<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/venezuelas-guaido-seeks-us-pentagon-cooperation-to-solve-political-crisis-217960">Juan Guaido</a> 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.

Deputies said members of the National Guard, who provide security for the building, along with police and SEBIN intelligence agents, blocked access to the opposition-controlled National Assembly.

The move came as Amnesty International said it believes the Venezuelan authorities have committed crimes against humanity in their crackdown on anti-government protests, and urged the International Criminal Court to investigate.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-police-launch-bid-to-evict-pro-maduro-activists-from-venezuela-embassy-218644">US police launch bid to evict pro-Maduro activists from Venezuela embassy</a>

"SEBIN agents, using the excuse that there's an explosive device within the facilities, took over the federal palace. We're surrounded by intelligence agents," lawmaker Manuela Bolivar told AFP.

Guaido said the security forces used "brute force", adding that congress was "occupied militarily".

He tried to incite an uprising against Maduro on April 30 but only around 30 members of the armed forces joined him, and the revolt quickly petered out. It did, however, spark two days of deadly clashes between protesters and security forces.

Since then, the Maduro regime has ramped up pressure on Guaido's allies and supporters.

The Constituent Assembly, a rival legislative body that was created by the Maduro government and is packed with people who support him, voted Tuesday to strip immunity from five more opposition lawmakers in the National Assembly. That brings to 14 the number who will presumably go to trial for backing the failed insurrection. The charges include treason.

One of them, deputy assembly speaker Edgar Zambrano, was arrested by SEBIN agents last week. Another fled to neighbouring Colombia while three others sought refuge in diplomatic compounds.

Guaido -- the National Assembly president -- has accused Maduro of trying to dismantle the legislature.

"They're trying to hold the legislative power hostage while the dictator entrenches himself alone in a palace where he shouldn't be," Guaido said on Twitter.

He has previously accused the socialist leader of terrorism for his heavy-handed response to demonstrations.

Amnesty said Maduro's government responded with "a systematic and widespread policy of repression" in late January when anti-government protests swept the country after Guaido declared himself acting president.

The London-based rights group said at least 47 people were killed during the protests from January 21 to 25. At least 33 were shot dead by the security forces and six by government supporters.

"Eleven of these deaths were extrajudicial executions," said Erika Guevara, Americas director for Amnesty International, who presented a report in Mexico City, following February's fact-finding mission to Venezuela.

Some Maduro opponents were tortured while 900 people, including children, were arbitrarily detained, Amnesty said.

"The nature of the attacks... The level of coordination by the security forces, as well as the signs of similar patterns in 2014 and 2017, leads Amnesty International to believe that the Venezuelan authorities committed crimes against humanity."

Maduro himself "knew about these public and appalling acts and took no measures to either prevent or investigate them", Amnesty added in its statement.

Guaido's declaration that he is the country's legitimate acting president, which has been supported by more than 50 countries, plunged Venezuela into a political crisis.

It came about after the National Assembly branded Maduro a usurper over his controversial re-election last year in polls widely regarded as fraudulent. 
The oil-rich, cash-poor country has been stricken by recession and a humanitarian crisis in which almost a quarter of its 30 million population is in urgent need of aid, according to the United Nations (UN).

The UN also says that more than 2.7 million people have fled the country since 2015.

Those remaining behind face shortages of basic necessities such as food and medicines, and failing public services including water, electricity and transport.

From early Tuesday, the security services cordoned off the building housing the National Assembly. Bullet-proof vehicles and a tow truck were parked in the surrounding streets.

"This is a recurring theme. It's not the first time it's happened," said Bolivar, who claimed this was part of "a policy to weaken the Assembly" and "intimidation" related to the power struggle between Guaido and Maduro, who retains the support of the armed forces.

Guaido insisted the move would not stop lawmakers from doing their job.

"Tomorrow we will be in session again, we'll reconvene and let the regime decide if it wants to continue with a type of political harakiri," he said.

"Whether it's in a square, in the annex buildings, under a bridge, the Assembly will sit and there will be a session," said congressman Luis Stefanelli.&nbsp;

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.

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. Deputies said members of the National Guard, who provide security for the building, along with police and SEBIN intelligence agents, blocked access to the opposition-controlled National Assembly. The move came as Amnesty International said it believes the Venezuelan authorities have committed crimes against humanity in their crackdown on anti-government protests, and urged the International Criminal Court to investigate. Also read: US police launch bid to evict pro-Maduro activists from Venezuela embassy "SEBIN agents, using the excuse that there's an explosive device within the facilities, took over the federal palace. We're surrounded by intelligence agents," lawmaker Manuela Bolivar told AFP. Guaido said the security forces used "brute force", adding that congress was "occupied militarily". He tried to incite an uprising against Maduro on April 30 but only around 30 members of the armed forces joined him, and the revolt quickly petered out. It did, however, spark two days of deadly clashes between protesters and security forces. Since then, the Maduro regime has ramped up pressure on Guaido's allies and supporters. The Constituent Assembly, a rival legislative body that was created by the Maduro government and is packed with people who support him, voted Tuesday to strip immunity from five more opposition lawmakers in the National Assembly. That brings to 14 the number who will presumably go to trial for backing the failed insurrection. The charges include treason. One of them, deputy assembly speaker Edgar Zambrano, was arrested by SEBIN agents last week. Another fled to neighbouring Colombia while three others sought refuge in diplomatic compounds. Guaido -- the National Assembly president -- has accused Maduro of trying to dismantle the legislature. "They're trying to hold the legislative power hostage while the dictator entrenches himself alone in a palace where he shouldn't be," Guaido said on Twitter. He has previously accused the socialist leader of terrorism for his heavy-handed response to demonstrations. Amnesty said Maduro's government responded with "a systematic and widespread policy of repression" in late January when anti-government protests swept the country after Guaido declared himself acting president. The London-based rights group said at least 47 people were killed during the protests from January 21 to 25. At least 33 were shot dead by the security forces and six by government supporters. "Eleven of these deaths were extrajudicial executions," said Erika Guevara, Americas director for Amnesty International, who presented a report in Mexico City, following February's fact-finding mission to Venezuela. Some Maduro opponents were tortured while 900 people, including children, were arbitrarily detained, Amnesty said. "The nature of the attacks... The level of coordination by the security forces, as well as the signs of similar patterns in 2014 and 2017, leads Amnesty International to believe that the Venezuelan authorities committed crimes against humanity." Maduro himself "knew about these public and appalling acts and took no measures to either prevent or investigate them", Amnesty added in its statement. Guaido's declaration that he is the country's legitimate acting president, which has been supported by more than 50 countries, plunged Venezuela into a political crisis. It came about after the National Assembly branded Maduro a usurper over his controversial re-election last year in polls widely regarded as fraudulent. The oil-rich, cash-poor country has been stricken by recession and a humanitarian crisis in which almost a quarter of its 30 million population is in urgent need of aid, according to the United Nations (UN). The UN also says that more than 2.7 million people have fled the country since 2015. Those remaining behind face shortages of basic necessities such as food and medicines, and failing public services including water, electricity and transport. From early Tuesday, the security services cordoned off the building housing the National Assembly. Bullet-proof vehicles and a tow truck were parked in the surrounding streets. "This is a recurring theme. It's not the first time it's happened," said Bolivar, who claimed this was part of "a policy to weaken the Assembly" and "intimidation" related to the power struggle between Guaido and Maduro, who retains the support of the armed forces. Guaido insisted the move would not stop lawmakers from doing their job. "Tomorrow we will be in session again, we'll reconvene and let the regime decide if it wants to continue with a type of political harakiri," he said. "Whether it's in a square, in the annex buildings, under a bridge, the Assembly will sit and there will be a session," said congressman Luis Stefanelli.

Juan Guaido blasts Venezuela regime after security forces block congress

This segment offers you global round-up of top stories of 14 May 2019.

Global Round-up: Watch major global headlines of the day

This segment offers you global round-up of top stories of 13 May 2019.

Global Round-up: Watch major global headlines of the day , 13 May 2019

Investors in Venezuela Real Estate. Low cost project due to low-prices, low costs. Watch this video to know more.

WION Wallet: Economically hit Venezuela getting real estate investors

Venezuelan President continues to blame the United States and has called US secretary of state Mike Pompeo, 'a liar'. Watch full video to know more.

Venezuelan President hits out at US secretary of state

Venezuela has reopened its border with Brazil and restored maritime and air connections with the island of Aruba after barring entry from those countries for more than two months, Vice President Tareck El Aissami said.

"The borders with Brazil and Aruba have been re-established, but not those with the rest of the countries surrounding our territory, until they end the positions of hostility, of siege, of facilitation of paramilitary groups," he told reporters.

In February, leftist President Nicolas Maduro ordered the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/venezuelas-guaido-says-intelligence-agents-have-detained-his-deputy-217135">closure of Venezuela's borders</a> with Colombia and Brazil and cut off sea and air links with the nearby Dutch islands of Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao.

