oil prices for Americans. White House officials had also expressed concern about inflicting further hardship on the Venezuelan people.

US should bear consequences of Venezuela sanctions: China

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

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

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

Maduro vs Guaido: Who is backing whom?

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro oversaw a display of the army's Russian hardware on Sunday, with anti-aircraft flak and tank rounds pounding a hillside to show military force and loyalty in the face of an international ultimatum for new elections.

Maduro, 56, is confronting an unprecedented challenge to his authority after opposition leader Juan Guaido declared himself interim president, citing a fraudulent election. Guaido has won wide international support and offers amnesty to soldiers who join him.

On Sunday, Israel and Australia joined the countries backing the 35-year-old leader, and <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/uss-bolton-warns-venezuela-of-significant-response-if-juan-guaido-is-threatened-193282">President Donald Trump's administration</a> said it had accepted Venezuelan opposition figure Carlos Alfredo Vecchio as the country's diplomatic representative in the United States.

Early on Sunday, alongside Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino, Maduro watched a platoon of soldiers release volleys of rocket-propelled grenades, machine-gun anti-aircraft fire and tank rounds at hillside targets, the Russian ordnance kicking up clouds of dust at the Fort of Paramacay, an armored vehicle base.

Maduro said the display showed the world he had the backing of the military and that Venezuela's armed forces were ready to defend the country. Maduro says Guaido is taking part in a coup directed by Trump's hardline policy advisers, who include Cold War veterans John Bolton and Elliott Abrams.

"Nobody respects the weak, cowards, traitors. In this world, what's respected is the brave, the courageous, power," Maduro said.

"Nobody should even think of stepping on this sacred soil. Venezuela wants peace," he said. "To guarantee peace, we have to be prepared."

From Feb. 10 to 15, the military is planning larger exercises that Maduro described as the "most important in the history of Venezuela."

The show of force was accompanied by a government publicity campaign online based on the slogan "Always Loyal, Never a Traitor," and followed a high-profile defection by the country's top military diplomat in the United States on Saturday.

The Fort of Paramacay, about two hours west of the capital, Caracas, was itself the site of an uprising in 2017, when about 20 soldiers and armed civilians attacked the base. The leader of the attack, which was quickly subdued, said he was calling for a transitional government.

Maduro on Sunday denounced an alleged conspiracy aimed at spreading rebellion in the army, saying thousands of messages were being sent to soldiers every day over WhatsApp and other social media platforms from neighboring Colombia. He later jogged with soldiers and boarded an amphibious vehicle at a navy base.

Guaido also sent a message to the military on Sunday, asking for support and ordering it not to repress civilians during an event in which supporters handed out copies of a proposed amnesty for people accused of crimes in the Maduro government.

"I order you not to shoot," he said. "I order you not to repress the people."

At a U.N. Security Council debate on Saturday, Russia and China strongly backed Maduro and rejected calls by the United States, Canada, Latin American nations and European powers for early elections.

Both Russia and China are major creditors of Venezuela. Since the government of Maduro's late mentor, Hugo Chavez, the OPEC nation has invested heavily in Russian weaponry, including Sukhoi fighter jets and heavy armor.

The strategic alliance was in evidence last year, when two Russian nuclear-capable bombers landed in Venezuela. Reuters reported on Friday that private military contractors who do secret missions for Russia flew into Venezuela to beef up security for Maduro.

NO ELECTIONS

In an interview that aired on Sunday, Maduro rejected a European ultimatum to call elections within eight days and said Guaido violated the constitution by declaring himself interim leader. He said European nations should leave Venezuela, if they so wanted.

"Fortunately, we don’t depend on Europe. And those arrogant, overbearing attitudes, looking down on us, because we are ‘sudacas,’ inferior to them," he told CNN Turk.

"The leaders of Europe are sycophants, kneeling behind the policies of Donald Trump," he said, adding he was open to dialog and that meeting Trump was improbable but not impossible.

Washington urged the world on Saturday to "pick a side" on Venezuela and financially disconnect from Maduro's government.

Bolton, the White House national security adviser, warned on Sunday against violence or the intimidation of American diplomats in Venezuela or Guaido, saying such action would trigger a response from the United States.

Venezuela has sunk into turmoil under Maduro, with food shortages and protests amid an economic and political crisis that has led millions to leave the country and with inflation seen rising to 10 million percent this year.

Britain, Germany, France and Spain all said they would recognize Guaido if Maduro failed to call new elections within eight days, an ultimatum Russia said was "absurd" and the Venezuelan foreign minister called "childlike."

The United States, Canada, most Latin American nations and many European states say Maduro stole his second-term election win last May. The former union leader cruised to victory after blocking the main opposition candidates from running. Turnout was low.

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan voiced his support for Maduro in a phone call on Thursday.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro oversaw a display of the army's Russian hardware on Sunday, with anti-aircraft flak and tank rounds pounding a hillside to show military force and loyalty in the face of an international ultimatum for new elections.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro oversaw a display of the army's Russian hardware on Sunday, with anti-aircraft flak and tank rounds pounding a hillside to show military force and loyalty in the face of an international ultimatum for new elections. Maduro, 56, is confronting an unprecedented challenge to his authority after opposition leader Juan Guaido declared himself interim president, citing a fraudulent election. Guaido has won wide international support and offers amnesty to soldiers who join him. On Sunday, Israel and Australia joined the countries backing the 35-year-old leader, and President Donald Trump's administration said it had accepted Venezuelan opposition figure Carlos Alfredo Vecchio as the country's diplomatic representative in the United States. Early on Sunday, alongside Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino, Maduro watched a platoon of soldiers release volleys of rocket-propelled grenades, machine-gun anti-aircraft fire and tank rounds at hillside targets, the Russian ordnance kicking up clouds of dust at the Fort of Paramacay, an armored vehicle base. Maduro said the display showed the world he had the backing of the military and that Venezuela's armed forces were ready to defend the country. Maduro says Guaido is taking part in a coup directed by Trump's hardline policy advisers, who include Cold War veterans John Bolton and Elliott Abrams. "Nobody respects the weak, cowards, traitors. In this world, what's respected is the brave, the courageous, power," Maduro said. "Nobody should even think of stepping on this sacred soil. Venezuela wants peace," he said. "To guarantee peace, we have to be prepared." From Feb. 10 to 15, the military is planning larger exercises that Maduro described as the "most important in the history of Venezuela." The show of force was accompanied by a government publicity campaign online based on the slogan "Always Loyal, Never a Traitor," and followed a high-profile defection by the country's top military diplomat in the United States on Saturday. The Fort of Paramacay, about two hours west of the capital, Caracas, was itself the site of an uprising in 2017, when about 20 soldiers and armed civilians attacked the base. The leader of the attack, which was quickly subdued, said he was calling for a transitional government. Maduro on Sunday denounced an alleged conspiracy aimed at spreading rebellion in the army, saying thousands of messages were being sent to soldiers every day over WhatsApp and other social media platforms from neighboring Colombia. He later jogged with soldiers and boarded an amphibious vehicle at a navy base. Guaido also sent a message to the military on Sunday, asking for support and ordering it not to repress civilians during an event in which supporters handed out copies of a proposed amnesty for people accused of crimes in the Maduro government. "I order you not to shoot," he said. "I order you not to repress the people." At a U.N. Security Council debate on Saturday, Russia and China strongly backed Maduro and rejected calls by the United States, Canada, Latin American nations and European powers for early elections. Both Russia and China are major creditors of Venezuela. Since the government of Maduro's late mentor, Hugo Chavez, the OPEC nation has invested heavily in Russian weaponry, including Sukhoi fighter jets and heavy armor. The strategic alliance was in evidence last year, when two Russian nuclear-capable bombers landed in Venezuela. Reuters reported on Friday that private military contractors who do secret missions for Russia flew into Venezuela to beef up security for Maduro. NO ELECTIONS In an interview that aired on Sunday, Maduro rejected a European ultimatum to call elections within eight days and said Guaido violated the constitution by declaring himself interim leader. He said European nations should leave Venezuela, if they so wanted. "Fortunately, we don’t depend on Europe. And those arrogant, overbearing attitudes, looking down on us, because we are ‘sudacas,’ inferior to them," he told CNN Turk. "The leaders of Europe are sycophants, kneeling behind the policies of Donald Trump," he said, adding he was open to dialog and that meeting Trump was improbable but not impossible. Washington urged the world on Saturday to "pick a side" on Venezuela and financially disconnect from Maduro's government. Bolton, the White House national security adviser, warned on Sunday against violence or the intimidation of American diplomats in Venezuela or Guaido, saying such action would trigger a response from the United States. Venezuela has sunk into turmoil under Maduro, with food shortages and protests amid an economic and political crisis that has led millions to leave the country and with inflation seen rising to 10 million percent this year. Britain, Germany, France and Spain all said they would recognize Guaido if Maduro failed to call new elections within eight days, an ultimatum Russia said was "absurd" and the Venezuelan foreign minister called "childlike." The United States, Canada, most Latin American nations and many European states say Maduro stole his second-term election win last May. The former union leader cruised to victory after blocking the main opposition candidates from running. Turnout was low. Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan voiced his support for Maduro in a phone call on Thursday.

As West calls for new elections, Venezuela's Maduro shows off military might

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

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

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

News brief: Big stories of the day

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The United States on Saturday called on the world to "pick a side" on Venezuela and urged countries to financially disconnect from Nicolas Maduro's government, while European powers signalled they were set to follow Washington in recognizing Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido as the country's rightful leader.

In heated back-and-forth exchanges at a United Nations Security Council meeting, the opposing camp led by Venezuela and Russia, which has invested heavily in Venezuela's oil industry, accused Washington of attempting a coup and lambasted Europeans' demand that elections be called within eight days.

Guaido, who took the helm of the National Assembly on January 5, proclaimed himself interim president on Wednesday. The United States, Canada and a string of Latin American countries recognized the young leader in quick succession. Maduro, who has led the oil-rich nation since 2013 and has the support of the armed forces, has refused to stand down.

But on Saturday Guaido, 35, gained support from a key military official. <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-military-attache-to-us-urges-army-to-back-maduro-opponent-193034">Venezuela's defence attache to Washington</a>, Colonel Jose Luis Silva, told Reuters that he has broken with the Maduro government and recognized Guaido as interim president.

Speaking at the UN&nbsp;meeting, called by the United States, US&nbsp;Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Maduro's "socialist experiment" had caused the economy to collapse and reduced ordinary Venezuelans to rooting through dumpsters for food.

"Now it is time for every other nation to pick a side. ... Either you stand with the forces of freedom, or you're in league with Maduro and his mayhem," Pompeo told the council. "We call on all members of the Security Council to support Venezuela's democratic transition and interim President Guaido's role."

Pompeo also called on the international community to disconnect their financial systems from Maduro's government. Washington has signalled it was ready to step up economic measures to try to drive Maduro from power, but on Saturday Pompeo declined to elaborate on any such plans.

By overcoming opposition to holding the UN&nbsp;meeting on Saturday, Washington successfully put the global spotlight on Venezuela as a Security Council problem. However, any council action to address the crisis would be blocked by veto-powers Russia and China, diplomats said.

Britain, Germany, France and Spain all said on Saturday they would recognize Guaido if Maduro failed to call fresh elections within eight days, an ultimatum Russia said was "absurd" and the Venezuelan foreign minister called "childlike."

"Europe is giving us eight days? Where do you get that you have the power to establish a deadline or an ultimatum to a sovereign people?" Venezuelan Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza told the Security Council.

Russia also said military intervention in Venezuela should be avoided at any cost, while Caracas reiterated that its offer of dialogue with President Donald Trump's government was still on the table despite his administration's two-year campaign against Maduro.

"If President Trump, like other presidents of the United States, is in search of war to show he can govern and to stimulate the economy, he won't get that war in Venezuela," Arreaza told reporters later.

'Full support'

Venezuela has sunk into turmoil under Maduro with food shortages and protests amid an economic and political crisis that has sparked mass emigration and inflation that is seen rising to 10 million per cent this year.

Maduro cruised to re-election last May. The opposition largely boycotted the vote after its senior leaders were blocked from taking part. Critics accused the government of vote buying. The domestic opposition, the United States and right-leaning Latin American governments declined to recognize the result of the ballot.

Venezuelan opposition sympathizers had been urging Guaido to assume the presidency since Maduro was inaugurated for a second term on Jan. 10. Hundreds of thousands took to the streets in Caracas earlier this week, calling on Maduro to step down.

