US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that Venezuela was suffering "a tragedy of historic proportions" as he pledged to do everything in his power to isolate Nicolas Maduro's regime.

Trump told around two dozen Latin American leaders on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly that socialism had "destroyed" oil-rich Venezuela, but that the country's people "will be free."

"Today Venezuelans are starving and they're dying from lack of medicine. We will stand with the Venezuelan people every single day," he said, adding that socialism had "destroyed" the South American country.

Trump simultaneously suspended senior members of the Maduro government from entry into the United States via a proclamation posted on the White House website.

The document said that the President was banning those "who formulate, implement, or benefit from policies or actions that undermine or injure Venezuela's democratic institutions or impede the restoration of constitutional government to Venezuela."

Venezuela is gripped by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lima-group-venezuela-crisis-threatens-international-security-238102">an economic and political crisis</a>, with both Maduro and self-declared acting president Juan Guaido claiming to be the country's leader.

The United States, along with more than 50 other countries, recognizes Guaido as leader of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-migrant-crisis-to-become-worlds-largest-by-2020-report-231539">Venezuela which is in free fall</a>, hit by low oil prices, mismanagement and the impact of US sanctions.

Most of the international community did not recognize the results of controversial polls that handed Maduro a second term last year.

Trump added at the meeting in a hotel in New York that the United States was "doing everything we can to isolate Maduro and his cronies."

"Venezuela's rebuilding can begin the moment a peaceful transition occurs," he told counterparts, including the presidents of Argentina, Chile and Ecuador.

Venezuela suffers from hyperinflation and shortages of basic goods from food to medicine, a crisis that has forced some <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-nations-appeals-for-more-help-to-alleviate-venezuela-refugee-crisis-243966">3.6 million people to flee</a> since 2016.

US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that Venezuela was suffering "a tragedy of historic proportions" as he pledged to do everything in his power to isolate Nicolas Maduro's regime.

US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that Venezuela was suffering "a tragedy of historic proportions" as he pledged to do everything in his power to isolate Nicolas Maduro's regime. Trump told around two dozen Latin American leaders on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly that socialism had "destroyed" oil-rich Venezuela, but that the country's people "will be free." "Today Venezuelans are starving and they're dying from lack of medicine. We will stand with the Venezuelan people every single day," he said, adding that socialism had "destroyed" the South American country. Trump simultaneously suspended senior members of the Maduro government from entry into the United States via a proclamation posted on the White House website. The document said that the President was banning those "who formulate, implement, or benefit from policies or actions that undermine or injure Venezuela's democratic institutions or impede the restoration of constitutional government to Venezuela." Venezuela is gripped by an economic and political crisis, with both Maduro and self-declared acting president Juan Guaido claiming to be the country's leader. The United States, along with more than 50 other countries, recognizes Guaido as leader of Venezuela which is in free fall, hit by low oil prices, mismanagement and the impact of US sanctions. Most of the international community did not recognize the results of controversial polls that handed Maduro a second term last year. Trump added at the meeting in a hotel in New York that the United States was "doing everything we can to isolate Maduro and his cronies." "Venezuela's rebuilding can begin the moment a peaceful transition occurs," he told counterparts, including the presidents of Argentina, Chile and Ecuador. Venezuela suffers from hyperinflation and shortages of basic goods from food to medicine, a crisis that has forced some 3.6 million people to flee since 2016.

Trump says Venezuelans will end up 'free'

Colombian President Ivan Duque called on Saturday for coordinated international sanctions targeting Venezuela to help stop President Nicolas Maduro's support for Colombian rebels and drug traffickers from destabilizing Latin America.

Duque, who accuses Maduro of providing a safe haven for Colombian rebel fighters from the now-demobilized FARC guerrilla group and the still-active ELN rebels, compared the Venezuelan leader to former Serbian President Slobodan Milosevic, who was put on trial at the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia for alleged war crimes in conflicts that destabilized the Balkans.

"We should look at communal sanctions and actions so that the threat of (Venezuela) protecting terrorism in its territory ends," Duque told Reuters before traveling to the United Nations General Assembly meeting in New York.

"The international community must understand that the dictatorship has to come to an end soon because the humanitarian tragedy, in addition to the consolidation of a dictatorial regime that is coexisting with drug cartels and with terrorism, is a threat for the whole Western hemisphere and for the stability of the world."

Maduro accuses Colombia of preparing to attack Venezuela and has repeatedly warned of an invasion coordinated with the US government.

Colombia is the top destination for Venezuelans fleeing widespread shortages of food and medicine some 1.4 million now reside in Colombia.

Colombian President Ivan Duque called on Saturday for coordinated international sanctions targeting Venezuela to help stop President Nicolas Maduro's support for Colombian rebels and drug traffickers from destabilizing Latin America.

Colombian President Ivan Duque called on Saturday for coordinated international sanctions targeting Venezuela to help stop President Nicolas Maduro's support for Colombian rebels and drug traffickers from destabilizing Latin America. Duque, who accuses Maduro of providing a safe haven for Colombian rebel fighters from the now-demobilized FARC guerrilla group and the still-active ELN rebels, compared the Venezuelan leader to former Serbian President Slobodan Milosevic, who was put on trial at the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia for alleged war crimes in conflicts that destabilized the Balkans. "We should look at communal sanctions and actions so that the threat of (Venezuela) protecting terrorism in its territory ends," Duque told Reuters before traveling to the United Nations General Assembly meeting in New York. "The international community must understand that the dictatorship has to come to an end soon because the humanitarian tragedy, in addition to the consolidation of a dictatorial regime that is coexisting with drug cartels and with terrorism, is a threat for the whole Western hemisphere and for the stability of the world." Maduro accuses Colombia of preparing to attack Venezuela and has repeatedly warned of an invasion coordinated with the US government. Colombia is the top destination for Venezuelans fleeing widespread shortages of food and medicine some 1.4 million now reside in Colombia.

Coordinated sanctions could stop Maduro from destabilizing region: Colombian President Ivan Duque

Venezuelan opposition lawmaker Zambrano released from jail. Watch video to know more.

Venezuelan opposition lawmaker Zambrano released from jail

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-national-security-advisor-restrained-him-on-venezuela-249294">Venezuela</a> is "ready" to defend itself, Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza said Friday, after Washington invoked a regional defence pact that might justify such a move.

"We are ready to protect ourselves, we are ready to react," Arreaza told a news conference after meeting in Geneva with UN rights chief Michelle Bachelet.

"We will let no one trample sacred Venezuelan soil, we will respond and hope that never happens," the minister said.

On Wednesday, the US invoked a regional defence pact with 10 other countries and Venezuela's opposition in response to "bellicose" moves by President Nicolas Maduro's regime.

A request to invoke the Inter-American Treaty of Reciprocal Assistance (TIAR) came from the Venezuelan opposition, according to a statement by US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo that was retweeted by President Donald Trump.

"Recent bellicose moves by the Venezuelan military to deploy along the border with Colombia as well as the presence of illegal armed groups and terrorist organizations in Venezuelan territory demonstrate that Nicolas Maduro not only poses a threat to the Venezuelan people, his actions threaten the peace and security of Venezuela’s neighbors," Pompeo said.

Trump said Thursday that former national security advisor John Bolton "was holding me back" on Venezuela, where Washington has recognised <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-opposition-parties-back-guaido-as-congress-chief-in-2020-248230">opposition leader Juan Guaido</a> as the legitimate president.

The US invoked the TIAR in response to large-scale movements by Venezuelan troops near the border with Colombia, which Maduro has accused of trying to "trigger a conflict."

In Geneva, Arreaza insisted that "we will never attack a brother country, our people will never trample the ground of a brother country, under any circumstance, except to defend our people and territorial integrity".

Venezuela is gripped by a deep political and economic crisis and has begun to deploy 150,000 troops along its long border with Colombia.

Colombian President Ivan Duque has also ruled out an invasion of Venezuela, but recognises Guaido as the legitimate president.

Arreaza dismissed the opposition's invoking of the TIAR as "illegal" and "dangerous" because "it suggests they have activated a mechanism to attack Venezuela". 
&nbsp;

Venezuela is "ready" to defend itself, Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza said Friday, after Washington invoked a regional defence pact that might justify such a move.

Venezuela is "ready" to defend itself, Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza said Friday, after Washington invoked a regional defence pact that might justify such a move. "We are ready to protect ourselves, we are ready to react," Arreaza told a news conference after meeting in Geneva with UN rights chief Michelle Bachelet. "We will let no one trample sacred Venezuelan soil, we will respond and hope that never happens," the minister said. On Wednesday, the US invoked a regional defence pact with 10 other countries and Venezuela's opposition in response to "bellicose" moves by President Nicolas Maduro's regime. A request to invoke the Inter-American Treaty of Reciprocal Assistance (TIAR) came from the Venezuelan opposition, according to a statement by US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo that was retweeted by President Donald Trump. "Recent bellicose moves by the Venezuelan military to deploy along the border with Colombia as well as the presence of illegal armed groups and terrorist organizations in Venezuelan territory demonstrate that Nicolas Maduro not only poses a threat to the Venezuelan people, his actions threaten the peace and security of Venezuela’s neighbors," Pompeo said. Trump said Thursday that former national security advisor John Bolton "was holding me back" on Venezuela, where Washington has recognised opposition leader Juan Guaido as the legitimate president. The US invoked the TIAR in response to large-scale movements by Venezuelan troops near the border with Colombia, which Maduro has accused of trying to "trigger a conflict." In Geneva, Arreaza insisted that "we will never attack a brother country, our people will never trample the ground of a brother country, under any circumstance, except to defend our people and territorial integrity". Venezuela is gripped by a deep political and economic crisis and has begun to deploy 150,000 troops along its long border with Colombia. Colombian President Ivan Duque has also ruled out an invasion of Venezuela, but recognises Guaido as the legitimate president. Arreaza dismissed the opposition's invoking of the TIAR as "illegal" and "dangerous" because "it suggests they have activated a mechanism to attack Venezuela".