The move was aimed at thwarting attempts by supporters of self-proclaimed acting head of state<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/venezuelas-guaido-blasts-maduro-over-opposition-crackdown-217494"> Juan Guaido to bring in US</a> aid stockpiled in Colombia, Brazil and the ABC Islands.

Guaido, who is backed by Washington, said the aid was needed to address a pressing humanitarian crisis in oil-rich Venezuela.

But Maduro, whose government has accepted help from the International Red Cross and from allies such as a Cuba, China and Russia, denounced the aid initiative as a Trojan horse for a US-led military intervention.

El Aissami, accompanied by Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza, said that while Maduro's government has "received from the authorities of Aruba a commitment of respect, of solidarity, of working together," such commitments have not been forthcoming from other countries.

The governor of the northwestern state of Falcon, Victor Clark, has been ordered to "initiate the working committees for the gradual re-establishment of all communication, trade and commercial channels with Aruba," the vice president said.

Before the travel ban, there were 48 flights a week between Aruba and Venezuela, El Aissami said, adding that Caracas would like to see the number of flights surpass the previous level.

"We want to establish fair-trade mechanisms. We want to increase our oil and fuel investments in the Caribbean. We hope that the authorities in the other islands come to their senses and avoid being instruments for aggression against the territory of Venezuela," he said.

Regarding Brazil, Venezuela plans to resume the normal trade in goods and services with the Brazilian border state of Roraima, the vice president said.

El Aissami also extended to Venezuela's neighbours an invitation to "sincere dialogue."

"We won't meddle in the affairs of other countries, but we demand that they leave the Venezuelan people alone. We will solve our problems, as President Maduro has said," the vice president said.

Venezuela has reopened its border with Brazil and restored maritime and air connections with the island of Aruba after barring entry from those countries for more than two months, Vice President Tareck El Aissami said.

Venezuela has reopened its border with Brazil and restored maritime and air connections with the island of Aruba after barring entry from those countries for more than two months, Vice President Tareck El Aissami said. "The borders with Brazil and Aruba have been re-established, but not those with the rest of the countries surrounding our territory, until they end the positions of hostility, of siege, of facilitation of paramilitary groups," he told reporters. In February, leftist President Nicolas Maduro ordered the closure of Venezuela's borders with Colombia and Brazil and cut off sea and air links with the nearby Dutch islands of Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao. The move was aimed at thwarting attempts by supporters of self-proclaimed acting head of state Juan Guaido to bring in US aid stockpiled in Colombia, Brazil and the ABC Islands. Guaido, who is backed by Washington, said the aid was needed to address a pressing humanitarian crisis in oil-rich Venezuela. But Maduro, whose government has accepted help from the International Red Cross and from allies such as a Cuba, China and Russia, denounced the aid initiative as a Trojan horse for a US-led military intervention. El Aissami, accompanied by Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza, said that while Maduro's government has "received from the authorities of Aruba a commitment of respect, of solidarity, of working together," such commitments have not been forthcoming from other countries. The governor of the northwestern state of Falcon, Victor Clark, has been ordered to "initiate the working committees for the gradual re-establishment of all communication, trade and commercial channels with Aruba," the vice president said. Before the travel ban, there were 48 flights a week between Aruba and Venezuela, El Aissami said, adding that Caracas would like to see the number of flights surpass the previous level. "We want to establish fair-trade mechanisms. We want to increase our oil and fuel investments in the Caribbean. We hope that the authorities in the other islands come to their senses and avoid being instruments for aggression against the territory of Venezuela," he said. Regarding Brazil, Venezuela plans to resume the normal trade in goods and services with the Brazilian border state of Roraima, the vice president said. El Aissami also extended to Venezuela's neighbours an invitation to "sincere dialogue." "We won't meddle in the affairs of other countries, but we demand that they leave the Venezuelan people alone. We will solve our problems, as President Maduro has said," the vice president said.

Venezuela re-opens border with Brazil, renews travel links to Aruba

Venezuela's opposition leader <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/venezuelas-juan-guaido-makes-new-bid-to-rally-military-support-215851&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj4xPDj45DiAhXo7XMBHcY1DAYQFjADegQIDhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2anQhDHQYHESg3YI2d4ig-">Juan Guaido</a> accused President Nicolas Maduro's regime on Thursday of "dismantling" parliament after three lawmakers sought diplomatic refuge while another was arrested for treason.&nbsp;

"If we can talk about a coup d'etat in Venezuela, here it is the dismantling of the national parliament," Guaido told a news conference, accusing Maduro's regime of "state terrorism."

Guido, who considers himself the country's legitimate acting leader, spoke out after opposition<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/will-prosecute-seven-lawmakers-who-backed-uprising-venezuela-supreme-court-216866&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjbhYaX5JDiAhVJ7XMBHUfLAb0QFjAAegQIABAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3lONm5lgMyoOsRQZAKmeoK"> lawmakers Richard Blanco</a>, Mariela Magallanes and Americo De Grazia sought refuge in the Argentine and Italian embassies in Caracas.

They are among 10 National Assembly members charged with treason for supporting Guaido's call for a military revolt on April 30.

The group also includes Edgar Zambrano, vice-president of Venezuela's opposition-controlled parliament, who was seized by intelligence agents on Wednesday night.

Guaido led around 30 members of the armed forces in trying to spark an insurrection to dislodge Maduro 10 days ago, but while it provoked two days of deadly clashes, it quickly fizzled out.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/security-forces-in-venezuela-arrests-juan-guaidos-top-aide-edgar-zambrano-217293/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Venezuela was plunged into turmoil in January when Guaido declared himself acting president in a direct challenge to Maduro's authority.

He has since been recognized by more than 50 countries as he steps up the pressure to oust Maduro, whom he considers illegitimate after 2018 elections widely seen as fraudulent.

Guaido called for a national demonstration on Saturday to reject measures taken by the Supreme Court against opposition lawmakers.

'We're not going to stop'&nbsp;

"To make themselves look strong, to give the impression of control they don't have, what is the only tool they've used for years?" he asked, referring to the Maduro regime.

"Terror, state terrorism," said Guaido, whose own parliamentary immunity has been stripped by the Supreme Court.

"We're not going to stop, we're going to stay in the streets. This is a process that will end with Venezuela's liberty."

Maduro, though, has remained steadfast, propped up by Venezuela's powerful military high command and all branches of government except the sidelined National Assembly.

Zambrano's arrest on Wednesday night was both bizarre and dramatic, with the lawmaker commenting on events live on Twitter as it happened.

The 64-year-old's car was surrounded outside his Democratic Action Party's headquarters before it was towed, with him still in it, to the notorious Helicoide prison, within the headquarters of Venezuela's SEBIN intelligence agency.

"Democrats, keep up the fight!" tweeted Zambrano as images of the arrest circulated on social media.

&nbsp;'Kidnapped'&nbsp;

On Wednesday Guaido accused the regime of having "kidnapped" Zambrano. The European Union and several Latin American states echoed his criticism while the US called for his immediate release.

"This is an attack on the independence of the nation's democratically elected legislative branch and is part of the Maduro regime's continued attempts to crush dissent and free debate in Venezuela," US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in a statement.

"This assault on the National Assembly should serve as a clarion call to the region and the world that the dictatorship is not interested in constitutional solutions to the Venezuelan people's problems."

Even Mexico, which has steadfastly maintained its recognition for Maduro as Venezuelan president, voiced its "concern" over Zambrano's treatment.

Venezuela's Attorney General Tarek William Saab says the two days of clashes that followed Guaido's unsuccessful revolt left six people dead.

The Constituent Assembly, which Maduro created to sideline the National Assembly, has said it will suspend the immunity of any lawmakers who backed the uprising.

Venezuela has suffered five years of recession that has seen more than 2.7 million people flee poverty, hyperinflation, food shortages and insecurity since 2015, according to United Nations figures.

Venezuela's opposition leader Juan Guaido accused President Nicolas Maduro's regime on Thursday of "dismantling" parliament after three lawmakers sought diplomatic refuge while another was arrested for treason.

