Venezuela&#39;s National Electoral Council (CNE) will announce the dates for the final stages in the referendum process today, AFP news agency reported. 
 
The Democratic Unity Roundtable (MUD) is pushing for the referendum to evict President Nicolas Maduro and they need four million signatures in three days to do so. 
 
The CNE had postponed the announcement which was to be held on wednesday. 
 
Meanwhile, the opposition is maintaining pressure by calling for nationwide protests. The protests have been taking place in a backdrop of Non-Aligned summit, food shortages and riots.&nbsp; 
 
The CNE was considering late October to hold the three-day petition drive. However, the opposition said it was too late and accused them of stalling the process. 
 
The center-right coalition is trying for a force vote by January 10, the deadline for new elections.&nbsp; 
 
Once the deadline passes and Maduro loses, he will simply transfer power to his hand-picked vice president to complete his remaining term. 
 
The CNE will have just one month to verify all the votes, if the opposition is able to get the required signatures, then three months to organise the referendum.&nbsp; 
 
If the petition is held in late October, the referendum will only be able to take place by March 2017 which may be too late for the country. 
 
Political analysts warn this could cause violence to erupt. 
 
According to the polling firm Datanalisis, 80 per cent of Venezuelans want a different government. Venezuelans are facing severe economic crisis with inflation set to top 700 per cent, according to IMF. 
 
(WION with inputs from AFP) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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The Democratic Unity Roundtable needs four million signatures in three days to start the process of the referendum

Venezuela's National Electoral Council (CNE) will announce the dates for the final stages in the referendum process today, AFP news agency reported. The Democratic Unity Roundtable (MUD) is pushing for the referendum to evict President Nicolas Maduro and they need four million signatures in three days to do so. The CNE had postponed the announcement which was to be held on wednesday. Meanwhile, the opposition is maintaining pressure by calling for nationwide protests. The protests have been taking place in a backdrop of Non-Aligned summit, food shortages and riots. The CNE was considering late October to hold the three-day petition drive. However, the opposition said it was too late and accused them of stalling the process. The center-right coalition is trying for a force vote by January 10, the deadline for new elections. Once the deadline passes and Maduro loses, he will simply transfer power to his hand-picked vice president to complete his remaining term. The CNE will have just one month to verify all the votes, if the opposition is able to get the required signatures, then three months to organise the referendum. If the petition is held in late October, the referendum will only be able to take place by March 2017 which may be too late for the country. Political analysts warn this could cause violence to erupt. According to the polling firm Datanalisis, 80 per cent of Venezuelans want a different government. Venezuelans are facing severe economic crisis with inflation set to top 700 per cent, according to IMF. (WION with inputs from AFP)

Venezuela enters endgame of anti-Maduro referendum

Thousands of Venezuelans staged rival demonstrations on Wednesday for and against President Nicolas Maduro in a new test of strength as the opposition pushes for a vote on driving him from power. 
 
A week after a mass protest in the capital Caracas, Maduro opponents rallied near offices of the electoral authorities nationwide, demanding a recall referendum in the crisis-stricken country by the end of the year. 
 
The leftist leader&#39;s supporters held rallies of their own nearby, but the rival demos -- far smaller than last week&#39;s -- went off with no reports of major clashes. 
 
Oil giant Venezuela&#39;s once-booming economy has gone into meltdown as crude prices have crashed since mid-2014. 
 
Outrage is mounting over shortages of food and medicine, threatening Maduro and the socialist &quot;revolution&quot; his late predecessor, Hugo Chavez, launched in 1999. 
 
&quot;We have to do something. Voting and peaceful protest are the only weapons we have,&quot; said Rosmina Castillo, 52, demonstrating against Maduro in the town of Los Teques, just southwest of the capital. 
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She was among a crowd of some 1,500 opposition protesters who gathered a block away from roughly the same number of Maduro supporters. A metal barrier and lines of police kept them apart. 
 
&quot;We&#39;re here defending the revolution against an attack by this unpatriotic right,&quot; said state oil company employee Alexander Rangel at a pro-government demo in Caracas. 
 
The protests&#39; target, the electoral authorities&#39; 24 regional offices, were closed and tightly guarded by police. 
 
&nbsp;&#39;Coup-mongering&#39;&nbsp; 
 
Maduro accuses his opponents of plotting protest violence in a bid to oust him. 
 
&quot;No one will bring fascist violence to Venezuela, nor coup-mongering, nor hate,&quot; he told a crowd of supporters on Wednesday. 
 
The center-right opposition, for its part, accuses the government of waging an authoritarian crackdown. 
 
Dozens of protesters were arrested in the aftermath of last Thursday&#39;s rally, human rights groups say. 
 
The opposition says around one million people flooded the streets of Caracas that day, the biggest protest in decades. Maduro put the turnout at a maximum of 30,000 people. 
 
But the massive crowds, dressed in white and venting months of pent-up anger, gave the opposition new momentum. 
 
