Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro said on Wednesday security forces had foiled an opposition coup attempt that included plans to assassinate him and other top political figures and install a jailed former military officer as president.

Venezuela: Nicolas Maduro claims his govt foiled opposition's coup plot

Russia is withdrawing its military "technicians" from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/venezuelas-former-spy-chief-says-nicolas-maduro-could-yet-fall-230214">Venezuela, flying them</a> out to Moscow on Wednesday, the embassy in Caracas said.

"The Il-62 plane which is carrying Russian technicians who have been in Venezuela over the past months… is leaving Caracas for Moscow on June 26," the Russian embassy in Caracas said in a post on Facebook.

An embassy press attache told AFP "one plane" was departing for Moscow.

Russia had said earlier that military specialists were in Venezuela were "working on servicing equipment supplied earlier."

Trump had tweeted during a state visit to Britain that "Russia has informed us that they have removed most of their people from Venezuela." It was denied by Kremlin at the time.

However, this time the Russian embassy confirmed that they had pulled out its technicians from Venezuela.

Trump in March had called on Russia to "get out" of Venezuela after Moscow -- in a significant show of solidarity for Maduro's badly isolated government -- deployed around 100 soldiers to the country.

Russia's state defence contractor Rostec has played down any changes in deployment, dismissing a report in The Wall Street Journal saying that the overall Russian presence in Venezuela had been reduced from as many as 1,000 personnel to a few dozen.

Russia is withdrawing its military "technicians" from Venezuela, flying them out to Moscow on Wednesday, the embassy in Caracas said. "The Il-62 plane which is carrying Russian technicians who have been in Venezuela over the past months… is leaving Caracas for Moscow on June 26," the Russian embassy in Caracas said in a post on Facebook.

Russia is withdrawing its military "technicians" from Venezuela, flying them out to Moscow on Wednesday, the embassy in Caracas said. "The Il-62 plane which is carrying Russian technicians who have been in Venezuela over the past months… is leaving Caracas for Moscow on June 26," the Russian embassy in Caracas said in a post on Facebook. An embassy press attache told AFP "one plane" was departing for Moscow. Russia had said earlier that military specialists were in Venezuela were "working on servicing equipment supplied earlier." Trump had tweeted during a state visit to Britain that "Russia has informed us that they have removed most of their people from Venezuela." It was denied by Kremlin at the time. However, this time the Russian embassy confirmed that they had pulled out its technicians from Venezuela. Trump in March had called on Russia to "get out" of Venezuela after Moscow -- in a significant show of solidarity for Maduro's badly isolated government -- deployed around 100 soldiers to the country. Russia's state defence contractor Rostec has played down any changes in deployment, dismissing a report in The Wall Street Journal saying that the overall Russian presence in Venezuela had been reduced from as many as 1,000 personnel to a few dozen.

'Technicians' to fly out of Venezuela: Russian embassy

Copa America organisers CONMEBOL defended the use of video technology at the tournament after revealing VAR stoppages had averaged two minutes 26 seconds per intervention, nearly double the time taken at the 2018 World Cup.

The lengthy delays to play owing to VAR has led to whistling from disgruntled supporters and been criticised by figures including <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/copa-america-colombia-defeats-qatar-1-0-moves-to-quarter-final-228873&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjS-uXA2IbjAhUXfysKHTciBYAQFjAGegQIARAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2Rtxu-bdYoDV_gIx2leyXe">Colombia </a>coach Carlos Queiroz, just as the technology has become a huge topic of debate at the Women's World Cup.

CONMEBOL referees' chief Wilson Seneme gave a news conference on Tuesday after the conclusion of the group stage to discuss the use of VAR at the tournament and said there had been 17 interventions in the 18 games, with 11 on-screen reviews.

The average time per intervention easily eclipses the 80-second delays for VAR at the 2018 World Cup, the first major tournament where the technology was used.

The longest amount of stoppage time added on in the Copa was nine minutes in <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/copa-america-brazil-crush-peru-to-reach-last-eight-229690&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjjiv_X2IbjAhXGXSsKHZYSDeIQFjAFegQIAxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0uPoq1x3-uyx9tjaBzWBcp">Brazil's </a>goalless draw with Venezuela, during which three goals were ruled out - two by VAR.

The extra time for stoppages added in that game was dwarfed, however, by the 18 minutes added in England's 3-0 win over Cameroon in the Women's World Cup.

"There have been no scandals and this gives us peace of mind. We are very satisfied with the result," Seneme said, adding that 15 decisions were changed as a result of the technology's use and two were upheld.

"We have been working on this since 2017 and the positive and negative results have allowed us to manage it well in 2019. The referee is still the one who decides, VAR is there to help the decisions,"&nbsp;Seneme said.

Venezuela have had a total of four goals scored against them ruled out by VAR, and after they scraped a goalless draw with hosts Brazil after two late goals were chalked off, coach Rafael Dudamel delightedly declared "Long live VAR".

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/argentina-beat-qatar-2-0-to-qualify-for-copa-america-last-eight-229875&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiLiPuO2IbjAhUEFogKHUqxD-4QFjADegQIDhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0KH8wOiFoRjbPqWYsry6Vg">Argentina </a>meanwhile were losing to Paraguay when they were awarded a penalty which no-one had appealed for after VAR spotted that a shot from Lautaro Martinez had taken the slightest of deflections off the hand of Paraguay's Ivan Piris.

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/copa-america-lionel-messis-penalty-rescues-argentina-against-paraguay-228869&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjS-uXA2IbjAhUXfysKHTciBYAQFjAHegQICxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1qwhh1mCV-kTGexBF7sw55">Lionel Messi</a> scored from the spot to salvage a 1-1 draw which proved crucial in his side progressing to the last eight, where they will face Venezuela.

Colombia coach Queiroz has been VAR's fiercest critic at the tournament, saying it desperately needed to be reviewed after it denied his side a goal and overturned a penalty that had been awarded to them in a 1-0 win over Paraguay.

“Something has to change, because the fans are left confused and the players and coaches too. VAR was supposed to make football clearer and more objective but it’s doing the opposite," Queiroz said.

“We need to have a re-think for the good of football because the fans are not happy about it and neither are we,” added&nbsp;Queiroz.

Copa America organisers CONMEBOL defended the use of video technology at the tournament after revealing VAR stoppages had averaged two minutes 26 seconds per intervention, nearly double the time taken at the 2018 World Cup.

Copa America organisers CONMEBOL defended the use of video technology at the tournament after revealing VAR stoppages had averaged two minutes 26 seconds per intervention, nearly double the time taken at the 2018 World Cup. The lengthy delays to play owing to VAR has led to whistling from disgruntled supporters and been criticised by figures including Colombia coach Carlos Queiroz, just as the technology has become a huge topic of debate at the Women's World Cup. CONMEBOL referees' chief Wilson Seneme gave a news conference on Tuesday after the conclusion of the group stage to discuss the use of VAR at the tournament and said there had been 17 interventions in the 18 games, with 11 on-screen reviews. The average time per intervention easily eclipses the 80-second delays for VAR at the 2018 World Cup, the first major tournament where the technology was used. The longest amount of stoppage time added on in the Copa was nine minutes in Brazil's goalless draw with Venezuela, during which three goals were ruled out - two by VAR. The extra time for stoppages added in that game was dwarfed, however, by the 18 minutes added in England's 3-0 win over Cameroon in the Women's World Cup. "There have been no scandals and this gives us peace of mind. We are very satisfied with the result," Seneme said, adding that 15 decisions were changed as a result of the technology's use and two were upheld. "We have been working on this since 2017 and the positive and negative results have allowed us to manage it well in 2019. The referee is still the one who decides, VAR is there to help the decisions," Seneme said. Venezuela have had a total of four goals scored against them ruled out by VAR, and after they scraped a goalless draw with hosts Brazil after two late goals were chalked off, coach Rafael Dudamel delightedly declared "Long live VAR". Argentina meanwhile were losing to Paraguay when they were awarded a penalty which no-one had appealed for after VAR spotted that a shot from Lautaro Martinez had taken the slightest of deflections off the hand of Paraguay's Ivan Piris. Lionel Messi scored from the spot to salvage a 1-1 draw which proved crucial in his side progressing to the last eight, where they will face Venezuela. Colombia coach Queiroz has been VAR's fiercest critic at the tournament, saying it desperately needed to be reviewed after it denied his side a goal and overturned a penalty that had been awarded to them in a 1-0 win over Paraguay. “Something has to change, because the fans are left confused and the players and coaches too. VAR was supposed to make football clearer and more objective but it’s doing the opposite," Queiroz said. “We need to have a re-think for the good of football because the fans are not happy about it and neither are we,” added Queiroz.

Copa America organisers 'satisfied' with use of VAR despite lengthy delays

Venezuelan Envoy and her husband both are big Yoga advocates. In exclusive talk with WION, Venezuelan Envoy said that Even 70 years old are practising Yoga. It's really great to practice it with colleagues. She also said that Their National power company is also promoting Yoga day. Watch this video to know more.

International Yoga Day 2019: Venezuelan Envoy said, Their National Power Company Promoting Yoga Day

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 - June 20th, 2019

More than 70 million people were counted last year as displaced from their homes, a record that underestimates the real number of refugees and asylum seekers, the UN said Wednesday.&nbsp;

In its annual global trends report, the United Nations refugee agency (UNHCR) described the figure of 70.8 million at the end of 2018 as "conservative", particularly because the number of people who fled Venezuela's devastating crisis is undercounted.&nbsp;

At the end of 2017, by comparison, 68.5 million people were counted as being forcibly displaced by violence or persecution.

The UNHCR attributed the increase partly to surging displacement in Ethiopia caused by inter-ethnic conflict, and in Venezuela, where thousands are fleeing every day amid an economic collapse that has triggered shortages of basic food and medicine.

An estimated 3.3 million people have left Venezuela since the start of 2016, according to the UN.&nbsp;

UNHCR head Filippo Grandi told reporters in Geneva the figure of 70.8 million only includes Venezuelans who had officially applied for asylum -- roughly half a million people.

Overall, the number of displaced people in the world has doubled over the last 20 years and now exceeds the population of Thailand.&nbsp;

The trend, Grandi said, continues to go in "the wrong direction".

Conflicts 'Never' End

According to Amnesty International, a refugee is a person who flees their home country and cannot or will not return due to conflict or fear of persecution.

The report lists 41.3 million internally displaced people (IDPs), 25.9 million refugees, and 3.5 million asylum seekers -- those awaiting a decision on their bid for official refugee protection.