Venezuela's opposition leader Juan Guaido accused President Nicolas Maduro's regime on Thursday of "dismantling" parliament after three lawmakers sought diplomatic refuge while another was arrested for treason. "If we can talk about a coup d'etat in Venezuela, here it is the dismantling of the national parliament," Guaido told a news conference, accusing Maduro's regime of "state terrorism." Guido, who considers himself the country's legitimate acting leader, spoke out after opposition lawmakers Richard Blanco, Mariela Magallanes and Americo De Grazia sought refuge in the Argentine and Italian embassies in Caracas. They are among 10 National Assembly members charged with treason for supporting Guaido's call for a military revolt on April 30. The group also includes Edgar Zambrano, vice-president of Venezuela's opposition-controlled parliament, who was seized by intelligence agents on Wednesday night. Guaido led around 30 members of the armed forces in trying to spark an insurrection to dislodge Maduro 10 days ago, but while it provoked two days of deadly clashes, it quickly fizzled out. Venezuela was plunged into turmoil in January when Guaido declared himself acting president in a direct challenge to Maduro's authority. He has since been recognized by more than 50 countries as he steps up the pressure to oust Maduro, whom he considers illegitimate after 2018 elections widely seen as fraudulent. Guaido called for a national demonstration on Saturday to reject measures taken by the Supreme Court against opposition lawmakers. 'We're not going to stop' "To make themselves look strong, to give the impression of control they don't have, what is the only tool they've used for years?" he asked, referring to the Maduro regime. "Terror, state terrorism," said Guaido, whose own parliamentary immunity has been stripped by the Supreme Court. "We're not going to stop, we're going to stay in the streets. This is a process that will end with Venezuela's liberty." Maduro, though, has remained steadfast, propped up by Venezuela's powerful military high command and all branches of government except the sidelined National Assembly. Zambrano's arrest on Wednesday night was both bizarre and dramatic, with the lawmaker commenting on events live on Twitter as it happened. The 64-year-old's car was surrounded outside his Democratic Action Party's headquarters before it was towed, with him still in it, to the notorious Helicoide prison, within the headquarters of Venezuela's SEBIN intelligence agency. "Democrats, keep up the fight!" tweeted Zambrano as images of the arrest circulated on social media. 'Kidnapped' On Wednesday Guaido accused the regime of having "kidnapped" Zambrano. The European Union and several Latin American states echoed his criticism while the US called for his immediate release. "This is an attack on the independence of the nation's democratically elected legislative branch and is part of the Maduro regime's continued attempts to crush dissent and free debate in Venezuela," US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in a statement. "This assault on the National Assembly should serve as a clarion call to the region and the world that the dictatorship is not interested in constitutional solutions to the Venezuelan people's problems." Even Mexico, which has steadfastly maintained its recognition for Maduro as Venezuelan president, voiced its "concern" over Zambrano's treatment. Venezuela's Attorney General Tarek William Saab says the two days of clashes that followed Guaido's unsuccessful revolt left six people dead. The Constituent Assembly, which Maduro created to sideline the National Assembly, has said it will suspend the immunity of any lawmakers who backed the uprising. Venezuela has suffered five years of recession that has seen more than 2.7 million people flee poverty, hyperinflation, food shortages and insecurity since 2015, according to United Nations figures.

Venezuela opposition leader Guaido blasts Maduro over opposition crackdown

People in Venezuelan capital Caracas expressed anger on Thursday at the arrest of Edgar Zambrano, deputy leader of the opposition-controlled National Assembly. Watch this video to know more.

Row over arrest of Guaido's aide

Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido said on Wednesday that intelligence agents had detained his deputy, the first arrest of a lawmaker since Guaido tried to spark a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-prosecute-seven-lawmakers-who-backed-uprising-venezuela-supreme-court-216866">military uprising</a> last week to bring down President Nicolas <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-ready-for-any-us-attack-foreign-minister-216419">Maduro`s government</a>.

Edgar Zambrano, vice president of the opposition-controlled National Assembly, which Guaido heads, said on Twitter that agents from the SEBIN intelligence agency were using a tow truck to drag his vehicle, with him inside, to one of their Caracas bases.

On Tuesday, Venezuela`s pro-Maduro Constituent Assembly ruled to strip Zambrano, and six other lawmakers, of their parliamentary immunity to allow their future prosecution.

The Supreme Court had earlier accused the lawmakers of conspiracy, rebellion and treason, and on Wednesday accused three other opposition legislators of the same crimes. The opposition says Maduro has stacked the court with his own supporters, and the US government this week threatened to sanction all its members.

An attempted uprising last week led by Guaido, recognised as the legitimate head of state by the United States and other Western countries, failed to dislodge Maduro, as have a series of US sanctions against his government. Maduro decried the events as an attempted coup.

"One of the principal conspirators of the coup has just been arrested," Diosdado Cabello, head of the Constituent Assembly, said in comments broadcast on state television.

"They will have to pay before the courts for the failed coup that they attempted," he said.

Zambrano said on Twitter that SEBIN agents had surrounded his vehicle by the headquarters of his Democratic Action party in Caracas` La Florida district.

"We were surprised by the SEBIN, and after refusing to let us leave our vehicle, they used a tow truck to forcibly transfer us directly to the (SEBIN headquarters) Helicoide," he said. It was not yet clear if Zambrano was already at the Helicoide.

"The regime has kidnapped the first vice president," Guaido said on Twitter.

Guaido in January invoked the constitution to assume an interim presidency, denouncing Maduro as illegitimate after he secured re-election last year in a vote widely viewed as fraudulent. The Constituent Assembly removed Guaido`s parliamentary immunity in early April, but authorities have not tried to arrest him since then.

Earlier on Wednesday, the Supreme Court`s head, Maikel Moreno, rebuffed the US government`s threats to sanction his court`s members if they did not reject Maduro`s government and Guaido.

The US Treasury Department imposed sanctions in 2017 on Moreno and the seven principal members of the court`s constitutional chamber for rulings that "usurped the authority" of the National Assembly.

US&nbsp;Vice President Mike Pence said on Tuesday the Trump administration would soon sanction the 25 remaining members of the court. Pence said on Tuesday that the United States was lifting economic sanctions on a former Venezuelan general who turned against Maduro in order to encourage other Maduro allies to follow suit.&nbsp;

Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido said on Wednesday that intelligence agents had detained his deputy, the first arrest of a lawmaker since Guaido tried to spark a military uprising last week to bring down President Nicolas Maduro`s government.

Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido said on Wednesday that intelligence agents had detained his deputy, the first arrest of a lawmaker since Guaido tried to spark a military uprising last week to bring down President Nicolas Maduro`s government. Edgar Zambrano, vice president of the opposition-controlled National Assembly, which Guaido heads, said on Twitter that agents from the SEBIN intelligence agency were using a tow truck to drag his vehicle, with him inside, to one of their Caracas bases. On Tuesday, Venezuela`s pro-Maduro Constituent Assembly ruled to strip Zambrano, and six other lawmakers, of their parliamentary immunity to allow their future prosecution. The Supreme Court had earlier accused the lawmakers of conspiracy, rebellion and treason, and on Wednesday accused three other opposition legislators of the same crimes. The opposition says Maduro has stacked the court with his own supporters, and the US government this week threatened to sanction all its members. An attempted uprising last week led by Guaido, recognised as the legitimate head of state by the United States and other Western countries, failed to dislodge Maduro, as have a series of US sanctions against his government. Maduro decried the events as an attempted coup. "One of the principal conspirators of the coup has just been arrested," Diosdado Cabello, head of the Constituent Assembly, said in comments broadcast on state television. "They will have to pay before the courts for the failed coup that they attempted," he said. Zambrano said on Twitter that SEBIN agents had surrounded his vehicle by the headquarters of his Democratic Action party in Caracas` La Florida district. "We were surprised by the SEBIN, and after refusing to let us leave our vehicle, they used a tow truck to forcibly transfer us directly to the (SEBIN headquarters) Helicoide," he said. It was not yet clear if Zambrano was already at the Helicoide. "The regime has kidnapped the first vice president," Guaido said on Twitter. Guaido in January invoked the constitution to assume an interim presidency, denouncing Maduro as illegitimate after he secured re-election last year in a vote widely viewed as fraudulent. The Constituent Assembly removed Guaido`s parliamentary immunity in early April, but authorities have not tried to arrest him since then. Earlier on Wednesday, the Supreme Court`s head, Maikel Moreno, rebuffed the US government`s threats to sanction his court`s members if they did not reject Maduro`s government and Guaido. The US Treasury Department imposed sanctions in 2017 on Moreno and the seven principal members of the court`s constitutional chamber for rulings that "usurped the authority" of the National Assembly. US Vice President Mike Pence said on Tuesday the Trump administration would soon sanction the 25 remaining members of the court. Pence said on Tuesday that the United States was lifting economic sanctions on a former Venezuelan general who turned against Maduro in order to encourage other Maduro allies to follow suit.

Venezuela's Guaido says intelligence agents have detained his deputy

Venezuelan agents have detained a top aide of opposition leader Juan Guaido, using a tow truck to drag his vehicle away with him inside, in the first major detention since a failed attempt last week to spark a military uprising to bring down President Nicolas Maduro's government.

Security forces in Venezuela arrests Juan Guaido's top aide Edgar Zambrano

Venezuelan intelligence agents detained opposition leader Juan Guaido's congressional deputy on Wednesday, using a tow truck to drag his vehicle away with him inside, prompting the US government to warn of "consequences" if he was not released.