&quot;The opposition&#39;s roadmap is to try to keep people participating,&quot; political analyst Luis Vicente Leon said. &quot;The challenge is to stay active and peaceful in the street while pushing a referendum.&quot; 
 
War of words&nbsp; 
 
Long lines and bare supermarket shelves have become the norm in Venezuela, where inflation is forecast to top 700 per cent this year. 
 
Outbreaks of looting have erupted and violent crime is festering. 
 
Maduro blames the crisis on an &quot;economic war&quot; by Venezuelan elites backed by &quot;American imperialism.&quot; 
 
Although the opposition has won control of the legislature, it has been hamstrung by a Supreme Court it condemns as loyal to Maduro.
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If Maduro loses a recall vote before January 10 -- as opinion polls predict he would -- it would trigger new elections. After that date, he would simply hand power to his hand-picked vice president. 
 
Maduro&#39;s number two, Diosdado Cabello, vowed there was &quot;no chance&quot; of the recall referendum taking place this year. 
 
&quot;We demand the constitution be respected. We have the right to a referendum,&quot; fired back Jesus Torrealba, spokesman for the opposition Democratic Unity Roundtable (MUD). 
 
Cracks in Maduro camp&nbsp; 
 
In the next stage of the referendum process, the opposition must gather four million signatures within three days. 
 
The electoral authorities are due to announce the dates for that petition next Tuesday. 
 
The opposition has called for a full 24 hours of protests the following day. 
 
&quot;They are pushing the people&#39;s patience,&quot; senior opposition figure Henrique Capriles said of Maduro&#39;s side. 
 
&quot;What will happen if they keep pushing? A social explosion.&quot; 
 
Maduro meanwhile faces growing pressure within his own camp. 
 
Former Chavez minister Ana Elisa Osorio, once a steadfast ally, told AFP this week that recent events show Maduro is &quot;not up to the job.&quot; 
 
Crucially, however, the embattled president has so far maintained the backing of the security forces. 
 
Seeking to contain the crisis, he has given the army vast powers over food distribution, and on Wednesday announced a new $25-million spending program for arms and equipment for the national police force. 
 
(AFP)

President Nicholas Maduro has accused his opponents of plotting protest violence in a bid to oust him

Thousands of Venezuelans staged rival demonstrations on Wednesday for and against President Nicolas Maduro in a new test of strength as the opposition pushes for a vote on driving him from power. A week after a mass protest in the capital Caracas, Maduro opponents rallied near offices of the electoral authorities nationwide, demanding a recall referendum in the crisis-stricken country by the end of the year. The leftist leader's supporters held rallies of their own nearby, but the rival demos -- far smaller than last week's -- went off with no reports of major clashes. Oil giant Venezuela's once-booming economy has gone into meltdown as crude prices have crashed since mid-2014. Outrage is mounting over shortages of food and medicine, threatening Maduro and the socialist "revolution" his late predecessor, Hugo Chavez, launched in 1999. "We have to do something. Voting and peaceful protest are the only weapons we have," said Rosmina Castillo, 52, demonstrating against Maduro in the town of Los Teques, just southwest of the capital. Outrage is mounting over shortages of food and medicine, threatening Maduro and the socialist "revolution" his late predecessor, Hugo Chavez, launched in 1999. She was among a crowd of some 1,500 opposition protesters who gathered a block away from roughly the same number of Maduro supporters. A metal barrier and lines of police kept them apart. "We're here defending the revolution against an attack by this unpatriotic right," said state oil company employee Alexander Rangel at a pro-government demo in Caracas. The protests' target, the electoral authorities' 24 regional offices, were closed and tightly guarded by police. 'Coup-mongering' Maduro accuses his opponents of plotting protest violence in a bid to oust him. "No one will bring fascist violence to Venezuela, nor coup-mongering, nor hate," he told a crowd of supporters on Wednesday. The center-right opposition, for its part, accuses the government of waging an authoritarian crackdown. Dozens of protesters were arrested in the aftermath of last Thursday's rally, human rights groups say. The opposition says around one million people flooded the streets of Caracas that day, the biggest protest in decades. Maduro put the turnout at a maximum of 30,000 people. But the massive crowds, dressed in white and venting months of pent-up anger, gave the opposition new momentum. "The opposition's roadmap is to try to keep people participating," political analyst Luis Vicente Leon said. "The challenge is to stay active and peaceful in the street while pushing a referendum." War of words Long lines and bare supermarket shelves have become the norm in Venezuela, where inflation is forecast to top 700 per cent this year. Outbreaks of looting have erupted and violent crime is festering. Maduro blames the crisis on an "economic war" by Venezuelan elites backed by "American imperialism." Although the opposition has won control of the legislature, it has been hamstrung by a Supreme Court it condemns as loyal to Maduro. Although the opposition has won control of the legislature, it has been hamstrung by a Supreme Court it condemns as loyal to Maduro. If Maduro loses a recall vote before January 10 -- as opinion polls predict he would -- it would trigger new elections. After that date, he would simply hand power to his hand-picked vice president. Maduro's number two, Diosdado Cabello, vowed there was "no chance" of the recall referendum taking place this year. "We demand the constitution be respected. We have the right to a referendum," fired back Jesus Torrealba, spokesman for the opposition Democratic Unity Roundtable (MUD). Cracks in Maduro camp In the next stage of the referendum process, the opposition must gather four million signatures within three days. The electoral authorities are due to announce the dates for that petition next Tuesday. The opposition has called for a full 24 hours of protests the following day. "They are pushing the people's patience," senior opposition figure Henrique Capriles said of Maduro's side. "What will happen if they keep pushing? A social explosion." Maduro meanwhile faces growing pressure within his own camp. Former Chavez minister Ana Elisa Osorio, once a steadfast ally, told AFP this week that recent events show Maduro is "not up to the job." Crucially, however, the embattled president has so far maintained the backing of the security forces. Seeking to contain the crisis, he has given the army vast powers over food distribution, and on Wednesday announced a new $25-million spending program for arms and equipment for the national police force. (AFP)