Guaido's declaration of himself as the interim president takes Venezuela into uncharted territory, with the possibility of the opposition now running a parallel government recognized abroad as legitimate but without control over state functions.

After the Security Council debate, Guaido sent a letter to Secretary-General Antonio Guterres asking the United Nations for help addressing hunger, violence and the lack of medicines in his country.

The United Nations did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the letter.

Guaido celebrated the support of European countries and also asked them to send humanitarian aid to help relieve the economic crisis. "We woke up today with nothing less than the full support of the European community," Guaido said at a small political event in a square in the capital Caracas.

"Several European countries have been in touch with us and are going to support the entry of humanitarian aid. ... We continue adding countries to this great effort," he said.

The Maduro government has previously rejected such aid, denying there is a humanitarian crisis in the country and blaming economic problems on sanctions.

After Washington's declaration of support for Guaido, Maduro cut off diplomatic relations with the United States on Wednesday and gave US&nbsp;diplomats 72 hours to leave the country.

Some US&nbsp;embassy staff left Caracas on Friday, and Venezuela was withdrawing staff from Washington on Saturday, Venezuela's foreign ministry said in a statement

However, Maduro softened his demand that all US&nbsp;embassy staff withdraw by Saturday.

Instead, the two countries will seek an agreement to replace the embassies with "Interest Offices" in their respective capitals within 30 days, the statement said. If that fails, the missions would close.

The United States on Saturday called on the world to "pick a side" on Venezuela and urged countries to financially disconnect from Nicolas Maduro's government, while European powers signalled they were set to follow Washington in recognizing Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido as the country's rightful leader.

The United States on Saturday called on the world to "pick a side" on Venezuela and urged countries to financially disconnect from Nicolas Maduro's government, while European powers signalled they were set to follow Washington in recognizing Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido as the country's rightful leader. In heated back-and-forth exchanges at a United Nations Security Council meeting, the opposing camp led by Venezuela and Russia, which has invested heavily in Venezuela's oil industry, accused Washington of attempting a coup and lambasted Europeans' demand that elections be called within eight days. Guaido, who took the helm of the National Assembly on January 5, proclaimed himself interim president on Wednesday. The United States, Canada and a string of Latin American countries recognized the young leader in quick succession. Maduro, who has led the oil-rich nation since 2013 and has the support of the armed forces, has refused to stand down. But on Saturday Guaido, 35, gained support from a key military official. Venezuela's defence attache to Washington, Colonel Jose Luis Silva, told Reuters that he has broken with the Maduro government and recognized Guaido as interim president. Speaking at the UN meeting, called by the United States, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Maduro's "socialist experiment" had caused the economy to collapse and reduced ordinary Venezuelans to rooting through dumpsters for food. "Now it is time for every other nation to pick a side. ... Either you stand with the forces of freedom, or you're in league with Maduro and his mayhem," Pompeo told the council. "We call on all members of the Security Council to support Venezuela's democratic transition and interim President Guaido's role." Pompeo also called on the international community to disconnect their financial systems from Maduro's government. Washington has signalled it was ready to step up economic measures to try to drive Maduro from power, but on Saturday Pompeo declined to elaborate on any such plans. By overcoming opposition to holding the UN meeting on Saturday, Washington successfully put the global spotlight on Venezuela as a Security Council problem. However, any council action to address the crisis would be blocked by veto-powers Russia and China, diplomats said. Britain, Germany, France and Spain all said on Saturday they would recognize Guaido if Maduro failed to call fresh elections within eight days, an ultimatum Russia said was "absurd" and the Venezuelan foreign minister called "childlike." "Europe is giving us eight days? Where do you get that you have the power to establish a deadline or an ultimatum to a sovereign people?" Venezuelan Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza told the Security Council. Russia also said military intervention in Venezuela should be avoided at any cost, while Caracas reiterated that its offer of dialogue with President Donald Trump's government was still on the table despite his administration's two-year campaign against Maduro. "If President Trump, like other presidents of the United States, is in search of war to show he can govern and to stimulate the economy, he won't get that war in Venezuela," Arreaza told reporters later. 'Full support' Venezuela has sunk into turmoil under Maduro with food shortages and protests amid an economic and political crisis that has sparked mass emigration and inflation that is seen rising to 10 million per cent this year. Maduro cruised to re-election last May. The opposition largely boycotted the vote after its senior leaders were blocked from taking part. Critics accused the government of vote buying. The domestic opposition, the United States and right-leaning Latin American governments declined to recognize the result of the ballot. Venezuelan opposition sympathizers had been urging Guaido to assume the presidency since Maduro was inaugurated for a second term on Jan. 10. Hundreds of thousands took to the streets in Caracas earlier this week, calling on Maduro to step down. Guaido's declaration of himself as the interim president takes Venezuela into uncharted territory, with the possibility of the opposition now running a parallel government recognized abroad as legitimate but without control over state functions. After the Security Council debate, Guaido sent a letter to Secretary-General Antonio Guterres asking the United Nations for help addressing hunger, violence and the lack of medicines in his country. The United Nations did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the letter. Guaido celebrated the support of European countries and also asked them to send humanitarian aid to help relieve the economic crisis. "We woke up today with nothing less than the full support of the European community," Guaido said at a small political event in a square in the capital Caracas. "Several European countries have been in touch with us and are going to support the entry of humanitarian aid. ... We continue adding countries to this great effort," he said. The Maduro government has previously rejected such aid, denying there is a humanitarian crisis in the country and blaming economic problems on sanctions. After Washington's declaration of support for Guaido, Maduro cut off diplomatic relations with the United States on Wednesday and gave US diplomats 72 hours to leave the country. Some US embassy staff left Caracas on Friday, and Venezuela was withdrawing staff from Washington on Saturday, Venezuela's foreign ministry said in a statement However, Maduro softened his demand that all US embassy staff withdraw by Saturday. Instead, the two countries will seek an agreement to replace the embassies with "Interest Offices" in their respective capitals within 30 days, the statement said. If that fails, the missions would close.

US calls on world to 'pick a side' on Venezuela; Europeans set to recognize Guaido

The United States pressed all nations Saturday to "stand with the forces of freedom" in Venezuela, encouraged by a tougher European line as Russia stood in the minority in backing embattled leader Nicolas Maduro.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo made a forceful case at a special session of the United Nations Security Council, where he described Maduro as part of an "illegitimate mafia state" responsible for Venezuela's economic collapse.

With mounting protests over Venezuela's crisis in which more than two million have fled shortages of basic food and medicine, Pompeo asked all nations to follow the US in recognizing opposition leader Juan Guaido as the interim president.

"Now it is time for every other nation to pick a side. No more delays, no more games. Either you stand with the forces of freedom, or you're in league with Maduro and his mayhem," Pompeo said.

Pompeo denounced Russia and China, which have stood by Maduro, saying that they were motivated not by principle but raw financial interest.

"China and Russia are propping up a failed regime in the hopes of recovering billions of dollars in ill-considered investments and assistance made over the years," Pompeo said.

Russia has denounced the United States for interference and attempted to block the Security Council meeting, but it was voted down with nine of the 15 members agreeing to go forward.

"Venezuela does not pose any threat to peace and security. The intention of the United States is to orchestrate a coup d'etat," said the Russian ambassador, Vassily Nebenzia.

He accused the United States of renewing a long history of imperialism in Latin America, saying that Washington treated it as a "backyard where you can do anything you want."&nbsp;

But Russia managed to block a Security Council statement seen by AFP that would have offered "full support to Guaido and called the National Assembly that he heads "Venezuela's only democratically elected institution."

President Donald Trump's recognition of Guaido has enjoyed the support of many, but not all, Latin American powers including Brazil, Colombia and Argentina.

European powers, after cautious initial statements, on Saturday warned that they will recognize Guaido unless Maduro calls elections within eight days.

"If within eight days there are no fair, free and transparent elections called in Venezuela, Spain will recognize Juan Guaido as Venezuelan president" so that he himself can call the vote, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said in a televised announcement.

French President Emmanuel Macron followed suit in a tweet, saying "the Venezuelan people must be able to freely decide on their future." Germany and Britain also joined in the ultimatum.

Guaido quickly welcomed the support from the European powerhouses.

"There continues to be progress in the European Union for the recognition and full support of our legitimate and constitutional struggle," he tweeted.

But other members of the 28-nation bloc such as Austria, Greece and Portugal are more reluctant.

Greece's ruling left-wing party Syriza has publicly backed Maduro, with party secretary Panos Skourletis voicing "full support and solidarity" to what to he called "the legal president."

Fears for Guaido&nbsp;

Sanchez insisted that Spain, which has some 200,000 of its nationals living in Venezuela, is "not looking to impose or remove governments in Venezuela, we want democracy and free elections in Venezuela."

Maduro's re-election last year was contested by the opposition and rejected by the US, EU and UN as a sham -- but he has until now retained the loyalty of the powerful military.

Guaido, who has managed to galvanise a previously divided opposition, this week attempted to attract military support by offering an amnesty to anyone who disavows Maduro, with no luck so far.

In a Skype interview with Univision late Thursday, he went one step further by suggesting Maduro could be offered amnesty if he agrees to step down.

He has, however, rejected an offer of talks with Maduro, saying he won't attend a "fake dialogue" on a crisis that has left 26 dead in clashes this week between anti-Maduro activists and security forces.

More than 350 people have also been detained this week in the protests, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet said Friday.

Guaido has acalled for another "major demonstration" next week.

Maduro, for his part, called for a "popular rebellion against the coup" on the streets of Venezuela.

The Inter-American Human Rights Commission late Friday issued a statement warning that Guaido's life and health were in danger given the high political tension in the country.

Maduro has given US diplomats until late Saturday to leave Venezuela.&nbsp;

The United States said it was ignoring the orders as it no longer considers Maduro the president -- but withdrew non-essential staff and argued that Maduro, who controls the security forces, still bore responsibility for diplomats' safety.&nbsp;

"Do not test the United States on our resolve to protect our people," Pompeo warned.

The United States pressed all nations Saturday to "stand with the forces of freedom" in Venezuela, encouraged by a tougher European line as Russia stood in the minority in backing embattled leader Nicolas Maduro.

The United States pressed all nations Saturday to "stand with the forces of freedom" in Venezuela, encouraged by a tougher European line as Russia stood in the minority in backing embattled leader Nicolas Maduro. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo made a forceful case at a special session of the United Nations Security Council, where he described Maduro as part of an "illegitimate mafia state" responsible for Venezuela's economic collapse. With mounting protests over Venezuela's crisis in which more than two million have fled shortages of basic food and medicine, Pompeo asked all nations to follow the US in recognizing opposition leader Juan Guaido as the interim president. "Now it is time for every other nation to pick a side. No more delays, no more games. Either you stand with the forces of freedom, or you're in league with Maduro and his mayhem," Pompeo said. Pompeo denounced Russia and China, which have stood by Maduro, saying that they were motivated not by principle but raw financial interest. "China and Russia are propping up a failed regime in the hopes of recovering billions of dollars in ill-considered investments and assistance made over the years," Pompeo said. Russia has denounced the United States for interference and attempted to block the Security Council meeting, but it was voted down with nine of the 15 members agreeing to go forward. "Venezuela does not pose any threat to peace and security. The intention of the United States is to orchestrate a coup d'etat," said the Russian ambassador, Vassily Nebenzia. He accused the United States of renewing a long history of imperialism in Latin America, saying that Washington treated it as a "backyard where you can do anything you want." But Russia managed to block a Security Council statement seen by AFP that would have offered "full support to Guaido and called the National Assembly that he heads "Venezuela's only democratically elected institution." President Donald Trump's recognition of Guaido has enjoyed the support of many, but not all, Latin American powers including Brazil, Colombia and Argentina. European powers, after cautious initial statements, on Saturday warned that they will recognize Guaido unless Maduro calls elections within eight days. "If within eight days there are no fair, free and transparent elections called in Venezuela, Spain will recognize Juan Guaido as Venezuelan president" so that he himself can call the vote, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said in a televised announcement. French President Emmanuel Macron followed suit in a tweet, saying "the Venezuelan people must be able to freely decide on their future." Germany and Britain also joined in the ultimatum. Guaido quickly welcomed the support from the European powerhouses. "There continues to be progress in the European Union for the recognition and full support of our legitimate and constitutional struggle," he tweeted. But other members of the 28-nation bloc such as Austria, Greece and Portugal are more reluctant. Greece's ruling left-wing party Syriza has publicly backed Maduro, with party secretary Panos Skourletis voicing "full support and solidarity" to what to he called "the legal president." Fears for Guaido Sanchez insisted that Spain, which has some 200,000 of its nationals living in Venezuela, is "not looking to impose or remove governments in Venezuela, we want democracy and free elections in Venezuela." Maduro's re-election last year was contested by the opposition and rejected by the US, EU and UN as a sham -- but he has until now retained the loyalty of the powerful military. Guaido, who has managed to galvanise a previously divided opposition, this week attempted to attract military support by offering an amnesty to anyone who disavows Maduro, with no luck so far. In a Skype interview with Univision late Thursday, he went one step further by suggesting Maduro could be offered amnesty if he agrees to step down. He has, however, rejected an offer of talks with Maduro, saying he won't attend a "fake dialogue" on a crisis that has left 26 dead in clashes this week between anti-Maduro activists and security forces. More than 350 people have also been detained this week in the protests, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet said Friday. Guaido has acalled for another "major demonstration" next week. Maduro, for his part, called for a "popular rebellion against the coup" on the streets of Venezuela. The Inter-American Human Rights Commission late Friday issued a statement warning that Guaido's life and health were in danger given the high political tension in the country. Maduro has given US diplomats until late Saturday to leave Venezuela. The United States said it was ignoring the orders as it no longer considers Maduro the president -- but withdrew non-essential staff and argued that Maduro, who controls the security forces, still bore responsibility for diplomats' safety. "Do not test the United States on our resolve to protect our people," Pompeo warned.