The SEBIN intelligence agency seized Edgar Zambrano, vice president of the opposition-controlled National Assembly, which Guaido heads, in the first arrest of a lawmaker since Guaido tried to spark a military uprising last week to bring down President Nicolas Maduro's government.

Venezuela's pro-Maduro Constituent Assembly agreed on Tuesday to strip Zambrano and six other lawmakers of their parliamentary immunity to allow their future prosecution. The opposition does not recognize the assembly's decisions.

The Supreme Court had earlier accused those lawmakers of conspiracy, rebellion and treason, and accused another three opposition legislators of the same crimes on Wednesday.

The opposition says Maduro has stacked the court with his own supporters, while the US government this week threatened to sanction all its members.

The US&nbsp;government's Venezuelan embassy, now based in Washington, said Zambrano's "arbitrary detention" was "illegal and inexcusable."

"Maduro and his accomplices are those directly responsible for Zambrano's security. If he is not immediately freed, there will be consequences," the embassy said on Twitter.

An attempted uprising last week led by Guaido, recognized by the United States and other Western countries as the rightful head of state, failed to dislodge Maduro, as have a series of US sanctions against his government. Maduro decried the events as an attempted coup.

"One of the principal conspirators of the coup has just been arrested," Diosdado Cabello, head of the Constituent Assembly, said in comments broadcast on state television.

"They will have to pay before the courts for the failed coup that they attempted," he said.

'KIDNAPPED'

Zambrano said on Twitter at about 6.40 pm local time (2240 GMT) SEBIN agents had surrounded his vehicle outside the headquarters of his Democratic Action party in Caracas' La Florida district.

"We were surprised by the SEBIN, and after refusing to let us leave our vehicle, they used a tow truck to forcibly transfer us directly to the (SEBIN headquarters) Helicoide," he said. It was not yet clear if Zambrano was already at the Helicoide.

Guaido said on Twitter: "The regime has kidnapped the first vice president."

Guaido invoked the constitution in January to assume an interim presidency, denouncing Maduro as illegitimate after he secured re-election last year in a vote widely viewed as fraudulent. Maduro has overseen the collapse of Venezuela's economy, which has shrunk by half over the past five years, forcing more than 3 million Venezuelans to emigrate.

The Constituent Assembly removed Guaido's parliamentary immunity in early April. Authorities have not tried to arrest him since then, but Maduro has said he will "face justice."

US President Donald Trump's administration has threatened Maduro's government with a harsh response should it ever detain Guaido.

Earlier on Wednesday, the Supreme Court's head, Maikel Moreno, rebuffed the US&nbsp;government's threats to sanction his court's members if they did not reject Maduro's government and Guaido.

The US&nbsp;Treasury Department imposed sanctions on Moreno and the seven principal members of the court's constitutional chamber in 2017 for rulings that "usurped the authority" of the National Assembly.

US Vice President Mike Pence said on Tuesday the Trump administration would soon sanction the 25 remaining members of the court. Pence said the United States was lifting economic sanctions on a former Venezuelan general who turned against Maduro in order to encourage other Maduro allies to follow suit.

The head of the Organization of American States, Luis Almagro, said: "We demand the SEBIN stop the intimidation, respect the lawmakers' parliamentary immunities, and immediately release Edgar Zambrano."

Venezuelan intelligence agents detained opposition leader Juan Guaido's congressional deputy on Wednesday, using a tow truck to drag his vehicle away with him inside, prompting the US government to warn of "consequences" if he was not released.

Venezuelan intelligence agents detained opposition leader Juan Guaido's congressional deputy on Wednesday, using a tow truck to drag his vehicle away with him inside, prompting the US government to warn of "consequences" if he was not released. The SEBIN intelligence agency seized Edgar Zambrano, vice president of the opposition-controlled National Assembly, which Guaido heads, in the first arrest of a lawmaker since Guaido tried to spark a military uprising last week to bring down President Nicolas Maduro's government. Venezuela's pro-Maduro Constituent Assembly agreed on Tuesday to strip Zambrano and six other lawmakers of their parliamentary immunity to allow their future prosecution. The opposition does not recognize the assembly's decisions. The Supreme Court had earlier accused those lawmakers of conspiracy, rebellion and treason, and accused another three opposition legislators of the same crimes on Wednesday. The opposition says Maduro has stacked the court with his own supporters, while the US government this week threatened to sanction all its members. The US government's Venezuelan embassy, now based in Washington, said Zambrano's "arbitrary detention" was "illegal and inexcusable." "Maduro and his accomplices are those directly responsible for Zambrano's security. If he is not immediately freed, there will be consequences," the embassy said on Twitter. An attempted uprising last week led by Guaido, recognized by the United States and other Western countries as the rightful head of state, failed to dislodge Maduro, as have a series of US sanctions against his government. Maduro decried the events as an attempted coup. "One of the principal conspirators of the coup has just been arrested," Diosdado Cabello, head of the Constituent Assembly, said in comments broadcast on state television. "They will have to pay before the courts for the failed coup that they attempted," he said. 'KIDNAPPED' Zambrano said on Twitter at about 6.40 pm local time (2240 GMT) SEBIN agents had surrounded his vehicle outside the headquarters of his Democratic Action party in Caracas' La Florida district. "We were surprised by the SEBIN, and after refusing to let us leave our vehicle, they used a tow truck to forcibly transfer us directly to the (SEBIN headquarters) Helicoide," he said. It was not yet clear if Zambrano was already at the Helicoide. Guaido said on Twitter: "The regime has kidnapped the first vice president." Guaido invoked the constitution in January to assume an interim presidency, denouncing Maduro as illegitimate after he secured re-election last year in a vote widely viewed as fraudulent. Maduro has overseen the collapse of Venezuela's economy, which has shrunk by half over the past five years, forcing more than 3 million Venezuelans to emigrate. The Constituent Assembly removed Guaido's parliamentary immunity in early April. Authorities have not tried to arrest him since then, but Maduro has said he will "face justice." US President Donald Trump's administration has threatened Maduro's government with a harsh response should it ever detain Guaido. Earlier on Wednesday, the Supreme Court's head, Maikel Moreno, rebuffed the US government's threats to sanction his court's members if they did not reject Maduro's government and Guaido. The US Treasury Department imposed sanctions on Moreno and the seven principal members of the court's constitutional chamber in 2017 for rulings that "usurped the authority" of the National Assembly. US Vice President Mike Pence said on Tuesday the Trump administration would soon sanction the 25 remaining members of the court. Pence said the United States was lifting economic sanctions on a former Venezuelan general who turned against Maduro in order to encourage other Maduro allies to follow suit. The head of the Organization of American States, Luis Almagro, said: "We demand the SEBIN stop the intimidation, respect the lawmakers' parliamentary immunities, and immediately release Edgar Zambrano."

Venezuela: Guaido's deputy arrested and dragged away by tow truck

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-two-students-open-fire-at-colorado-school-wounding-eight-schoolmates-216856">US: Two students open fire in Colorado school; 1 killed, at least seven wounded</a>

Two male students&nbsp;armed with guns&nbsp;burst into a Denver-area science and technology school and opened fire on Tuesday, killing one classmate and wounding seven others before being taken into custody, law enforcement officials said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/liverpool-stun-messis-barcelona-to-enter-champions-league-final-216859">Liverpool stun Messi's Barcelona to enter Champions League final</a>

Liverpool produced one of the greatest comebacks in Champions League history to beat Barcelona 4-0 on Tuesday, overturning a three-goal first-leg deficit and advancing to their second successive final with a 4-3 aggregate victory.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraq-promised-to-guarantee-safety-of-us-interests-from-iran-says-pompeo-in-baghdad-216862">Iraq promised to guarantee safety of US interests from Iran, says Pompeo in Baghdad</a>

Iraq has promised to guarantee the safety of&nbsp;US interests from Iran, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Tuesday as he paid a surprise trip to Baghdad where he accused Tehran of planning "imminent" attacks.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-prosecute-seven-lawmakers-who-backed-uprising-venezuela-supreme-court-216866">Will prosecute seven lawmakers who backed uprising: Venezuela Supreme Court</a>

Venezuela will prosecute seven lawmakers who backed last week's failed uprising orchestrated by opposition&nbsp;leader Juan Guaido, the country's Supreme Court ruled Tuesday, as Washington removed sanctions against Caracas' sacked spy chief for backing the revolt.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/satellite-images-indicate-china-building-third-aircraft-carrier-us-think-tank-216863">Satellite images indicate China building third aircraft carrier: US think tank</a>

Recent satellite photographs indicate China's construction of its&nbsp;third aircraft carrier&nbsp;is well underway, a Washington think tank reported Tuesday. ChinaPower, a unit of the Center for Strategic and International Studies, published photos of a large vessel under construction at the&nbsp;Jiangnan Shipyard in Shanghai.