The countries with the most internally displaced people -- fleeing within their own countries -- are Syria, wracked by conflict since 2011 and Colombia, plagued by decades of violence, said the UNHCR.

The group of refugees, it added, included 5.5 million Palestinians scattered across several countries, notably Lebanon and Jordan.&nbsp;

The best solution for a refugee is to be able to return home once their country stabilises, but Grandi noted that 20 per cent have been in exile for more than two decades.&nbsp;

"We have become almost unable to make peace," the UNHCR chief said.&nbsp;

"It is true there are new conflicts, new situations producing refugees..., (but) the old ones never get resolved," he added. "When is the last conflict that you remember was resolved?"

&nbsp;'Praise' for Germany&nbsp;

The UNHCR has at times sought to push back against the phrase "migrant crisis", especially as it has been applied to an influx of people into Europe via the Mediterranean sea.

The agency has argued that while mass migration does pose serious challenges, it can be managed, particularly by wealthier nations.&nbsp;

Grandi praised Germany for its acceptance of migrants and its efforts to "demystify" the notion that migration is unmanageable, "even when the numbers are very big."

"I usually don't like to praise and criticise but I think in this case, I'd like to praise Germany for what it has done," said Grandi in Geneva, ahead of the report's launch in Berlin.&nbsp;

He noted that Chancellor Angela Merkel had paid a "heavy price" politically for her openness to migration, arguing this made her actions "even more courageous".

More than 70 million people were counted last year as displaced from their homes, a record that underestimates the real number of refugees and asylum seekers, the UN said Wednesday.

More than 70 million people were counted last year as displaced from their homes, a record that underestimates the real number of refugees and asylum seekers, the UN said Wednesday. In its annual global trends report, the United Nations refugee agency (UNHCR) described the figure of 70.8 million at the end of 2018 as "conservative", particularly because the number of people who fled Venezuela's devastating crisis is undercounted. At the end of 2017, by comparison, 68.5 million people were counted as being forcibly displaced by violence or persecution. The UNHCR attributed the increase partly to surging displacement in Ethiopia caused by inter-ethnic conflict, and in Venezuela, where thousands are fleeing every day amid an economic collapse that has triggered shortages of basic food and medicine. An estimated 3.3 million people have left Venezuela since the start of 2016, according to the UN. UNHCR head Filippo Grandi told reporters in Geneva the figure of 70.8 million only includes Venezuelans who had officially applied for asylum -- roughly half a million people. Overall, the number of displaced people in the world has doubled over the last 20 years and now exceeds the population of Thailand. The trend, Grandi said, continues to go in "the wrong direction". Conflicts 'Never' End According to Amnesty International, a refugee is a person who flees their home country and cannot or will not return due to conflict or fear of persecution. The report lists 41.3 million internally displaced people (IDPs), 25.9 million refugees, and 3.5 million asylum seekers -- those awaiting a decision on their bid for official refugee protection. The countries with the most internally displaced people -- fleeing within their own countries -- are Syria, wracked by conflict since 2011 and Colombia, plagued by decades of violence, said the UNHCR. The group of refugees, it added, included 5.5 million Palestinians scattered across several countries, notably Lebanon and Jordan. The best solution for a refugee is to be able to return home once their country stabilises, but Grandi noted that 20 per cent have been in exile for more than two decades. "We have become almost unable to make peace," the UNHCR chief said. "It is true there are new conflicts, new situations producing refugees..., (but) the old ones never get resolved," he added. "When is the last conflict that you remember was resolved?" 'Praise' for Germany The UNHCR has at times sought to push back against the phrase "migrant crisis", especially as it has been applied to an influx of people into Europe via the Mediterranean sea. The agency has argued that while mass migration does pose serious challenges, it can be managed, particularly by wealthier nations. Grandi praised Germany for its acceptance of migrants and its efforts to "demystify" the notion that migration is unmanageable, "even when the numbers are very big." "I usually don't like to praise and criticise but I think in this case, I'd like to praise Germany for what it has done," said Grandi in Geneva, ahead of the report's launch in Berlin. He noted that Chancellor Angela Merkel had paid a "heavy price" politically for her openness to migration, arguing this made her actions "even more courageous".

Record 70.8 million people displaced at end of 2018: UN

The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) rode to Venezuela's rescue once again at the Copa America on Tuesday, denying hosts Brazil two goals in a surprise 0-0 draw in Group A.

Brazil, who had another goal chopped off by the referee, were left to rue a series of missed chances in another sub-par performance that did little to excite the home fans.

Roberto Firmino had a goal disallowed late in the first half after the referee awarded a foul against the hosts, before substitute Gabriel Jesus found the net on the hour mark only for a VAR review to deem Firmino offside in the build-up.

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/philippe-coutinho-helps-brazil-forget-neymar-in-winning-copa-america-start-227257&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj6v6Pt7_TiAhUI3Y8KHb3WD-oQFjADegQIDhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw17wn7Hd-iYAj1m3Ja3u2YP">Philippe Coutinho</a> looked to have found the winner when he netted from close range but VAR intervened again, this time for Firmino appearing to handle the ball before it dropped to Coutinho.

After the game, Venezuela coach Rafael Dudamel sang the praises of the technology, which has saved his side on four occasions so far. Peru were also denied two goals by VAR in their opening 0-0 draw with the Venezuelans.

"Long live VAR," Dudamel said.

"We played an almost perfect game against a team of brilliant individuals. <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/copa-america-brazil-booed-by-fans-after-teams-lacklustre-display-227349&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjmhqvV7_TiAhUE5o8KHfFwDx8QFjAJegQIChAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3ndfnH2hGt0maErM-RmLuf">Brazil </a>put us to the test but the team understood what needed to be done and remembered what tactics we needed to deploy," he told reporters.

"This is a historic result for us,"&nbsp;Dudamel added.

Brazil lead the group on four points ahead of Peru, who beat Bolivia 3-1 earlier in the day and also have four points.

Brazil meet Peru in their final group game on Saturday with both sides needing only a draw to seal their place in the quarter-finals. Venezuela have two points while Bolivia are without a point, with the two facing each other on Saturday.

The top two in each group are guaranteed a place in the last eight, along with the two highest-ranked teams finishing third.

Brazil had faced criticism from fans for their slow start to their opening game against Bolivia, which they went on to win 3-0, and while they made a stronger start here they failed to take the numerous chances that came their way.

WASTED CHANCES

David Neres and Firmino missed the target and Richarlison was thwarted by Venezuela goalkeeper Wuilker Farinez early on, while substitute Jesus and defender Filipe Luis both wasted chances to win the game after the interval.

The final whistle was greeted by loud boos from the unimpressed 39,000 supporters at the Arena Fonte Nova, the hosts again failing to attract a full house after underselling the opener, with over 10,000 seats left empty this time.

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/neymars-absence-could-be-blessing-in-disguise-for-copa-america-hosts-brazil-226145&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj6v6Pt7_TiAhUI3Y8KHb3WD-oQFjAFegQIBhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2tewzoyDkh_U7ix4_DQfQP">Brazil </a>defender Thiago Silva said his side did not deserve the flak they were getting.

"In the second half, they (Venezuela) practically never got out their own area. We didn't win because of small details. But when you don't score goals it looks like everything is wrong," he said.

But coach Tite could understand the fans' frustrations.

"We have to understand the supporters, they want to see goals and if I had been in the crowd I also would have wanted to boo us," Tite said.

The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) rode to Venezuela's rescue once again at the Copa America on Tuesday, denying hosts Brazil two goals in a surprise 0-0 draw in Group A.

The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) rode to Venezuela's rescue once again at the Copa America on Tuesday, denying hosts Brazil two goals in a surprise 0-0 draw in Group A. Brazil, who had another goal chopped off by the referee, were left to rue a series of missed chances in another sub-par performance that did little to excite the home fans. Roberto Firmino had a goal disallowed late in the first half after the referee awarded a foul against the hosts, before substitute Gabriel Jesus found the net on the hour mark only for a VAR review to deem Firmino offside in the build-up. Philippe Coutinho looked to have found the winner when he netted from close range but VAR intervened again, this time for Firmino appearing to handle the ball before it dropped to Coutinho. After the game, Venezuela coach Rafael Dudamel sang the praises of the technology, which has saved his side on four occasions so far. Peru were also denied two goals by VAR in their opening 0-0 draw with the Venezuelans. "Long live VAR," Dudamel said. "We played an almost perfect game against a team of brilliant individuals. Brazil put us to the test but the team understood what needed to be done and remembered what tactics we needed to deploy," he told reporters. "This is a historic result for us," Dudamel added. Brazil lead the group on four points ahead of Peru, who beat Bolivia 3-1 earlier in the day and also have four points. Brazil meet Peru in their final group game on Saturday with both sides needing only a draw to seal their place in the quarter-finals. Venezuela have two points while Bolivia are without a point, with the two facing each other on Saturday. The top two in each group are guaranteed a place in the last eight, along with the two highest-ranked teams finishing third. Brazil had faced criticism from fans for their slow start to their opening game against Bolivia, which they went on to win 3-0, and while they made a stronger start here they failed to take the numerous chances that came their way. WASTED CHANCES David Neres and Firmino missed the target and Richarlison was thwarted by Venezuela goalkeeper Wuilker Farinez early on, while substitute Jesus and defender Filipe Luis both wasted chances to win the game after the interval. The final whistle was greeted by loud boos from the unimpressed 39,000 supporters at the Arena Fonte Nova, the hosts again failing to attract a full house after underselling the opener, with over 10,000 seats left empty this time. Brazil defender Thiago Silva said his side did not deserve the flak they were getting. "In the second half, they (Venezuela) practically never got out their own area. We didn't win because of small details. But when you don't score goals it looks like everything is wrong," he said. But coach Tite could understand the fans' frustrations. "We have to understand the supporters, they want to see goals and if I had been in the crowd I also would have wanted to boo us," Tite said.

Copa America: Brazil have three goals denied by VAR in draw with Venezuela

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - June 19th, 2019

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - June 18th, 2019

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - June 17th, 2019

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - June 16th, 2019

Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido on Saturday called for an investigation into claims his representatives misappropriated funds intended to help defectors from the Venezuelan military living in Colombia.

More than 1,400 members of Venezuela`s armed forces have fled to Colombia this year, heeding Guaido`s call to disavow socialist President Nicolas Maduro. They began arriving in late February, as Maduro`s troops at the border with Colombia drove back convoys of humanitarian aid requested by Guaido.