Venezuela 'ready' to defend itself after US invokes defence pact: Foreign minister

President Donald Trump on Thursday warned that the exit of his hawkish <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/i-asked-nsa-john-bolton-to-resign-tweets-us-president-donald-trump-248901">national security advisor</a> won't bring a softening of the US position on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/left-behind-venezuelas-kids-growing-up-without-parents-247914">Venezuela</a>.

Bolton, a prominent hardliner in Washington's attempt to pressure Venezuelan strongman President Nicolas Maduro from power, was sacked Tuesday.

This sparked speculation in some media outlets that Trump might seek a more conciliatory line.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/colombias-armed-forces-on-alert-over-venezuela-military-exercises-249164">Colombia's armed forces on alert over Venezuela military exercises</a>

However, the president indicated on Twitter that his policies could instead harden.

"In fact, my views on Venezuela, and especially Cuba, were far stronger than those of John Bolton. He was holding me back!" he said.

The United States already imposes sanctions on Venezuelan officials and its oil industry.

Washington has also recognised opposition leader Juan Guaido as the legitimate president, but with little success in shifting Maduro's grip on power.

Millions of Venezuelans have left the country as a result of political unrest and economic collapse, with food and medicinal supplies often scarce.

More than 50 countries recognise Guaido. However, Maduro still enjoys support from Russia, China and Cuba. 
&nbsp;

President Donald Trump on Thursday warned that the exit of his hawkish national security advisor won't bring a softening of the US position on Venezuela. Bolton, a prominent hardliner in Washington's attempt to pressure Venezuelan strongman President Nicolas Maduro from power, was sacked Tuesday.

President Donald Trump on Thursday warned that the exit of his hawkish national security advisor won't bring a softening of the US position on Venezuela. Bolton, a prominent hardliner in Washington's attempt to pressure Venezuelan strongman President Nicolas Maduro from power, was sacked Tuesday. This sparked speculation in some media outlets that Trump might seek a more conciliatory line. Also read: Colombia's armed forces on alert over Venezuela military exercises However, the president indicated on Twitter that his policies could instead harden. "In fact, my views on Venezuela, and especially Cuba, were far stronger than those of John Bolton. He was holding me back!" he said. The United States already imposes sanctions on Venezuelan officials and its oil industry. Washington has also recognised opposition leader Juan Guaido as the legitimate president, but with little success in shifting Maduro's grip on power. Millions of Venezuelans have left the country as a result of political unrest and economic collapse, with food and medicinal supplies often scarce. More than 50 countries recognise Guaido. However, Maduro still enjoys support from Russia, China and Cuba.

Trump says national security advisor restrained him on Venezuela

The Colombian military is on alert in response to Venezuelan armed forces exercises along the two nations` border that Colombia considers an open threat, a senior military commander said on Wednesday.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro ordered a series of military drills that began on Tuesday in response to what he called Colombia`s planned aggression against the OPEC nation.

"As for the exercises that the Venezuelan regime is carrying out ... we are on a special alert," General Luis Navarro told reporters. "We have been openly threatened."

Maduro accused Colombia of preparing an attack after President Ivan Duque said that the socialist leader was protecting members of the ELN guerilla group and dissident members of the FARC, some of who recently took up arms again.

Maduro has repeatedly warned of an invasion by Colombia coordinated by the US government.

Washington, which has levied several rounds of sanctions against Maduro`s government, says it wants a peaceful resolution to Venezuela`s crisis in which Maduro voluntarily resigns.

Most western nations consider Maduro illegitimate after he secured a second term last year in a vote widely viewed as fraudulent. The United States instead says Venezuela`s rightful head of state is opposition leader Juan Guaido, who Maduro accuses of seeking a coup.

The Colombian military is on alert in response to Venezuelan armed forces exercises along the two nations` border that Colombia considers an open threat, a senior military commander said on Wednesday.

The Colombian military is on alert in response to Venezuelan armed forces exercises along the two nations` border that Colombia considers an open threat, a senior military commander said on Wednesday. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro ordered a series of military drills that began on Tuesday in response to what he called Colombia`s planned aggression against the OPEC nation. "As for the exercises that the Venezuelan regime is carrying out ... we are on a special alert," General Luis Navarro told reporters. "We have been openly threatened." Maduro accused Colombia of preparing an attack after President Ivan Duque said that the socialist leader was protecting members of the ELN guerilla group and dissident members of the FARC, some of who recently took up arms again. Maduro has repeatedly warned of an invasion by Colombia coordinated by the US government. Washington, which has levied several rounds of sanctions against Maduro`s government, says it wants a peaceful resolution to Venezuela`s crisis in which Maduro voluntarily resigns. Most western nations consider Maduro illegitimate after he secured a second term last year in a vote widely viewed as fraudulent. The United States instead says Venezuela`s rightful head of state is opposition leader Juan Guaido, who Maduro accuses of seeking a coup.

Colombia's armed forces on alert over Venezuela military exercises

Christmas may still be a long way off, but Frankeiber Hernandez can barely wait for his parents to return from Peru in December.&nbsp;

They are among 3.6 million migrants who have fled Venezuela's economic meltdown since 2016, according to the UN. And he is one of the thousands of kids left behind -- growing up back home without parents.

Frankeiber was 16 when his mother left for Peru to earn money for the family. His father joined her the following year.

Since they've been gone, birthdays and other family occasions often end in tears.

"It's always very bad," says Frankeiber, now 18.

"Sometimes, I get depressed, but I keep hoping that they come back."

One in four Venezuelan migrants leaves at least one child behind, amid acute shortages of basic foods and medicines, according to NGO Cecodap.

"About 846,000 children could be in this situation," Cecodap director Abel Saraiba told AFP.

Raised on remittances

Grandmother Estelita is raising the teenager and his brother Fraiber, eight, with her husband in the rundown western Caracas suburb of Catia.&nbsp;

They survive on the dollars that the couple send back from Peru, where they work in a restaurant.

The dollar acts as a shield against crippling hyperinflation. Remittances from Venezuelans living abroad were worth around $3 billion over the past year, according to analysts Econanalitica.

Estelita, 58, says she is thankful to her daughter for the money, "but I'd rather have her here because she keeps telling me 'I'm losing my son's love.'"&nbsp;

Over time, Fraiber's conversations with his mother have diminished, and he's spending more and more time with his video games.

Children growing up without parents in the home experience irritability, depression and anger, says Saraiba.

'Miss you Mama'

There's Xavier, an 11-year-old who cries every night since his mother left a year ago, says his grandmother, Carmen Lugo.&nbsp;

"Mama I miss you," he writes in letters that he never sends.

Lugo has taken care of Xavier -- along with his two brothers and a cousin -- since her two daughters left for Madrid.

Lugo cooks and cleans for her grandchildren, and takes them to school every morning. At night, they sleep in the same bed because there's no other space.

The brutal force of Venezuela's meltdown is creating "transnational families" whose only links are WhatsApp conversations and remittances, says sociologist Claudia Vargas.

Child psychologists warn parents to avoid traumatising their children by promising them a hypothetical return that may never materialize.

Andreina, 15, has come to accept that she is not about to see her father come back from Costa Rica anytime soon.

She lives hoping to join her mother on the Dutch Caribbean island of Curacao, just north of Venezuela.

"I would really like her to leave, not because she's a burden, but for her own wellbeing," says her grandmother Minu, her guardian for the past three years.

But it's not clear whether Andreina would be able to leave. Venezuelan law prohibits minors from travelling without at least one parent.

"I would be happy if I was with my mom. But I would be so sad because it would mean leaving my grandmother," says Andreina, who adds that her 64-year-old grandmother has become her "best friend."

Christmas may still be a long way off, but Frankeiber Hernandez can barely wait for his parents to return from Peru in December. They are among 3.6 million migrants who have fled Venezuela's economic meltdown since 2016, according to the UN.