US: Two students open fire in Colorado school; 1 killed, at least seven wounded Two male students armed with guns burst into a Denver-area science and technology school and opened fire on Tuesday, killing one classmate and wounding seven others before being taken into custody, law enforcement officials said.

US: Two students open fire in Colorado school; 1 killed, at least seven wounded Two male students armed with guns burst into a Denver-area science and technology school and opened fire on Tuesday, killing one classmate and wounding seven others before being taken into custody, law enforcement officials said. Liverpool stun Messi's Barcelona to enter Champions League final Liverpool produced one of the greatest comebacks in Champions League history to beat Barcelona 4-0 on Tuesday, overturning a three-goal first-leg deficit and advancing to their second successive final with a 4-3 aggregate victory. Iraq promised to guarantee safety of US interests from Iran, says Pompeo in Baghdad Iraq has promised to guarantee the safety of US interests from Iran, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Tuesday as he paid a surprise trip to Baghdad where he accused Tehran of planning "imminent" attacks. Will prosecute seven lawmakers who backed uprising: Venezuela Supreme Court Venezuela will prosecute seven lawmakers who backed last week's failed uprising orchestrated by opposition leader Juan Guaido, the country's Supreme Court ruled Tuesday, as Washington removed sanctions against Caracas' sacked spy chief for backing the revolt. Satellite images indicate China building third aircraft carrier: US think tank Recent satellite photographs indicate China's construction of its third aircraft carrier is well underway, a Washington think tank reported Tuesday. ChinaPower, a unit of the Center for Strategic and International Studies, published photos of a large vessel under construction at the Jiangnan Shipyard in Shanghai.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Venezuela's opposition leader Juan Guaido says that people who had pledged support for his abortive uprising last week had "failed to follow through" to dislodge President Nicolas Maduro and add that "it doesn't mean that they won't do it soon".

Venezuela's Guaido says backers 'failed to follow through'

Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that Russia condemns what he called a campaign to overthrow Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and urged Washington to cancel its "irresponsible" plans. Watch this video to know more.

Russia urges to abandon 'Irresponsible' plan

Venezuela's Constituent Assembly, which rules the South American country with absolute powers, plans to strip parliamentary immunity from opposition lawmakers who backed a failed uprising this week, leader Diosdado Cabello said Sunday.

"The prosecutor's office opened its file, all the requests to lift <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/venezuelans-hit-street-as-opposition-leader-guaido-declares-definitive-escalation-208468&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjtwrfgmobiAhUHv48KHUMyA8YQFjAJegQIAxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1tIJjDgQU4dGnRyMgklCtu">parliamentary immunity</a> are coming to the Constituent Assembly, as it should be, and... we will certainly raise our hands to remove parliamentary immunity from all those who actively participated in that act," Cabello said.

On Tuesday, around 30 soldiers carried out 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/venezuelas-nicolas-maduro-calls-on-military-to-fight-any-coup-plotter-215522&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiuxPnPmobiAhXTh3AKHWf0CYwQFjADegQIDxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2zVrhnLZVNBhtefyS8YAS9">President Nicolas Maduro </a>near La Carlota Air Base in Caracas in a move backed by opposition leader Juan Guaido, recognized as interim president by more than 50 countries.

Several deputies of the National Assembly, the only Venezuelan organ of power held by the opposition, backed Guaido, who presides over the body.

Guaido called Tuesday's ultimately failed uprising the beginning of a "freedom operation" seeking to remove Maduro from power.

"Justice is going to come, there's no doubt about that... let us not despair," Cabello, considered Maduro's right-hand man, said during a speech with activists of the ruling PSUV party in Caracas.

After the failed uprising, denounced by Maduro as a "coup-style skirmish," some 25 soldiers took refuge at embassies, along with top opposition figure Leopoldo Lopez, freed from house arrest by Guaido supporters.

Lopez, who is under an arrest warrant, is staying at the Spanish embassy.

Venezuela's Constituent Assembly, which rules the South American country with absolute powers, plans to strip parliamentary immunity from opposition lawmakers who backed a failed uprising this week, leader Diosdado Cabello said Sunday.

Venezuela's Constituent Assembly, which rules the South American country with absolute powers, plans to strip parliamentary immunity from opposition lawmakers who backed a failed uprising this week, leader Diosdado Cabello said Sunday. "The prosecutor's office opened its file, all the requests to lift parliamentary immunity are coming to the Constituent Assembly, as it should be, and... we will certainly raise our hands to remove parliamentary immunity from all those who actively participated in that act," Cabello said. On Tuesday, around 30 soldiers carried out a failed uprising against President Nicolas Maduro near La Carlota Air Base in Caracas in a move backed by opposition leader Juan Guaido, recognized as interim president by more than 50 countries. Several deputies of the National Assembly, the only Venezuelan organ of power held by the opposition, backed Guaido, who presides over the body. Guaido called Tuesday's ultimately failed uprising the beginning of a "freedom operation" seeking to remove Maduro from power. "Justice is going to come, there's no doubt about that... let us not despair," Cabello, considered Maduro's right-hand man, said during a speech with activists of the ruling PSUV party in Caracas. After the failed uprising, denounced by Maduro as a "coup-style skirmish," some 25 soldiers took refuge at embassies, along with top opposition figure Leopoldo Lopez, freed from house arrest by Guaido supporters. Lopez, who is under an arrest warrant, is staying at the Spanish embassy.

Venezuela to strip immunity from lawmakers who backed coup bid

Venezuela's Constituent Assembly, which rules the South American country with absolute powers, plans to strip parliamentary immunity from opposition lawmakers who backed a failed uprising this week.

Venezuela to strip immunity from opposition lawmakers

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro is ready to see off any attack from the United States, his foreign minister Jorge Arreaza said Monday in Moscow, after a meeting with Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov.&nbsp;

"We are ready for all scenarios. The first is diplomacy, dialogue, peace," Arreaza told a press conference.&nbsp;

But if Washington "opts for the military path, we have an armed force,&nbsp;people, a national guard that will be able not just to resist and fight, but also to win," he added.&nbsp;

The statement comes following a failed, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-to-strip-immunity-from-lawmakers-who-backed-coup-bid-216298">US-backed bid by the Venezuelan</a> opposition to spur a military uprising.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/donald-trump-no-russian-meddling-in-venezuela-215867/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has blamed the failure on Russia, a key backer of Maduro.&nbsp;

Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov has meanwhile called on Washington to "abandon its irresponsible plans" in the crisis-wracked country.

The push and shove set the stage for a Pompeo meeting with Lavrov in Finland this week.&nbsp;

The tense exchange belied the conciliatory tone taken by US President Donald Trump on Friday after what he said was "a very good conversation" with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Arreaza said Caracas was developing "alternatives to financial trading systems" with its Russian and Chinese allies to "get around the American blockade".&nbsp;

He also confirmed a Venezuelan delegation would be at an economic forum in Saint Petersburg next month, possibly including Maduro.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro is ready to see off any attack from the United States, his foreign minister Jorge Arreaza said Monday in Moscow, after a meeting with Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro is ready to see off any attack from the United States, his foreign minister Jorge Arreaza said Monday in Moscow, after a meeting with Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov. "We are ready for all scenarios. The first is diplomacy, dialogue, peace," Arreaza told a press conference. But if Washington "opts for the military path, we have an armed force, people, a national guard that will be able not just to resist and fight, but also to win," he added. The statement comes following a failed, US-backed bid by the Venezuelan opposition to spur a military uprising. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has blamed the failure on Russia, a key backer of Maduro. Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov has meanwhile called on Washington to "abandon its irresponsible plans" in the crisis-wracked country. The push and shove set the stage for a Pompeo meeting with Lavrov in Finland this week. The tense exchange belied the conciliatory tone taken by US President Donald Trump on Friday after what he said was "a very good conversation" with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Arreaza said Caracas was developing "alternatives to financial trading systems" with its Russian and Chinese allies to "get around the American blockade". He also confirmed a Venezuelan delegation would be at an economic forum in Saint Petersburg next month, possibly including Maduro.

If United States opts for war, we will not only fight but win: Venezuela government

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 - May 5th, 2019

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro urged the army on Saturday to prepare for the possibility of US military action. Watch full video to know more.

President Maduro tells military to be ready for potential US military action

Political unrest in Venezuela Continued once again. Watch this video to know more.

Political unrest in Venezuela continues

A day after&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nicolas-maduro-open-to-adopt-a-plan-to-improve-venezuelas-condition-215356">Nicolas Maduro</a>&nbsp;exhibited a&nbsp;show of unity with military figures&nbsp;in a television broadcast, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nicolas-maduro-open-to-adopt-a-plan-to-improve-venezuelas-condition-215356">Venezuelan President </a>on Saturday called on the armed forces to be "ready" in the event of a US military offensive against the South American country.