Latin American news outlet PanAm Post on Friday reported that representatives of Guaido, the leader of Venezuela`s opposition-controlled National Assembly, used funds intended to pay for the cost of the troops` hotels in the Colombian border city of Cucuta for personal purchases.&nbsp;

"We will investigate this deeply," Guaido said during a speech to supporters in the mountainous Venezuelan state of Merida. "Every cent of public funds should be sacred, and that is something we have to learn as a society."

Guaido in January invoked Venezuela`s constitution to assume an interim presidency, arguing Maduro`s 2018 re-election was illegitimate. He has since been recognized as the country`s legitimate leader by most Western and Latin American countries, including Colombia and the United States.

The opposition and its allies abroad say Maduro is a corrupt dictator who, along with other senior officials, has grown rich as Venezuela`s economy collapsed in recent years, prompting millions to emigrate. Maduro calls Guaido a US-backed puppet seeking to oust him in a coup.&nbsp;

"We request that the relevant jurisdiction investigate and clear up these serious charges," Luis Almagro, the Secretary-General of the Organisation of American States, wrote on Twitter on Friday, linking to the PanAm Post article. "Democratisation is not possible under the opacity of corrupt acts."

Venezuelan Information Minister Jorge Rodriguez said in a Friday tweet that the Maduro government had previously "denounced a gigantic corruption scheme of Guaido`s with money sent to Cucuta to recruit hitmen."

In a statement, Guaido`s office said he had requested Colombian authorities` help with the investigation.&nbsp;

"We condemn any possible act of corruption by Venezuelan citizens in the management of resources to pay for the lodging of troops who arrived in Colombia," Colombian Foreign Minister Carlos Holmes Trujillo said on Twitter, calling on "relevant authorities" to investigate.

Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido on Saturday called for an investigation into claims his representatives misappropriated funds intended to help defectors from the Venezuelan military living in Colombia.

Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido on Saturday called for an investigation into claims his representatives misappropriated funds intended to help defectors from the Venezuelan military living in Colombia. More than 1,400 members of Venezuela`s armed forces have fled to Colombia this year, heeding Guaido`s call to disavow socialist President Nicolas Maduro. They began arriving in late February, as Maduro`s troops at the border with Colombia drove back convoys of humanitarian aid requested by Guaido. Latin American news outlet PanAm Post on Friday reported that representatives of Guaido, the leader of Venezuela`s opposition-controlled National Assembly, used funds intended to pay for the cost of the troops` hotels in the Colombian border city of Cucuta for personal purchases. "We will investigate this deeply," Guaido said during a speech to supporters in the mountainous Venezuelan state of Merida. "Every cent of public funds should be sacred, and that is something we have to learn as a society." Guaido in January invoked Venezuela`s constitution to assume an interim presidency, arguing Maduro`s 2018 re-election was illegitimate. He has since been recognized as the country`s legitimate leader by most Western and Latin American countries, including Colombia and the United States. The opposition and its allies abroad say Maduro is a corrupt dictator who, along with other senior officials, has grown rich as Venezuela`s economy collapsed in recent years, prompting millions to emigrate. Maduro calls Guaido a US-backed puppet seeking to oust him in a coup. "We request that the relevant jurisdiction investigate and clear up these serious charges," Luis Almagro, the Secretary-General of the Organisation of American States, wrote on Twitter on Friday, linking to the PanAm Post article. "Democratisation is not possible under the opacity of corrupt acts." Venezuelan Information Minister Jorge Rodriguez said in a Friday tweet that the Maduro government had previously "denounced a gigantic corruption scheme of Guaido`s with money sent to Cucuta to recruit hitmen." In a statement, Guaido`s office said he had requested Colombian authorities` help with the investigation. "We condemn any possible act of corruption by Venezuelan citizens in the management of resources to pay for the lodging of troops who arrived in Colombia," Colombian Foreign Minister Carlos Holmes Trujillo said on Twitter, calling on "relevant authorities" to investigate.

Venezuela's Guaido calls for probe into funds for military defectors

Several thousand Venezuelans, desperate for food and medicine, packed a border crossing to Colombia on Saturday, hours after President Nicolas Maduro partially reopened it.

Maduro had the day prior ordered the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-partially-opens-border-with-colombia-that-was-shut-in-february-225365"> reopening of the Venezuelan border </a>in the western state of Tachira, near the location in Colombia where the international community had massed humanitarian aid that Maduro's government refused to take.

Early Saturday, thousands of people rushed to the border bridges between the two countries, and crowds in long queues stretched throughout the day.

"My two daughters have dengue. They have a fever, and I had to come get care in Colombia," says Belky Rangel, 34, about to burst into tears after waiting three hours with her two daughters, five and eight, to cross to Cucuta.

At midday, 18,000 people had crossed the border from Venezuela and 8,000 from Colombia, the head of the Migration Service in Colombia, Christian Krueger, told AFP.

Before the border closed in February, about 30,000 people crossed the Simon Bolivar International Bridge every day, from San Antonio del Tachira, Venezuela, to Cucuta, official data show.

But containers deposited on the Venezuelan side to prevent any entry of humanitarian aid, considered by the government a potential pretext for foreign military intervention, were still in place.

"They have not moved the containers at all. It is so hard getting across. There are so many people" on the Venezuelan side, says Carlos Julio Perez, 55. He waited hours to go to a medical appointment on the Colombian side.

When the border was closed, many Venezuelans crossed via hidden trails linking the two countries, putting themselves at the mercy of smugglers and armed groups.

The economically-devastated South American nation is suffering from shortages of food, medicine and other essentials amid a power struggle between socialist Maduro and opposition leader Juan Guaido, who has been recognized as interim president by more than 50 countries including the United States.&nbsp;

Announcing the reopening of the frontier on Twitter, Maduro said: "We are a people of peace that strongly defends our independence and self-determination."

The leader, however, did not say if other key border bridges, closed since August 2015 after two Venezuelan soldiers were wounded by suspected smugglers, would be unblocked.

More than three million Venezuelans have left their country since 2015 to flee the worst economic crisis in the oil-rich country's recent history.

Several thousand Venezuelans, desperate for food and medicine, packed a border crossing to Colombia on Saturday, hours after President Nicolas Maduro partially reopened it.

Several thousand Venezuelans, desperate for food and medicine, packed a border crossing to Colombia on Saturday, hours after President Nicolas Maduro partially reopened it. Maduro had the day prior ordered the reopening of the Venezuelan border in the western state of Tachira, near the location in Colombia where the international community had massed humanitarian aid that Maduro's government refused to take. Early Saturday, thousands of people rushed to the border bridges between the two countries, and crowds in long queues stretched throughout the day. "My two daughters have dengue. They have a fever, and I had to come get care in Colombia," says Belky Rangel, 34, about to burst into tears after waiting three hours with her two daughters, five and eight, to cross to Cucuta. At midday, 18,000 people had crossed the border from Venezuela and 8,000 from Colombia, the head of the Migration Service in Colombia, Christian Krueger, told AFP. Before the border closed in February, about 30,000 people crossed the Simon Bolivar International Bridge every day, from San Antonio del Tachira, Venezuela, to Cucuta, official data show. But containers deposited on the Venezuelan side to prevent any entry of humanitarian aid, considered by the government a potential pretext for foreign military intervention, were still in place. "They have not moved the containers at all. It is so hard getting across. There are so many people" on the Venezuelan side, says Carlos Julio Perez, 55. He waited hours to go to a medical appointment on the Colombian side. When the border was closed, many Venezuelans crossed via hidden trails linking the two countries, putting themselves at the mercy of smugglers and armed groups. The economically-devastated South American nation is suffering from shortages of food, medicine and other essentials amid a power struggle between socialist Maduro and opposition leader Juan Guaido, who has been recognized as interim president by more than 50 countries including the United States. Announcing the reopening of the frontier on Twitter, Maduro said: "We are a people of peace that strongly defends our independence and self-determination." The leader, however, did not say if other key border bridges, closed since August 2015 after two Venezuelan soldiers were wounded by suspected smugglers, would be unblocked. More than three million Venezuelans have left their country since 2015 to flee the worst economic crisis in the oil-rich country's recent history.

Thousands of Venezuelans cram border with Colombia

Venezuela has announced it will close its consulates in Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal, leaving only its embassy in Ottawa to handle its affairs in Canada.

The Venezuelan foreign ministry, which announced the decision Saturday, said it was in response to Canada's temporary closing of its embassy in Caracas.

Canada is one of more than 50 countries, led by the United States, that recognizes opposition leader Juan Guaido as Venezuela's acting president in the country's political standoff.

In a statement, it said the Canadian decision, "far from being an administrative matter, is a political decision that reflects the continued hostility of that government toward Venezuela."

Canada announced the temporary closing of its embassy in Caracas a week ago, blaming President Nicolas Maduro for refusing to accredit diplomats critical to its functioning.

"The regime has taken steps to limit the ability of foreign embassies to function in Venezuela, particularly those advocating for the restoration of democracy," Canadian Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland said.

Citing the principle of reciprocity, the Venezuelan foreign ministry said: "it will temporarily stop providing services at its general consulates in Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal."

"All the functions of Venezuelan diplomacy in Canada will be concentrated at the headquarters of its embassy in Ottawa," it said.

The opposition-controlled National Assembly, which Guaido heads, declared Maduro a "usurper" after he assumed the second term in office in January following elections that were widely denounced as fraudulent. Guaido then invoked the constitution to declare himself president on an interim basis.

Venezuela has announced it will close its consulates in Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal, leaving only its embassy in Ottawa to handle its affairs in Canada. The Venezuelan foreign ministry, which announced the decision Saturday, said it was in response to Canada's temporary closing of its embassy in Caracas.

Venezuela has announced it will close its consulates in Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal, leaving only its embassy in Ottawa to handle its affairs in Canada. The Venezuelan foreign ministry, which announced the decision Saturday, said it was in response to Canada's temporary closing of its embassy in Caracas. Canada is one of more than 50 countries, led by the United States, that recognizes opposition leader Juan Guaido as Venezuela's acting president in the country's political standoff. In a statement, it said the Canadian decision, "far from being an administrative matter, is a political decision that reflects the continued hostility of that government toward Venezuela." Canada announced the temporary closing of its embassy in Caracas a week ago, blaming President Nicolas Maduro for refusing to accredit diplomats critical to its functioning. "The regime has taken steps to limit the ability of foreign embassies to function in Venezuela, particularly those advocating for the restoration of democracy," Canadian Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland said. Citing the principle of reciprocity, the Venezuelan foreign ministry said: "it will temporarily stop providing services at its general consulates in Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal." "All the functions of Venezuelan diplomacy in Canada will be concentrated at the headquarters of its embassy in Ottawa," it said. The opposition-controlled National Assembly, which Guaido heads, declared Maduro a "usurper" after he assumed the second term in office in January following elections that were widely denounced as fraudulent. Guaido then invoked the constitution to declare himself president on an interim basis.