Christmas may still be a long way off, but Frankeiber Hernandez can barely wait for his parents to return from Peru in December. They are among 3.6 million migrants who have fled Venezuela's economic meltdown since 2016, according to the UN. And he is one of the thousands of kids left behind -- growing up back home without parents. Frankeiber was 16 when his mother left for Peru to earn money for the family. His father joined her the following year. Since they've been gone, birthdays and other family occasions often end in tears. "It's always very bad," says Frankeiber, now 18. "Sometimes, I get depressed, but I keep hoping that they come back." One in four Venezuelan migrants leaves at least one child behind, amid acute shortages of basic foods and medicines, according to NGO Cecodap. "About 846,000 children could be in this situation," Cecodap director Abel Saraiba told AFP. Raised on remittances Grandmother Estelita is raising the teenager and his brother Fraiber, eight, with her husband in the rundown western Caracas suburb of Catia. They survive on the dollars that the couple send back from Peru, where they work in a restaurant. The dollar acts as a shield against crippling hyperinflation. Remittances from Venezuelans living abroad were worth around $3 billion over the past year, according to analysts Econanalitica. Estelita, 58, says she is thankful to her daughter for the money, "but I'd rather have her here because she keeps telling me 'I'm losing my son's love.'" Over time, Fraiber's conversations with his mother have diminished, and he's spending more and more time with his video games. Children growing up without parents in the home experience irritability, depression and anger, says Saraiba. 'Miss you Mama' There's Xavier, an 11-year-old who cries every night since his mother left a year ago, says his grandmother, Carmen Lugo. "Mama I miss you," he writes in letters that he never sends. Lugo has taken care of Xavier -- along with his two brothers and a cousin -- since her two daughters left for Madrid. Lugo cooks and cleans for her grandchildren, and takes them to school every morning. At night, they sleep in the same bed because there's no other space. The brutal force of Venezuela's meltdown is creating "transnational families" whose only links are WhatsApp conversations and remittances, says sociologist Claudia Vargas. Child psychologists warn parents to avoid traumatising their children by promising them a hypothetical return that may never materialize. Andreina, 15, has come to accept that she is not about to see her father come back from Costa Rica anytime soon. She lives hoping to join her mother on the Dutch Caribbean island of Curacao, just north of Venezuela. "I would really like her to leave, not because she's a burden, but for her own wellbeing," says her grandmother Minu, her guardian for the past three years. But it's not clear whether Andreina would be able to leave. Venezuelan law prohibits minors from travelling without at least one parent. "I would be happy if I was with my mom. But I would be so sad because it would mean leaving my grandmother," says Andreina, who adds that her 64-year-old grandmother has become her "best friend."

Left behind: Venezuela's kids growing up without parents

The United States will give an additional $120 million in humanitarian assistance to help Latin America cope with the arrival of millions of Venezuelan migrants fleeing a crushing economic crisis, the State Department said on Wednesday.

More than 4 million Venezuelans have fled their home country in recent years amid political upheaval and widespread shortages of food and medicine.

Deputy Secretary of State John Sullivan and United States Agency for International Development (USAID) head Mark Green made the announcement during a visit to the border city of Cucuta, Colombia, an epicentre of arriving migrants, the State Department said in a statement.

Ivanka Trump, White House adviser and daughter of US President Donald Trump, is also on the visit. Colombia is the first stop on a Latin American tour that will also take her, Sullivan and Green to Argentina and Paraguay.

"This additional funding provides vital support, including emergency food and health assistance, to vulnerable Venezuelans in Colombia, Ecuador, Brazil, and throughout the region," the statement said. "This assistance brings the US contribution to the Venezuelan regional crisis response to more than $376 million."

"We salute Colombia and neighbouring countries for their continued support as well, and we call upon other donors to make or increase contributions to help address the crisis," the statement added.

Colombia has received more Venezuelan migrants than any other country - it is now home to more than 1.4 million. Hundreds of thousands of others reside in Ecuador, Peru, Chile, Brazil, and other countries.

Colombia has repeatedly lamented the lack of funding to help migrants, saying other humanitarian crises in Syria, South Sudan and Myanmar have received many times more in donations from the international community.

The United States said last week it will provide 12,000 doses of antiretroviral HIV medication to Venezuelan migrants in Colombia, part of efforts to better manage healthcare for migrants and prevent the spread of the disease.

Unlike its neighbours, Colombia has not imposed stringent immigration requirements, instead of encouraging migrants who entered the country informally to register with authorities so they can access social services.

The government of Colombia frequently spars with Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro over security and the migration crisis.

The two countries do not maintain diplomatic relations and Colombia, along with the United States, numbers among the more than 50 countries that do not recognise Maduro as Venezuela's president, instead of backing opposition leader Juan Guaido.

The United States will give an additional $120 million in humanitarian assistance to help Latin America cope with the arrival of millions of Venezuelan migrants fleeing a crushing economic crisis, the State Department said on Wednesday.

The United States will give an additional $120 million in humanitarian assistance to help Latin America cope with the arrival of millions of Venezuelan migrants fleeing a crushing economic crisis, the State Department said on Wednesday. More than 4 million Venezuelans have fled their home country in recent years amid political upheaval and widespread shortages of food and medicine. Deputy Secretary of State John Sullivan and United States Agency for International Development (USAID) head Mark Green made the announcement during a visit to the border city of Cucuta, Colombia, an epicentre of arriving migrants, the State Department said in a statement. Ivanka Trump, White House adviser and daughter of US President Donald Trump, is also on the visit. Colombia is the first stop on a Latin American tour that will also take her, Sullivan and Green to Argentina and Paraguay. "This additional funding provides vital support, including emergency food and health assistance, to vulnerable Venezuelans in Colombia, Ecuador, Brazil, and throughout the region," the statement said. "This assistance brings the US contribution to the Venezuelan regional crisis response to more than $376 million." "We salute Colombia and neighbouring countries for their continued support as well, and we call upon other donors to make or increase contributions to help address the crisis," the statement added. Colombia has received more Venezuelan migrants than any other country - it is now home to more than 1.4 million. Hundreds of thousands of others reside in Ecuador, Peru, Chile, Brazil, and other countries. Colombia has repeatedly lamented the lack of funding to help migrants, saying other humanitarian crises in Syria, South Sudan and Myanmar have received many times more in donations from the international community. The United States said last week it will provide 12,000 doses of antiretroviral HIV medication to Venezuelan migrants in Colombia, part of efforts to better manage healthcare for migrants and prevent the spread of the disease. Unlike its neighbours, Colombia has not imposed stringent immigration requirements, instead of encouraging migrants who entered the country informally to register with authorities so they can access social services. The government of Colombia frequently spars with Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro over security and the migration crisis. The two countries do not maintain diplomatic relations and Colombia, along with the United States, numbers among the more than 50 countries that do not recognise Maduro as Venezuela's president, instead of backing opposition leader Juan Guaido.

US to give additional $120 million to help Venezuelan migrants

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on Tuesday ordered the armed forces to be on alert for a potential attack by Colombia's government and announced military exercises on the border amid the rearmament of a group of former guerrilla commanders.

Former FARC guerillas on Thursday announced a rearmament in a video that Colombian authorities believe was filmed in Venezuela, spurring concern of a worsening of the Colombian armed conflict and expansion of armed groups in Venezuela.

"I've ordered the strategic operations commander of the Bolivarian Armed Forces and all the military units on the border to declare an alert ... in the face of the threatened aggression by Colombia toward Venezuela," Maduro said in a televised broadcast.

A set of military exercises that are carried out each year will be held between September&nbsp;10 and September. 29 in the states of Zulia, Tachira, Apure and Amazonas, which border Colombia, Maduro said. They are the third such exercises this year.

Despite the dramatic rhetoric, the statements are consistent with frequent disputes between the two nations for over a decade that at times included troop movements for political effect. Previous spats have ended in grudging reconciliation.

Colombia's Foreign Ministry declined to comment. Colombian authorities have repeatedly denied planning to attack Venezuela.

The United States, which has launched a broad set of sanctions against Maduro's government in efforts to hasten his departure, says Venezuela's government provides a safe haven to Colombian armed groups.

Earlier, Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido backed the use of satellites to help locate guerrilla groups that have crossed into Venezuela.

"We are going to authorize the use of satellite technology to facilitate the location of these irregular groups, of camps within the country's borders," Guaido said in a televised presentation.

"We are going to collaborate with the Colombian government on intelligence activities."

Venezuela's Information Ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Guaido in January invoked the constitution to assume an interim presidency after declaring Maduro's 2018 re-election a farce. He has been recognised by more than 50 countries, including the United States and Colombia, as Venezuela's legitimate president, but does not control state institutions.

Colombian President Ivan Duque has promised to persecute the rebel group, whose leaders said they were returning to armed struggle because Duque had betrayed the 2016 peace accord that lead to the FARC's demobilization.

(Reporting by Corina Pons and Vivian Sequera; additional reporting by Julia Symmes Cobb; writing by Brian Ellsworth; editing by Richard Chang and Leslie Adler)

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on Tuesday ordered the armed forces to be on alert for a potential attack by Colombia's government and announced military exercises on the border amid the rearmament of a group of former guerrilla commanders.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on Tuesday ordered the armed forces to be on alert for a potential attack by Colombia's government and announced military exercises on the border amid the rearmament of a group of former guerrilla commanders. Former FARC guerillas on Thursday announced a rearmament in a video that Colombian authorities believe was filmed in Venezuela, spurring concern of a worsening of the Colombian armed conflict and expansion of armed groups in Venezuela. "I've ordered the strategic operations commander of the Bolivarian Armed Forces and all the military units on the border to declare an alert ... in the face of the threatened aggression by Colombia toward Venezuela," Maduro said in a televised broadcast. A set of military exercises that are carried out each year will be held between September 10 and September. 29 in the states of Zulia, Tachira, Apure and Amazonas, which border Colombia, Maduro said. They are the third such exercises this year. Despite the dramatic rhetoric, the statements are consistent with frequent disputes between the two nations for over a decade that at times included troop movements for political effect. Previous spats have ended in grudging reconciliation. Colombia's Foreign Ministry declined to comment. Colombian authorities have repeatedly denied planning to attack Venezuela. The United States, which has launched a broad set of sanctions against Maduro's government in efforts to hasten his departure, says Venezuela's government provides a safe haven to Colombian armed groups. Earlier, Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido backed the use of satellites to help locate guerrilla groups that have crossed into Venezuela. "We are going to authorize the use of satellite technology to facilitate the location of these irregular groups, of camps within the country's borders," Guaido said in a televised presentation. "We are going to collaborate with the Colombian government on intelligence activities." Venezuela's Information Ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Guaido in January invoked the constitution to assume an interim presidency after declaring Maduro's 2018 re-election a farce. He has been recognised by more than 50 countries, including the United States and Colombia, as Venezuela's legitimate president, but does not control state institutions. Colombian President Ivan Duque has promised to persecute the rebel group, whose leaders said they were returning to armed struggle because Duque had betrayed the 2016 peace accord that lead to the FARC's demobilization. (Reporting by Corina Pons and Vivian Sequera; additional reporting by Julia Symmes Cobb; writing by Brian Ellsworth; editing by Richard Chang and Leslie Adler)

Venezuela's Maduro warns of Colombia attack, orders military exercises

The United States is not seeking a military intervention as a solution to the economic and political crisis in Venezuela, the US&nbsp;envoy to the troubled South American nation said in an interview published by a Venezuelan online news site on Sunday.