US calls to 'stand with freedom' in Venezuela as EU gives ultimatum

The <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/spain-france-germany-give-embattled-venezuelan-leader-nicolas-maduro-an-ultimatum-192997">European Union</a> "will take further actions" if new elections are not called in Venezuela in the coming days, EU diplomatic chief Federica Mogherini said on Saturday, as international pressure grows on embattled Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro.

Her statement came after the United States, Canada and major South American governments recognised opposition leader Juan Guaido, who proclaimed himself acting president in a challenge to Maduro.

"In the absence of an announcement on the organisation of fresh elections with the necessary guarantees over the next days, the EU will take further actions, including on the issue of recognition of the country's leadership," Mogherini said.

Spain, France, Germany, Portugal and the United Kingdom on Saturday also gave Maduro an ultimatum&nbsp;of eight days to call new elections or they would recognise Guaido as president.

The coordinated announcements are the most explicit yet from EU countries after the 28-member bloc struggled to draft a joint statement with regards to its position on the crisis in Venezuela.

However, the ultimatum has been rejected by Venezuela's finance minister&nbsp;insisting that Nicolas Maduro remained the legitimate president despite US-led pressure.

"Nobody is going to give us deadlines or tell us if there are elections or not," Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza told a special session of the United Nations Security Council.

Maduro's reelection last year was contested by the opposition and rejected by the US, EU and UN as a sham -- but he has until now retained the loyalty of the South American OPEC nation's powerful military.

Guaido, who is chief of the elected National Assembly, proclaimed himself acting president of Venezuela during massive street rallies this week.

"The EU reiterates its full support to the National Assembly, which is the democratic legitimate body of Venezuela," the Mogherini statement said. "We reaffirm our deep belief that a peaceful and inclusive democratic solution is the only sustainable way out of the current political impasse."

After four years of economic collapse that has left Venezuelans short of food and medicine and driven more than two million to flee, Guaido is trying to oust Maduro following elections that saw the socialist leader sworn in for a second term.

The European Union "will take further actions" if new elections are not called in Venezuela in the coming days, EU diplomatic chief Federica Mogherini said on Saturday, as international pressure grows on embattled Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro.

The European Union "will take further actions" if new elections are not called in Venezuela in the coming days, EU diplomatic chief Federica Mogherini said on Saturday, as international pressure grows on embattled Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro. Her statement came after the United States, Canada and major South American governments recognised opposition leader Juan Guaido, who proclaimed himself acting president in a challenge to Maduro. "In the absence of an announcement on the organisation of fresh elections with the necessary guarantees over the next days, the EU will take further actions, including on the issue of recognition of the country's leadership," Mogherini said. Spain, France, Germany, Portugal and the United Kingdom on Saturday also gave Maduro an ultimatum of eight days to call new elections or they would recognise Guaido as president. The coordinated announcements are the most explicit yet from EU countries after the 28-member bloc struggled to draft a joint statement with regards to its position on the crisis in Venezuela. However, the ultimatum has been rejected by Venezuela's finance minister insisting that Nicolas Maduro remained the legitimate president despite US-led pressure. "Nobody is going to give us deadlines or tell us if there are elections or not," Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza told a special session of the United Nations Security Council. Maduro's reelection last year was contested by the opposition and rejected by the US, EU and UN as a sham -- but he has until now retained the loyalty of the South American OPEC nation's powerful military. Guaido, who is chief of the elected National Assembly, proclaimed himself acting president of Venezuela during massive street rallies this week. "The EU reiterates its full support to the National Assembly, which is the democratic legitimate body of Venezuela," the Mogherini statement said. "We reaffirm our deep belief that a peaceful and inclusive democratic solution is the only sustainable way out of the current political impasse." After four years of economic collapse that has left Venezuelans short of food and medicine and driven more than two million to flee, Guaido is trying to oust Maduro following elections that saw the socialist leader sworn in for a second term.

EU to 'take further actions' if new elections not called in Venezuela: Diplomatic chief Mogherini

Spain, France and Germany on Saturday gave embattled Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro an ultimatum, saying they would recognise opposition leader Juan Guaido as president unless he calls elections within eight days.

The ultimatum comes as international pressure mounts on the Maduro regime to agree a new vote, with the United States, Canada and major South American players already recognising Guaido, who proclaimed himself acting president of Venezuela during massive street rallies this week.

After four years of economic pain that has left Venezuelans short of food and medicine and driven more than two million to flee, Guaido is trying to oust Maduro following controversial elections that saw the socialist leader sworn in for a second term.

"If within eight days there are no fair, free and transparent elections called in Venezuela, Spain will recognise Juan Guaido as Venezuelan president" so that he himself can call such polls, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said in a televised announcement.

French President Emmanuel Macron followed suit in a tweet, saying "the Venezuelan people must be able to freely decide on their future," as did German government spokeswoman Martina Fietz.

The coordinated announcements are the most explicit yet from EU countries as the 28-member bloc struggles to draft a joint statement with regards to its position on the crisis in Venezuela.

Spain had wanted the EU to take a tough line on Maduro by calling for immediate elections, failing which the bloc as a whole would recognise Guaido, the 35-year-old head of Venezuela's National Assembly.

But countries like Austria, Greece and Portugal are much more reluctant. 
In fact Greece's ruling party Syriza has publicly backed Maduro, with party secretary Panos Skourletis voicing "full support and solidarity" to what to he called "the legal president."&nbsp;

President Donald Trump's administration has spearheaded the international pressure on Maduro, who accuses Washington of being behind an attempted "coup," by declaring his regime "illegitimate."&nbsp;

On Saturday at a UN Security Council meeting US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will urge members to recognise Guaido as interim president, the State Department said.

Washington's support for Guaido led Maduro to close the US embassy and consulates and break diplomatic ties.

US diplomats in Venezuela have until Saturday to leave the country, but Washington has refused to fully comply fully with the exit order.

Guaido is instead urging the US diplomats to stay and keep the embassy's doors open.

Maduro's reelection last year was contested by the opposition and criticised internationally -- but he has until now retained the loyalty of the powerful military.

Spain is closely linked to Venezuela, a former colony, as some 200,000 of its nationals live there.

Sanchez insisted Saturday that Spain is "not looking to impose or remove governments in Venezuela, we want democracy and free elections in Venezuela."&nbsp;

Spain, France and Germany on Saturday gave embattled Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro an ultimatum, saying they would recognise opposition leader Juan Guaido as president unless he calls elections within eight days.

Spain, France and Germany on Saturday gave embattled Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro an ultimatum, saying they would recognise opposition leader Juan Guaido as president unless he calls elections within eight days. The ultimatum comes as international pressure mounts on the Maduro regime to agree a new vote, with the United States, Canada and major South American players already recognising Guaido, who proclaimed himself acting president of Venezuela during massive street rallies this week. After four years of economic pain that has left Venezuelans short of food and medicine and driven more than two million to flee, Guaido is trying to oust Maduro following controversial elections that saw the socialist leader sworn in for a second term. "If within eight days there are no fair, free and transparent elections called in Venezuela, Spain will recognise Juan Guaido as Venezuelan president" so that he himself can call such polls, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said in a televised announcement. French President Emmanuel Macron followed suit in a tweet, saying "the Venezuelan people must be able to freely decide on their future," as did German government spokeswoman Martina Fietz. The coordinated announcements are the most explicit yet from EU countries as the 28-member bloc struggles to draft a joint statement with regards to its position on the crisis in Venezuela. Spain had wanted the EU to take a tough line on Maduro by calling for immediate elections, failing which the bloc as a whole would recognise Guaido, the 35-year-old head of Venezuela's National Assembly. But countries like Austria, Greece and Portugal are much more reluctant. In fact Greece's ruling party Syriza has publicly backed Maduro, with party secretary Panos Skourletis voicing "full support and solidarity" to what to he called "the legal president." President Donald Trump's administration has spearheaded the international pressure on Maduro, who accuses Washington of being behind an attempted "coup," by declaring his regime "illegitimate." On Saturday at a UN Security Council meeting US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will urge members to recognise Guaido as interim president, the State Department said. Washington's support for Guaido led Maduro to close the US embassy and consulates and break diplomatic ties. US diplomats in Venezuela have until Saturday to leave the country, but Washington has refused to fully comply fully with the exit order. Guaido is instead urging the US diplomats to stay and keep the embassy's doors open. Maduro's reelection last year was contested by the opposition and criticised internationally -- but he has until now retained the loyalty of the powerful military. Spain is closely linked to Venezuela, a former colony, as some 200,000 of its nationals live there. Sanchez insisted Saturday that Spain is "not looking to impose or remove governments in Venezuela, we want democracy and free elections in Venezuela."

European leaders issue ultimatum to embattled Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro

Gov't ready for potential armed conflict: Nicolas Maduro

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro said on Friday that his government is preparing to face a potential armed conflict with its people before the "coup d'etat".

He also announced that military exercises will be held from February 10 to 15 for the attempted coup.

The president made the remarks at a press conference held at the presidential palace, one day after he announced he will close the country's embassy and consulates in the United States.

"The conflict may happen, because they have said they are going to put the Marines in Caracas, and they will send them I don't know where, and so, in each city, in each town; [we will have] a defence plan and a reaction plan for combat and victory," said Maduro.

The South American country's president on Wednesday ordered his country to sever "diplomatic and political" ties with Washington.

He said that anyone who wants their "homeland" must prepare to defend it.

According to Maduro, the National Bolivarian Armed Forces (FANB) will go to the "the highest and superior stage" with the exercises.

"Nobody respects the weak, the traitors, the cowards, the doubtful; nobody respects the hesitant in this world. Here we respect the strong, the brave, those who are planted, the courageous, those who wear the glorious uniform with honour and are willing to fulfil their oath with their own life," he said.

Likewise, he urged the military to stand valiantly in case of potential enemies.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro said on Friday that his government is preparing to face a potential armed conflict with its people before the "coup d'etat". He also announced that military exercises will be held from February 10 to 15 for the attempted coup.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro said on Friday that his government is preparing to face a potential armed conflict with its people before the "coup d'etat". He also announced that military exercises will be held from February 10 to 15 for the attempted coup. The president made the remarks at a press conference held at the presidential palace, one day after he announced he will close the country's embassy and consulates in the United States. "The conflict may happen, because they have said they are going to put the Marines in Caracas, and they will send them I don't know where, and so, in each city, in each town; [we will have] a defence plan and a reaction plan for combat and victory," said Maduro. The South American country's president on Wednesday ordered his country to sever "diplomatic and political" ties with Washington. He said that anyone who wants their "homeland" must prepare to defend it. According to Maduro, the National Bolivarian Armed Forces (FANB) will go to the "the highest and superior stage" with the exercises. "Nobody respects the weak, the traitors, the cowards, the doubtful; nobody respects the hesitant in this world. Here we respect the strong, the brave, those who are planted, the courageous, those who wear the glorious uniform with honour and are willing to fulfil their oath with their own life," he said. Likewise, he urged the military to stand valiantly in case of potential enemies.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro says government ready for potential armed conflict

Mexico is prepared to host President <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-state-secretary-pompeo-to-ask-un-security-council-to-recognise-venezuelas-guaido-as-acting-president-192814">Nicolas Maduro</a> and his opposition rival, self-declared interim president Juan Guaido, for talks to resolve Venezuela's spiraling crisis, President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said Friday.