Venezuela says closing consulates in Canada

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on Friday announced a partial opening of the country's border with Colombia, which his government closed in February as opposition leaders prepared an ultimately failed effort to bring aid into the country.

Maduro had closed borders with Colombia, Brazil and Dutch Antilles islands as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/venezuelan-opposition-leader-guaido-renews-call-for-maduro-to-step-down-after-norway-talks-223364">opposition leader Juan Guaido</a> prepared to bring in US-backed humanitarian aid. His government last month opened the border with Brazil and the island of Aruba, but the Aruba authorities said the border would remain closed.

Maduro said on Friday via Twitter that Colombia border crossings in the western state of Tachira would be open as of Saturday. "We are a people of peace who firmly defend our independence," he wrote.

The closures caused economic problems for border towns that have increasingly come to rely on Colombian cities for basic goods and services.

Many citizens have resorted to illegal crossings over backroads, at times paying tolls to criminals who controlled passage, in order to get groceries or basic medical treatment.

Venezuela is suffering a hyperinflationary economic collapse resulting from the unravelling of its socialist system.

Guaido, who has been recognised by dozens of countries as Venezuela's legitimate head of state, attempted to bring food and hygiene supplies into the country in February. Troops and police pushed back the aid trucks, two of which went up in flames.

Watch: US suspends flights to Venezuela, accused of violating International law

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Maduro says Venezuela is victim of an "economic war" led by the opposition with the help of Washington, which has levied several rounds of sanctions against his government.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on Friday announced a partial opening of the country's border with Colombia, which his government closed in February as opposition leaders prepared an ultimately failed effort to bring aid into the country.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on Friday announced a partial opening of the country's border with Colombia, which his government closed in February as opposition leaders prepared an ultimately failed effort to bring aid into the country. Maduro had closed borders with Colombia, Brazil and Dutch Antilles islands as opposition leader Juan Guaido prepared to bring in US-backed humanitarian aid. His government last month opened the border with Brazil and the island of Aruba, but the Aruba authorities said the border would remain closed. Maduro said on Friday via Twitter that Colombia border crossings in the western state of Tachira would be open as of Saturday. "We are a people of peace who firmly defend our independence," he wrote. The closures caused economic problems for border towns that have increasingly come to rely on Colombian cities for basic goods and services. Many citizens have resorted to illegal crossings over backroads, at times paying tolls to criminals who controlled passage, in order to get groceries or basic medical treatment. Venezuela is suffering a hyperinflationary economic collapse resulting from the unravelling of its socialist system. Guaido, who has been recognised by dozens of countries as Venezuela's legitimate head of state, attempted to bring food and hygiene supplies into the country in February. Troops and police pushed back the aid trucks, two of which went up in flames. Watch: US suspends flights to Venezuela, accused of violating International law × Maduro says Venezuela is victim of an "economic war" led by the opposition with the help of Washington, which has levied several rounds of sanctions against his government.

Venezuela partially opens border with Colombia that was shut in February

Venezuelan PDVSA's oil exports took another hit in May, following a deadline for customers to wind-down purchases in order to comply with US&nbsp;sanctions, according to documents from the state-run company and Refinitiv Eikon data.

The energy firm's exports of crude and refined products fell 17% in May from the previous month to 874,500 barrels per day (bpd), mainly due to difficulty in selling off barrels of upgraded crude that used to be bought by US&nbsp;refiners.

Venezuela has drained oil inventories since late January, when Washington imposed sanctions on PDVSA, to offset declining crude output, according to analysts. That allowed the firm to maintain exports around 1 million bpd for the following three months despite the measures.

But some customers ended purchases of Venezuelan oil in late April to comply with sanctions, leaving PDVSA with an accumulation of upgraded oil and further reducing its portfolio of regular buyers, according to the reports and data.

PDVSA did not respond to requests for comment.

In May, PDVSA shipped a total of 33 cargoes of crude and fuel, mainly to Asian destinations. Exports to India fell over a third to 187,000 bpd while shipments to China remained around 450,000 bpd. Russia's Rosneft, which takes PDVSA's barrels as repayment of billions of dollars in loans to Venezuela, was the largest recipient of the OPEC member's oil.

Europe took 8% of the total, almost the same as in April, as Spain's Repsol resumed a swap allowing it to take crude from PDVSA as a late dividend payment while sending fuel in exchange to Venezuela, according to the data.

Venezuela oil exports to Cuba grew in May to 91,000 bpd from 49,000 bpd the previous month, even though the government of US&nbsp;President Donald Trump has hardened sanctions to PDVSA's flow to the island at request of the Congress head, Juan Guaido.

The opposition leader invoked the constitution to assume the role of interim president in January after an election many called a sham that has kept Socialist President Nicolas Maduro in power.

Guaido was recognized by most Western countries as the legitimate president but has struggled to enforce his government's mandate amid a humanitarian crisis in the country. In March, the opposition-led Congress prohibited Venezuelan oil exports to Cuba, but PDVSA, still controlled by Maduro, has continued transporting oil to the island in owned and rented vessels that often switch off their transponders to avoid detection.

Venezuela's dwindling oil exports are the main reason why US&nbsp;refiners have recently struggled to find heavy crude, inflating prices of grades such as Mexico's Maya even above the US&nbsp;crude futures benchmark.

Less fuel as imports plunge over 30 per cent&nbsp;

Venezuela's imports of fuel and diluents fell to 137,500 bpd in May, well below the more than 200,000 bpd received in March and April, which brought lines of drivers to filling stations across the country waiting to refuel their vehicles.

The US&nbsp;government in March told some oil firms and traders to stop shipments of gasoline to Venezuela. In May, it also asked them to halt exports of jet fuel to the OPEC-member nation.

So far this year, Venezuela has imported about 190,000 bpd of refined products, including heavy naphtha for diluting extra-heavy oil, as well as gasoline, diesel and liquefied petroleum gas, according to the documents and data. Most fuel cargoes have been provided by Rosneft, India's Reliance Industries, Repsol and China National Petroleum Corp's unit PetroChina.

Venezuelan PDVSA's oil exports took another hit in May, following a deadline for customers to wind-down purchases in order to comply with US sanctions, according to documents from the state-run company and Refinitiv Eikon data.

Venezuelan PDVSA's oil exports took another hit in May, following a deadline for customers to wind-down purchases in order to comply with US sanctions, according to documents from the state-run company and Refinitiv Eikon data. The energy firm's exports of crude and refined products fell 17% in May from the previous month to 874,500 barrels per day (bpd), mainly due to difficulty in selling off barrels of upgraded crude that used to be bought by US refiners. Venezuela has drained oil inventories since late January, when Washington imposed sanctions on PDVSA, to offset declining crude output, according to analysts. That allowed the firm to maintain exports around 1 million bpd for the following three months despite the measures. But some customers ended purchases of Venezuelan oil in late April to comply with sanctions, leaving PDVSA with an accumulation of upgraded oil and further reducing its portfolio of regular buyers, according to the reports and data. PDVSA did not respond to requests for comment. In May, PDVSA shipped a total of 33 cargoes of crude and fuel, mainly to Asian destinations. Exports to India fell over a third to 187,000 bpd while shipments to China remained around 450,000 bpd. Russia's Rosneft, which takes PDVSA's barrels as repayment of billions of dollars in loans to Venezuela, was the largest recipient of the OPEC member's oil. Europe took 8% of the total, almost the same as in April, as Spain's Repsol resumed a swap allowing it to take crude from PDVSA as a late dividend payment while sending fuel in exchange to Venezuela, according to the data. Venezuela oil exports to Cuba grew in May to 91,000 bpd from 49,000 bpd the previous month, even though the government of US President Donald Trump has hardened sanctions to PDVSA's flow to the island at request of the Congress head, Juan Guaido. The opposition leader invoked the constitution to assume the role of interim president in January after an election many called a sham that has kept Socialist President Nicolas Maduro in power. Guaido was recognized by most Western countries as the legitimate president but has struggled to enforce his government's mandate amid a humanitarian crisis in the country. In March, the opposition-led Congress prohibited Venezuelan oil exports to Cuba, but PDVSA, still controlled by Maduro, has continued transporting oil to the island in owned and rented vessels that often switch off their transponders to avoid detection. Venezuela's dwindling oil exports are the main reason why US refiners have recently struggled to find heavy crude, inflating prices of grades such as Mexico's Maya even above the US crude futures benchmark. Less fuel as imports plunge over 30 per cent Venezuela's imports of fuel and diluents fell to 137,500 bpd in May, well below the more than 200,000 bpd received in March and April, which brought lines of drivers to filling stations across the country waiting to refuel their vehicles. The US government in March told some oil firms and traders to stop shipments of gasoline to Venezuela. In May, it also asked them to halt exports of jet fuel to the OPEC-member nation. So far this year, Venezuela has imported about 190,000 bpd of refined products, including heavy naphtha for diluting extra-heavy oil, as well as gasoline, diesel and liquefied petroleum gas, according to the documents and data. Most fuel cargoes have been provided by Rosneft, India's Reliance Industries, Repsol and China National Petroleum Corp's unit PetroChina.

Venezuela's oil exports drop 17% in May as sanctions kick in: Report

The Kremlin on Tuesday denied informing the United States it was withdrawing personnel from Venezuela, as stated by US President Donald Trump.

"This is apparently an indirect reference to some sources of information in newspapers because there have been no official messages from the Russian side about this and there couldn't have been any," President Vladimir Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists.&nbsp;

He confirmed that Russian military specialists are still in Venezuela "working on servicing equipment supplied earlier."

"This process is going according to plan. And what is meant by 'removed their people' we don't know," he said.

Trump tweeted Monday during a state visit to Britain that "Russia has informed us that they have removed most of their people from Venezuela."

US-Russian tensions have spiked over the months-long standoff in Venezuela, where Washington has thrown its weight behind a campaign to oust the Moscow-backed socialist president, Nicolas Maduro.

Trump in March called on Russia to "get out" of Venezuela after Moscow -- in a significant show of solidarity for Maduro's badly isolated government -- deployed around 100 soldiers to the country.

Russia's state defence contractor Rostec has played down any changes in deployment, dismissing a report in The Wall Street Journal saying that the overall Russian presence in Venezuela had been reduced from as many as 1,000 personnel to a few dozen.