Washington this year disavowed Maduro, whose 2018 re-election was widely dismissed as a farce, and recognised opposition leader Juan Guaido as the legitimate president.&nbsp;

The United States on Wednesday opened a representative office called the Venezuela Affairs Unit (VAU), based in Colombia, to provide US&nbsp;diplomatic representation to Guaido`s interim government and to continue pressuring for a transition.

&nbsp;"What we want is not a military intervention by the international community, but rather a peaceful, political and democratic resolution (of the crisis) based on Venezuela`s constitution," said VAU Charge d`Affaires James Story, in an interview published on the website of Venezuelan newspaper 2001.

"How can you have a democracy when you can`t even choose through votes?"

Venezuela`s information ministry did not immediately reply to a request for comment.

Maduro, who has overseen an economic collapse that has fueled a humanitarian crisis, frequently accuses the United States of preparing to invade Venezuela to control its vast oil resources and remove the country`s socialist leadership.

Guaido, president of the opposition-run congress, in January invoked the constitution to assume a rival interim presidency and was quickly recognised by more than 50 countries.&nbsp;

The United States has thrown its support behind Guaido and levied broad sanctions against Maduro`s government to pressure for his exit.

Asked how he would respond to Venezuelans seeking a military intervention - a sentiment often expressed on the country`s virulent social media - Story said there had already been a military intervention by Maduro`s foreign allies.

"There are Russian military officers in the country ... and we know that there are a lot of Cuban military officers," he said. "Why? Because they want Maduro to stay."

Guaido allies and government representatives in May began a dialogue process mediated by Norway to seek a negotiated solution to the political standoff. Maduro`s delegation last month suspended its participation to protest new US sanctions.

Maduro said in an interview broadcast on Saturday that his government had resumed contact with both the opposition and the Norwegian government.&nbsp;

He promised "good news about the dialogue process" in the coming days, but did not say when it would start up again.

The United States is not seeking a military intervention as a solution to the economic and political crisis in Venezuela, the US envoy to the troubled South American nation said in an interview published by a Venezuelan online news site on Sunday.

The United States is not seeking a military intervention as a solution to the economic and political crisis in Venezuela, the US envoy to the troubled South American nation said in an interview published by a Venezuelan online news site on Sunday. Washington this year disavowed Maduro, whose 2018 re-election was widely dismissed as a farce, and recognised opposition leader Juan Guaido as the legitimate president. The United States on Wednesday opened a representative office called the Venezuela Affairs Unit (VAU), based in Colombia, to provide US diplomatic representation to Guaido`s interim government and to continue pressuring for a transition. "What we want is not a military intervention by the international community, but rather a peaceful, political and democratic resolution (of the crisis) based on Venezuela`s constitution," said VAU Charge d`Affaires James Story, in an interview published on the website of Venezuelan newspaper 2001. "How can you have a democracy when you can`t even choose through votes?" Venezuela`s information ministry did not immediately reply to a request for comment. Maduro, who has overseen an economic collapse that has fueled a humanitarian crisis, frequently accuses the United States of preparing to invade Venezuela to control its vast oil resources and remove the country`s socialist leadership. Guaido, president of the opposition-run congress, in January invoked the constitution to assume a rival interim presidency and was quickly recognised by more than 50 countries. The United States has thrown its support behind Guaido and levied broad sanctions against Maduro`s government to pressure for his exit. Asked how he would respond to Venezuelans seeking a military intervention - a sentiment often expressed on the country`s virulent social media - Story said there had already been a military intervention by Maduro`s foreign allies. "There are Russian military officers in the country ... and we know that there are a lot of Cuban military officers," he said. "Why? Because they want Maduro to stay." Guaido allies and government representatives in May began a dialogue process mediated by Norway to seek a negotiated solution to the political standoff. Maduro`s delegation last month suspended its participation to protest new US sanctions. Maduro said in an interview broadcast on Saturday that his government had resumed contact with both the opposition and the Norwegian government. He promised "good news about the dialogue process" in the coming days, but did not say when it would start up again.

Diplomat says US does not want military intervention in Venezuela: Report

Jorge Arquiles for years started his day by turning on the stove of his small house in the Venezuelan city of Maracay. These days, his breakfast routine begins with a search for firewood in a national park just behind his home. Chronic shortages of natural gas in the country with the world's largest oil reserves now mean that cooking fuel is increasingly coming from trees.

Venezuela's trees suffer as firewood replaces scarce cooking gas

A US envoy suggested Thursday that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/venezuelas-maduro-says-there-has-been-contact-with-us-officials-for-months-244530">Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro</a> will be safe from US prosecution if he quits but acknowledged that his departure remained elusive despite a half-year pressure campaign by Washington.

Elliott Abrams, the US pointman on Venezuela, renewed demands that Maduro cede power to opposition chief Juan Guaido but said there was no "personal edge" to the position.

"We are not trying to go after him," Abrams told reporters.&nbsp;

"We are not after punishment or vengeance; we are after political change," he said.

The United States blames Maduro for the economic collapse of Venezuela, from which millions have fled due to basic shortages, and considers him illegitimate after wide reports of irregularities in last year's election.

"Our goal here is a recovery of democracy and prosperity in Venezuela. We believe this cannot be achieved under Nicolas Maduro," Abrams said.

But he acknowledged that there was no sign that Maduro was planning to leave.

"I would have to say I have not yet seen any sign of willingness to negotiate that kind of compromise, which of course is very unfortunate, because that's the way out for Venezuela," he said.

Abrams also said that there were no negotiations between the United States and Maduro, although he said that Washington has spoken to his regime on practical issues such as the status of US government facilities in Venezuela.

More than 50 countries recognize Guaido as the interim president and the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/venezuelas-maduro-halts-talks-with-opposition-after-us-sanctions-241432">United States has slapped sanctions</a> against Venezuela's oil, by far its top export.

The United States has also imposed personal sanctions on Maduro and his family, and US prosecutors frequently take legal action against former officials over allegations of corruption or human rights abuses.

But Maduro still enjoys support from Russia, China and Cuba.

A US envoy suggested Thursday that Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro will be safe from US prosecution if he quits but acknowledged that his departure remained elusive despite a half-year pressure campaign by Washington.

A US envoy suggested Thursday that Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro will be safe from US prosecution if he quits but acknowledged that his departure remained elusive despite a half-year pressure campaign by Washington. Elliott Abrams, the US pointman on Venezuela, renewed demands that Maduro cede power to opposition chief Juan Guaido but said there was no "personal edge" to the position. "We are not trying to go after him," Abrams told reporters. "We are not after punishment or vengeance; we are after political change," he said. The United States blames Maduro for the economic collapse of Venezuela, from which millions have fled due to basic shortages, and considers him illegitimate after wide reports of irregularities in last year's election. "Our goal here is a recovery of democracy and prosperity in Venezuela. We believe this cannot be achieved under Nicolas Maduro," Abrams said. But he acknowledged that there was no sign that Maduro was planning to leave. "I would have to say I have not yet seen any sign of willingness to negotiate that kind of compromise, which of course is very unfortunate, because that's the way out for Venezuela," he said. Abrams also said that there were no negotiations between the United States and Maduro, although he said that Washington has spoken to his regime on practical issues such as the status of US government facilities in Venezuela. More than 50 countries recognize Guaido as the interim president and the United States has slapped sanctions against Venezuela's oil, by far its top export. The United States has also imposed personal sanctions on Maduro and his family, and US prosecutors frequently take legal action against former officials over allegations of corruption or human rights abuses. But Maduro still enjoys support from Russia, China and Cuba.

US suggests won't prosecute Venezuela's Maduro if he quits

Edgar Fernandez keeps a mariachi suit in a rusty wardrobe at the public hospital in Caracas where he works as a nurse, donning it for performances that augment his meagre salary.

Given that he earns just $10 a month, the money from these shows has been his salvation in crisis-wracked Venezuela, where nurses have been forced to reinvent themselves as home entrepreneurs, security guards or builders just to survive.

Being a nurse in Venezuela is an almost impossible job these days: the country has seen an exodus of the profession, leaving those who remain short of colleagues and contending with problems such as major shortages of medical supplies and devastating electricity blackouts.

"A nurse's salary is worth nothing," Fernandez told AFP, saying the money he earns from a 12-hour shift "can't buy anything."

When a show clashes with his work shift, he has to pay a colleague to cover for him, meaning that his earnings -- which are not always money -- shrink.

"Sometimes they pay me... with flour, lentils... I prefer this to going home empty-handed," said the 40-year-old, who practically lives in the Perez Carreno hospital, sleeping on a dirty mattress since he cannot afford rent.