Lopez Obrador, whose government still recognizes Maduro as Venezuelan president -- unlike several other Latin American powers and the United States -- said the Mexican foreign ministry was ready to host talks for a "peaceful solution" if both parties were willing.

"We couldn't carry this out without a request from both sides... (but) we are more than willing to help facilitate dialogue, without the use of force or violence, to resolve the problems" Venezuela is facing, he told a news conference.

Maduro said Thursday he was open to holding talks to resolve the crisis and was ready to meet Guaido.

But the opposition leader has ruled that out, for now, saying the leftist leader cannot be trusted.

Guaido, the leader of Venezuela's legislature, declared himself acting president on Wednesday, saying Maduro's re-election was illegitimate.

The socialist leader, who has presided over a painful political and economic crisis, was sworn in for a new six-year term on January 10, after winning an election that was boycotted by the opposition and condemned by the United States and a dozen Latin American countries.

The US, Canada, Britain and a string of regional countries have recognized Guaido as president.

Mexico is the biggest Latin American player that still recognizes Maduro, together with Russia and China.

Mexico has taken a hands-off approach to the Venezuelan crisis since Lopez Obrador, a leftist, took office in December.

It was the only member of the so-called Lima Group of 14 regional countries not to sign a statement earlier this month calling on Maduro to step down rather than begin a new term.

However, Lopez Obrador's government has not given Maduro the unbending support of leftist allies such as Cuba and Nicaragua, calling instead -- in a joint statement with Uruguay -- for all parties to "reduce tensions" and hold an "inclusive and credible negotiation process."

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also called Thursday for talks, saying Venezuela needs to "avoid an escalation that would lead to the kind of conflict that would be a disaster for the people of Venezuela and for the region."

Mexico is prepared to host President Nicolas Maduro and his opposition rival, self-declared interim president Juan Guaido, for talks to resolve Venezuela's spiraling crisis, President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said Friday.

Mexico is prepared to host President Nicolas Maduro and his opposition rival, self-declared interim president Juan Guaido, for talks to resolve Venezuela's spiraling crisis, President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said Friday. Lopez Obrador, whose government still recognizes Maduro as Venezuelan president -- unlike several other Latin American powers and the United States -- said the Mexican foreign ministry was ready to host talks for a "peaceful solution" if both parties were willing. "We couldn't carry this out without a request from both sides... (but) we are more than willing to help facilitate dialogue, without the use of force or violence, to resolve the problems" Venezuela is facing, he told a news conference. Maduro said Thursday he was open to holding talks to resolve the crisis and was ready to meet Guaido. But the opposition leader has ruled that out, for now, saying the leftist leader cannot be trusted. Guaido, the leader of Venezuela's legislature, declared himself acting president on Wednesday, saying Maduro's re-election was illegitimate. The socialist leader, who has presided over a painful political and economic crisis, was sworn in for a new six-year term on January 10, after winning an election that was boycotted by the opposition and condemned by the United States and a dozen Latin American countries. The US, Canada, Britain and a string of regional countries have recognized Guaido as president. Mexico is the biggest Latin American player that still recognizes Maduro, together with Russia and China. Mexico has taken a hands-off approach to the Venezuelan crisis since Lopez Obrador, a leftist, took office in December. It was the only member of the so-called Lima Group of 14 regional countries not to sign a statement earlier this month calling on Maduro to step down rather than begin a new term. However, Lopez Obrador's government has not given Maduro the unbending support of leftist allies such as Cuba and Nicaragua, calling instead -- in a joint statement with Uruguay -- for all parties to "reduce tensions" and hold an "inclusive and credible negotiation process." UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also called Thursday for talks, saying Venezuela needs to "avoid an escalation that would lead to the kind of conflict that would be a disaster for the people of Venezuela and for the region."

Venezuela: Opposition leader Juan Guaido rules out crisis talks, says Maduro can not be trusted

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will press UN Security Council members to recognize Juan Guaido as acting president of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/more-than-350-protesters-detained-in-venezuela-this-week-united-nations-192766">Venezuela during an upcoming crisis meeting</a>, the State Department said Friday.

The United States requested Saturday's session after it threw its support behind the Venezuelan opposition leader and declared leftist firebrand Nicolas Maduro to be an illegitimate president.

"Secretary Pompeo will urge members of the Security Council and the international community to uphold international peace and security by recognizing Juan Guaido as the constitutional interim President of Venezuela, and call for support for the transitional government in their quest to restore democracy and the rule of law," the State Department said in a statement announcing his trip.

The United States has been joined by key players in the Americas in recognising Guaido including Argentina, Brazil, Canada and Colombia.

But none of the other five veto-wielding powers on the Security Council has formally backed Guaido.

Britain and France have both called Maduro's re-election last year illegitimate but stopped short of officially recognizing Guaido, a 35-year-old engineer who heads the opposition-led National Assembly, although British Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt called Guaido "the right person to take Venezuela forward."

Russia has strongly supported its ally Maduro, and China, Venezuela's main creditor, has voiced opposition to outside interference.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will press UN Security Council members to recognize Juan Guaido as acting president of Venezuela during an upcoming crisis meeting, the State Department said Friday.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will press UN Security Council members to recognize Juan Guaido as acting president of Venezuela during an upcoming crisis meeting, the State Department said Friday. The United States requested Saturday's session after it threw its support behind the Venezuelan opposition leader and declared leftist firebrand Nicolas Maduro to be an illegitimate president. "Secretary Pompeo will urge members of the Security Council and the international community to uphold international peace and security by recognizing Juan Guaido as the constitutional interim President of Venezuela, and call for support for the transitional government in their quest to restore democracy and the rule of law," the State Department said in a statement announcing his trip. The United States has been joined by key players in the Americas in recognising Guaido including Argentina, Brazil, Canada and Colombia. But none of the other five veto-wielding powers on the Security Council has formally backed Guaido. Britain and France have both called Maduro's re-election last year illegitimate but stopped short of officially recognizing Guaido, a 35-year-old engineer who heads the opposition-led National Assembly, although British Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt called Guaido "the right person to take Venezuela forward." Russia has strongly supported its ally Maduro, and China, Venezuela's main creditor, has voiced opposition to outside interference.

US state secretary Pompeo to ask UN Security Council to recognise Venezuela's Guaido as acting president

The United States is seeking to ensure that Venezuelan oil revenue goes to opposition leader and self-declared interim president Juan Guaido, and to cut off money from isolated <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-to-close-us-embassy-consulates-maduro-192578">President Nicolas Maduro</a>, a top US official said on Thursday.

Although short on details, the announcement signals that <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-orders-non-emergency-embassy-staff-to-leave-venezuela-192582">Washington is willing</a> to go beyond traditional diplomatic measures and will seek to drain cash from Maduro's government, which is already struggling under an unprecedented economic meltdown.

Such a move would significantly strengthen the hand of Guaido, who swore himself in as interim head of state on Wednesday with the support of Washington and nations around the region.

"What we're focusing on today is disconnecting the illegitimate Maduro regime from the sources of his revenues," national security advisor John Bolton told reporters at the White House.

"We think consistent with our recognition of Juan Guaido as the constitutional interim president of Venezuela that those revenues should go to the legitimate government."

Bolton added that the process was "very complicated" and that officials were still studying how this would function. Venezuela's information ministry did not reply to a request for comment.

Guaido, in an interview with broadcaster Univision, said he believed this was "the beginning of the end" for Maduro and he would work to guarantee humanitarian aid and implement new economic measures to rachet up pressure.

"Our challenge is to secure free elections, and we want them as soon as possible. But we are living in a dictatorship," he said, from an undisclosed location.

BOLD CHALLENGE

Washington's support for Guaido prompted Maduro, Venezuela's leader since 2013, to break relations with the United States. On Thursday, he said he was closing Venezuela's embassy in Washington and its consulates in the United States.

Guaido's swearing-in was the opposition's boldest challenge yet to the long-ruling Socialist Party and has given Maduro's adversaries an unprecedented diplomatic platform to press for change in a nation dogged by hyperinflation, rising malnutrition and political conflict.

But Guaido now leads what amounts to a shadow government disavowed by the armed forces and with no influence over day-to-day administration such as importing and distributing food and medicine.

The 35-year-old industrial engineer said he had spoken on Thursday by telephone with supportive heads of state from around the world.

In the Univision interview, Guaido repeated his proposal of future amnesties to officials and military members who disavowed Maduro, even saying the offer could be extended to government ministers and to Maduro himself if they willingly left power.

Guaido's ascent was greeted with excitement by investors holding Venezuela and state oil company PDVSA bonds, which hit their highest level since 2017 despite being almost entirely in default.

Concerns about potential disruption of Venezuelan crude supplies gave support to global oil prices.

Oil revenues are crucial to the already crumbling Venezuelan economy and routing that money away from Maduro as the United State seeks to do would be a serious blow.

The US&nbsp;State Department on Thursday ordered some US&nbsp;government workers to leave Venezuela and said US&nbsp;citizens should consider leaving the country.

WHO IS LEGITIMATE PRESIDENT?

Guaido took the helm of the National Assembly on Jan. 5 with a call for the armed forces to recognize Maduro as a "usurper" after his May 2018 re-election, widely viewed as fraudulent.

Backing for him has come principally from the Western hemisphere. Venezuelan allies including Russia and Turkey - both important commercial partners - criticized Guaido's rise as a sign of U.S. interference.

The European Union, which has imposed sanctions on Maduro's government, noted that Venezuelans had "massively called for democracy and the possibility to freely determine their own destiny," but stopped short of recognizing Guaido.

Maduro, in a rambling speech, dismissed Guaido's inauguration and said he himself remained the country's legitimate leader.

He has relied extensively on the military to maintain power amid annual inflation of nearly 2 million per cent and an exodus of Venezuelan refugees into neighbouring countries.

Guaido has said Maduro's January 10 inauguration to a second six-year term amounted to a usurpation of power. The vote was boycotted by Venezuela's main opposition parties, with Maduro's two most popular rivals banned from running and Socialist Party aggressive campaigning opponents called vote-buying.

Guaido and allies argue that the presidency is vacant as a result and that the constitution calls for the head of Congress to assume the interim presidency in such a situation.

That still leaves Guaido struggling against a state unwilling to recognize him and security forces that could jail him, as they did his mentor Leopoldo Lopez - who is under house arrest for leading anti-Maduro protests in 2014.

"Can he name ministers? Ministers of air? Phantom ministers?," asked Maduro during a speech before the Supreme Court. "Is he going to name commanders of military units? Will the armed forces obey his command? Never."

Protesters clashed with security forces on Wednesday night around the country and in both affluent and working class areas of Caracas, with some demonstrations spilling over into looting.

A total of 14 people have been killed in violence linked to this week's protests, according to local rights groups.

The United States is seeking to ensure that Venezuelan oil revenue goes to opposition leader and self-declared interim president Juan Guaido, and to cut off money from isolated President Nicolas Maduro, a top US official said on Thursday.