The Kremlin on Tuesday denied informing the United States it was withdrawing personnel from Venezuela, as stated by US President Donald Trump. "This is apparently an indirect reference to some sources of information in newspapers because there have been no official messages from the Russian side about this and there couldn't have been any," President Vladimir Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists.

The Kremlin on Tuesday denied informing the United States it was withdrawing personnel from Venezuela, as stated by US President Donald Trump. "This is apparently an indirect reference to some sources of information in newspapers because there have been no official messages from the Russian side about this and there couldn't have been any," President Vladimir Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists. He confirmed that Russian military specialists are still in Venezuela "working on servicing equipment supplied earlier." "This process is going according to plan. And what is meant by 'removed their people' we don't know," he said. Trump tweeted Monday during a state visit to Britain that "Russia has informed us that they have removed most of their people from Venezuela." US-Russian tensions have spiked over the months-long standoff in Venezuela, where Washington has thrown its weight behind a campaign to oust the Moscow-backed socialist president, Nicolas Maduro. Trump in March called on Russia to "get out" of Venezuela after Moscow -- in a significant show of solidarity for Maduro's badly isolated government -- deployed around 100 soldiers to the country. Russia's state defence contractor Rostec has played down any changes in deployment, dismissing a report in The Wall Street Journal saying that the overall Russian presence in Venezuela had been reduced from as many as 1,000 personnel to a few dozen.

Russia denies telling US of personnel withdrawal from Venezuela

Canada announced Sunday it was temporarily<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-federal-agents-arrest-protesters-occupying-venezuelan-embassy-219291"> shutting its embassy in Venezuela</a>, blaming President Nicolas Maduro for refusing to accredit diplomats critical of his regime.

At the same time, Ottawa is reviewing the status of Maduro envoys to Canada.

Foreign minister Chrystia Freeland said in a statement that "the regime has taken steps to limit the ability of foreign embassies to function in Venezuela, particularly those advocating for the restoration of democracy" there.

In January, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/juan-guaido-blasts-venezuela-regime-after-security-forces-block-congress-218827">Canada, along with the United States</a> and major Latin American powers, was among the first to recognise Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido's claim to be acting president, beginning a months-long power struggle between him and Maduro.

Soon, Canadian diplomats in Venezuela "will no longer be in a position to obtain diplomatic accreditation under the Maduro regime, and their visas will expire," Freeland said.

"Therefore, we are left with no choice but to temporarily suspend our operations at the embassy of Canada to Venezuela, effective immediately."

More than 50 countries now recognise Guaido rather than leftist firebrand Maduro, who has presided over a crumbling economy and was re-elected in a ballot widely regarded as a sham.

Freeland also said Canada is "evaluating the status of Venezuelan diplomats appointed by the Maduro regime to Canada."

Canada announced Sunday it was temporarily shutting its embassy in Venezuela, blaming President Nicolas Maduro for refusing to accredit diplomats critical of his regime.

Canada announced Sunday it was temporarily shutting its embassy in Venezuela, blaming President Nicolas Maduro for refusing to accredit diplomats critical of his regime. At the same time, Ottawa is reviewing the status of Maduro envoys to Canada. Foreign minister Chrystia Freeland said in a statement that "the regime has taken steps to limit the ability of foreign embassies to function in Venezuela, particularly those advocating for the restoration of democracy" there. In January, Canada, along with the United States and major Latin American powers, was among the first to recognise Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido's claim to be acting president, beginning a months-long power struggle between him and Maduro. Soon, Canadian diplomats in Venezuela "will no longer be in a position to obtain diplomatic accreditation under the Maduro regime, and their visas will expire," Freeland said. "Therefore, we are left with no choice but to temporarily suspend our operations at the embassy of Canada to Venezuela, effective immediately." More than 50 countries now recognise Guaido rather than leftist firebrand Maduro, who has presided over a crumbling economy and was re-elected in a ballot widely regarded as a sham. Freeland also said Canada is "evaluating the status of Venezuelan diplomats appointed by the Maduro regime to Canada."

Canada temporarily shuts embassy in Venezuela over diplomats accreditation row

Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido renewed calls for President Nicolas Maduro to resign on Friday while campaigning in the birthplace of former leader Hugo Chavez, following inconclusive talks in Norway to end the country's crisis.

Guaido -- who is backed by the United States and is recognized as interim president by more than 50 countries -- has been leading a push to oust leftist firebrand Maduro, who has presided over a crumbling economy after succeeding Chavez in 2013.

During a brief speech before a handful of followers in the small town of Sabaneta, Guaido called for a "large mobilization" of protesters to rally against the government over shortages of gasoline and prolonged blackouts in the country.&nbsp;

"The real solution is, without a doubt, to leave once and for all and let us live in peace," he said of Maduro.&nbsp;

Sabaneta&nbsp;has been turned into a shrine for the hugely popular Chavez, who mixed a larger-than-life personality with a man-of-the-people style and generously-funded social programs through oil revenues.&nbsp;

Dozens of walls in the town are adorned with murals of the leftist leader, who died of cancer in 2013, and a bronze and granite statue of the former president, donated by the Rosneft oil company on behalf of Russian President Vladimir Putin, stands six blocks away from where Guaido spoke on Friday.

But Maduro struggled to fill his mentor's shoes and he quickly lost favour after a fall in oil prices in 2014 precipitated a massive economic crisis.

Sabaneta resident Mireya Moreno, 61, said that even locals who had staunchly supported Chavez had turned against his successor.

"We have hope that Juan Guaido will take us out of this hole we are in," the teacher told.

Venezuela is reeling from astronomical rises in the cost of consumer goods, with the International Monetary Fund forecasting an inflation rate of 10 million per cent by the end of the year.

Representatives of Guaido and Maduro met face-to-face in Oslo this week as part of talks mediated by Norway aimed at resolving the country's political deadlock.

Further talks are planned despite the first meeting ending without agreement.

Maduro's government will go into the next round proposing the "release" of resources for medical transplants which are blocked by US sanctions, the leader said Friday.&nbsp;

Four children have died in the last month waiting for bone marrow transplants at the main pediatric hospital in Caracas.&nbsp;

Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido renewed calls for President Nicolas Maduro to resign on Friday while campaigning in the birthplace of former leader Hugo Chavez, following inconclusive talks in Norway to end the country's crisis.

Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido renewed calls for President Nicolas Maduro to resign on Friday while campaigning in the birthplace of former leader Hugo Chavez, following inconclusive talks in Norway to end the country's crisis. Guaido -- who is backed by the United States and is recognized as interim president by more than 50 countries -- has been leading a push to oust leftist firebrand Maduro, who has presided over a crumbling economy after succeeding Chavez in 2013. During a brief speech before a handful of followers in the small town of Sabaneta, Guaido called for a "large mobilization" of protesters to rally against the government over shortages of gasoline and prolonged blackouts in the country. "The real solution is, without a doubt, to leave once and for all and let us live in peace," he said of Maduro. Sabaneta has been turned into a shrine for the hugely popular Chavez, who mixed a larger-than-life personality with a man-of-the-people style and generously-funded social programs through oil revenues. Dozens of walls in the town are adorned with murals of the leftist leader, who died of cancer in 2013, and a bronze and granite statue of the former president, donated by the Rosneft oil company on behalf of Russian President Vladimir Putin, stands six blocks away from where Guaido spoke on Friday. But Maduro struggled to fill his mentor's shoes and he quickly lost favour after a fall in oil prices in 2014 precipitated a massive economic crisis. Sabaneta resident Mireya Moreno, 61, said that even locals who had staunchly supported Chavez had turned against his successor. "We have hope that Juan Guaido will take us out of this hole we are in," the teacher told. Venezuela is reeling from astronomical rises in the cost of consumer goods, with the International Monetary Fund forecasting an inflation rate of 10 million per cent by the end of the year. Representatives of Guaido and Maduro met face-to-face in Oslo this week as part of talks mediated by Norway aimed at resolving the country's political deadlock. Further talks are planned despite the first meeting ending without agreement. Maduro's government will go into the next round proposing the "release" of resources for medical transplants which are blocked by US sanctions, the leader said Friday. Four children have died in the last month waiting for bone marrow transplants at the main pediatric hospital in Caracas.

Venezuelan opposition leader Guaido renews call for Maduro to step down after Norway talks

Venezuela ended 2018 with 130,060 per cent inflation, while the economy contracted 47.6 per cent between 2013 and 2018, the central bank said Tuesday in the first such figures it has released in three years.&nbsp;

The data found inflation reached 274.4 per cent in 2016, 862.6 per cent in 2017 and 130,060 per cent in 2018 -- figures 10 times smaller than International Monetary Fund estimates of 1,370,000 per cent for last year. &nbsp;

The IMF projects 10,000,000 per cent inflation for the oil-rich country in 2019.

The Central Bank of Venezuela also reported that oil exports -- which account for 96 per cent of the country's revenue -- plummeted to $29.8 billion in 2018, down from $85.6 billion in 2013 and $71.7 billion in 2014, when oil prices collapsed and the country's political and economic crisis began.

Oil prices have since rebounded, starting in 2016, but Venezuela's drop in production prevented a return to previous revenue levels -- the country was producing 1.03 million barrels of oil per day in April versus the 3.2 million barrels it produced per day a decade ago.

The central bank had stopped providing officials figures three years ago without giving an official reason, though it had already been holding back the amount of economic information it reported.

Venezuela ended 2018 with 130,060 per cent inflation, while the economy contracted 47.6 per cent between 2013 and 2018, the central bank said Tuesday in the first such figures it has released in three years.

Venezuela ended 2018 with 130,060 per cent inflation, while the economy contracted 47.6 per cent between 2013 and 2018, the central bank said Tuesday in the first such figures it has released in three years. The data found inflation reached 274.4 per cent in 2016, 862.6 per cent in 2017 and 130,060 per cent in 2018 -- figures 10 times smaller than International Monetary Fund estimates of 1,370,000 per cent for last year. The IMF projects 10,000,000 per cent inflation for the oil-rich country in 2019. The Central Bank of Venezuela also reported that oil exports -- which account for 96 per cent of the country's revenue -- plummeted to $29.8 billion in 2018, down from $85.6 billion in 2013 and $71.7 billion in 2014, when oil prices collapsed and the country's political and economic crisis began. Oil prices have since rebounded, starting in 2016, but Venezuela's drop in production prevented a return to previous revenue levels -- the country was producing 1.03 million barrels of oil per day in April versus the 3.2 million barrels it produced per day a decade ago. The central bank had stopped providing officials figures three years ago without giving an official reason, though it had already been holding back the amount of economic information it reported.