Decked out in his silver-lined outfit, Fernandez sings in bars and homes, and is even sometimes hired by former patients.

He saved up to record an album, which he peddles to radio stations. His hope is to one day find fame.

Home-made hairspray

Francis Guillen makes hairspray that she sells in Caracas's busy Catia market as she battles, like most Venezuelans, to make ends meet in a country whose inflation will reach a staggering one million per cent this year, according to the International Monetary Fund.

"If I didn't have another job, I don't know what would have become of me," said the 30-year-old nurse, who in a single day selling hairspray can earn the equivalent of her monthly salary.

Sometimes her father, also a nurse, helps her mix the chemicals in a bucket in her front room.

Her husband, who gave up his job as a fireman, also helps out with the business.

Guillen is tempted to resign from her job, but says the desire "to serve" her compatriots is keeping her from joining the 3.3 million people the United Nations estimates have left Venezuela since the start of 2016.

But since June 2018, 15,000 members of her profession -- or around 40 per cent -- quit and many of those emigrated, according to Ana Rosario Contreras, president of the Nurses College of Caracas, which has called for salaries to be paid in dollars to halt the exodus.

'In love' with nursing&nbsp;

By day, Carlos Ruiz works as a security guard for a metallurgy company and also does odd jobs.

The 42-year-old says he does "what's needed to survive."

But despite saving up as much as he can, he hasn't been able to buy a new nurse uniform for the last four years: he needs 10 months of salary for that.

He also has to deal with the scarcity of hospital supplies -- up to 80 per cent in some sectors, according to NGOs -- which President Nicolas Maduro blames on an economic war waged by the United States at the invitation of the opposition.

"There's no lack of those who accuse us of stealing medicines," according to Ruiz, who said he is "in love" with a job that allowed him to be present at the births of his four children.

In some hospitals, a single nurse has to look after up to four patients, something those in the profession decry as "labour persecution."

Working to save lives

Repeated major electricity blackouts have also taken their toll on the medical sector, knocking out power to hospitals -- many of which do not have working generators -- with potentially deadly consequences for patients.

Camilo Torres sells pastries and ice cream in his home in the southern state of Bolivar and goes to work at the local hospital on foot because of the lack of public transport. It takes him two hours.

Facebook photos attest to the toll his struggles have taken on his body: three years ago, he weighed 120 kilograms (264 pounds), but now weighs just 65 (143 pounds).

"I'm skinny and that's due to hunger," said the father of three, who wears broken shoes.

A neighbour helped him sew them up because a new pair costs three times his salary.

He can't even afford socks and his once white uniform looks yellow -- for Torres, detergent is a luxury.

But he won't give up.

"My job is to save lives. If there's no one in the hospital then I'm sure that if today 10 people die, tomorrow it will be 50 and that pain would never leave me," he said.

Edgar Fernandez keeps a mariachi suit in a rusty wardrobe at the public hospital in Caracas where he works as a nurse, donning it for performances that augment his meagre salary.

Edgar Fernandez keeps a mariachi suit in a rusty wardrobe at the public hospital in Caracas where he works as a nurse, donning it for performances that augment his meagre salary. Given that he earns just $10 a month, the money from these shows has been his salvation in crisis-wracked Venezuela, where nurses have been forced to reinvent themselves as home entrepreneurs, security guards or builders just to survive. Being a nurse in Venezuela is an almost impossible job these days: the country has seen an exodus of the profession, leaving those who remain short of colleagues and contending with problems such as major shortages of medical supplies and devastating electricity blackouts. "A nurse's salary is worth nothing," Fernandez told AFP, saying the money he earns from a 12-hour shift "can't buy anything." When a show clashes with his work shift, he has to pay a colleague to cover for him, meaning that his earnings -- which are not always money -- shrink. "Sometimes they pay me... with flour, lentils... I prefer this to going home empty-handed," said the 40-year-old, who practically lives in the Perez Carreno hospital, sleeping on a dirty mattress since he cannot afford rent. Decked out in his silver-lined outfit, Fernandez sings in bars and homes, and is even sometimes hired by former patients. He saved up to record an album, which he peddles to radio stations. His hope is to one day find fame. Home-made hairspray Francis Guillen makes hairspray that she sells in Caracas's busy Catia market as she battles, like most Venezuelans, to make ends meet in a country whose inflation will reach a staggering one million per cent this year, according to the International Monetary Fund. "If I didn't have another job, I don't know what would have become of me," said the 30-year-old nurse, who in a single day selling hairspray can earn the equivalent of her monthly salary. Sometimes her father, also a nurse, helps her mix the chemicals in a bucket in her front room. Her husband, who gave up his job as a fireman, also helps out with the business. Guillen is tempted to resign from her job, but says the desire "to serve" her compatriots is keeping her from joining the 3.3 million people the United Nations estimates have left Venezuela since the start of 2016. But since June 2018, 15,000 members of her profession -- or around 40 per cent -- quit and many of those emigrated, according to Ana Rosario Contreras, president of the Nurses College of Caracas, which has called for salaries to be paid in dollars to halt the exodus. 'In love' with nursing By day, Carlos Ruiz works as a security guard for a metallurgy company and also does odd jobs. The 42-year-old says he does "what's needed to survive." But despite saving up as much as he can, he hasn't been able to buy a new nurse uniform for the last four years: he needs 10 months of salary for that. He also has to deal with the scarcity of hospital supplies -- up to 80 per cent in some sectors, according to NGOs -- which President Nicolas Maduro blames on an economic war waged by the United States at the invitation of the opposition. "There's no lack of those who accuse us of stealing medicines," according to Ruiz, who said he is "in love" with a job that allowed him to be present at the births of his four children. In some hospitals, a single nurse has to look after up to four patients, something those in the profession decry as "labour persecution." Working to save lives Repeated major electricity blackouts have also taken their toll on the medical sector, knocking out power to hospitals -- many of which do not have working generators -- with potentially deadly consequences for patients. Camilo Torres sells pastries and ice cream in his home in the southern state of Bolivar and goes to work at the local hospital on foot because of the lack of public transport. It takes him two hours. Facebook photos attest to the toll his struggles have taken on his body: three years ago, he weighed 120 kilograms (264 pounds), but now weighs just 65 (143 pounds). "I'm skinny and that's due to hunger," said the father of three, who wears broken shoes. A neighbour helped him sew them up because a new pair costs three times his salary. He can't even afford socks and his once white uniform looks yellow -- for Torres, detergent is a luxury. But he won't give up. "My job is to save lives. If there's no one in the hospital then I'm sure that if today 10 people die, tomorrow it will be 50 and that pain would never leave me," he said.

Venezuela nurses turn to side jobs to survive economic crisis

More than 85,000 Venezuelan migrants crossed into Ecuador from Colombia in the last month, ahead of new visa restrictions from Quito that took effect on Monday (August 26), the Colombian government said.

Venezuelan migrants flood into Ecuador ahead of new visa restrictions

The humanitarian crisis in Venezuela pushes women into 'unwanted pregnancy'.

WION Playlist: Humanitarian crisis in Venezuela

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro said Tuesday he had authorised contact with the administration of US President Donald Trump "for months," in an effort to repair relations with Washington.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro said Tuesday he had authorised contact with the administration of US President Donald Trump "for months," in an effort to repair relations with Washington. In January, Maduro broke diplomatic relations with the United States. Washington imposed sanctions on high-level officials and Venezuelan state entities to increase pressure on Maduro and remove him as leader of the OPEC nation. Officials from the two countries had not previously confirmed contact until earlier Tuesday, when Trump told journalists at the White House his administration had been in talks "at a very high level" with various representatives from Venezuela but declined to give details. Maduro said he could not reveal details about which officials had been in contact with the Trump administration or what they had discussed, but that the goal of the discussions was to "normalize and resolve this conflict" between the two countries. "I can confirm that for months we have had contact," Maduro said during an appearance on state television. "Just as I have sought dialogue in Venezuela, I have sought a way for President Donald Trump to really listen to Venezuela," he added. Maduro and a delegation representing opposition leader Juan Guaido have been meeting in Barbados as part of talks to resolve a political stalemate in nation that is suffering from a hyperinflationary economic collapse. This week opposition politicians are travelling to Washington to speak to U.S. officials, four sources told Reuters.

Venezuela's Maduro says there has been contact with US officials 'for months'

The United Nations on Sunday appealed for more humanitarian aid for Venezuelan refugees pouring into neighbouring countries, where they are overwhelming social services and reportedly sparking local tensions.

UN High Commissioner for refugees, Filippo Grandi, had planned to visit the Brazilian town of Pacaraima this weekend, but authorities reportedly advised him to cancel the trip amid fears of protests by residents who are unhappy with the arrival of more than 500 Venezuelans each day.

Last week, the residents of Pacaraima closed shops and marched through the streets, raising slogans such as "Out with the Venezuelans", "Pacaraima is ours", "Out with the UN", and "Brazil for Brazilians".

Grandi said financial institutions such as the World Bank and the Inter-American Development Bank have been engaged, but they need to speed up their help to help sustain health and education systems, Al Jazeera reported.

The UNHCR, in a report, estimated that around 4.3 million Venezuelans fled economic and political turmoil in their country, mainly to Colombia, Peru, Chile and Ecuador. Around 180,000 are also staying in Brazil.