The United States is seeking to ensure that Venezuelan oil revenue goes to opposition leader and self-declared interim president Juan Guaido, and to cut off money from isolated President Nicolas Maduro, a top US official said on Thursday. Although short on details, the announcement signals that Washington is willing to go beyond traditional diplomatic measures and will seek to drain cash from Maduro's government, which is already struggling under an unprecedented economic meltdown. Such a move would significantly strengthen the hand of Guaido, who swore himself in as interim head of state on Wednesday with the support of Washington and nations around the region. "What we're focusing on today is disconnecting the illegitimate Maduro regime from the sources of his revenues," national security advisor John Bolton told reporters at the White House. "We think consistent with our recognition of Juan Guaido as the constitutional interim president of Venezuela that those revenues should go to the legitimate government." Bolton added that the process was "very complicated" and that officials were still studying how this would function. Venezuela's information ministry did not reply to a request for comment. Guaido, in an interview with broadcaster Univision, said he believed this was "the beginning of the end" for Maduro and he would work to guarantee humanitarian aid and implement new economic measures to rachet up pressure. "Our challenge is to secure free elections, and we want them as soon as possible. But we are living in a dictatorship," he said, from an undisclosed location. BOLD CHALLENGE Washington's support for Guaido prompted Maduro, Venezuela's leader since 2013, to break relations with the United States. On Thursday, he said he was closing Venezuela's embassy in Washington and its consulates in the United States. Guaido's swearing-in was the opposition's boldest challenge yet to the long-ruling Socialist Party and has given Maduro's adversaries an unprecedented diplomatic platform to press for change in a nation dogged by hyperinflation, rising malnutrition and political conflict. But Guaido now leads what amounts to a shadow government disavowed by the armed forces and with no influence over day-to-day administration such as importing and distributing food and medicine. The 35-year-old industrial engineer said he had spoken on Thursday by telephone with supportive heads of state from around the world. In the Univision interview, Guaido repeated his proposal of future amnesties to officials and military members who disavowed Maduro, even saying the offer could be extended to government ministers and to Maduro himself if they willingly left power. Guaido's ascent was greeted with excitement by investors holding Venezuela and state oil company PDVSA bonds, which hit their highest level since 2017 despite being almost entirely in default. Concerns about potential disruption of Venezuelan crude supplies gave support to global oil prices. Oil revenues are crucial to the already crumbling Venezuelan economy and routing that money away from Maduro as the United State seeks to do would be a serious blow. The US State Department on Thursday ordered some US government workers to leave Venezuela and said US citizens should consider leaving the country. WHO IS LEGITIMATE PRESIDENT? Guaido took the helm of the National Assembly on Jan. 5 with a call for the armed forces to recognize Maduro as a "usurper" after his May 2018 re-election, widely viewed as fraudulent. Backing for him has come principally from the Western hemisphere. Venezuelan allies including Russia and Turkey - both important commercial partners - criticized Guaido's rise as a sign of U.S. interference. The European Union, which has imposed sanctions on Maduro's government, noted that Venezuelans had "massively called for democracy and the possibility to freely determine their own destiny," but stopped short of recognizing Guaido. Maduro, in a rambling speech, dismissed Guaido's inauguration and said he himself remained the country's legitimate leader. He has relied extensively on the military to maintain power amid annual inflation of nearly 2 million per cent and an exodus of Venezuelan refugees into neighbouring countries. Guaido has said Maduro's January 10 inauguration to a second six-year term amounted to a usurpation of power. The vote was boycotted by Venezuela's main opposition parties, with Maduro's two most popular rivals banned from running and Socialist Party aggressive campaigning opponents called vote-buying. Guaido and allies argue that the presidency is vacant as a result and that the constitution calls for the head of Congress to assume the interim presidency in such a situation. That still leaves Guaido struggling against a state unwilling to recognize him and security forces that could jail him, as they did his mentor Leopoldo Lopez - who is under house arrest for leading anti-Maduro protests in 2014. "Can he name ministers? Ministers of air? Phantom ministers?," asked Maduro during a speech before the Supreme Court. "Is he going to name commanders of military units? Will the armed forces obey his command? Never." Protesters clashed with security forces on Wednesday night around the country and in both affluent and working class areas of Caracas, with some demonstrations spilling over into looting. A total of 14 people have been killed in violence linked to this week's protests, according to local rights groups.

US seeks to cut off money for Venezuela's Maduro to aid opposition

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/dueling-plans-to-end-us-shutdown-fail-in-senate-talks-resume-192581">Dueling</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/dueling-plans-to-end-us-shutdown-fail-in-senate-talks-resume-192581"> plans to end US shutdown fail in Senate, talks resume</a>

The US Senate on Thursday blocked dueling plans to reopen shuttered federal agencies, a fresh setback in efforts to end a month-long government shutdown, but President Donald Trump signalled he could back a new proposal if it includes border security.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-to-close-us-embassy-consulates-maduro-192578">Venezuela to close US embassy, consulates: Nicolas Maduro</a>

Venezuela will close its embassy and all consulates in the United States, President Nicolas Maduro said on Thursday, one day after he broke off diplomatic relations in response to US recognition of an opposition leader as interim president.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-appoints-new-political-leader-to-join-us-taliban-peace-talks-192600">Taliban appoints </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-appoints-new-political-leader-to-join-us-taliban-peace-talks-192600">new</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-appoints-new-political-leader-to-join-us-taliban-peace-talks-192600"> political leader to join peace talks with </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-appoints-new-political-leader-to-join-us-taliban-peace-talks-192600">US</a>

A co-founder of the Taliban was appointed as the leader of its political office in Qatar on Thursday to strengthen its hand in peace talks with the United States as they try to establish a mechanism to end the 17-year Afghan war.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-china-miles-and-miles-from-resolving-trade-conflict-official-192584">US</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-china-miles-and-miles-from-resolving-trade-conflict-official-192584">, China 'miles and miles' from resolving trade conflict: Official</a>

Washington and Beijing are "miles and miles" from resolving their trade war, US Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross said Thursday.

A high-level Chinese delegation is due in Washington next week for talks to resolve the dispute by March 1, when US duty rates on Chinese imports are due to rise sharply, but Ross tried to tamp down expectations to those meetings.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pak-envoy-says-dialogue-is-indispensable-to-resolve-tensions-between-india-pakistan-192594">Pak envoy says 'dialogue is indispensable' to resolving tensions between India, Pakistan</a>

Pakistan High Commissioner to India Sohail Mahmood on Thursday advocated talks and sustained engagement between the two countries to find common ground for improvement of bilateral relations.

Dueling plans to end US shutdown fail in Senate, talks resume The US Senate on Thursday blocked dueling plans to reopen shuttered federal agencies, a fresh setback in efforts to end a month-long government shutdown, but President Donald Trump signalled he could back a new proposal if it includes border security.

Dueling plans to end US shutdown fail in Senate, talks resume The US Senate on Thursday blocked dueling plans to reopen shuttered federal agencies, a fresh setback in efforts to end a month-long government shutdown, but President Donald Trump signalled he could back a new proposal if it includes border security. Venezuela to close US embassy, consulates: Nicolas Maduro Venezuela will close its embassy and all consulates in the United States, President Nicolas Maduro said on Thursday, one day after he broke off diplomatic relations in response to US recognition of an opposition leader as interim president. Taliban appoints new political leader to join peace talks with US A co-founder of the Taliban was appointed as the leader of its political office in Qatar on Thursday to strengthen its hand in peace talks with the United States as they try to establish a mechanism to end the 17-year Afghan war. US, China 'miles and miles' from resolving trade conflict: Official Washington and Beijing are "miles and miles" from resolving their trade war, US Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross said Thursday. A high-level Chinese delegation is due in Washington next week for talks to resolve the dispute by March 1, when US duty rates on Chinese imports are due to rise sharply, but Ross tried to tamp down expectations to those meetings. Pak envoy says 'dialogue is indispensable' to resolving tensions between India, Pakistan Pakistan High Commissioner to India Sohail Mahmood on Thursday advocated talks and sustained engagement between the two countries to find common ground for improvement of bilateral relations.

Venezuela will close its embassy and all consulates in the United States, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/former-president-nicolas-maduros-regime-in-venezuela-is-illegitimate-pompeo-192568">President Nicolas Maduro</a> said on Thursday, one day after he broke off diplomatic relations in response to US recognition of an opposition leader as interim president.

In a speech, Maduro added that he agreed with a call by Mexico and Uruguay for dialogue between Venezuela's government and opposition for a resolution to the South American country's political crisis.

Meanwhile, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/putin-calls-venezuelas-maduro-to-show-support-kremlin-192571">Russian President Vladimir Putin</a> on Thursday called Maduro and expressed support, after several other nations recognised self-declared leader Juan Guaido, the Kremlin said.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Thursday warned Maduro against the use of force on mass demonstrations as he urged further international support for the self-declared acting president.

US ally Britain said Nicolas Maduro was "not the legitimate leader of Venezuela" and that London would support the presidential claim made by opposition leader Juan Guaido, news agency AFP reported.

(With inputs from agencies)

Venezuela will close its embassy and all consulates in the United States, President Nicolas Maduro said on Thursday, one day after he broke off diplomatic relations in response to US recognition of an opposition leader as interim president.

Venezuela will close its embassy and all consulates in the United States, President Nicolas Maduro said on Thursday, one day after he broke off diplomatic relations in response to US recognition of an opposition leader as interim president. In a speech, Maduro added that he agreed with a call by Mexico and Uruguay for dialogue between Venezuela's government and opposition for a resolution to the South American country's political crisis. Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday called Maduro and expressed support, after several other nations recognised self-declared leader Juan Guaido, the Kremlin said. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Thursday warned Maduro against the use of force on mass demonstrations as he urged further international support for the self-declared acting president. US ally Britain said Nicolas Maduro was "not the legitimate leader of Venezuela" and that London would support the presidential claim made by opposition leader Juan Guaido, news agency AFP reported. (With inputs from agencies)

Venezuela to close US embassy, consulates: Nicolas Maduro

The United States on Thursday ordered non-emergency embassy staff to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-to-close-us-embassy-consulates-maduro-192578">leave Venezuela</a> but stopped short of complying with a full expulsion demanded by Nicolas Maduro, who Washington says is no longer president.

The State Department in a notice said it had "ordered non-emergency US government employees to depart Venezuela."

"The US government has limited ability to provide emergency services to US citizens in Venezuela," it said.

Amid deadly political clashes in the crisis-torn country, the State Department said that US citizens "should strongly consider departing Venezuela."

Maduro on Wednesday gave US diplomats 72 hours to leave the country after President Donald Trump, backed by major Latin American nations, said the leftist firebrand was no longer Venezuela's legitimate president.

The United States said it was ignoring the order as it did not believe Maduro was still president and instead recognized as interim leader Juan Guaido, the opposition head of the National Assembly.

But Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in an interview Thursday that Maduro -- to whom the military leadership is still loyal -- bore responsibility for the safety of US diplomats.

"There's no higher priority for the State Department than to keep all the people in our missions safe and secure. And we've made clear to the Maduro regime that it is our expectation that they will be safe and secure," he told conservative talk show host Laura Ingraham.

"What we want to make sure that former president Maduro knows is that he doesn't have the right to make the decision about whether or not we stay there," Pompeo said.

State Department officials have not answered questions on how many US personnel remain in Venezuela.

Maduro has also shuttered US missions in the United States.

The United States on Thursday ordered non-emergency embassy staff to leave Venezuela but stopped short of complying with a full expulsion demanded by Nicolas Maduro, who Washington says is no longer president.

The United States on Thursday ordered non-emergency embassy staff to leave Venezuela but stopped short of complying with a full expulsion demanded by Nicolas Maduro, who Washington says is no longer president. The State Department in a notice said it had "ordered non-emergency US government employees to depart Venezuela." "The US government has limited ability to provide emergency services to US citizens in Venezuela," it said. Amid deadly political clashes in the crisis-torn country, the State Department said that US citizens "should strongly consider departing Venezuela." Maduro on Wednesday gave US diplomats 72 hours to leave the country after President Donald Trump, backed by major Latin American nations, said the leftist firebrand was no longer Venezuela's legitimate president. The United States said it was ignoring the order as it did not believe Maduro was still president and instead recognized as interim leader Juan Guaido, the opposition head of the National Assembly. But Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in an interview Thursday that Maduro -- to whom the military leadership is still loyal -- bore responsibility for the safety of US diplomats. "There's no higher priority for the State Department than to keep all the people in our missions safe and secure. And we've made clear to the Maduro regime that it is our expectation that they will be safe and secure," he told conservative talk show host Laura Ingraham. "What we want to make sure that former president Maduro knows is that he doesn't have the right to make the decision about whether or not we stay there," Pompeo said. State Department officials have not answered questions on how many US personnel remain in Venezuela. Maduro has also shuttered US missions in the United States.

US orders non-emergency embassy staff to leave Venezuela

More than 350 people in <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-seeks-to-cut-off-money-for-venezuelas-maduro-to-aid-opposition-192613">Venezuela </a>have been arrested this week during demonstrations against President <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-seeks-to-cut-off-money-for-venezuelas-maduro-to-aid-opposition-192613">Nicolas Maduro</a>'s government, the UN rights chief said Friday, calling for immediate talks to defuse the "increasingly incendiary atmosphere".

The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet, said her office had "reports of large-scale detention of demonstrators -- well over 350 in total (this week), including 320 on 23 January alone".

Bachelet called for a full investigation into alleged violations by the state, including summary executions.&nbsp;

Civil society groups in Venezuela have put the death toll from days of street protests at 26.&nbsp;

The rights office, citing "credible local sources," said it also had indications that at least 20 people "have died after allegedly being shot by security forces or members of pro-government armed groups during demonstrations on Tuesday and Wednesday".