Venezuelans demand referendum, Maduro hard-pressed

The Venezuelan government yesterday asked electoral authorities to declare illegal the opposition coalition seeking to oust President Nicolas Maduro via a recall vote, accusing them of committing massive fraud. 
 
&quot;We have just asked for the cancellation of the registration of the Democratic Unity Roundtable, for being involved in the worst vote fraud in the country&#39;s history,&quot; said Jorge Rodriguez, Maduro&#39;s designated aide to monitor the recall vote process. 
 
Yesterday was the final day for the National Electoral Council (CNE) to rule on the validity of an initial batch of 200,000 signatures needed to move on to the next stage of the long and winding recall process. 
 
Rodriguez accused the opposition of using the names of thousands of dead people, convicts and minors in its petition. 
 
&quot;Now the CNE will have to have their legal office gather all the facts, which they themselves are aware of,&quot; he told a press conference.&nbsp;&quot;Then the CNE&#39;s directors will consider our request.&quot; 
 
Maduro&#39;s allies had already filed a series of court cases alleging fraud in the recall drive.&nbsp;The opposition denies the charge, accusing the government of stalling. 
 
Maduro&#39;s opponents are racing to complete the lengthy procedures to force a recall vote by January 10, the cutoff to trigger new elections. 
 
After that date - four years into the president&#39;s six-year term - a successful recall vote would simply transfer power to Maduro&#39;s hand-picked vice president. 
 
Venezuela has spiraled into crisis as global prices for its main export, oil, have collapsed.&nbsp;The economy is set to contract eight per cent this year, its third year of recession, a UN panel forecast yesterday. 
 
Food shortages, hyperinflation and mounting chaos are fueling growing discontent with Maduro. 
 
A recent poll found 64 per cent of Venezuelans would vote to remove him in a referendum. 
 
(AFP)

Maduro govt said the opposition used names of thousands of dead people, minors and convicts in its petition

The Venezuelan government yesterday asked electoral authorities to declare illegal the opposition coalition seeking to oust President Nicolas Maduro via a recall vote, accusing them of committing massive fraud. "We have just asked for the cancellation of the registration of the Democratic Unity Roundtable, for being involved in the worst vote fraud in the country's history," said Jorge Rodriguez, Maduro's designated aide to monitor the recall vote process. Yesterday was the final day for the National Electoral Council (CNE) to rule on the validity of an initial batch of 200,000 signatures needed to move on to the next stage of the long and winding recall process. Rodriguez accused the opposition of using the names of thousands of dead people, convicts and minors in its petition. "Now the CNE will have to have their legal office gather all the facts, which they themselves are aware of," he told a press conference. "Then the CNE's directors will consider our request." Maduro's allies had already filed a series of court cases alleging fraud in the recall drive. The opposition denies the charge, accusing the government of stalling. Maduro's opponents are racing to complete the lengthy procedures to force a recall vote by January 10, the cutoff to trigger new elections. After that date - four years into the president's six-year term - a successful recall vote would simply transfer power to Maduro's hand-picked vice president. Venezuela has spiraled into crisis as global prices for its main export, oil, have collapsed. The economy is set to contract eight per cent this year, its third year of recession, a UN panel forecast yesterday. Food shortages, hyperinflation and mounting chaos are fueling growing discontent with Maduro. A recent poll found 64 per cent of Venezuelans would vote to remove him in a referendum. (AFP)

Venezuela govt seeks to ban opposition over recall 'fraud'

The Inter-American Commission for Human Rights (IACHR) on Friday decried the dire shortages of food and medicine in Venezuela, calling on officials in Caracas to undertake &quot;urgent measures&quot; to try to stem the crisis. 
 