In June, the Organisation of American States said that the Venezuelan exodus may exceed eight million people by the end of next year, which would make it the largest migration crisis in the world.&nbsp;

The group's projection puts the exodus between 7.5 million and 8.2 million in 2020, far surpassing the 6.7 million people who have fled war-torn Syria in eight years.&nbsp;

Grandi said there were signs of anti-immigrant sentiment spreading across the region, reflected in mounting restrictions on the movement of Venezuelans in Andean countries. Venezuela plunged into a political and economic crisis in January after opposition leader Juan Guaido proclaimed himself as the country's interim president amid throngs of cheering supporters who called for the resignation of legitimate President Nicolas Maduro.&nbsp;

The US immediately extended its support to Guaido, followed by nations like Canada and Britain.&nbsp;

However, countries like Russia and China have backed Maduro and slammed the US for its external interference in Venezuela.

Since then, Washington has been pursuing a policy of economic sanctions and diplomatic isolation against the Maduro government in support of Guaido.

The United Nations on Sunday appealed for more humanitarian aid for Venezuelan refugees pouring into neighbouring countries, where they are overwhelming social services and reportedly sparking local tensions.

The United Nations on Sunday appealed for more humanitarian aid for Venezuelan refugees pouring into neighbouring countries, where they are overwhelming social services and reportedly sparking local tensions. UN High Commissioner for refugees, Filippo Grandi, had planned to visit the Brazilian town of Pacaraima this weekend, but authorities reportedly advised him to cancel the trip amid fears of protests by residents who are unhappy with the arrival of more than 500 Venezuelans each day. Last week, the residents of Pacaraima closed shops and marched through the streets, raising slogans such as "Out with the Venezuelans", "Pacaraima is ours", "Out with the UN", and "Brazil for Brazilians". Grandi said financial institutions such as the World Bank and the Inter-American Development Bank have been engaged, but they need to speed up their help to help sustain health and education systems, Al Jazeera reported. The UNHCR, in a report, estimated that around 4.3 million Venezuelans fled economic and political turmoil in their country, mainly to Colombia, Peru, Chile and Ecuador. Around 180,000 are also staying in Brazil. In June, the Organisation of American States said that the Venezuelan exodus may exceed eight million people by the end of next year, which would make it the largest migration crisis in the world. The group's projection puts the exodus between 7.5 million and 8.2 million in 2020, far surpassing the 6.7 million people who have fled war-torn Syria in eight years. Grandi said there were signs of anti-immigrant sentiment spreading across the region, reflected in mounting restrictions on the movement of Venezuelans in Andean countries. Venezuela plunged into a political and economic crisis in January after opposition leader Juan Guaido proclaimed himself as the country's interim president amid throngs of cheering supporters who called for the resignation of legitimate President Nicolas Maduro. The US immediately extended its support to Guaido, followed by nations like Canada and Britain. However, countries like Russia and China have backed Maduro and slammed the US for its external interference in Venezuela. Since then, Washington has been pursuing a policy of economic sanctions and diplomatic isolation against the Maduro government in support of Guaido.

United Nations appeals for more help to alleviate Venezuela refugee crisis

This segment of WION brings to you top stories of the morning from across the globe. Watch this video to get updated with the latest information.

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - August 14th, 2019

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/venezuela-will-win-says-maduro-after-new-us-sanctions-241548">Venezuela</a>'s opposition leader Juan Guaido warned President Nicolas Maduro on Tuesday that any attempts to bring forward parliamentary elections would end in "disaster" for the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/venezuela-people-protests-against-imposed-sanctions-241437">government</a>.

Elections to renew the National Assembly, the only branch of government under opposition control, are set for December 2020.

But the Constituent Assembly, a rival body created by the Maduro regime and given extraordinary powers superseding the National Assembly, has hinted at the possibility of ordering early elections.

Such a maneuver could threaten the opposition's hold on the National Assembly and with it Guaido's claim as head of the legislature to be the country's legitimate president.

But <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-pro-government-legislature-holds-session-may-disband-congress-242540">Guaido</a> insisted it would backfire, further isolating Maduro, who has so far withstood opposition challenges to his presidency with the support of the military.

"What would happen if the regime dared to -- and it could -- bring forward an irregular convocation for elections without any conditions?" said Guaido.

"They will drown in contradictions, in isolation -- they will drown in disaster."

Constituent Assembly president Diosdado Cabello, the most powerful regime figure after Maduro, admitted on Monday the move was a "counter-attack" after the United States increased its sanctions on the government.

Venezuela has been locked in a political crisis since the legislature branded Maduro a "usurper" in January over his controversial re-election last year in a poll widely denounced as rigged.

As the head of the National Assembly, Guaido demanded Maduro step down and declared himself acting president in a move recognized by more than 50 countries.

The government and the opposition have engaged in Norwegian-mediated talks but those negotiations appear blocked over the opposition's demand that Maduro step down so new elections can be held.

In the meantime, the regime has stepped up pressure on opposition legislators by stripping 25 of them of their parliamentary immunity over their alleged support for a failed April uprising instigated by Guaido.

The European Union's foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini's spokeswoman Maja Kocijancic said these moves were "another direct attack on the only democratically elected body in Venezuela."

US President Donald Trump's National Security Advisor John Bolton urged the "international community to hold the tyrant Maduro accountable." 
&nbsp;

Venezuela's opposition leader Juan Guaido warned President Nicolas Maduro on Tuesday that any attempts to bring forward parliamentary elections would end in "disaster" for the government.

Venezuela's opposition leader Juan Guaido warned President Nicolas Maduro on Tuesday that any attempts to bring forward parliamentary elections would end in "disaster" for the government. Elections to renew the National Assembly, the only branch of government under opposition control, are set for December 2020. But the Constituent Assembly, a rival body created by the Maduro regime and given extraordinary powers superseding the National Assembly, has hinted at the possibility of ordering early elections. Such a maneuver could threaten the opposition's hold on the National Assembly and with it Guaido's claim as head of the legislature to be the country's legitimate president. But Guaido insisted it would backfire, further isolating Maduro, who has so far withstood opposition challenges to his presidency with the support of the military. "What would happen if the regime dared to -- and it could -- bring forward an irregular convocation for elections without any conditions?" said Guaido. "They will drown in contradictions, in isolation -- they will drown in disaster." Constituent Assembly president Diosdado Cabello, the most powerful regime figure after Maduro, admitted on Monday the move was a "counter-attack" after the United States increased its sanctions on the government. Venezuela has been locked in a political crisis since the legislature branded Maduro a "usurper" in January over his controversial re-election last year in a poll widely denounced as rigged. As the head of the National Assembly, Guaido demanded Maduro step down and declared himself acting president in a move recognized by more than 50 countries. The government and the opposition have engaged in Norwegian-mediated talks but those negotiations appear blocked over the opposition's demand that Maduro step down so new elections can be held. In the meantime, the regime has stepped up pressure on opposition legislators by stripping 25 of them of their parliamentary immunity over their alleged support for a failed April uprising instigated by Guaido. The European Union's foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini's spokeswoman Maja Kocijancic said these moves were "another direct attack on the only democratically elected body in Venezuela." US President Donald Trump's National Security Advisor John Bolton urged the "international community to hold the tyrant Maduro accountable."

Juan Guaido warns Venezuela's Maduro over moves to advance legislative elections

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - August 13th, 2019

Venezuela's pro-government legislature holds a session on Monday amid accusations it is planning to disband the opposition-run parliament and convene early legislative elections, potentially escalating the country's political crisis.

Opposition leader <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../juan-guaido-calls-for-operation-freedom-to- topple-venezuelas-maduro-215341">Juan Guaido </a>on Sunday said the Constituent Assembly would make the decision during a Monday session after President Nicolas Maduro called for an "offensive" against congress.

Such a move would fuel criticism of Maduro in the international community and would almost certainly halt Norway-brokered talks between the government and Guaido allies meant to reach a negotiated solution to Venezuela's political stalemate.

Diosdado Cabello, vice president of the ruling Socialist Party and head of the Constituent Assembly, on Sunday night confirmed via Twitter that a session was scheduled for Monday but did not say what would be discussed.

"Nothing will stop us, we are free and we will be victorious!!" he wrote.

A Constituent Assembly official did not respond to a message seeking details on the session.

Congressional elections are held every five years, and are not scheduled until December 2020.

The opposition in 2015 won a two-thirds majority of congress in a landslide vote, taking control of parliament for the first time in 16 years. Maduro's government refused to recognize any of its decisions and the supreme court has shot down every measure it approved.

In 2017, Maduro launched an election to create the Constituent Assembly, an all-powerful body that is officially tasked with rewriting the constitution but in practice functions as a parallel legislature with no checks on its power.

The opposition broadly boycotted that vote, and the creation of the institution was harshly criticized around the world as undermining democracy.

Guaido invoked the constitution in January to assume a rival presidency, saying Maduro's 2018 re-election was fraudulent. He has been recognized by more than 50 countries, including the United States, as Venezuela's legitimate president.

Maduro said on Saturday that Guaido will face justice for supporting the most recent round of US&nbsp;sanctions, which block all commercial transactions with Venezuela's government and freeze its assets in the United States.

He called on Cabello last week to begin an offensive against the "traitors" in the legislature.

Venezuela's pro-government legislature holds a session on Monday amid accusations it is planning to disband the opposition-run parliament and convene early legislative elections, potentially escalating the country's political crisis.