Addressing a speech to troops, Maduro told the military "to be ready to defend the homeland with weapons in your&nbsp;hands if one day the US empire dares to touch this territory, this sacred earth."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-state-secretary-pompeo-russian-foreign-minister-lavrov-trade-accusations-on-venezuela-in-phone-call-215196">US state secretary Pompeo, Russian foreign minister Lavrov trade accusations on Venezuela in phone call</a>

His speech at a military base came days after&nbsp;opposition leader Juan Guaido rallied his supporters in a new day of protests to press the armed forces to support his bid to dislodge Maduro.

Maduro's show of unity in a television broadcast aimed at rejecting&nbsp;claims by the United States and the opposition that the armed forces high command was prepared to turn on him.

Venezuelans on Wednesday heeded a call from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-accuses-venezuelas-us-backed-opposition-leader-juan-guaido-of-fuelling-conflict-215063">Guaido</a>&nbsp;to take to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/two-more-protesters-die-following-venezuela-clashes-215484">streets</a>&nbsp;in a bid to force Maduro from power, but there was little concrete sign of change in a crisis.

Guaido, the head of the opposition-run National Assembly, is recognised as Venezuela's legitimate head of state by the United States, the European Union and others, while Maduro is backed by countries including Russia, China and Cuba.

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

A day after Nicolas Maduro exhibited a show of unity with military figures in a television broadcast, the Venezuelan President on Saturday called on the armed forces to be "ready" in the event of a US military offensive against the South American country.

A day after Nicolas Maduro exhibited a show of unity with military figures in a television broadcast, the Venezuelan President on Saturday called on the armed forces to be "ready" in the event of a US military offensive against the South American country. Addressing a speech to troops, Maduro told the military "to be ready to defend the homeland with weapons in your hands if one day the US empire dares to touch this territory, this sacred earth." Also read: US state secretary Pompeo, Russian foreign minister Lavrov trade accusations on Venezuela in phone call His speech at a military base came days after opposition leader Juan Guaido rallied his supporters in a new day of protests to press the armed forces to support his bid to dislodge Maduro. Maduro's show of unity in a television broadcast aimed at rejecting claims by the United States and the opposition that the armed forces high command was prepared to turn on him. Venezuelans on Wednesday heeded a call from Guaido to take to the streets in a bid to force Maduro from power, but there was little concrete sign of change in a crisis. Guaido, the head of the opposition-run National Assembly, is recognised as Venezuela's legitimate head of state by the United States, the European Union and others, while Maduro is backed by countries including Russia, China and Cuba. (With inputs from agencies)

Venezuela's Maduro tells armed forces to be 'ready' in case of US attack

President Donald Trump said he held "very positive" <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-putin-discuss-possible-new-nuclear-accord-white-house-215736">talks Friday with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin</a> on the crisis in oil-rich Venezuela, where Washington is pushing to oust the Moscow-backed president.

The US leader adopted a strikingly conciliatory tone following a more than an hour-long conversation with Putin, coming days after an abortive military uprising in support of Juan Guaido, the opposition leader seeking to drive Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro from power.

"It was a very positive conversation," Trump said. "He is not looking at all to get involved in Venezuela other than he'd like to see something positive happen for Venezuela."&nbsp;

"And I feel the same way. We want to get some humanitarian aid. Right now people are starving."&nbsp;

Trump's tone came in stark contrast to that of his top advisors, in particular, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo who charged this week that the socialist Maduro had been poised to flee to Cuba, but was talked out of it by the Russians. &nbsp;

Recognized as an interim leader by more than 50 countries including the United States, Guaido has vowed to keep the pressure up on Maduro, urging his supporters to stage peaceful demonstrations at military bases Saturday in a fresh bid to rally the armed forces behind him.

US-Russian tensions have spiked over the months-long standoff in Venezuela, and the Kremlin's assessment of the Trump-Putin call differed substantially from that coming from the White House.

"Interference in internal affairs, attempts to change the leadership in Caracas through force, undermine the prospects for a peaceful settlement of the conflict," said a Russian statement.

"Vladimir Putin stated that only the Venezuelan people have the right to decide the future of their country," it added.

Options limited?

The United States has imposed tough sanctions and Trump has refused to take the threat of military action off the table, in an intensifying campaign to drive Maduro from power.

Washington is insisting Maduro's days are numbered -&nbsp;but experts say US options for breaking the stalemate are limited, and that Washington may have overestimated the opposition leader's strength.

Acting Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan hosted Pompeo at the Pentagon Friday along with National Security Advisor John Bolton and Admiral Craig Faller, commander of the US Southern Command.

Reiterating Trump's position -&nbsp;that "all options" are on the table -&nbsp;Shanahan declined to provide any details on possible military intervention.

"I'm trying to avoid walking into 'We could do this or we could do that,'" he said. "What people should feel confident about is we have... there's depth to these plans."

"We have a comprehensive set of options tailored to certain conditions and I'm just going to leave it at that."&nbsp;

'Peacefully, civically'

Guaido plans to have his supporters mass outside military bases on Saturday, and deliver a proclamation to those inside, pleading with them to break with Maduro.

"Peacefully, civically... we are going to deliver a simple document, a proclamation to the Armed Forces to listen to the Venezuelan call, that a rapid transition is possible to produce free elections," Guaido told a press conference in Caracas.

Tensions in Venezuela have soared since Guaido, the 35-year-old head of the National Assembly, invoked the constitution to declare himself acting president on January 23, claiming Maduro's re-election last year was illegitimate.

On Tuesday the opposition leader called on the military to rise up against Maduro, and a small group heeded his call.

But the movement petered out -&nbsp;with 25 rebel soldiers seeking asylum at the Brazilian embassy in Caracas - sparking two days of protests during which four people were killed and some 200 injured.

The influential opposition figure Leopoldo Lopez - who made a dramatic appearance alongside Guaido after being freed from house arrest - has since taken refuge at the Spanish embassy.

Venezuela's military leadership has since reiterated its support for the government, and Maduro is standing his ground.

In Lima, ministers from Latin American nations and Canada held an emergency meeting to discuss Tuesday's failed effort.

The lack of progress left nations backing Guaido facing "a very confusing situation," a diplomatic source told AFP on the sidelines of the meeting.

"The reality is that the military leadership resisted the attack and are united," he said.

"There are cracks, but not in the military leadership," said the source. "International pressure via economic sanctions is the way to weaken the Chavist regime."

&nbsp;

President Donald Trump said he held "very positive" talks Friday with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on the crisis in oil-rich Venezuela, where Washington is pushing to oust the Moscow-backed president.

President Donald Trump said he held "very positive" talks Friday with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on the crisis in oil-rich Venezuela, where Washington is pushing to oust the Moscow-backed president. The US leader adopted a strikingly conciliatory tone following a more than an hour-long conversation with Putin, coming days after an abortive military uprising in support of Juan Guaido, the opposition leader seeking to drive Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro from power. "It was a very positive conversation," Trump said. "He is not looking at all to get involved in Venezuela other than he'd like to see something positive happen for Venezuela." "And I feel the same way. We want to get some humanitarian aid. Right now people are starving." Trump's tone came in stark contrast to that of his top advisors, in particular, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo who charged this week that the socialist Maduro had been poised to flee to Cuba, but was talked out of it by the Russians. Recognized as an interim leader by more than 50 countries including the United States, Guaido has vowed to keep the pressure up on Maduro, urging his supporters to stage peaceful demonstrations at military bases Saturday in a fresh bid to rally the armed forces behind him. US-Russian tensions have spiked over the months-long standoff in Venezuela, and the Kremlin's assessment of the Trump-Putin call differed substantially from that coming from the White House. "Interference in internal affairs, attempts to change the leadership in Caracas through force, undermine the prospects for a peaceful settlement of the conflict," said a Russian statement. "Vladimir Putin stated that only the Venezuelan people have the right to decide the future of their country," it added. Options limited? The United States has imposed tough sanctions and Trump has refused to take the threat of military action off the table, in an intensifying campaign to drive Maduro from power. Washington is insisting Maduro's days are numbered - but experts say US options for breaking the stalemate are limited, and that Washington may have overestimated the opposition leader's strength. Acting Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan hosted Pompeo at the Pentagon Friday along with National Security Advisor John Bolton and Admiral Craig Faller, commander of the US Southern Command. Reiterating Trump's position - that "all options" are on the table - Shanahan declined to provide any details on possible military intervention. "I'm trying to avoid walking into 'We could do this or we could do that,'" he said. "What people should feel confident about is we have... there's depth to these plans." "We have a comprehensive set of options tailored to certain conditions and I'm just going to leave it at that." 'Peacefully, civically' Guaido plans to have his supporters mass outside military bases on Saturday, and deliver a proclamation to those inside, pleading with them to break with Maduro. "Peacefully, civically... we are going to deliver a simple document, a proclamation to the Armed Forces to listen to the Venezuelan call, that a rapid transition is possible to produce free elections," Guaido told a press conference in Caracas. Tensions in Venezuela have soared since Guaido, the 35-year-old head of the National Assembly, invoked the constitution to declare himself acting president on January 23, claiming Maduro's re-election last year was illegitimate. On Tuesday the opposition leader called on the military to rise up against Maduro, and a small group heeded his call. But the movement petered out - with 25 rebel soldiers seeking asylum at the Brazilian embassy in Caracas - sparking two days of protests during which four people were killed and some 200 injured. The influential opposition figure Leopoldo Lopez - who made a dramatic appearance alongside Guaido after being freed from house arrest - has since taken refuge at the Spanish embassy. Venezuela's military leadership has since reiterated its support for the government, and Maduro is standing his ground. In Lima, ministers from Latin American nations and Canada held an emergency meeting to discuss Tuesday's failed effort. The lack of progress left nations backing Guaido facing "a very confusing situation," a diplomatic source told AFP on the sidelines of the meeting. "The reality is that the military leadership resisted the attack and are united," he said. "There are cracks, but not in the military leadership," said the source. "International pressure via economic sanctions is the way to weaken the Chavist regime."