The Washington DC-based group &quot;regrets the urgent situation of extreme scarcity and shortages of medicine, medical supplies and food in Venezuela,&quot; it said in a statement. 
 
&quot;This situation has led to a significant deterioration in living conditions in the country and an increase in violence, which results in harm to people&#39;s health, personal integrity and life, to the detriment of the rights protected by the inter-American and universal human rights instruments,&quot; the commission, an autonomous human rights arm of the Organization of American States, added. 
 
The ongoing crisis &quot;has a negative impact on conditions to guarantee that Venezuelans can live a life of dignity, and it urges the State to adopt comprehensive measures to overcome this crisis,&quot; the IACHR said. 
 
Among the hardships created by the shortages in medical care and supplies are &quot;a significant number of neonatal deaths&quot; and &quot;long waits for critical surgical interventions,&quot; it added. 
 
With respect to food scarcity, the group expressed concern that for many Venezuelans &quot;it is impossible to obtain access to the food needed for an adequate diet.&quot; 
 
Venezuela&#39;s economy is reeling from the global crash in the price of oil, its main export. 
 
The plunge in crude revenues has unleashed a deep recession, chronic shortages and hyperinflation, threatening 17 years of socialist rule under President Nicolas Maduro and his late predecessor, Hugo Chavez. 
 
(AFP)&nbsp; 
 
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The group expressed concern that for many Venezuelans 'it is impossible to obtain access to the food needed for an adequate diet'

The Inter-American Commission for Human Rights (IACHR) on Friday decried the dire shortages of food and medicine in Venezuela, calling on officials in Caracas to undertake "urgent measures" to try to stem the crisis. The Washington DC-based group "regrets the urgent situation of extreme scarcity and shortages of medicine, medical supplies and food in Venezuela," it said in a statement. "This situation has led to a significant deterioration in living conditions in the country and an increase in violence, which results in harm to people's health, personal integrity and life, to the detriment of the rights protected by the inter-American and universal human rights instruments," the commission, an autonomous human rights arm of the Organization of American States, added. The ongoing crisis "has a negative impact on conditions to guarantee that Venezuelans can live a life of dignity, and it urges the State to adopt comprehensive measures to overcome this crisis," the IACHR said. Among the hardships created by the shortages in medical care and supplies are "a significant number of neonatal deaths" and "long waits for critical surgical interventions," it added. With respect to food scarcity, the group expressed concern that for many Venezuelans "it is impossible to obtain access to the food needed for an adequate diet." Venezuela's economy is reeling from the global crash in the price of oil, its main export. The plunge in crude revenues has unleashed a deep recession, chronic shortages and hyperinflation, threatening 17 years of socialist rule under President Nicolas Maduro and his late predecessor, Hugo Chavez. (AFP)

Rights group decries shortage of food, medicine in crisis-hit Venezuela

Venezuela President Nicolas Maduro threatened Monday to seek the arrest of Kimberly-Clark representatives after the US paper products company shut down production in the country amid a deep economic crisis. 
 
The company, which halted operations two weeks ago, produced items that are in extremely short supply in Venezuela like toilet paper, diapers and feminine hygiene products. 
 
Maduro accused the company of failing to fund social benefits that its workers had been promised. About 900 workers were laid off by the company.&nbsp; 
 
&quot;The ones who must go to jail will go to jail, no matter where they are,&quot; Maduro said, adding that alerts for their arrests would be issued through Interpol. 
 
The company&#39;s factory in the city of Maracay has been turned over to its workers, and Maduro insisted that all production lines were in operation. 
 
But one worker at the plant, speaking on condition of anonymity, told AFP only one of 11 production lines was active. 
 
Fedecamaras, a national business group, estimates that 85 per cent of the country&#39;s industries were paralysed in May due to a lack of raw materials. 
 
The country has been mired in a deepening economic crisis under Maduro&#39;s leftist government, with widespread shortages of basic goods, soaring inflation and rising insecurity. 
 
(Reuters)&nbsp;

He accused paper products company Kimberly-Clark of failing to fund social benefits that its workers had been promised

Venezuela President Nicolas Maduro threatened Monday to seek the arrest of Kimberly-Clark representatives after the US paper products company shut down production in the country amid a deep economic crisis. The company, which halted operations two weeks ago, produced items that are in extremely short supply in Venezuela like toilet paper, diapers and feminine hygiene products. Maduro accused the company of failing to fund social benefits that its workers had been promised. About 900 workers were laid off by the company. "The ones who must go to jail will go to jail, no matter where they are," Maduro said, adding that alerts for their arrests would be issued through Interpol. The company's factory in the city of Maracay has been turned over to its workers, and Maduro insisted that all production lines were in operation. But one worker at the plant, speaking on condition of anonymity, told AFP only one of 11 production lines was active. Fedecamaras, a national business group, estimates that 85 per cent of the country's industries were paralysed in May due to a lack of raw materials. The country has been mired in a deepening economic crisis under Maduro's leftist government, with widespread shortages of basic goods, soaring inflation and rising insecurity. (Reuters)

Venezuela President threatens arrest of officials after US company shuts down production

Citibank plans to close the account Venezuela uses to make international payments, President Nicolas Maduro said on Monday, accusing the US-based bank of a &quot;financial blockade&quot;. 
 