Venezuela's pro-government legislature holds a session on Monday amid accusations it is planning to disband the opposition-run parliament and convene early legislative elections, potentially escalating the country's political crisis. Opposition leader Juan Guaido on Sunday said the Constituent Assembly would make the decision during a Monday session after President Nicolas Maduro called for an "offensive" against congress. Such a move would fuel criticism of Maduro in the international community and would almost certainly halt Norway-brokered talks between the government and Guaido allies meant to reach a negotiated solution to Venezuela's political stalemate. Diosdado Cabello, vice president of the ruling Socialist Party and head of the Constituent Assembly, on Sunday night confirmed via Twitter that a session was scheduled for Monday but did not say what would be discussed. "Nothing will stop us, we are free and we will be victorious!!" he wrote. A Constituent Assembly official did not respond to a message seeking details on the session. Congressional elections are held every five years, and are not scheduled until December 2020. The opposition in 2015 won a two-thirds majority of congress in a landslide vote, taking control of parliament for the first time in 16 years. Maduro's government refused to recognize any of its decisions and the supreme court has shot down every measure it approved. In 2017, Maduro launched an election to create the Constituent Assembly, an all-powerful body that is officially tasked with rewriting the constitution but in practice functions as a parallel legislature with no checks on its power. The opposition broadly boycotted that vote, and the creation of the institution was harshly criticized around the world as undermining democracy. Guaido invoked the constitution in January to assume a rival presidency, saying Maduro's 2018 re-election was fraudulent. He has been recognized by more than 50 countries, including the United States, as Venezuela's legitimate president. Maduro said on Saturday that Guaido will face justice for supporting the most recent round of US sanctions, which block all commercial transactions with Venezuela's government and freeze its assets in the United States. He called on Cabello last week to begin an offensive against the "traitors" in the legislature.

Venezuela pro-government legislature holds session, may disband congress

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - August 12th, 2019

U.S.-Venezuela tensions: Nicolas Maduro's 'No more Trump' rally. Watch this video to know more.

U.S.-Venezuela tensions: Nicolas Maduro's 'No more Trump' rally

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - August 10th, 2019

The UN rights chief on Thursday intensified criticism of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-imposes-sanctions-on-venezuelan-governments-assets-240952">US sanctions targeting Venezuela</a>, condemning the latest measures as "extremely broad" with the potential to exacerbate suffering among an already vulnerable population.&nbsp;

The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet, has raised concern about previous sanctions imposed by Washington against the government of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.&nbsp;

In the new measures, President Donald Trump's administration ordered a freeze on all Venezuelan government assets in the United States and barred transactions with its authorities.

Watch: 'Venezuela will win', says Maduro after new US sanctions

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"I am deeply worried about the potentially severe impact on the human rights of the people of Venezuela of the new set of unilateral sanctions imposed by the US this week," Bachelet said in a statement.&nbsp;

"The sanctions are extremely broad and fail to contain sufficient measures to mitigate their impact on the most vulnerable sectors of the population," she added.

Bachelet, a former president of Chile, noted that the latest sanctions included exceptions for transactions related to certain food, clothing and medicine.

"However, they are still likely to significantly exacerbate the crisis for millions of ordinary Venezuelans," she said.

Venezuela -- wracked by a devastating economic crisis despite vast oil wealth -- has been mired in a political impasse since January when Juan Guaido, speaker of the National Assembly, proclaimed himself acting president.&nbsp;

He is now recognised as Venezuela's leader by more than 50 countries, including the US.

Bachelet has criticised Maduro's government, notably over its violent crackdown on protests, but stressed that previous US sanctions imposed in 2017 and in January of this year had made the "dire crisis" in Venezuela even worse.

The UN rights chief on Thursday intensified criticism of US sanctions targeting Venezuela, condemning the latest measures as "extremely broad" with the potential to exacerbate suffering among an already vulnerable population.

The UN rights chief on Thursday intensified criticism of US sanctions targeting Venezuela, condemning the latest measures as "extremely broad" with the potential to exacerbate suffering among an already vulnerable population. The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet, has raised concern about previous sanctions imposed by Washington against the government of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. In the new measures, President Donald Trump's administration ordered a freeze on all Venezuelan government assets in the United States and barred transactions with its authorities. Watch: 'Venezuela will win', says Maduro after new US sanctions × "I am deeply worried about the potentially severe impact on the human rights of the people of Venezuela of the new set of unilateral sanctions imposed by the US this week," Bachelet said in a statement. "The sanctions are extremely broad and fail to contain sufficient measures to mitigate their impact on the most vulnerable sectors of the population," she added. Bachelet, a former president of Chile, noted that the latest sanctions included exceptions for transactions related to certain food, clothing and medicine. "However, they are still likely to significantly exacerbate the crisis for millions of ordinary Venezuelans," she said. Venezuela -- wracked by a devastating economic crisis despite vast oil wealth -- has been mired in a political impasse since January when Juan Guaido, speaker of the National Assembly, proclaimed himself acting president. He is now recognised as Venezuela's leader by more than 50 countries, including the US. Bachelet has criticised Maduro's government, notably over its violent crackdown on protests, but stressed that previous US sanctions imposed in 2017 and in January of this year had made the "dire crisis" in Venezuela even worse.

UN rights chief condemns latest US Venezuela sanctions

Venezuela’s government will skip a round of Norway-brokered talks on Thursday and Friday to protest a new set of U.S. sanctions meant to force President Nicolas Maduro from power, the Venezuelan information ministry said on Wednesday.

Venezuela: People protests against imposed sanctions

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - August 8th, 2019

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-ready-to-target-other-countries-for-supporting-venezuelas-maduro-241275">Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro</a> blamed Washington on Wednesday in cancelling scheduled talks with the political opposition, as his embattle regime struggles under the weight of US sanctions.

The oil-rich leftist regime has been hurt especially hard since US President Donald Trump on Monday ordered a freeze on all Venezuelan government assets in the United States and barred transactions with its authorities.

Maduro "has decided to not send the Venezuelan delegation" for talks Thursday and Friday mediated by Norway in Barbados with representatives of opposition leader Juan Guaido, a government statement read.

Maduro attributed the cancellation to "the grave and brutal aggression" being "continuously... carried out by the Trump administration against Venezuela, which includes the illegal blocking of our economic, commercial and financial activities," the statement read.

Trump's measures were just the latest in a string of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-imposes-sanctions-on-venezuelan-governments-assets-240952">sanctions imposed on the Maduro regime</a> in a bid to force the socialist leader from power.

The crisis-wracked country has been mired in a political impasse since January when Guaido, speaker of the National Assembly, proclaimed himself acting president. He is now recognized as Venezuela's leader by more than 50 countries.

In the talks, Guaido has called for new elections, while Maduro, who retains support from Venezuela's military, is calling for a "democratic cohabitation" and refuses to leave the office.

'Yankee go home!'

In Caracas, thousands of government supporters dressed in red and waving Venezuelan flags marched against the US sanctions.

Washington has threatened to "use every appropriate tool" to oust Maduro and warned Venezuelan allies Russia and China on Tuesday against doing business with the regime.

China responded to the sanctions by telling the US to stop "bullying" other countries.

Made up mostly of civilian militia and public sector employees, the crowd chanted: "Yankee go home!" and "Hands off Venezuela!"

"We're struggling against this war that's making life impossible," Elena Flores, a 62-year-old government worker, told AFP.

Trump "is nervous, he's anxious, he's power-hungry, he wants to get his hands on Venezuela," she added.

Speaking at a small meeting in the east of Caracas, Guaido insisted the US sanctions would affect only top regime officials and not the general population.

"They're against the regime, against Maduro, the product of arrogance," he said as he called for the release of opposition legislator Juan Requesens, who was arrested a year ago and is accused of being behind an alleged drone attack against Maduro.

Venezuela's opposition considers Maduro a usurper over his re-election last year in a poll widely viewed as rigged.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro blamed Washington on Wednesday in cancelling scheduled talks with the political opposition, as his embattle regime struggles under the weight of US sanctions.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro blamed Washington on Wednesday in cancelling scheduled talks with the political opposition, as his embattle regime struggles under the weight of US sanctions. The oil-rich leftist regime has been hurt especially hard since US President Donald Trump on Monday ordered a freeze on all Venezuelan government assets in the United States and barred transactions with its authorities. Maduro "has decided to not send the Venezuelan delegation" for talks Thursday and Friday mediated by Norway in Barbados with representatives of opposition leader Juan Guaido, a government statement read. Maduro attributed the cancellation to "the grave and brutal aggression" being "continuously... carried out by the Trump administration against Venezuela, which includes the illegal blocking of our economic, commercial and financial activities," the statement read. Trump's measures were just the latest in a string of sanctions imposed on the Maduro regime in a bid to force the socialist leader from power. The crisis-wracked country has been mired in a political impasse since January when Guaido, speaker of the National Assembly, proclaimed himself acting president. He is now recognized as Venezuela's leader by more than 50 countries. In the talks, Guaido has called for new elections, while Maduro, who retains support from Venezuela's military, is calling for a "democratic cohabitation" and refuses to leave the office. 'Yankee go home!' In Caracas, thousands of government supporters dressed in red and waving Venezuelan flags marched against the US sanctions. Washington has threatened to "use every appropriate tool" to oust Maduro and warned Venezuelan allies Russia and China on Tuesday against doing business with the regime. China responded to the sanctions by telling the US to stop "bullying" other countries. Made up mostly of civilian militia and public sector employees, the crowd chanted: "Yankee go home!" and "Hands off Venezuela!" "We're struggling against this war that's making life impossible," Elena Flores, a 62-year-old government worker, told AFP. Trump "is nervous, he's anxious, he's power-hungry, he wants to get his hands on Venezuela," she added. Speaking at a small meeting in the east of Caracas, Guaido insisted the US sanctions would affect only top regime officials and not the general population. "They're against the regime, against Maduro, the product of arrogance," he said as he called for the release of opposition legislator Juan Requesens, who was arrested a year ago and is accused of being behind an alleged drone attack against Maduro. Venezuela's opposition considers Maduro a usurper over his re-election last year in a poll widely viewed as rigged.