'Very positive' Venezuela talks with Russian President Putin: Donald Trump

The Lima group had a meeting on the Venezuela crisis. The group reiterates support for Juan Guaidó but not military intervention. Watch full video to know more.

Lima group reiterates support for Juan Guaidó

Opposition leader Juan Guaido will make a fresh bid on Saturday to rally Venezuela's armed forces behind him with protests at military bases in the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/videos/political-unrest-in-venezuela-continues-215810&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiizICkuoHiAhVS4XMBHfRQBq0QFjAAegQIARAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2o5sjk_3rEjaBUXDTLPS8N">crisis-hit country.</a>

The protest call by Guaido -- the head of the National Assembly legislature, who is recognized as interim president by more than 50 countries -- comes just days after he urged the military to rise up against the socialist president, Nicolas Maduro.

"Peacefully, civically... we are going to deliver a simple document, a proclamation to the Armed Forces to listen to the Venezuelan call, that a rapid transition is possible to produce free elections," Guaido told a press conference in Caracas.

A small group of military personnel heeded Guaido's call to rise up on Tuesday, but the effort petered out, triggering two days of protests against the government in which four people were killed and several hundred injured.

Venezuela's military leadership has since reiterated its support for the government, and Maduro is standing his ground.

The country's attorney general Tarek William Saab said Friday that 18 arrest warrants had been issued for "civilian and military conspirators" following the failed uprising, with lieutenant colonels among the uniformed personnel being sought.

Tensions in Venezuela have soared since Guaido, the 35-year-old head of the National Assembly, invoked the constitution to declare himself acting president on January 23, claiming Maduro's re-election last year was illegitimate.

The standoff has drawn in major world powers, with the US throwing its support behind Guaido and Russia and China backing Maduro.

The United States has imposed tough sanctions and Trump has refused to take the threat of military action off the table, in an intensifying campaign to drive Maduro out.

But President Donald Trump adopted a strikingly conciliatory tone after a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/very-positive-venezuela-talks-with-russian-president-putin-donald-trump-215772">more than an hour-long conversation with Vladimir Putin</a> on the Venezuela crisis, describing the Friday talks with his Russian counterpart as "very positive."&nbsp;

'People are starving'

"He is not looking at all to get involved in Venezuela other than he'd like to see something positive happen for Venezuela," Trump said of Putin.&nbsp;

"And I feel the same way. We want to get some humanitarian aid. Right now people are starving", Trump added.&nbsp;

Venezuela has suffered five years of recession marked by shortages of basic necessities as well as failing public services, including water, electricity and transport.

Trump's tone came in stark contrast to that of his top advisors, in particular, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo who charged this week that Maduro had been poised to flee to Cuba, but was talked out of it by the Russians.

US-Russian tensions have spiked over the months-long standoff in Venezuela, and the Kremlin's assessment of the Trump-Putin call differed substantially from that coming from the White House.

"Interference in internal affairs, attempts to change the leadership in Caracas through force, undermine the prospects for a peaceful settlement of the conflict," said a Russian statement.

"Vladimir Putin stated that only the Venezuelan people have the right to decide the future of their country," it added.

The United States is insisting Maduro's days are numbered, but experts say its options for breaking the stalemate are limited, and that Washington may have overestimated the opposition leader's strength.

Opposition leader Juan Guaido will make a fresh bid on Saturday to rally Venezuela's armed forces behind him with protests at military bases in the crisis-hit country.

Opposition leader Juan Guaido will make a fresh bid on Saturday to rally Venezuela's armed forces behind him with protests at military bases in the crisis-hit country. The protest call by Guaido -- the head of the National Assembly legislature, who is recognized as interim president by more than 50 countries -- comes just days after he urged the military to rise up against the socialist president, Nicolas Maduro. "Peacefully, civically... we are going to deliver a simple document, a proclamation to the Armed Forces to listen to the Venezuelan call, that a rapid transition is possible to produce free elections," Guaido told a press conference in Caracas. A small group of military personnel heeded Guaido's call to rise up on Tuesday, but the effort petered out, triggering two days of protests against the government in which four people were killed and several hundred injured. Venezuela's military leadership has since reiterated its support for the government, and Maduro is standing his ground. The country's attorney general Tarek William Saab said Friday that 18 arrest warrants had been issued for "civilian and military conspirators" following the failed uprising, with lieutenant colonels among the uniformed personnel being sought. Tensions in Venezuela have soared since Guaido, the 35-year-old head of the National Assembly, invoked the constitution to declare himself acting president on January 23, claiming Maduro's re-election last year was illegitimate. The standoff has drawn in major world powers, with the US throwing its support behind Guaido and Russia and China backing Maduro. The United States has imposed tough sanctions and Trump has refused to take the threat of military action off the table, in an intensifying campaign to drive Maduro out. But President Donald Trump adopted a strikingly conciliatory tone after a more than an hour-long conversation with Vladimir Putin on the Venezuela crisis, describing the Friday talks with his Russian counterpart as "very positive." 'People are starving' "He is not looking at all to get involved in Venezuela other than he'd like to see something positive happen for Venezuela," Trump said of Putin. "And I feel the same way. We want to get some humanitarian aid. Right now people are starving", Trump added. Venezuela has suffered five years of recession marked by shortages of basic necessities as well as failing public services, including water, electricity and transport. Trump's tone came in stark contrast to that of his top advisors, in particular, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo who charged this week that Maduro had been poised to flee to Cuba, but was talked out of it by the Russians. US-Russian tensions have spiked over the months-long standoff in Venezuela, and the Kremlin's assessment of the Trump-Putin call differed substantially from that coming from the White House. "Interference in internal affairs, attempts to change the leadership in Caracas through force, undermine the prospects for a peaceful settlement of the conflict," said a Russian statement. "Vladimir Putin stated that only the Venezuelan people have the right to decide the future of their country," it added. The United States is insisting Maduro's days are numbered, but experts say its options for breaking the stalemate are limited, and that Washington may have overestimated the opposition leader's strength.

Venezuela's Juan Guaido makes new bid to rally military support

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/videos/venezuela-crisis-us-president-donald-trump-offers-prayers-to-venezuelans-215596&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjq-MiZq__hAhV96XMBHfCRDyQQFjAAegQIAhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2iKBKeAj0hRrGc4l0AvlHZ">Venezuelan </a>opposition politician Leopoldo Lopez, evading arrest in a Spanish diplomatic residence, on Thursday disclosed he met with senior military officials before a failed uprising against President Nicolas Maduro this week.

Suggesting coordination continues with armed forces figures in the campaign to oust Maduro, Lopez said more "military movements" were on the way.&nbsp;

But <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/venezuelas-nicolas-maduro-calls-on-military-to-fight-any-coup-plotter-215522&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjq-MiZq__hAhV96XMBHfCRDyQQFjAFegQIBhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2AjUn6GybQ5PsArbrD1Ybh">Maduro </a>sought to show that the military remains on his side by appearing early on Thursday on state television with his defence minister and military operations chief.&nbsp;

The pre-dawn military uprising on Tuesday urged on by opposition leader and Lopez ally Juan Guaido, failed to gain steam as security forces loyal to Maduro cracked down on demonstrators who had taken to the streets in support of Guaido.

"The fissure that opened on April 30 will become a crack, and that crack is what is going to break the levee," Lopez told reporters from Spain`s Caracas diplomatic residence.

He said he had met with commanders and generals from different sectors of Venezuela`s armed forces in his home in the past three weeks.

"There we committed ourselves to contribute to the end of the usurpation," he added.&nbsp;

Lopez, a firebrand politician and Guaido`s mentor, was arrested during a protest movement in 2014 and transferred to house arrest in 2017.