Venezuela says 2018 inflation 10 times lower than IMF estimates

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/oil-prices-fall-on-surging-us-crude-stockpiles-economic-concerns-221236">Oil prices</a> were mixed on Tuesday as supply cuts, led by producer club OPEC, and US&nbsp;sanctions on fuel exports from Iran and Venezuela supported crude, while concerns about an economic slowdown weighed on the market.

Front-month Brent crude futures, the international benchmark for oil prices, were at $69.99 at 0637 GMT, down 12 cents, or 0.2%, from the last session's close, when they rose 2.1%.

US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures were at $59.03 per barrel, up 40 cents, or 0.7%, from their last close on Friday. WTI did not trade on Monday due to a US&nbsp;public holiday.

Prices have been supported by supply cuts led by the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) since the start of the year, and by political tensions in the Middle East.

OPEC and some allies including Russia are due to meet on June 25 and 26 to discuss output policy.

Beyond the output cuts, US&nbsp;bank, Citi said, "Geopolitical turmoil across the Middle East ... are likely to encourage financial investors to realign with their bullish physical counterparties."

In physical oil markets, the Middle East crude premiums hit their highest levels in years earlier this month amid falling supply.

Beyond the OPEC cuts, US&nbsp;sanctions on petroleum exports from Iran and Venezuela have tightened markets.

"Iran exports remain under pressure as US sanctions bite. This comes as OPEC appears to be heading towards extending the current production cut agreement," Citi added.

Trump last year withdrew the United States from a 2015 international nuclear deal with Iran, and Washington is ratcheting up sanctions seeking to end Tehran's international sales of crude oil and strangle its economy.

Washington has also imposed sanctions on Venezuela's oil exports, in a bid to topple the government under President Nicolas Maduro there.

Despite this, markets remain cautious amid an economic slowdown as a result of the ongoing trade war between the United States and China, which is also expected to dent fuel consumption.

"We really need to see some strong demand figures, which so far this year has not happened before we can really start listening to the bulls," said Matt Stanley, a broker at Starfuels in Dubai.

Oil prices were mixed on Tuesday as supply cuts, led by producer club OPEC, and US sanctions on fuel exports from Iran and Venezuela supported crude, while concerns about an economic slowdown weighed on the market.

Oil prices were mixed on Tuesday as supply cuts, led by producer club OPEC, and US sanctions on fuel exports from Iran and Venezuela supported crude, while concerns about an economic slowdown weighed on the market. Front-month Brent crude futures, the international benchmark for oil prices, were at $69.99 at 0637 GMT, down 12 cents, or 0.2%, from the last session's close, when they rose 2.1%. US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures were at $59.03 per barrel, up 40 cents, or 0.7%, from their last close on Friday. WTI did not trade on Monday due to a US public holiday. Prices have been supported by supply cuts led by the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) since the start of the year, and by political tensions in the Middle East. OPEC and some allies including Russia are due to meet on June 25 and 26 to discuss output policy. Beyond the output cuts, US bank, Citi said, "Geopolitical turmoil across the Middle East ... are likely to encourage financial investors to realign with their bullish physical counterparties." In physical oil markets, the Middle East crude premiums hit their highest levels in years earlier this month amid falling supply. Beyond the OPEC cuts, US sanctions on petroleum exports from Iran and Venezuela have tightened markets. "Iran exports remain under pressure as US sanctions bite. This comes as OPEC appears to be heading towards extending the current production cut agreement," Citi added. Trump last year withdrew the United States from a 2015 international nuclear deal with Iran, and Washington is ratcheting up sanctions seeking to end Tehran's international sales of crude oil and strangle its economy. Washington has also imposed sanctions on Venezuela's oil exports, in a bid to topple the government under President Nicolas Maduro there. Despite this, markets remain cautious amid an economic slowdown as a result of the ongoing trade war between the United States and China, which is also expected to dent fuel consumption. "We really need to see some strong demand figures, which so far this year has not happened before we can really start listening to the bulls," said Matt Stanley, a broker at Starfuels in Dubai.

Oil mixed as OPEC cuts, US sanctions prop up prices while trade war weighs

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-opposition-to-meet-nicolas-maduro-envoys-in-oslo-guaido-221654">Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido </a>on Sunday defended his decision to send delegates to Oslo for talks with representatives of President Nicolas Maduro's government, warning that critics of the move risk becoming accomplices of his rival's "dictatorship."

"We have to play on all the boards... we have to have an active presence in all places," Guaido told hundreds of supporters in Barquisimeto in Venezuela's Lara state.

"From Lara to Norway, from Caracas to Washington, our demands are the same. Whoever wants us to renounce the pressure in the street or in international scenarios in order to stop the takeover, becomes an accomplice of the dictatorship," he later tweeted.

Guaido, recognized by the United States and dozens of other countries as Venezuela's interim president, said Saturday that the opposition delegation will be headed by deputy legislative speaker Stalin Gonzalez and the ex-deputy Gerardo Blyde.

Media reports said Venezuelan Communications Minister Jorge Rodriguez and the governor of Miranda state Hector Rodriguez represented Maduro's government in the initial talks, but it was unclear if they would participate in next week's meeting.

Guaido has appeared cautious about talking with Maduro's representatives since the idea is unpopular with the opposition base that has spent months in the streets trying to push Maduro out.

The bid for talks comes after a months-long power struggle between National Assembly leader Guaido and the socialist president, with sometimes deadly street clashes.

Guaido's backers dismiss Maduro's presidency as "illegitimate" following his re-election last year in polls widely labelled as rigged.

Maduro has been shunned by much of the international community for presiding over the country's economic collapse, which has led to shortages of basic goods -- forcing millions to flee -- as well as brutally suppressing dissent.

He retains the backing of major creditors Russia, China and Cuba, as well as the powerful military.

Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido on Sunday defended his decision to send delegates to Oslo for talks with representatives of President Nicolas Maduro's government, warning that critics of the move risk becoming accomplices of his rival's "dictatorship.

Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido on Sunday defended his decision to send delegates to Oslo for talks with representatives of President Nicolas Maduro's government, warning that critics of the move risk becoming accomplices of his rival's "dictatorship." "We have to play on all the boards... we have to have an active presence in all places," Guaido told hundreds of supporters in Barquisimeto in Venezuela's Lara state. "From Lara to Norway, from Caracas to Washington, our demands are the same. Whoever wants us to renounce the pressure in the street or in international scenarios in order to stop the takeover, becomes an accomplice of the dictatorship," he later tweeted. Guaido, recognized by the United States and dozens of other countries as Venezuela's interim president, said Saturday that the opposition delegation will be headed by deputy legislative speaker Stalin Gonzalez and the ex-deputy Gerardo Blyde. Media reports said Venezuelan Communications Minister Jorge Rodriguez and the governor of Miranda state Hector Rodriguez represented Maduro's government in the initial talks, but it was unclear if they would participate in next week's meeting. Guaido has appeared cautious about talking with Maduro's representatives since the idea is unpopular with the opposition base that has spent months in the streets trying to push Maduro out. The bid for talks comes after a months-long power struggle between National Assembly leader Guaido and the socialist president, with sometimes deadly street clashes. Guaido's backers dismiss Maduro's presidency as "illegitimate" following his re-election last year in polls widely labelled as rigged. Maduro has been shunned by much of the international community for presiding over the country's economic collapse, which has led to shortages of basic goods -- forcing millions to flee -- as well as brutally suppressing dissent. He retains the backing of major creditors Russia, China and Cuba, as well as the powerful military.

Venezuela's Guaido defends planned talks with Maduro representatives

Over the past decade, cryptocurrencies like EOS and bitcoin have become popular among investors looking to make large profits from a new and anonymous form of storing wealth. But a handful of charities are also now using digital currencies to send relief directly to those in need, circumventing banks and companies that handle remittances.

Charities use cryptocurrency to send aid to Venezuela

OPEC kingpin Saudi Arabia and key producer United Arab Emirates said Sunday oil supplies were sufficient and stockpiles were still rising despite <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/oil-producers-meet-to-discuss-output-amid-iran-tension-219851">massive output drops by Iran </a>and Venezuela.

"We see that (oil) inventories are rising and supplies are plenty," Saudi Energy Minister Khalid al-Falih told reporters at the start of a key meeting for oil producers in Jeddah.

"None of us wants to see the (oil) stocks swell again. We have to be cautious."

The United Arab Emirates' energy minister said there was no need to relax an OPEC+ deal to cut output by 1.2 million barrels per day to support prices.

"I don't think... that relaxing the cuts is the right measure" based on prevailing market conditions, Suheil al-Mazrouei told reporters.&nbsp;

"We have seen inventory building. I don't think it makes sense (to alter the existing deal)."&nbsp;

The statements by the two ministers send a clear message that OPEC and its allies appear poised to roll over the output cuts deal for another six months.

The OPEC+ producers, which include Russia, control more than half of the world's crude oil production.

Oil exporting countries have been under pressure from Washington to ramp up production to compensate for plunging Iranian exports amid US sanctions on Tehran, but are fearful that such a move could send prices plunging.

"The picture is foggy," warned Falih.&nbsp;

"It is crucial that we don't take hasty decisions", he said. "We should keep inventories under control."

"This complexity and intensity will continue to mount while the sheer range of issues impacting our business is pulling the oil market in multiple opposing directions," Falih said.

Sunday's meeting comes days after sabotage attacks against tankers in highly sensitive Gulf waters and the bombing of a Saudi pipeline -- the latter claimed by Iran-aligned Yemeni rebels.

"We have strong (oil) industry security... everybody is vulnerable to extreme acts of sabotage," Falih said.

The meeting will not take decisions on oil output but will make recommendations to another crucial ministerial meeting set to take place in Vienna next month.

OPEC kingpin Saudi Arabia and key producer United Arab Emirates said Sunday oil supplies were sufficient and stockpiles were still rising despite massive output drops by Iran and Venezuela.