Bachelet, a former president of Chile who dealt with Maduro in her previous role, called for "immediate talks to defuse the increasingly incendiary atmosphere" in Venezuela. &nbsp;

"This is, at heart a crisis of governance, and it is the responsibility of the country's leaders to put an end to this disastrous situation," Bachelet said.

Venezuela, an oil-rich but economically devastated country, was plunged into uncertainty this week when opposition leader Juan Guaido, the 35-year-old head of the National Assembly, proclaimed himself "acting president".&nbsp;

He earned swift endorsement from Washington and a dozen regional powers including Brazil, Argentina and Colombia.

Maduro's reelection last year was disputed by the opposition, and criticised internationally -- but the socialist leader has until now retained the loyalty of the powerful military.

More than 350 people in Venezuela have been arrested this week during demonstrations against President Nicolas Maduro's government, the UN rights chief said Friday, calling for immediate talks to defuse the "increasingly incendiary atmosphere".

More than 350 people in Venezuela have been arrested this week during demonstrations against President Nicolas Maduro's government, the UN rights chief said Friday, calling for immediate talks to defuse the "increasingly incendiary atmosphere". The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet, said her office had "reports of large-scale detention of demonstrators -- well over 350 in total (this week), including 320 on 23 January alone". Bachelet called for a full investigation into alleged violations by the state, including summary executions. Civil society groups in Venezuela have put the death toll from days of street protests at 26. The rights office, citing "credible local sources," said it also had indications that at least 20 people "have died after allegedly being shot by security forces or members of pro-government armed groups during demonstrations on Tuesday and Wednesday". Bachelet, a former president of Chile who dealt with Maduro in her previous role, called for "immediate talks to defuse the increasingly incendiary atmosphere" in Venezuela. "This is, at heart a crisis of governance, and it is the responsibility of the country's leaders to put an end to this disastrous situation," Bachelet said. Venezuela, an oil-rich but economically devastated country, was plunged into uncertainty this week when opposition leader Juan Guaido, the 35-year-old head of the National Assembly, proclaimed himself "acting president". He earned swift endorsement from Washington and a dozen regional powers including Brazil, Argentina and Colombia. Maduro's reelection last year was disputed by the opposition, and criticised internationally -- but the socialist leader has until now retained the loyalty of the powerful military.

More than 350 protesters detained in Venezuela this week: United Nations

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Thursday warned<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/foreign-interference-in-venezuela-path-to-lawlessness-and-bloodshed-russia-192475"> Venezuela's Nicolas Maduro</a> against use of force on mass demonstrations as he urged further international support for the self-declared acting president.

"The time for debate is done. The regime of former president Nicolas Maduro is illegitimate," Pompeo told the Organization for American States at a special meeting at its Washington headquarters.

US ally <a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/us-weighs-oil-sanctions-on-venezuela-as-it-steps-up-pressure-192379">Britain said Nicolas Maduro</a> was "not the legitimate leader of Venezuela" and that London would support the presidential claim made by opposition leader Juan Guaido.

"The United Kingdom believes Juan Guaido is the right person to take Venezuela forward. We are supporting the US, Canada, Brazil and Argentina to make that happen," Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt said in a statement.

Even as several Latin American countries denounced Maduro, Russian President expressed support for Maduro in a phone conversation.&nbsp;

European Parliament president Antonio Tajani said Nicolas Maduro must step down immediately to make way for a peaceful transition through free and fair elections. In a stronger statement than other EU leaders, who did not explicitly call for Maduro's ouster, Tajani also described Venezuela's self-declared leader Juan Guaido as Europe's only legitimate interlocutor.

"In the face of general discontent, Maduro has to go now," Tajani said in a statement.

"It is clear that the Venezuelan people are fed up with the illegitimate regime of Maduro, that did not win the presidency in free and fair elections and clings to power while imprisoning the opposition," he said.

Tajani said he spoke anew with Guaido, the president of the National Assembly who has declared himself president.

"President Juan Guaido is the only institutional interlocutor in Venezuela because he is the one who enjoys democratic legitimacy," he added.

"We are very concerned with the risks of violence and the repression of the regime in the face of massive protest marches," the Italian politician said.

"A peaceful transition of power must be prepared through free and credible elections," Tajani said.&nbsp;

He urged the EU and other world powers to help with a transition back to democracy in Venezuela.

Speaking on behalf of the 28-nation bloc, the EU's diplomatic chief Federica Mogherini said the voice of the Venezuelan people "cannot be ignored" and called for "free and credible elections."

She stopped short of calling for Maduro's ouster and endorsing Guaido.&nbsp;

The United States, Canada and major South American nations quickly backed Guaido, leaving Maduro increasingly isolated. 
&nbsp;

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Thursday warned Venezuela's Nicolas Maduro against use of force on mass demonstrations as he urged further international support for the self-declared acting president.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Thursday warned Venezuela's Nicolas Maduro against use of force on mass demonstrations as he urged further international support for the self-declared acting president. "The time for debate is done. The regime of former president Nicolas Maduro is illegitimate," Pompeo told the Organization for American States at a special meeting at its Washington headquarters. US ally Britain said Nicolas Maduro was "not the legitimate leader of Venezuela" and that London would support the presidential claim made by opposition leader Juan Guaido. "The United Kingdom believes Juan Guaido is the right person to take Venezuela forward. We are supporting the US, Canada, Brazil and Argentina to make that happen," Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt said in a statement. Even as several Latin American countries denounced Maduro, Russian President expressed support for Maduro in a phone conversation. European Parliament president Antonio Tajani said Nicolas Maduro must step down immediately to make way for a peaceful transition through free and fair elections. In a stronger statement than other EU leaders, who did not explicitly call for Maduro's ouster, Tajani also described Venezuela's self-declared leader Juan Guaido as Europe's only legitimate interlocutor. "In the face of general discontent, Maduro has to go now," Tajani said in a statement. "It is clear that the Venezuelan people are fed up with the illegitimate regime of Maduro, that did not win the presidency in free and fair elections and clings to power while imprisoning the opposition," he said. Tajani said he spoke anew with Guaido, the president of the National Assembly who has declared himself president. "President Juan Guaido is the only institutional interlocutor in Venezuela because he is the one who enjoys democratic legitimacy," he added. "We are very concerned with the risks of violence and the repression of the regime in the face of massive protest marches," the Italian politician said. "A peaceful transition of power must be prepared through free and credible elections," Tajani said. He urged the EU and other world powers to help with a transition back to democracy in Venezuela. Speaking on behalf of the 28-nation bloc, the EU's diplomatic chief Federica Mogherini said the voice of the Venezuelan people "cannot be ignored" and called for "free and credible elections." She stopped short of calling for Maduro's ouster and endorsing Guaido. The United States, Canada and major South American nations quickly backed Guaido, leaving Maduro increasingly isolated.

'Former president' Nicolas Maduro's regime in Venezuela is illegitimate: Pompeo

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday called his Venezuelan counterpart Nicolas Maduro and expressed support, after several other nations recognised self-declared leader Juan Guaido, the Kremlin said.

"The President of Russia expressed support for the legitimate authorities of Venezuela in the context of a domestic political crisis that has been provoked from the outside," it said.&nbsp;

Putin said that any intervention by other countries "violates the fundamental norms of international law," according to the statement.&nbsp;

According to the Kremlin, Maduro thanked Russia for its "principled position" on the ongoing crisis.

On Wednesday, the United States and major South American nations recognised opposition head Guaido as interim leader. The UN urged dialogue in Caracas to avoid "disaster".

The Kremlin has backed Maduro, who has been hit by US and EU sanctions, and ostracised as a dictator by Western powers for his suppression of the opposition.&nbsp;

Moscow has warned Washington against any attempts to militarily intervene in Venezuela.

Russia has extensive economic interests in Venezuela and has invested billions of dollars in its energy sector.

Last December Putin hosted Maduro as he travelled to Russia to whip up support from allies to prop up his regime and an economy in free fall.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday called his Venezuelan counterpart Nicolas Maduro and expressed support, after several other nations recognised self-declared leader Juan Guaido, the Kremlin said.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday called his Venezuelan counterpart Nicolas Maduro and expressed support, after several other nations recognised self-declared leader Juan Guaido, the Kremlin said. "The President of Russia expressed support for the legitimate authorities of Venezuela in the context of a domestic political crisis that has been provoked from the outside," it said. Putin said that any intervention by other countries "violates the fundamental norms of international law," according to the statement. According to the Kremlin, Maduro thanked Russia for its "principled position" on the ongoing crisis. On Wednesday, the United States and major South American nations recognised opposition head Guaido as interim leader. The UN urged dialogue in Caracas to avoid "disaster". The Kremlin has backed Maduro, who has been hit by US and EU sanctions, and ostracised as a dictator by Western powers for his suppression of the opposition. Moscow has warned Washington against any attempts to militarily intervene in Venezuela. Russia has extensive economic interests in Venezuela and has invested billions of dollars in its energy sector. Last December Putin hosted Maduro as he travelled to Russia to whip up support from allies to prop up his regime and an economy in free fall.

Putin calls Venezuela's Maduro to show support: Kremlin

In less than a month, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-regional-powers-recognise-maduro-opponent-as-venezuela-leader-192345">Juan </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-regional-powers-recognise-maduro-opponent-as-venezuela-leader-192345">Guaido</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-regional-powers-recognise-maduro-opponent-as-venezuela-leader-192345"> </a>has gone from a virtual unknown in Venezuelan politics to the country's most-watched figure, assuming the presidency of the opposition-controlled congress and briefly being detained by the secret police.

On Wednesday, the skinny 35-year-old from the South American country's hardscrabble Caribbean coast thrust himself onto the international stage with the boldest challenge to socialist President Nicolas Maduro's rule in years: he declared himself interim president, a move swiftly recognized by the United States, Canada and many Latin American countries.

His rapid ascent has raised hopes that he could fill a leadership vacuum in Venezuela's notoriously divided opposition, which has failed in several attempts to oust Maduro and his predecessor Hugo Chavez. Many of its most prominent figures have been jailed, exiled or barred from seeking public office.

The salsa-loving baseball fan has animated the opposition's upper-class base and won over many working-class Venezuelans fed up with the country's hyperinflationary economic collapse, who have taken to the streets demanding Maduro step down.

Yet Guaido still needs the backing of the armed forces to achieve his goal of forcing new elections.

"Today in Venezuela we are living under a dictatorship, and we need to put on enough pressure to take control," Guaido, the grandson of National Guard and Navy officers, said in an interview with Reuters this week.

He has proposed an amnesty for members of the military, but said members of the Maduro government who committed human rights violations should be punished.

"I do not intend to heal the wounds of 20 years, but nor do I intend to hide them."

Guaido took the helm of the National Assembly on January 5 with a call for the armed forces to recognize Maduro as a "usurper" after his May 2018 re-election vote, widely viewed as fraudulent.

The eldest of six children from a working-class family in the coastal state of Vargas, Guaido survived a devastating 1999 mudslide that posed one of the earliest tests to Chavez's 14-year rule.

He went on to study engineering, but became involved in politics while at university and received a master's in public administration from George Washington University in the United States. He is married with a 1-year-old daughter.

For some years, the focus of the opposition - both of Guaido and his mentor, Leopoldo Lopez, the well-known head of the Popular Will party, currently under house arrest - has been ousting Maduro from power.

Representing Vargas for Popular Will, Guaido assumed the parliament's leadership as part of a power-sharing agreement between Venezuela's main opposition parties. He has said little about what policies he would pursue as president, but Popular Will describe themselves as center-left social democrats.

Guaido was dragged out of his car on the highway and detained by intelligence agents last week, but was swiftly released. Government officials said the officers responsible would be punished.

His whereabouts on Wednesday evening were unknown.

Guaido has said he is not afraid of being arrested, boosting his popularity among Venezuelans tired with Maduro.

"I am giving Guaido my vote of confidence," said Jose Luis Galindo, a Caracas firefighter wearing a gas mask around his neck at a protest against Maduro on Wednesday.

"It is time to escape from this anarchy we have lived through for more than 20 years. I am here for my children's future, and I will stay for as long as it takes."

In less than a month, Juan Guaido has gone from a virtual unknown in Venezuelan politics to the country's most-watched figure, assuming the presidency of the opposition-controlled congress and briefly being detained by the secret police.