&quot;Citibank, with no warning or communication, says that it is going to close the Central Bank and Bank Of Venezuela account. That is what you call a financial blockade,&quot; the embattled president said in televised remarks. 
 
He said the move amounted to an &quot;inquisition&quot; by US President Barack Obama&#39;s administration.&nbsp;Maduro said his South American nation, a major oil producer, uses the account to make payments &quot;within 24 hours, to other accounts in the United States and worldwide&quot;. 
 
Maduro&#39;s socialist government has often claimed that US &quot;right wing&quot; interests and local business elites were trying to blockade his state-led economy and prevent Venezuela&#39;s access to international credit. 
 
&quot;Do you think they are going to stop us by putting in place a financial blockade? No, ladies and gentlemen, nobody stops Venezuela. With Citibank or without it, we are moving forward. With Kimberly or without, we are moving.&quot; 
 
Venezuela&#39;s government said just hours earlier that it would take over operations at facilities where US consumer goods giant Kimberly-Clark just shut down, citing unworkable economic conditions.&nbsp;The American company announced on Saturday it would cease production, saying that it was impossible to get enough hard currency to buy raw materials, and that inflation was surging. 
 
&quot;We are going to sign, at the workers&#39; request... to authorise immediate occupation of the workplace known as Kimberly-Clark de Venezuela... by its workers,&quot; Labor Minister Oswaldo Vera said at the facility&#39;s plant in the central city of Maracay. 
 
The country&#39;s economy has been hard hit by the plunging value of its main export, oil. Analysts also criticise its state-led economy of gross mismanagement leading to shortages of toilet paper, diapers and food. 
 
Vera signed the document to loud cheers and&nbsp;he said machines would be back in operation within hours.&nbsp;In a sign of Maduro&#39;s concern at mounting social unrest, the president on Thursday replaced the head of the National Guard.&nbsp; 
 
The Venezuelan opposition launched efforts to remove the president after winning control of the legislature in January.&nbsp;But Maduro has challenged his rivals through the Supreme Court, which they accuse him of controlling. 
 
(AFP)

He accuses the US-based bank of a 'financial blockade', says the move amounts to an 'inquisition' by the Obama administration

Citibank plans to close the account Venezuela uses to make international payments, President Nicolas Maduro said on Monday, accusing the US-based bank of a "financial blockade". "Citibank, with no warning or communication, says that it is going to close the Central Bank and Bank Of Venezuela account. That is what you call a financial blockade," the embattled president said in televised remarks. He said the move amounted to an "inquisition" by US President Barack Obama's administration. Maduro said his South American nation, a major oil producer, uses the account to make payments "within 24 hours, to other accounts in the United States and worldwide". Maduro's socialist government has often claimed that US "right wing" interests and local business elites were trying to blockade his state-led economy and prevent Venezuela's access to international credit. "Do you think they are going to stop us by putting in place a financial blockade? No, ladies and gentlemen, nobody stops Venezuela. With Citibank or without it, we are moving forward. With Kimberly or without, we are moving." Venezuela's government said just hours earlier that it would take over operations at facilities where US consumer goods giant Kimberly-Clark just shut down, citing unworkable economic conditions. The American company announced on Saturday it would cease production, saying that it was impossible to get enough hard currency to buy raw materials, and that inflation was surging. "We are going to sign, at the workers' request... to authorise immediate occupation of the workplace known as Kimberly-Clark de Venezuela... by its workers," Labor Minister Oswaldo Vera said at the facility's plant in the central city of Maracay. The country's economy has been hard hit by the plunging value of its main export, oil. Analysts also criticise its state-led economy of gross mismanagement leading to shortages of toilet paper, diapers and food. Vera signed the document to loud cheers and he said machines would be back in operation within hours. In a sign of Maduro's concern at mounting social unrest, the president on Thursday replaced the head of the National Guard. The Venezuelan opposition launched efforts to remove the president after winning control of the legislature in January. But Maduro has challenged his rivals through the Supreme Court, which they accuse him of controlling. (AFP)

Venezuela President: Citibank planning to close account used to make international payments

Crisis-hit Venezuela is willing to restore diplomatic relations with the United States after a six-year freeze, the socialist government said on Monday. 
 
The foreign ministry&#39;s announcement came two weeks after top US diplomat Thomas Shannon met with Venezuela&#39;s President Nicolas Maduro in a bid to help tackle the country`s economic and political crisis. 
 
In a message congratulating the United States on its Independence Day commemoration, the ministry expressed its &quot;willingness to establish respectful bilateral diplomatic relations.&quot; 
 
The two countries have not exchanged ambassadors since 2010 due to tensions between Washington and the government of Hugo Chavez, Maduro&#39;s mentor and late predecessor. 
 