OPEC kingpin Saudi Arabia and key producer United Arab Emirates said Sunday oil supplies were sufficient and stockpiles were still rising despite massive output drops by Iran and Venezuela. "We see that (oil) inventories are rising and supplies are plenty," Saudi Energy Minister Khalid al-Falih told reporters at the start of a key meeting for oil producers in Jeddah. "None of us wants to see the (oil) stocks swell again. We have to be cautious." The United Arab Emirates' energy minister said there was no need to relax an OPEC+ deal to cut output by 1.2 million barrels per day to support prices. "I don't think... that relaxing the cuts is the right measure" based on prevailing market conditions, Suheil al-Mazrouei told reporters. "We have seen inventory building. I don't think it makes sense (to alter the existing deal)." The statements by the two ministers send a clear message that OPEC and its allies appear poised to roll over the output cuts deal for another six months. The OPEC+ producers, which include Russia, control more than half of the world's crude oil production. Oil exporting countries have been under pressure from Washington to ramp up production to compensate for plunging Iranian exports amid US sanctions on Tehran, but are fearful that such a move could send prices plunging. "The picture is foggy," warned Falih. "It is crucial that we don't take hasty decisions", he said. "We should keep inventories under control." "This complexity and intensity will continue to mount while the sheer range of issues impacting our business is pulling the oil market in multiple opposing directions," Falih said. Sunday's meeting comes days after sabotage attacks against tankers in highly sensitive Gulf waters and the bombing of a Saudi pipeline -- the latter claimed by Iran-aligned Yemeni rebels. "We have strong (oil) industry security... everybody is vulnerable to extreme acts of sabotage," Falih said. The meeting will not take decisions on oil output but will make recommendations to another crucial ministerial meeting set to take place in Vienna next month.

Saudi, UAE see sufficient oil supplies, rising stocks

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning, May 17th 2019

Talks are underway in Norway between Venezuela`s government and "democratic" opponents, an envoy said on Thursday, in a possible search for a mediated solution after the opposition`s failure to spark a military uprising against President Nicolas Maduro.

"Yes, there are talks between the Bolivarian government and the democratic sectors of the opposition," Venezuela`s ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva, Jorge Valero, told reporters, denouncing US&nbsp;interference.&nbsp;

Calling Maduro a dictator, US President Donald Trump has tightened sanctions against his government and spearheaded international recognition of opposition leader Juan Guaido who in January invoked the constitution to assume the interim presidency.

Guaido, who denounces Maduro`s 2018 re-election as fraudulent, called for Venezuela`s military to rise up on April 30, but his push quickly petered out and the military`s top brass has since then sworn allegiance to Maduro.

Norway`s Foreign Ministry said its norm was not to comment on possible roles in ongoing or potential peace talks. "We strongly encourage the parties to find a political and peaceful solution in order to avoid further escalation," a ministry spokeswoman said.

When asked about Venezuelan talks in Norway, UN&nbsp;spokesman Stephane Dujarric told reporters in New York: "We`re very much aware of what is going on and very much supportive of this process."

Guaido, in a speech on Thursday, confirmed opposition envoys were in Norway, which was mediating between both sides, but said they would not get involved in a "false negotiation that does not lead to the end of the usurpation."

Many Venezuelan opposition supporters are sceptical about mediation talks, given that past rounds have failed, divided the opposition and, in their view, merely bought time for Maduro to consolidate power and quell street protests.

Guaido said he would meet later on Thursday with participants in a diplomatic effort between European and Latin American countries, known as the International Contact Group on Venezuela (ICG), which aims to negotiate an end to the crisis.

European Union Foreign Affairs spokeswoman Maja Kocijancic said the ICG had a sent a political mission to Venezuela to meet with "all national relevant actors."

"The objective of this mission is to express ICG`s political commitment to a peaceful and democratic solution and to discuss a possible way forward with a view to create the conditions for a negotiated electoral path," Kocijancic said in an email.

Venezuelan Information Minister Jorge Rodriguez and Miranda state governor Hector Rodriguez of the ruling Socialist Party both travelled to Oslo, according to opposition sources.

Opposition legislator Stalin Gonzalez, along with political advisers Gerardo Blyde and Fernando Martinez have also gone, they said. Norway has a tradition of conflict mediation, including assistance with Colombia`s 2016 peace deal between the government and FARC rebels.

Guaido also said on Thursday that Venezuelan ex-police commissioner Ivan Simonovis had left his home despite being under house arrest, though he did not confirm his whereabouts. Simonovis` escape follows the surprise April 30 release of former mayor Leopoldo Lopez, who was under house arrest until agents of the Sebin intelligence service helped him get out.

Talks are underway in Norway between Venezuela`s government and "democratic" opponents, an envoy said on Thursday, in a possible search for a mediated solution after the opposition`s failure to spark a military uprising against President Nicolas Maduro.

Talks are underway in Norway between Venezuela`s government and "democratic" opponents, an envoy said on Thursday, in a possible search for a mediated solution after the opposition`s failure to spark a military uprising against President Nicolas Maduro. "Yes, there are talks between the Bolivarian government and the democratic sectors of the opposition," Venezuela`s ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva, Jorge Valero, told reporters, denouncing US interference. Calling Maduro a dictator, US President Donald Trump has tightened sanctions against his government and spearheaded international recognition of opposition leader Juan Guaido who in January invoked the constitution to assume the interim presidency. Guaido, who denounces Maduro`s 2018 re-election as fraudulent, called for Venezuela`s military to rise up on April 30, but his push quickly petered out and the military`s top brass has since then sworn allegiance to Maduro. Norway`s Foreign Ministry said its norm was not to comment on possible roles in ongoing or potential peace talks. "We strongly encourage the parties to find a political and peaceful solution in order to avoid further escalation," a ministry spokeswoman said. When asked about Venezuelan talks in Norway, UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric told reporters in New York: "We`re very much aware of what is going on and very much supportive of this process." Guaido, in a speech on Thursday, confirmed opposition envoys were in Norway, which was mediating between both sides, but said they would not get involved in a "false negotiation that does not lead to the end of the usurpation." Many Venezuelan opposition supporters are sceptical about mediation talks, given that past rounds have failed, divided the opposition and, in their view, merely bought time for Maduro to consolidate power and quell street protests. Guaido said he would meet later on Thursday with participants in a diplomatic effort between European and Latin American countries, known as the International Contact Group on Venezuela (ICG), which aims to negotiate an end to the crisis. European Union Foreign Affairs spokeswoman Maja Kocijancic said the ICG had a sent a political mission to Venezuela to meet with "all national relevant actors." "The objective of this mission is to express ICG`s political commitment to a peaceful and democratic solution and to discuss a possible way forward with a view to create the conditions for a negotiated electoral path," Kocijancic said in an email. Venezuelan Information Minister Jorge Rodriguez and Miranda state governor Hector Rodriguez of the ruling Socialist Party both travelled to Oslo, according to opposition sources. Opposition legislator Stalin Gonzalez, along with political advisers Gerardo Blyde and Fernando Martinez have also gone, they said. Norway has a tradition of conflict mediation, including assistance with Colombia`s 2016 peace deal between the government and FARC rebels. Guaido also said on Thursday that Venezuelan ex-police commissioner Ivan Simonovis had left his home despite being under house arrest, though he did not confirm his whereabouts. Simonovis` escape follows the surprise April 30 release of former mayor Leopoldo Lopez, who was under house arrest until agents of the Sebin intelligence service helped him get out.

Venezuela says talking with 'democratic' opposition in Norway

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning, May 16th 2019

Many international airlines had stopped flying to Venezuela anyway because of security concerns and disputes over money they say the government owes them. But domestic airlines, including Laser Airlines and Avior Airlines, had been offering services to Miami.

US suspends flights to venezuela, accused of violating International law

Representatives of <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-top-court-accuses-more-lawmakers-of-treason-as-congress-building-blocked-218844&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjXs6bByZ_iAhX97XMBHQenASQQFjAFegQIABAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1ufd9yC54_WJqMAx22XpuU">Venezuela's</a> government and the opposition have travelled to Norway to discuss potential options following a failed uprising against <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/us-police-launch-bid-to-evict-pro-maduro-activists-from-venezuela-embassy-218644&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjJ4uDayZ_iAhVa7XMBHQbkCc4QFjACegQIDxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw033GixwkZ0y3MjgYg1UoYX">President Nicolas Maduro</a>, according to four opposition sources familiar with the situation.

The trip&nbsp;suggests the two sides may be seeking a fresh approach after the repeated failure of dialogue between the opposition and the ruling Socialist Party amid a steadily escalating political crisis.

Venezuelan top government officials held talks this year to create a transition government that would not include Maduro, US&nbsp;National Security Advisor John Bolton and others have said.

Those efforts fell apart after opposition calls for Venezuela's military to rise up against Maduro on April 30 failed, according to the opposition sources.

The military's top brass has since then sworn allegiance to Maduro, who describes the April 30 events as a coup plot.

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/juan-guaido-blasts-venezuela-regime-after-security-forces-block-congress-218827&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjXs6bByZ_iAhX97XMBHQenASQQFjAEegQIAxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0Gr16N42HOXLUfrXLt25hX">Opposition leader Juan Guaido</a> in January invoked the constitution to assume the interim presidency, calling Maduro's 2018 re-election a fraud.

More than 50 nations have recognised Guaido as the country's legitimate president, though he does not control the military or the basic functions of governance.

Information Minister Jorge Rodriguez and Miranda state Governor Hector Rodriguez of the Socialist Party both travelled to Oslo, according to the sources.

Opposition legislator Stalin Gonzalez, along with political advisers Gerardo Blyde and Fernando Martinez have also gone to Norway, where authorities have been involved in conflict mediation, including assistance with Colombia's 2016 peace deal between the government and FARC rebels.

Norway's foreign minister said as early as March that it was prepared to act as a mediator or facilitator of talks between the Venezuelan government and the opposition.

No meetings have yet been held, and the parties will meet separately with Norwegian diplomats, one of the sources said.

Maduro, in a speech broadcast on state television on Wednesday evening, said Jorge Rodriguez was "completing a very important mission abroad," without giving more details.

Venezuela's information ministry did not reply to a request for comment. The Norwegian foreign ministry was not immediately available for comment.

Reuters was unable to obtain comment from the participants.

It was not immediately evident whether the parties had the full backing of the opposition or of Maduro's government.

First Justice, one of the main opposition parties, said on Twitter that none of its members are involved.&nbsp;

Representatives of Venezuela's government and the opposition have travelled to Norway to discuss potential options following a failed uprising against President Nicolas Maduro, according to four opposition sources familiar with the situation.