In less than a month, Juan Guaido has gone from a virtual unknown in Venezuelan politics to the country's most-watched figure, assuming the presidency of the opposition-controlled congress and briefly being detained by the secret police. On Wednesday, the skinny 35-year-old from the South American country's hardscrabble Caribbean coast thrust himself onto the international stage with the boldest challenge to socialist President Nicolas Maduro's rule in years: he declared himself interim president, a move swiftly recognized by the United States, Canada and many Latin American countries. His rapid ascent has raised hopes that he could fill a leadership vacuum in Venezuela's notoriously divided opposition, which has failed in several attempts to oust Maduro and his predecessor Hugo Chavez. Many of its most prominent figures have been jailed, exiled or barred from seeking public office. The salsa-loving baseball fan has animated the opposition's upper-class base and won over many working-class Venezuelans fed up with the country's hyperinflationary economic collapse, who have taken to the streets demanding Maduro step down. Yet Guaido still needs the backing of the armed forces to achieve his goal of forcing new elections. "Today in Venezuela we are living under a dictatorship, and we need to put on enough pressure to take control," Guaido, the grandson of National Guard and Navy officers, said in an interview with Reuters this week. He has proposed an amnesty for members of the military, but said members of the Maduro government who committed human rights violations should be punished. "I do not intend to heal the wounds of 20 years, but nor do I intend to hide them." Guaido took the helm of the National Assembly on January 5 with a call for the armed forces to recognize Maduro as a "usurper" after his May 2018 re-election vote, widely viewed as fraudulent. The eldest of six children from a working-class family in the coastal state of Vargas, Guaido survived a devastating 1999 mudslide that posed one of the earliest tests to Chavez's 14-year rule. He went on to study engineering, but became involved in politics while at university and received a master's in public administration from George Washington University in the United States. He is married with a 1-year-old daughter. For some years, the focus of the opposition - both of Guaido and his mentor, Leopoldo Lopez, the well-known head of the Popular Will party, currently under house arrest - has been ousting Maduro from power. Representing Vargas for Popular Will, Guaido assumed the parliament's leadership as part of a power-sharing agreement between Venezuela's main opposition parties. He has said little about what policies he would pursue as president, but Popular Will describe themselves as center-left social democrats. Guaido was dragged out of his car on the highway and detained by intelligence agents last week, but was swiftly released. Government officials said the officers responsible would be punished. His whereabouts on Wednesday evening were unknown. Guaido has said he is not afraid of being arrested, boosting his popularity among Venezuelans tired with Maduro. "I am giving Guaido my vote of confidence," said Jose Luis Galindo, a Caracas firefighter wearing a gas mask around his neck at a protest against Maduro on Wednesday. "It is time to escape from this anarchy we have lived through for more than 20 years. I am here for my children's future, and I will stay for as long as it takes."

In a month, Venezuela's Guaido emerged from obscurity to challenge Maduro

The United States and major South American nations recognised Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido as interim leader Wednesday while the EU called for free elections to restore democracy, leaving <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/maduro-lacks-authority-to-snap-ties-expel-diplomats-us-192341">President Nicolas Maduro</a> increasingly isolated.

Major regional players Brazil, Colombia, Chile, Peru and Argentina all gave their backing to Guaido's self-proclamation as acting president, which he made in front of crowd of tens of thousands of supporters in the capital Caracas.

Cuba, however, sprang to the defence of its socialist ally, expressing "solidarity" with Maduro while Mexico extended lukewarm support to him.

The avalanche of support for Guaido dramatically raised the stakes in Venezuela, an oil-rich nation that has become deeply impoverished under Maduro.

Maduro has clung to power through the support of the Venezuelan military, and he is an ally of Russia, which last month sent two nuclear-capable bombers to the country to participate in a military drill.

Just minutes after Guaido's declaration, US President Donald Trump recognised him as interim leader, and declared his National Assembly was "the only legitimate branch of government duly elected by the Venezuelan people".

"The people of Venezuela have courageously spoken out against Maduro and his regime and demanded freedom and the rule of law," Trump said.

The US said it stood ready to use "all options" if Maduro tries to quash the opposition, in what was an implied threat of military force.

Maduro responded by saying he was cutting off diplomatic ties with Washington, as his riot police clashed with opposition supporters in Caracas.

"Get Out! Leave Venezuela. Here we have dignity, damn it," Maduro said, giving US diplomats 72 hours to depart.

But Guaido tweeted in response that, under him, Venezuela wants countries "to maintain their diplomatic presence in our country".

And the US State Department said "former president Maduro" did not have the authority to sever relations.

Broadening support

Tweeting from the Swiss ski resort of Davos, where he and other leaders were attending the World Economic Forum, Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro said: "Brazil recognises Mr. Juan Guaido as Venezuela's interim president."

He added that "Brazil will support politically and economically the process of transition so that democracy and social peace return to Venezuela".

Bolsonaro, a far-right former paratrooper who has set about forging close ties with the Trump administration since taking power at the beginning of January, has repeatedly vowed to challenge Maduro in any way he can.

He initially said he was open to discussing Brazil hosting a US military base, before changing his mind when the idea sparked objections from his military brass.

Colombian President Ivan Duque, another US ally also at Davos, told reporters his country was behind Guaido and will "accompany this process of transition to democracy so that the Venezuelan people free themselves of their dictatorship".

Canadian Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland expressed her country's "full support" for Guaido, adding: "It's an important day for Venezuela and I'm grateful for the solidarity of the Lima Group in speaking out on this."

Eleven members of the 14-nation Lima Group -- Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, Panama, Paraguay and Peru -- later issued a joint statement endorsing Guaido as interim president.

The three holdouts included Mexico, which has maintained a principle of non-intervention under leftist President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, as well as Guyana and Saint Lucia.

The United States is not a member but supports the group, which has taken an increasingly strident stance against Maduro, whom it sees as anti-democratic.&nbsp;

The European Union did not join the countries lining up behind Guaido but called for "free and credible elections".

"The EU strongly calls for the start of an immediate political process leading to free and credible elections, in conformity with the constitutional order," the bloc's diplomatic chief Federica Mogherini said in a statement.

The bloc and its member states "remain ready to support the restoration of democracy and rule of law in Venezuela through a credible peaceful political process in line with the Venezuelan constitution", she added.

And EU Council President Donald Tusk tweeted that "I hope that all of Europe will unite in support of democratic forces in Venezuela".

He added: "Unlike Maduro, the parliamentary assembly, including Juan Guaido have a democratic mandate from Venezuelan citizens."

The United States and major South American nations recognised Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido as interim leader Wednesday while the EU called for free elections to restore democracy, leaving President Nicolas Maduro increasingly isolated.

The United States and major South American nations recognised Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido as interim leader Wednesday while the EU called for free elections to restore democracy, leaving President Nicolas Maduro increasingly isolated. Major regional players Brazil, Colombia, Chile, Peru and Argentina all gave their backing to Guaido's self-proclamation as acting president, which he made in front of crowd of tens of thousands of supporters in the capital Caracas. Cuba, however, sprang to the defence of its socialist ally, expressing "solidarity" with Maduro while Mexico extended lukewarm support to him. The avalanche of support for Guaido dramatically raised the stakes in Venezuela, an oil-rich nation that has become deeply impoverished under Maduro. Maduro has clung to power through the support of the Venezuelan military, and he is an ally of Russia, which last month sent two nuclear-capable bombers to the country to participate in a military drill. Just minutes after Guaido's declaration, US President Donald Trump recognised him as interim leader, and declared his National Assembly was "the only legitimate branch of government duly elected by the Venezuelan people". "The people of Venezuela have courageously spoken out against Maduro and his regime and demanded freedom and the rule of law," Trump said. The US said it stood ready to use "all options" if Maduro tries to quash the opposition, in what was an implied threat of military force. Maduro responded by saying he was cutting off diplomatic ties with Washington, as his riot police clashed with opposition supporters in Caracas. "Get Out! Leave Venezuela. Here we have dignity, damn it," Maduro said, giving US diplomats 72 hours to depart. But Guaido tweeted in response that, under him, Venezuela wants countries "to maintain their diplomatic presence in our country". And the US State Department said "former president Maduro" did not have the authority to sever relations. Broadening support Tweeting from the Swiss ski resort of Davos, where he and other leaders were attending the World Economic Forum, Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro said: "Brazil recognises Mr. Juan Guaido as Venezuela's interim president." He added that "Brazil will support politically and economically the process of transition so that democracy and social peace return to Venezuela". Bolsonaro, a far-right former paratrooper who has set about forging close ties with the Trump administration since taking power at the beginning of January, has repeatedly vowed to challenge Maduro in any way he can. He initially said he was open to discussing Brazil hosting a US military base, before changing his mind when the idea sparked objections from his military brass. Colombian President Ivan Duque, another US ally also at Davos, told reporters his country was behind Guaido and will "accompany this process of transition to democracy so that the Venezuelan people free themselves of their dictatorship". Canadian Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland expressed her country's "full support" for Guaido, adding: "It's an important day for Venezuela and I'm grateful for the solidarity of the Lima Group in speaking out on this." Eleven members of the 14-nation Lima Group -- Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, Panama, Paraguay and Peru -- later issued a joint statement endorsing Guaido as interim president. The three holdouts included Mexico, which has maintained a principle of non-intervention under leftist President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, as well as Guyana and Saint Lucia. The United States is not a member but supports the group, which has taken an increasingly strident stance against Maduro, whom it sees as anti-democratic. The European Union did not join the countries lining up behind Guaido but called for "free and credible elections". "The EU strongly calls for the start of an immediate political process leading to free and credible elections, in conformity with the constitutional order," the bloc's diplomatic chief Federica Mogherini said in a statement. The bloc and its member states "remain ready to support the restoration of democracy and rule of law in Venezuela through a credible peaceful political process in line with the Venezuelan constitution", she added. And EU Council President Donald Tusk tweeted that "I hope that all of Europe will unite in support of democratic forces in Venezuela". He added: "Unlike Maduro, the parliamentary assembly, including Juan Guaido have a democratic mandate from Venezuelan citizens."

US, regional powers say they recognise President Maduro's opponent as leader of Venezuela

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-regional-powers-recognise-maduro-opponent-as-venezuela-leader-192345">US, regional powers say they recognise Maduro's opponent as leader of Venezuela</a>

The United States and major South American nations recognised Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido as interim leader Wednesday while the EU called for free elections to restore democracy, leaving President Nicolas Maduro increasingly isolated.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/house-speaker-pelosi-says-trump-cannot-give-state-of-union-speech-until-he-ends-govt-shutdown-192338">Trump forced to 'cancel' State of Union speech</a>

US President Donald Trump intensified his war of words with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi Wednesday after she effectively blocked him from delivering his annual address in Congress during the government shutdown, now in its 33rd day.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/piyush-goyal-may-present-budget-as-he-gets-additional-charge-of-finance-ministry-192343">Piyush Goyal likely to present Interim Budget after he gets additional charge of Finance Ministry</a>

Piyush Goyal is likely to present the interim Budget on February 1 as he was Wednesday given the additional charge of finance ministry as Arun Jaitley is in the US for medical treatment, sources said.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/kim-expresses-great-satisfaction-over-trump-letter-state-media-192335">North Korea's Kim says he 'believes in' Trump ahead of </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/kim-expresses-great-satisfaction-over-trump-letter-state-media-192335">second</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/kim-expresses-great-satisfaction-over-trump-letter-state-media-192335"> summit: State media</a>

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un spoke highly of US President Donald Trump, state media said on Thursday, and expressed satisfaction over the results of talks between officials from both countries about a second summit between Kim and Trump.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/maduro-lacks-authority-to-snap-ties-expel-diplomats-us-192341">Maduro gives American diplomats 72 hours to leave, </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/maduro-lacks-authority-to-snap-ties-expel-diplomats-us-192341">US</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/maduro-lacks-authority-to-snap-ties-expel-diplomats-us-192341"> says he doesn't have the authority</a>

Venezuela's Nicolas Maduro has no authority to sever relations with the United States, the State Department said Wednesday, hitting back after the leftist leader gave American diplomats 72 hours to leave the country.

US, regional powers say they recognise Maduro's opponent as leader of Venezuela The United States and major South American nations recognised Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido as interim leader Wednesday while the EU called for free elections to restore democracy, leaving President Nicolas Maduro increasingly isolated.