Venezuela's Maduro halts talks with opposition after US sanctions

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro struck a defiant tone against new U.S. sanctions against Venezuela, telling supporters that the nation will win. Watch the full video to know more.

"Venezuela will win", says Maduro after new U.S. sanctions

US national security adviser John Bolton on Tuesday said Washington was ready to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-imposes-sanctions-on-venezuelan-governments-assets-240952">impose sanctions</a> on any international company doing business with Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, a sharp escalation of US pressure on the leftist leader.

Bolton, addressing a summit on Venezuela in the Peruvian capital Lima, emphasized that tougher international action was needed to speed up a transition of power in the country, where more than four million Venezuelans have fled economic collapse.

"We are sending a signal to third parties that want to do business with the Maduro regime: proceed with extreme caution," Bolton said.&nbsp;

His speech came a day after US President Donald Trump signed an executive order that freezes the assets of the Venezuelan government and bans any transactions with it, an act that could ensnare its dealings with Russia and China as well as with Western companies.&nbsp;

Watch: Donald Trump freezes all Venezulean govt assests in US

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Bolton, one of the Trump administration`s most influential hawks on Venezuela, told reporters the move forces companies around the world to choose whether to risk access to the United States and its financial system for business with Maduro.

Asked by a reporter how Venezuela would respond to the executive order, Venezuelan Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza said, "I`m going to paraphrase Donald Trump ... All options are on the table."

Venezuela’s UN Ambassador Samuel Moncada asked UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and the Security Council on Tuesday to intervene.

"This is an act of war by the United States," Moncada told reporters. "Venezuela is not a threat to anyone and the United States is fabricating this aggression just to take the oil."

The 15-member UN Security Council will be unable to take any action as the United States is one of the body’s five veto powers, along with Russia, China, Britain and France.&nbsp;

It was the first US asset freeze against an entire government in the Western Hemisphere in more than 30 years. But it was also a reminder that successive rounds of US sanctions have so far failed to peel away the crucial support of Venezuela`s military for Maduro, who took office in 2013 following the death of his political mentor President Hugo Chavez.

Continuing the state controls started under Chavez, Maduro has overseen one of the worst economic collapses in recent world history, leaving his nation of 30 million people with severe shortages of food and medicine despite sitting on the world`s largest oil reserves.

In private, Bolton had told Peruvian officials the measure would have the effect of about tripling current sanctions related to Venezuela, a Peruvian government source said, speaking on condition of anonymity. 
The executive order stopped short, however, of a full US trade embargo of the kind imposed on Cuba, experts said, by excluding Venezuela`s still sizeable private sector.

The order maintains some exemptions for companies that do business with state oil company PDVSA, and licenses published on Tuesday reiterated that companies like Chevron and Halliburton can continue to do business with PDVSA in Venezuela through October 25.

Some experts said the move could lead to pushback from other countries, and would require a lot of time and money to prove foreign companies are undermining sanctions.

"How much is the US&nbsp;government willing to spend in diplomatic capital in economic costs in the United States, in order to further its Venezuela policy? said David Murray of the Washington-based firm Financial Integrity Network, an expert on sanctions compliance.

Russia: 'Economic terror'

Most Western and Latin American democracies accuse Maduro of rigging elections last year and are calling for him to step down so the country can hold a fresh presidential ballot.

The summit, organised by Peru, a regional leader on demanding democratic reforms in Venezuela, had aimed to build support for new elections with Maduro`s allies. Yet Russia, China, Cuba, Turkey, Bolivia and Iran all boycotted the summit.&nbsp;

Russia`s foreign ministry said on Tuesday that Washington`s asset freeze was illegal and amounted to "economic terror", the RIA news agency reported.

The order also could inflame the US-China trade war if it hits Beijing hard, with Venezuela owing China oil deliveries as repayment for loans through 2021, said Fernando Cutz, a former top aide to Trump on the National Security Council.&nbsp;

Bolton warned Russia against doubling down on its support for Caracas, and urged China to recognise opposition leader Juan Guaido as the country`s legitimate leader if it wanted to recoup debt owed by Caracas, since a new government in Venezuela might not want to honour agreements made with countries that helped Maduro hang onto power.

Bolton said Washington had taken steps to ensure the sanctions did not hurt Guaido and his allies, nor prevent access to humanitarian goods.

Trump`s Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross also spoke to the Lima summit, promising US support and cooperation to help Venezuela rebuild its oil sector, institutions and economy once Maduro leaves office, without giving details.

The plan has a goal of reversing Venezuela`s decline in oil production within a year, and calls for a long-term deal with the International Monetary Fund, Ross said.

US national security adviser John Bolton on Tuesday said Washington was ready to impose sanctions on any international company doing business with Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, a sharp escalation of US pressure on the leftist leader.

US national security adviser John Bolton on Tuesday said Washington was ready to impose sanctions on any international company doing business with Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, a sharp escalation of US pressure on the leftist leader. Bolton, addressing a summit on Venezuela in the Peruvian capital Lima, emphasized that tougher international action was needed to speed up a transition of power in the country, where more than four million Venezuelans have fled economic collapse. "We are sending a signal to third parties that want to do business with the Maduro regime: proceed with extreme caution," Bolton said. His speech came a day after US President Donald Trump signed an executive order that freezes the assets of the Venezuelan government and bans any transactions with it, an act that could ensnare its dealings with Russia and China as well as with Western companies. Watch: Donald Trump freezes all Venezulean govt assests in US × Bolton, one of the Trump administration`s most influential hawks on Venezuela, told reporters the move forces companies around the world to choose whether to risk access to the United States and its financial system for business with Maduro. Asked by a reporter how Venezuela would respond to the executive order, Venezuelan Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza said, "I`m going to paraphrase Donald Trump ... All options are on the table." Venezuela’s UN Ambassador Samuel Moncada asked UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and the Security Council on Tuesday to intervene. "This is an act of war by the United States," Moncada told reporters. "Venezuela is not a threat to anyone and the United States is fabricating this aggression just to take the oil." The 15-member UN Security Council will be unable to take any action as the United States is one of the body’s five veto powers, along with Russia, China, Britain and France. It was the first US asset freeze against an entire government in the Western Hemisphere in more than 30 years. But it was also a reminder that successive rounds of US sanctions have so far failed to peel away the crucial support of Venezuela`s military for Maduro, who took office in 2013 following the death of his political mentor President Hugo Chavez. Continuing the state controls started under Chavez, Maduro has overseen one of the worst economic collapses in recent world history, leaving his nation of 30 million people with severe shortages of food and medicine despite sitting on the world`s largest oil reserves. In private, Bolton had told Peruvian officials the measure would have the effect of about tripling current sanctions related to Venezuela, a Peruvian government source said, speaking on condition of anonymity. The executive order stopped short, however, of a full US trade embargo of the kind imposed on Cuba, experts said, by excluding Venezuela`s still sizeable private sector. The order maintains some exemptions for companies that do business with state oil company PDVSA, and licenses published on Tuesday reiterated that companies like Chevron and Halliburton can continue to do business with PDVSA in Venezuela through October 25. Some experts said the move could lead to pushback from other countries, and would require a lot of time and money to prove foreign companies are undermining sanctions. "How much is the US government willing to spend in diplomatic capital in economic costs in the United States, in order to further its Venezuela policy? said David Murray of the Washington-based firm Financial Integrity Network, an expert on sanctions compliance. Russia: 'Economic terror' Most Western and Latin American democracies accuse Maduro of rigging elections last year and are calling for him to step down so the country can hold a fresh presidential ballot. The summit, organised by Peru, a regional leader on demanding democratic reforms in Venezuela, had aimed to build support for new elections with Maduro`s allies. Yet Russia, China, Cuba, Turkey, Bolivia and Iran all boycotted the summit. Russia`s foreign ministry said on Tuesday that Washington`s asset freeze was illegal and amounted to "economic terror", the RIA news agency reported. The order also could inflame the US-China trade war if it hits Beijing hard, with Venezuela owing China oil deliveries as repayment for loans through 2021, said Fernando Cutz, a former top aide to Trump on the National Security Council. Bolton warned Russia against doubling down on its support for Caracas, and urged China to recognise opposition leader Juan Guaido as the country`s legitimate leader if it wanted to recoup debt owed by Caracas, since a new government in Venezuela might not want to honour agreements made with countries that helped Maduro hang onto power. Bolton said Washington had taken steps to ensure the sanctions did not hurt Guaido and his allies, nor prevent access to humanitarian goods. Trump`s Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross also spoke to the Lima summit, promising US support and cooperation to help Venezuela rebuild its oil sector, institutions and economy once Maduro leaves office, without giving details. The plan has a goal of reversing Venezuela`s decline in oil production within a year, and calls for a long-term deal with the International Monetary Fund, Ross said.

US ready to target other countries for supporting Venezuela's Maduro

The Trump administration froze all Venezuelan government assets in US. Watch video to know more.

Donald Trump freezes all Venezulean govt assests in US

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