Like Chavez before him, Maduro has frequently accused Washington of interfering in Venezuela`s internal affairs and seeking his overthrow. 
 
The United States has expressed concern over the crisis in Venezuela, saying Maduro`s opponents have a right to organise a referendum on removing him from power, which they hope to do this year. 
 
Future diplomatic relations should be guided by international law and &quot;principles such as sovereign equality of states and the people`s right to self-determination,&quot; the ministry`s statement said. 
 
(AFP)

The two countries have not exchanged ambassadors since 2010 due to tensions between Washington and the government of Hugo Chavez

Crisis-hit Venezuela is willing to restore diplomatic relations with the United States after a six-year freeze, the socialist government said on Monday. The foreign ministry's announcement came two weeks after top US diplomat Thomas Shannon met with Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro in a bid to help tackle the country`s economic and political crisis. In a message congratulating the United States on its Independence Day commemoration, the ministry expressed its "willingness to establish respectful bilateral diplomatic relations." The two countries have not exchanged ambassadors since 2010 due to tensions between Washington and the government of Hugo Chavez, Maduro's mentor and late predecessor. Like Chavez before him, Maduro has frequently accused Washington of interfering in Venezuela`s internal affairs and seeking his overthrow. The United States has expressed concern over the crisis in Venezuela, saying Maduro`s opponents have a right to organise a referendum on removing him from power, which they hope to do this year. Future diplomatic relations should be guided by international law and "principles such as sovereign equality of states and the people`s right to self-determination," the ministry`s statement said. (AFP)

After six-year freeze, Venezuela willing to restore diplomatic ties with US

The US government sent veteran diplomat Tom Shannon to Venezuela today to meet senior opposition and government figures amid a brutal economic crisis and political impasse in the South American nation. 
 
Socialist-run Venezuela has for years had tumultuous relations with Washington, and a similar rapprochement led by Shannon stalled last year over the jailing of opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez. 
 
Despite a harsh exchange of words at a summit in the Dominican Republic last week, US secretary of state John Kerry and Venezuelan foreign minister Delcy Rodriguez agreed to re-start talks in an effort to reduce tensions. 
 
In a visit lasting less than 24 hours, Shannon, a veteran of US diplomacy in the region who is an under secretary in the state department, was to meet first with opposition leaders. These included congress head Henry Ramos and two-time presidential candidate Henrique Capriles, according to opposition sources. 
 
He was then hoping to meet President Nicolas Maduro, the former bus driver who is half-way through a six-year term after winning election in 2013 to succeed his mentor Hugo Chavez. 
 
&quot;The main purpose is to have a series of discussions about the social, economic and political challenges in Venezuela and to try to help foster constructive, meaningful dialogue toward solutions with a variety of groups in the government and outside,&quot; said US state department spokesman John Kirby. 
 
Washington may be hoping a rapprochement undermines Maduro&#39;s constant blaming of his &quot;imperialist&quot; foes for Venezuela&#39;s economic demise and alleged coup plans against him. 
 
TIME-WASTING? 
 
Shannon is likely, analysts and diplomats said, to press for the release of jailed opponents including Lopez, and he has also publicly backed the opposition&#39;s push for a referendum to try and recall Maduro this year. 
 
&quot;The United States understands that for a recall referendum to take place, international engagement is necessary,&quot; said Venezuela expert David Smilde, of Tulane University. 
 
In a speech today, Maduro welcomed Shannon and also repeated his calls for talks with his domestic foes. 
 
&quot;I think it&#39;s very good the right steps are taken to rebuild relations with the United States,&quot; he said. &quot;And I would equally want processes of dialogue ... with Venezuela&#39;s opposition.&quot; 
 
Both Ramos and Capriles have said dialogue is a time-wasting tactic employed by Maduro in the past, and the only solution for Venezuela now is a referendum. The government has said there is no time to organize a referendum this year, and the national election board has been dragging its feet over the process. 
 
The timing is crucial because if Maduro loses a referendum this year, there would be a new presidential election which polls indicate he would likely lose. Losing a referendum after January means he would be replaced by his vice president, effectively leaving the Socialist Party in power. 
 
Though he benefited from Chavez&#39;s popularity and generous welfare programs to win narrowly in 2013, Maduro&#39;s popularity has plummeted amid recession, the highest inflation in the world, shortages and now daily lootings and food riots. 
 
The opposition won control of the National Assembly in December due to public ire over the economy, but a conflict of powers has ensued and a government-leaning Supreme Court has overturned most of the legislature&#39;s measures. 
 
Since Chavez began office in 1999, Venezuela and the United States have gone through cycles of diplomatic fighting followed by generally short-lived eras of reconciliation. 
 
They have been without ambassadors since 2010. 
 
Through it all, Venezuela has kept oil flowing north uninterrupted, and is the third biggest US supplier after Saudi Arabia and Canada, according to latest US data. 
 