Representatives of Venezuela's government and the opposition have travelled to Norway to discuss potential options following a failed uprising against President Nicolas Maduro, according to four opposition sources familiar with the situation. The trip suggests the two sides may be seeking a fresh approach after the repeated failure of dialogue between the opposition and the ruling Socialist Party amid a steadily escalating political crisis. Venezuelan top government officials held talks this year to create a transition government that would not include Maduro, US National Security Advisor John Bolton and others have said. Those efforts fell apart after opposition calls for Venezuela's military to rise up against Maduro on April 30 failed, according to the opposition sources. The military's top brass has since then sworn allegiance to Maduro, who describes the April 30 events as a coup plot. Opposition leader Juan Guaido in January invoked the constitution to assume the interim presidency, calling Maduro's 2018 re-election a fraud. More than 50 nations have recognised Guaido as the country's legitimate president, though he does not control the military or the basic functions of governance. Information Minister Jorge Rodriguez and Miranda state Governor Hector Rodriguez of the Socialist Party both travelled to Oslo, according to the sources. Opposition legislator Stalin Gonzalez, along with political advisers Gerardo Blyde and Fernando Martinez have also gone to Norway, where authorities have been involved in conflict mediation, including assistance with Colombia's 2016 peace deal between the government and FARC rebels. Norway's foreign minister said as early as March that it was prepared to act as a mediator or facilitator of talks between the Venezuelan government and the opposition. No meetings have yet been held, and the parties will meet separately with Norwegian diplomats, one of the sources said. Maduro, in a speech broadcast on state television on Wednesday evening, said Jorge Rodriguez was "completing a very important mission abroad," without giving more details. Venezuela's information ministry did not reply to a request for comment. The Norwegian foreign ministry was not immediately available for comment. Reuters was unable to obtain comment from the participants. It was not immediately evident whether the parties had the full backing of the opposition or of Maduro's government. First Justice, one of the main opposition parties, said on Twitter that none of its members are involved.

Venezuela opposition, government leaders travel to Norway for possible talks

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-government-to-put-forward-brexit-bill-in-june-218823">British government to put forward Brexit bill in June</a>

Prime Minister Theresa May's government will publish draft legislation in the first week of June that would allow Brexit to proceed if approved by parliament, a Downing Street spokesman announced on Tuesday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/pakistan/pakistan-media-and-people-scared-of-speaking-against-cpec-us-lawmakers-told-218824">Pakistan media and people scared of speaking against CPEC, US lawmakers told</a>

People and the media in Pakistan are "scared" of speaking against the multi-billion-dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as those critical of it are being suppressed, treated as anti-national or branded as terrorists, a former official in the Obama administration has told US lawmakers.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lankan-police-make-arrests-amid-violence-after-easter-attack-218825">Sri Lankan police make arrests in connection to violence after Easter attack</a>

Sri Lankan police arrested 23 people on Tuesday in connection with a spate of attacks on homes and shops, in what's believed to be a reprisal for the Easter bombings that killed more than 250 people.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/juan-guaido-blasts-venezuela-regime-after-security-forces-block-congress-218827">Juan Guaido blasts Venezuela regime after security forces block congress</a>

Juan Guaido accused the Venezuelan government of trying to "gag" congress after security forces prevented opposition lawmakers from entering the National Assembly on Tuesday, two weeks after the opposition leader's failed uprising against President Nicolas Maduro.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sudan-army-rulers-protesters-agree-on-3-year-transition-period-218834">Sudan army rulers, protesters agree on 3-year transition period</a>

Sudanese army rulers&nbsp;and protest leaders Wednesday agreed on a three-year transition period for transferring power to a full civilian administration even as negotiations over a new sovereign ruling body remain unfinished.

&nbsp;

British government to put forward Brexit bill in June Prime Minister Theresa May's government will publish draft legislation in the first week of June that would allow Brexit to proceed if approved by parliament, a Downing Street spokesman announced on Tuesday.

British government to put forward Brexit bill in June Prime Minister Theresa May's government will publish draft legislation in the first week of June that would allow Brexit to proceed if approved by parliament, a Downing Street spokesman announced on Tuesday. Pakistan media and people scared of speaking against CPEC, US lawmakers told People and the media in Pakistan are "scared" of speaking against the multi-billion-dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as those critical of it are being suppressed, treated as anti-national or branded as terrorists, a former official in the Obama administration has told US lawmakers. Sri Lankan police make arrests in connection to violence after Easter attack Sri Lankan police arrested 23 people on Tuesday in connection with a spate of attacks on homes and shops, in what's believed to be a reprisal for the Easter bombings that killed more than 250 people. Juan Guaido blasts Venezuela regime after security forces block congress Juan Guaido accused the Venezuelan government of trying to "gag" congress after security forces prevented opposition lawmakers from entering the National Assembly on Tuesday, two weeks after the opposition leader's failed uprising against President Nicolas Maduro. Sudan army rulers, protesters agree on 3-year transition period Sudanese army rulers and protest leaders Wednesday agreed on a three-year transition period for transferring power to a full civilian administration even as negotiations over a new sovereign ruling body remain unfinished.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Venezuela`s top court accused four opposition lawmakers of treason on Tuesday, following similar accusations against 10 legislators this month, escalating a deep political crisis in the South American country.&nbsp;

Security forces had earlier <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/juan-guaido-blasts-venezuela-regime-after-security-forces-block-congress-218827">prevented lawmakers from entering the legislature</a> for Tuesday`s session, saying they were investigating the possible presence of an explosive device inside the building.&nbsp;

The Supreme Court in a statement posted on its Facebook page accused lawmakers Carlos Paparoni, Miguel Pizarro, Franco Casella and Winston Flores of treason and inciting rebellion. The accusations marked the latest step in a crackdown by President Nicolas Maduro on allies of opposition leader Juan Guaido following a failed effort to spur a military uprising in April.

"This simply gives us more strength," Flores told Reuters, calling the Supreme Court`s accusations "illegitimate orders from the dictator." "We know they will continue with this process of trying to destroy the National Assembly."

Last week, one opposition lawmaker was arrested and several took refuge in foreign embassies in Caracas or fled the country after similar accusations from the court.

Flores said he would make an "emergency" trip to Uruguay to denounce the wave of accusations against Venezuelan lawmakers to the parliament of the Mercosur trade bloc, where he is also a representative, in Montevideo.&nbsp;

In a tweet, Pizarro called the court ruling "an illegal sentence that seeks only to generate fear to shut us up."

Reuters was unable to obtain comment from the other legislators.

Opposition leaders in recent weeks have called such charges an effort by the ruling Socialist Party to shutter the legislature. The Trump administration strongly condemned this month`s detention of Edgar Zambrano, the vice president of the legislature.

Guaido, leader of the opposition-controlled Assembly, in January invoked Venezuela`s constitution to assume an interim presidency, arguing Maduro`s 2018 re-election was illegitimate. More than 50 countries have recognised him as the country`s rightful leader, and say the assembly is its last remaining democratic institution.

"This is a dictatorship that goes after dissidents, and we are fighting for a political change," lawmaker Juan Pablo Guanipa told Reuters, referring to the blocking of congress.

Tuesday`s session was scheduled for 10 a.m. (1400 GMT), but never began. The lawmakers were set to discuss the charges against their colleagues and the arrest of Zambrano, an outspoken critic of Maduro.&nbsp;

Venezuela`s information ministry, which handles media inquiries on behalf of the government, did not respond to a request for comment on why security forces blocked the entrance to parliament. Maduro, a socialist, calls Guaido a puppet of the United States seeking to oust him in a coup.

The government stripped the assembly of most of its powers after the opposition won a majority in 2015 elections. Lawmakers loyal to Maduro generally do not attend the sessions, but go to meetings of the Constituent Assembly, a legislative body created in 2017 that meets in the same building.

The Constituent Assembly is controlled by the ruling Socialist Party and its powers supersede those of the National Assembly.

Opposition lawmaker Jorge Millan told reporters the report of "bombs" in the building was false.&nbsp;

"It is a trick to prevent the parliament from functioning today," he said. "If we do not have a session today, we will do it tomorrow."&nbsp;

Venezuela`s top court accused four opposition lawmakers of treason on Tuesday, following similar accusations against 10 legislators this month, escalating a deep political crisis in the South American country.

Venezuela`s top court accused four opposition lawmakers of treason on Tuesday, following similar accusations against 10 legislators this month, escalating a deep political crisis in the South American country. Security forces had earlier prevented lawmakers from entering the legislature for Tuesday`s session, saying they were investigating the possible presence of an explosive device inside the building. The Supreme Court in a statement posted on its Facebook page accused lawmakers Carlos Paparoni, Miguel Pizarro, Franco Casella and Winston Flores of treason and inciting rebellion. The accusations marked the latest step in a crackdown by President Nicolas Maduro on allies of opposition leader Juan Guaido following a failed effort to spur a military uprising in April. "This simply gives us more strength," Flores told Reuters, calling the Supreme Court`s accusations "illegitimate orders from the dictator." "We know they will continue with this process of trying to destroy the National Assembly." Last week, one opposition lawmaker was arrested and several took refuge in foreign embassies in Caracas or fled the country after similar accusations from the court. Flores said he would make an "emergency" trip to Uruguay to denounce the wave of accusations against Venezuelan lawmakers to the parliament of the Mercosur trade bloc, where he is also a representative, in Montevideo. In a tweet, Pizarro called the court ruling "an illegal sentence that seeks only to generate fear to shut us up." Reuters was unable to obtain comment from the other legislators. Opposition leaders in recent weeks have called such charges an effort by the ruling Socialist Party to shutter the legislature. The Trump administration strongly condemned this month`s detention of Edgar Zambrano, the vice president of the legislature. Guaido, leader of the opposition-controlled Assembly, in January invoked Venezuela`s constitution to assume an interim presidency, arguing Maduro`s 2018 re-election was illegitimate. More than 50 countries have recognised him as the country`s rightful leader, and say the assembly is its last remaining democratic institution. "This is a dictatorship that goes after dissidents, and we are fighting for a political change," lawmaker Juan Pablo Guanipa told Reuters, referring to the blocking of congress. Tuesday`s session was scheduled for 10 a.m. (1400 GMT), but never began. The lawmakers were set to discuss the charges against their colleagues and the arrest of Zambrano, an outspoken critic of Maduro. Venezuela`s information ministry, which handles media inquiries on behalf of the government, did not respond to a request for comment on why security forces blocked the entrance to parliament. Maduro, a socialist, calls Guaido a puppet of the United States seeking to oust him in a coup. The government stripped the assembly of most of its powers after the opposition won a majority in 2015 elections. Lawmakers loyal to Maduro generally do not attend the sessions, but go to meetings of the Constituent Assembly, a legislative body created in 2017 that meets in the same building. The Constituent Assembly is controlled by the ruling Socialist Party and its powers supersede those of the National Assembly. Opposition lawmaker Jorge Millan told reporters the report of "bombs" in the building was false. "It is a trick to prevent the parliament from functioning today," he said. "If we do not have a session today, we will do it tomorrow."

Venezuela top court accuses more lawmakers of treason as congress building blocked

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