US, regional powers say they recognise Maduro's opponent as leader of Venezuela The United States and major South American nations recognised Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido as interim leader Wednesday while the EU called for free elections to restore democracy, leaving President Nicolas Maduro increasingly isolated. Trump forced to 'cancel' State of Union speech US President Donald Trump intensified his war of words with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi Wednesday after she effectively blocked him from delivering his annual address in Congress during the government shutdown, now in its 33rd day. Piyush Goyal likely to present Interim Budget after he gets additional charge of Finance Ministry Piyush Goyal is likely to present the interim Budget on February 1 as he was Wednesday given the additional charge of finance ministry as Arun Jaitley is in the US for medical treatment, sources said. North Korea's Kim says he 'believes in' Trump ahead of second summit: State media North Korean leader Kim Jong Un spoke highly of US President Donald Trump, state media said on Thursday, and expressed satisfaction over the results of talks between officials from both countries about a second summit between Kim and Trump. Maduro gives American diplomats 72 hours to leave, US says he doesn't have the authority Venezuela's Nicolas Maduro has no authority to sever relations with the United States, the State Department said Wednesday, hitting back after the leftist leader gave American diplomats 72 hours to leave the country.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/maduro-lacks-authority-to-snap-ties-expel-diplomats-us-192341">US Vice President Mike Pence</a> issued a message of support to Venezuelans opposing the government on Wednesday promising support for Juan Guaido and branding <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-regional-powers-recognise-maduro-opponent-as-venezuela-leader-192345">Nicolas Maduro</a> a "dictator with no legitimate claim to power."

The opposition has been energized by Guaido, the new leader of Congress, and by a harsh international reception of Maduro's second term, widely condemned as illegitimate.

"We hope that Nicolas Maduro will accept a peaceful transition of power in Venezuela, that he will accept the will of the people to move his country forward and embrace their new president, Juan Guaido," Pence said during an interview on the Fox Business Network.

Maduro, who was inaugurated on January 10 following a 2018 election widely viewed as a sham, has presided over Venezuela's spiral into its worst-ever economic crisis.

Pence has largely taken the lead within US President Donald Trump's administration in condemning Maduro.

The United States and major South American nations recognised Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido as interim leader Wednesday while the EU called for free elections to restore democracy, leaving President Nicolas Maduro increasingly isolated.

US Vice President Mike Pence issued a message of support to Venezuelans opposing the government on Wednesday promising support for Juan Guaido and branding Nicolas Maduro a "dictator with no legitimate claim to power.

US Vice President Mike Pence issued a message of support to Venezuelans opposing the government on Wednesday promising support for Juan Guaido and branding Nicolas Maduro a "dictator with no legitimate claim to power." The opposition has been energized by Guaido, the new leader of Congress, and by a harsh international reception of Maduro's second term, widely condemned as illegitimate. "We hope that Nicolas Maduro will accept a peaceful transition of power in Venezuela, that he will accept the will of the people to move his country forward and embrace their new president, Juan Guaido," Pence said during an interview on the Fox Business Network. Maduro, who was inaugurated on January 10 following a 2018 election widely viewed as a sham, has presided over Venezuela's spiral into its worst-ever economic crisis. Pence has largely taken the lead within US President Donald Trump's administration in condemning Maduro. The United States and major South American nations recognised Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido as interim leader Wednesday while the EU called for free elections to restore democracy, leaving President Nicolas Maduro increasingly isolated.

'We hope Maduro will accept a peaceful transition of power': US VP Pence

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/13-dead-in-two-days-of-venezuela-unrest-rights-group-192340">Venezuela's Nicolas Maduro</a> has no authority to sever relations with the United States, the State Department said Wednesday, hitting back after the leftist leader gave American diplomats 72 hours to leave the country.

"The United States does not recognize the Maduro regime as the government of Venezuela," a statement said.

"Accordingly the United States does not consider former president Nicolas Maduro to have the legal authority to break diplomatic relations with the United States or to declare our diplomats persona non grata."

The statement added that Washington, which backed opposition-led legislature head Juan Guaido's decision to proclaim himself "acting president," welcomed the new leader's decision to maintain diplomatic relations with all countries.&nbsp;

"The United States stands with interim President Juan Guaido, the democratically elected National Assembly, and the people of Venezuela as they peacefully restore constitutional order to their country. &nbsp;

"We stand ready to support interim President Guaido as he establishes a transitional government and carries out his constitutional duties as interim President, including determining the status of diplomatic representatives in the United States and other countries."

It closed with a call for the Venezuelan military, whose support is crucial for Maduro to maintain his hold on power, "to continue protecting the welfare and well-being of all Venezuelan citizens, as well as US and other foreign citizens in Venezuela."

"The United States will take appropriate actions to hold accountable anyone who endangers the safety and security of our mission and its personnel," the statement warned.

Venezuela's Nicolas Maduro has no authority to sever relations with the United States, the State Department said Wednesday, hitting back after the leftist leader gave American diplomats 72 hours to leave the country.

Venezuela's Nicolas Maduro has no authority to sever relations with the United States, the State Department said Wednesday, hitting back after the leftist leader gave American diplomats 72 hours to leave the country. "The United States does not recognize the Maduro regime as the government of Venezuela," a statement said. "Accordingly the United States does not consider former president Nicolas Maduro to have the legal authority to break diplomatic relations with the United States or to declare our diplomats persona non grata." The statement added that Washington, which backed opposition-led legislature head Juan Guaido's decision to proclaim himself "acting president," welcomed the new leader's decision to maintain diplomatic relations with all countries. "The United States stands with interim President Juan Guaido, the democratically elected National Assembly, and the people of Venezuela as they peacefully restore constitutional order to their country. "We stand ready to support interim President Guaido as he establishes a transitional government and carries out his constitutional duties as interim President, including determining the status of diplomatic representatives in the United States and other countries." It closed with a call for the Venezuelan military, whose support is crucial for Maduro to maintain his hold on power, "to continue protecting the welfare and well-being of all Venezuelan citizens, as well as US and other foreign citizens in Venezuela." "The United States will take appropriate actions to hold accountable anyone who endangers the safety and security of our mission and its personnel," the statement warned.

Maduro gives American diplomats 72 hours to leave, US says he doesn't have the authority

Thirteen people have died during two days of unrest in <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/hola-im-mike-pence-us-vp-delivers-message-of-support-to-venezuelans-192101">Venezuela amid protests </a>against leftist leader Nicolas Maduro, a Caracas-based rights group reported Wednesday.

The deaths, mostly from gunshot wounds, were recorded in the capital and across the country, along with reports of looting in Brazilian border state Bolivar, the Venezuelan Observatory of Social Conflict told AFP.

Unrest first kicked off on Monday when 27 soldiers rose up against Maduro at a command post in Caracas, calling upon people to "take to the streets" in a video circulated on social media.

But the most fierce began Tuesday night in Caracas and Bolivar -- continuing Wednesday throughout Venezuela on a day of huge opposition-backed demonstrations against Maduro.

In Bolivar's San Felix, demonstrators burned a statue of former president Hugo Chavez late Tuesday night.

On Wednesday, anti-riot police confronted protesters in east Caracas following the march called for by opposition leader Juan Guaido, who declared himself Venezuela's interim president as part of his aim to remove Maduro.

Chaos erupted when dozens of young people, some hooded, blocked a key route through the wealthy Altamira neighbourhood -- only for military personnel to fire tear gasses and rubber bullets, which were, in turn, met with stones from protesters.

Apart from the capital Caracas, deaths were reported in Tachira, Barinas, Portuguesa, Amazonas and Bolivar states.

Wednesday's demonstration, meanwhile, marked the first significant clash between the government and the opposition in the streets after violent protests left 125 people dead between April and July 2017.

Juan Guaido -- the opposition-led legislature head who declared himself "acting president" -- called for the protests two weeks ago.&nbsp;

His aim is to remove Maduro, set up a transitional government and hold elections.

He accuses Maduro of being a usurper following his disputed re-election in a poll dismissed as a fraud by the European Union, the US and OAS.

Thirteen people have died during two days of unrest in Venezuela amid protests against leftist leader Nicolas Maduro, a Caracas-based rights group reported Wednesday.

Thirteen people have died during two days of unrest in Venezuela amid protests against leftist leader Nicolas Maduro, a Caracas-based rights group reported Wednesday. The deaths, mostly from gunshot wounds, were recorded in the capital and across the country, along with reports of looting in Brazilian border state Bolivar, the Venezuelan Observatory of Social Conflict told AFP. Unrest first kicked off on Monday when 27 soldiers rose up against Maduro at a command post in Caracas, calling upon people to "take to the streets" in a video circulated on social media. But the most fierce began Tuesday night in Caracas and Bolivar -- continuing Wednesday throughout Venezuela on a day of huge opposition-backed demonstrations against Maduro. In Bolivar's San Felix, demonstrators burned a statue of former president Hugo Chavez late Tuesday night. On Wednesday, anti-riot police confronted protesters in east Caracas following the march called for by opposition leader Juan Guaido, who declared himself Venezuela's interim president as part of his aim to remove Maduro. Chaos erupted when dozens of young people, some hooded, blocked a key route through the wealthy Altamira neighbourhood -- only for military personnel to fire tear gasses and rubber bullets, which were, in turn, met with stones from protesters. Apart from the capital Caracas, deaths were reported in Tachira, Barinas, Portuguesa, Amazonas and Bolivar states. Wednesday's demonstration, meanwhile, marked the first significant clash between the government and the opposition in the streets after violent protests left 125 people dead between April and July 2017. Juan Guaido -- the opposition-led legislature head who declared himself "acting president" -- called for the protests two weeks ago. His aim is to remove Maduro, set up a transitional government and hold elections. He accuses Maduro of being a usurper following his disputed re-election in a poll dismissed as a fraud by the European Union, the US and OAS.

13 dead in two days of Venezuela unrest: Rights group

The Russian government said today that "foreign interference in Venezuela was path to lawlessness and bloodshed" after four people died in <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-regional-powers-recognise-maduro-opponent-as-venezuela-leader-192345">clashes in Caracas</a> to protest against President Nicolas Maduro regime.

Trouble erupted for Maduro after <a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/us-weighs-oil-sanctions-on-venezuela-as-it-steps-up-pressure-192379">President Trump formally recognised</a> opposition leader Juan Guaido as interim president of Venezuela leading Maduro to sever ties with the US. The move was backed by Brazil, Columbia including US ally Canada.

"This is a direct path to lawlessness and bloodshed," the Russian foreign ministry said in a statement.&nbsp;

Protests also broke out in Dominican Republic and Argentina as people protested against Maduro. Other Latin American countries Chile, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guatemala, Honduras, Panama, Paraguay and Peru came out in support of Guaido.

In a statement, Trump said the United States would continue to use economic and diplomatic power to press for "the restoration of Venezuelan democracy."

As events began to turn, in a televised speech, Maduro accused the opposition of seeking to stage a coup with the support of the United States. As the crisis escalated, people took to the streets in the Venezuelan capital.

Juan Guaido declared himself "interim president" amid the confusion.

President Maduro was elected last year with 67.84 per cent votes, and he took over the reins on January 10th but the election result was viewed with suspicion by several people in the country and abroad.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the United States would cooperate with other members of the international community to deal with the situation in Venezuela.

The Russian government said today that "foreign interference in Venezuela was path to lawlessness and bloodshed" after four people died in clashes in Caracas to protest against President Nicolas Maduro regime.

The Russian government said today that "foreign interference in Venezuela was path to lawlessness and bloodshed" after four people died in clashes in Caracas to protest against President Nicolas Maduro regime. Trouble erupted for Maduro after President Trump formally recognised opposition leader Juan Guaido as interim president of Venezuela leading Maduro to sever ties with the US. The move was backed by Brazil, Columbia including US ally Canada. "This is a direct path to lawlessness and bloodshed," the Russian foreign ministry said in a statement. Protests also broke out in Dominican Republic and Argentina as people protested against Maduro. Other Latin American countries Chile, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guatemala, Honduras, Panama, Paraguay and Peru came out in support of Guaido. In a statement, Trump said the United States would continue to use economic and diplomatic power to press for "the restoration of Venezuelan democracy." As events began to turn, in a televised speech, Maduro accused the opposition of seeking to stage a coup with the support of the United States. As the crisis escalated, people took to the streets in the Venezuelan capital. Juan Guaido declared himself "interim president" amid the confusion. President Maduro was elected last year with 67.84 per cent votes, and he took over the reins on January 10th but the election result was viewed with suspicion by several people in the country and abroad. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the United States would cooperate with other members of the international community to deal with the situation in Venezuela.

Foreign interference in Venezuela path to lawlessness and bloodshed: Russia

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