(Reuters)

Socialist-run Venezuela has for years had tumultuous relations with Washington

The US government sent veteran diplomat Tom Shannon to Venezuela today to meet senior opposition and government figures amid a brutal economic crisis and political impasse in the South American nation. Socialist-run Venezuela has for years had tumultuous relations with Washington, and a similar rapprochement led by Shannon stalled last year over the jailing of opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez. Despite a harsh exchange of words at a summit in the Dominican Republic last week, US secretary of state John Kerry and Venezuelan foreign minister Delcy Rodriguez agreed to re-start talks in an effort to reduce tensions. In a visit lasting less than 24 hours, Shannon, a veteran of US diplomacy in the region who is an under secretary in the state department, was to meet first with opposition leaders. These included congress head Henry Ramos and two-time presidential candidate Henrique Capriles, according to opposition sources. He was then hoping to meet President Nicolas Maduro, the former bus driver who is half-way through a six-year term after winning election in 2013 to succeed his mentor Hugo Chavez. "The main purpose is to have a series of discussions about the social, economic and political challenges in Venezuela and to try to help foster constructive, meaningful dialogue toward solutions with a variety of groups in the government and outside," said US state department spokesman John Kirby. Washington may be hoping a rapprochement undermines Maduro's constant blaming of his "imperialist" foes for Venezuela's economic demise and alleged coup plans against him. TIME-WASTING? Shannon is likely, analysts and diplomats said, to press for the release of jailed opponents including Lopez, and he has also publicly backed the opposition's push for a referendum to try and recall Maduro this year. "The United States understands that for a recall referendum to take place, international engagement is necessary," said Venezuela expert David Smilde, of Tulane University. In a speech today, Maduro welcomed Shannon and also repeated his calls for talks with his domestic foes. "I think it's very good the right steps are taken to rebuild relations with the United States," he said. "And I would equally want processes of dialogue ... with Venezuela's opposition." Both Ramos and Capriles have said dialogue is a time-wasting tactic employed by Maduro in the past, and the only solution for Venezuela now is a referendum. The government has said there is no time to organize a referendum this year, and the national election board has been dragging its feet over the process. The timing is crucial because if Maduro loses a referendum this year, there would be a new presidential election which polls indicate he would likely lose. Losing a referendum after January means he would be replaced by his vice president, effectively leaving the Socialist Party in power. Though he benefited from Chavez's popularity and generous welfare programs to win narrowly in 2013, Maduro's popularity has plummeted amid recession, the highest inflation in the world, shortages and now daily lootings and food riots. The opposition won control of the National Assembly in December due to public ire over the economy, but a conflict of powers has ensued and a government-leaning Supreme Court has overturned most of the legislature's measures. Since Chavez began office in 1999, Venezuela and the United States have gone through cycles of diplomatic fighting followed by generally short-lived eras of reconciliation. They have been without ambassadors since 2010. Through it all, Venezuela has kept oil flowing north uninterrupted, and is the third biggest US supplier after Saudi Arabia and Canada, according to latest US data. (Reuters)

Despite growing tension, US and Venezuela to resume economic talks

Venezuelan police have arrested hundreds of people as the country&#39;s food crisis erupted into deadly looting this week, heightening hardship and political uncertainty in the impoverished oil-producing nation. 
 
Dozens of bakeries, supermarkets and hardware shops were looted on Tuesday in the eastern city of Cumana, the latest flashpoint in a crisis that has killed at least four people so far. 
 
&quot;It ended in total ruin because the businesses had not only their stock pillaged but also their furniture. It was total destruction,&quot; said Ruben Saud, president of the Cumana Chamber of Commerce. 
 
The chaos started when gangs of looters on motorcycles raided trucks transporting food, witnesses said. 
 
The governor of Sucre state, where Cumana is located, told state television channel VTV that &quot;more than 400 people&quot; were arrested, including three suspected gang leaders involved in the looting. 
 
Arrests have also been reported in other towns. 
 
Blaming the opposition 
 
The opposition blames President Nicolas Maduro for an economic crisis in which Venezuelans are suffering shortages of basic foods and goods. 
 
Maduro in turn blames the crisis on an &quot;economic war&quot; allegedly waged against his leftist government by the business elite. 
 
He accuses the opposition of fomenting unrest to spark a foreign intervention to unseat him. 
 
Maduro is resisting efforts from his centre-right opponents to remove him from office through a referendum, and warned he will not tolerate violence. 
 
Late Thursday he announced his latest challenge to the opposition-controlled National Assembly. 
 
He called on the Supreme Court to launch proceedings against the legislature for abusing its powers. 
 
Maduro&#39;s ally in Sucre, Acuna, on Thursday accused the opposition of &quot;sowing paramilitary values, such as hate and crime, in some citizens.&quot; 
 
The army was sent in to keep order in Cumana after Tuesday&#39;s outbreak of looting, which erupted during a protest against food shortages. 
 
Acuna said Cumana &quot;has been returning to normal&quot; since. 
 
Elsewhere, a 17-year-old boy died after being wounded at a similar protest Wednesday in the western town of Lagunilla, authorities said. 
 
Motorcycle raiders 
 
Venezuela is suffering an economic crisis brought on by the plunge in global crude prices over the past two years. The country is heavily dependant on its oil exports. 
 
At least four people have died in disturbances in recent days, according to the state prosecution service. 
 
A soldier and a police officer were detained over two of the deaths, authorities said. 
 
Human rights groups put the death toll from the latest wave of unrest at five, including a 42-year-old man they say died during the disturbances in Cumana. 
 
There &quot;most of the looting was organized by motorcycle gangs. Then the local people followed,&quot; said Estelin Kristen, leader of rights group Incide. 
 
The Venezuelan Social Conflict Observatory recorded more than 250 looting incidents across the country in the first five months of the year. The number peaked in May. 
 
Food deliveries 
 
Under emergency measures already in place, civilian groups have been assigned to hand out food rations door to door. 
 
The opposition however says that the system favors Maduro&#39;s supporters. 
 
The president has warned that he may decree emergency measures if confronted with actions amounting to a &quot;violent coup.&quot; 
 
Such measures would likely prevent the recall referendum taking place. 
 
Rafael Uzcategui of human rights group Provea warned that the president&#39;s inflexibility could result in even worse tensions if he blocks the recall vote. 
 
&quot;What is currently preventing a general explosion of social unrest is the possibility that people can make their voices heard by means such as a referendum,&quot; he told AFP. 
 
&quot;Not allowing a referendum would unleash a very serious situation.&quot; 
(AFP)

Gangs of looters on motorcycles raided trucks transporting food, opposition blamed President Nicolas Maduro for the economic crisis

Venezuelan police have arrested hundreds of people as the country's food crisis erupted into deadly looting this week, heightening hardship and political uncertainty in the impoverished oil-producing nation. Dozens of bakeries, supermarkets and hardware shops were looted on Tuesday in the eastern city of Cumana, the latest flashpoint in a crisis that has killed at least four people so far. "It ended in total ruin because the businesses had not only their stock pillaged but also their furniture. It was total destruction," said Ruben Saud, president of the Cumana Chamber of Commerce. The chaos started when gangs of looters on motorcycles raided trucks transporting food, witnesses said. The governor of Sucre state, where Cumana is located, told state television channel VTV that "more than 400 people" were arrested, including three suspected gang leaders involved in the looting. Arrests have also been reported in other towns. Blaming the opposition The opposition blames President Nicolas Maduro for an economic crisis in which Venezuelans are suffering shortages of basic foods and goods. Maduro in turn blames the crisis on an "economic war" allegedly waged against his leftist government by the business elite. He accuses the opposition of fomenting unrest to spark a foreign intervention to unseat him. Maduro is resisting efforts from his centre-right opponents to remove him from office through a referendum, and warned he will not tolerate violence. Late Thursday he announced his latest challenge to the opposition-controlled National Assembly. He called on the Supreme Court to launch proceedings against the legislature for abusing its powers. Maduro's ally in Sucre, Acuna, on Thursday accused the opposition of "sowing paramilitary values, such as hate and crime, in some citizens." The army was sent in to keep order in Cumana after Tuesday's outbreak of looting, which erupted during a protest against food shortages. Acuna said Cumana "has been returning to normal" since. Elsewhere, a 17-year-old boy died after being wounded at a similar protest Wednesday in the western town of Lagunilla, authorities said. Motorcycle raiders Venezuela is suffering an economic crisis brought on by the plunge in global crude prices over the past two years. The country is heavily dependant on its oil exports. At least four people have died in disturbances in recent days, according to the state prosecution service. A soldier and a police officer were detained over two of the deaths, authorities said. Human rights groups put the death toll from the latest wave of unrest at five, including a 42-year-old man they say died during the disturbances in Cumana. There "most of the looting was organized by motorcycle gangs. Then the local people followed," said Estelin Kristen, leader of rights group Incide. The Venezuelan Social Conflict Observatory recorded more than 250 looting incidents across the country in the first five months of the year. The number peaked in May. Food deliveries Under emergency measures already in place, civilian groups have been assigned to hand out food rations door to door. The opposition however says that the system favors Maduro's supporters. The president has warned that he may decree emergency measures if confronted with actions amounting to a "violent coup." Such measures would likely prevent the recall referendum taking place. Rafael Uzcategui of human rights group Provea warned that the president's inflexibility could result in even worse tensions if he blocks the recall vote. "What is currently preventing a general explosion of social unrest is the possibility that people can make their voices heard by means such as a referendum," he told AFP. "Not allowing a referendum would unleash a very serious situation." (AFP)

Deaths, arrests as looting erupts in Venezuela