He appeared together with Guaido and dozens of soldiers on Tuesday after escaping his home and before seeking refuge at the Spanish residence.&nbsp;

A Venezuelan court on Thursday issued a warrant for Lopez`s arrest, saying he violated an order that required him to remain under house arrest and restricted his ability to speak publicly.

A Spanish government spokeswoman said Madrid had no intention of turning him over to Venezuelan authorities.

Lopez`s surprise escape provided a jolt to Guaido`s movement, more than three months after he invoked the country`s constitution to assume an interim presidency, arguing Maduro`s 2018 re-election was illegitimate.

Guaido, the head of the opposition-run National Assembly, has been recognized as the South American country`s legitimate leader by more than 50 countries, including the United States and Spain.

Maduro, a socialist who retains the support of Russia, Cuba and China, calls Guaido a US-backed puppet seeking to orchestrate a coup against him.

FOUR DIE IN CLASHES

Lopez`s comments came after two days of upheaval in the OPEC nation, which is undergoing a hyperinflationary economic collapse marked by shortages of food and medicine.&nbsp;

Tens of thousands took to the streets across the country on Tuesday and Wednesday, heeding Guaido`s call to keep the pressure on Maduro.

Clashes with security forces left four dead, along with hundreds injured or detained.&nbsp;

Maduro, in his early morning speech, sought to reject claims by the United States and the opposition that the armed forces high command was prepared to turn against him to allow Guaido to form a transition government and call elections.

US&nbsp;officials have said Venezuela`s military high command was in discussions with the Supreme Court and representatives of Guaido over Maduro`s exit.

Elliott Abrams, the US&nbsp;special envoy for Venezuela, told broadcaster VPI on Wednesday that Maduro cannot trust his top military leaders.&nbsp;

US&nbsp;National Security Adviser John Bolton on Tuesday said Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino, along with&nbsp;the Supreme Court`s chief justice and the commander of the presidential guard, had told the opposition Maduro needed to leave power.

But Padrino stood beside Maduro, who took over from the late President Hugo Chavez in 2013, in Thursday`s address.

"Do not come to buy us with a dishonest offer, as if we do not have dignity," Padrino said.&nbsp;

Military operations chief Remigio Ceballos also appeared in the broadcast.&nbsp;

NEXT STEPS

The military is seen as key in Venezuela`s standoff.&nbsp;

Lopez did not detail whom in the military he had met with, but representatives of the opposition have approached several key figures in the armed forces in recent months, including a high-ranking army general, according to former General Antonio Rivero and another former senior member of Venezuela`s military who spoke on the condition of anonymity.&nbsp;

Guaido has promised amnesty for members of the armed forces who join his cause.

In a tweet about the death of a protester at the hands of security forces on Wednesday, he said, "The murderers will have to take responsibility for their crimes" and members of the armed forces were "sworn to protect the people, not a usurper who hides while you watch them kill your brothers."

Guaido has suggested a general strike as the next step to pressure Maduro, while US&nbsp;officials have said more sanctions are coming to choke off cash flow to Venezuela`s government.

The United States has already imposed sanctions on state-run oil company PDVSA, the OPEC nation`s economic lifeblood.

On Wednesday, US&nbsp;President Donald Trump`s top national security aides discussed a range of possible steps to squeeze Maduro and give eventual economic support to Venezuela if he falls, a senior administration official said.&nbsp;

The talks included sanctions, diplomacy and defence options, the official said, adding that there was "significant progress on defence matters" without providing details or saying whether any decisions had been made.

US&nbsp;Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has said US&nbsp;military action in Venezuela is possible but diplomatic and economic pressure are the preferred ways to oust Maduro.

In an interview with Brazilian newspaper Folha published on Thursday, Guaido said he did not rule out a foreign military intervention to oust Maduro, but that it would be the "last option" after pressuring for a "free transition."

Russia said on Thursday it had agreed to continue talks on Venezuela with the United States, while China called for a political settlement via dialogue.

Venezuelan opposition politician Leopoldo Lopez, evading arrest in a Spanish diplomatic residence, on Thursday disclosed he met with senior military officials before a failed uprising against President Nicolas Maduro this week.

Venezuelan opposition politician Leopoldo Lopez, evading arrest in a Spanish diplomatic residence, on Thursday disclosed he met with senior military officials before a failed uprising against President Nicolas Maduro this week. Suggesting coordination continues with armed forces figures in the campaign to oust Maduro, Lopez said more "military movements" were on the way. But Maduro sought to show that the military remains on his side by appearing early on Thursday on state television with his defence minister and military operations chief. The pre-dawn military uprising on Tuesday urged on by opposition leader and Lopez ally Juan Guaido, failed to gain steam as security forces loyal to Maduro cracked down on demonstrators who had taken to the streets in support of Guaido. "The fissure that opened on April 30 will become a crack, and that crack is what is going to break the levee," Lopez told reporters from Spain`s Caracas diplomatic residence. He said he had met with commanders and generals from different sectors of Venezuela`s armed forces in his home in the past three weeks. "There we committed ourselves to contribute to the end of the usurpation," he added. Lopez, a firebrand politician and Guaido`s mentor, was arrested during a protest movement in 2014 and transferred to house arrest in 2017. He appeared together with Guaido and dozens of soldiers on Tuesday after escaping his home and before seeking refuge at the Spanish residence. A Venezuelan court on Thursday issued a warrant for Lopez`s arrest, saying he violated an order that required him to remain under house arrest and restricted his ability to speak publicly. A Spanish government spokeswoman said Madrid had no intention of turning him over to Venezuelan authorities. Lopez`s surprise escape provided a jolt to Guaido`s movement, more than three months after he invoked the country`s constitution to assume an interim presidency, arguing Maduro`s 2018 re-election was illegitimate. Guaido, the head of the opposition-run National Assembly, has been recognized as the South American country`s legitimate leader by more than 50 countries, including the United States and Spain. Maduro, a socialist who retains the support of Russia, Cuba and China, calls Guaido a US-backed puppet seeking to orchestrate a coup against him. FOUR DIE IN CLASHES Lopez`s comments came after two days of upheaval in the OPEC nation, which is undergoing a hyperinflationary economic collapse marked by shortages of food and medicine. Tens of thousands took to the streets across the country on Tuesday and Wednesday, heeding Guaido`s call to keep the pressure on Maduro. Clashes with security forces left four dead, along with hundreds injured or detained. Maduro, in his early morning speech, sought to reject claims by the United States and the opposition that the armed forces high command was prepared to turn against him to allow Guaido to form a transition government and call elections. US officials have said Venezuela`s military high command was in discussions with the Supreme Court and representatives of Guaido over Maduro`s exit. Elliott Abrams, the US special envoy for Venezuela, told broadcaster VPI on Wednesday that Maduro cannot trust his top military leaders. US National Security Adviser John Bolton on Tuesday said Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino, along with the Supreme Court`s chief justice and the commander of the presidential guard, had told the opposition Maduro needed to leave power. But Padrino stood beside Maduro, who took over from the late President Hugo Chavez in 2013, in Thursday`s address. "Do not come to buy us with a dishonest offer, as if we do not have dignity," Padrino said. Military operations chief Remigio Ceballos also appeared in the broadcast. NEXT STEPS The military is seen as key in Venezuela`s standoff. Lopez did not detail whom in the military he had met with, but representatives of the opposition have approached several key figures in the armed forces in recent months, including a high-ranking army general, according to former General Antonio Rivero and another former senior member of Venezuela`s military who spoke on the condition of anonymity. Guaido has promised amnesty for members of the armed forces who join his cause. In a tweet about the death of a protester at the hands of security forces on Wednesday, he said, "The murderers will have to take responsibility for their crimes" and members of the armed forces were "sworn to protect the people, not a usurper who hides while you watch them kill your brothers." Guaido has suggested a general strike as the next step to pressure Maduro, while US officials have said more sanctions are coming to choke off cash flow to Venezuela`s government. The United States has already imposed sanctions on state-run oil company PDVSA, the OPEC nation`s economic lifeblood. On Wednesday, US President Donald Trump`s top national security aides discussed a range of possible steps to squeeze Maduro and give eventual economic support to Venezuela if he falls, a senior administration official said. The talks included sanctions, diplomacy and defence options, the official said, adding that there was "significant progress on defence matters" without providing details or saying whether any decisions had been made. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has said US military action in Venezuela is possible but diplomatic and economic pressure are the preferred ways to oust Maduro. In an interview with Brazilian newspaper Folha published on Thursday, Guaido said he did not rule out a foreign military intervention to oust Maduro, but that it would be the "last option" after pressuring for a "free transition." Russia said on Thursday it had agreed to continue talks on Venezuela with the United States, while China called for a political settlement via dialogue.

Venezuela opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez, facing arrest warrant, says he met with generals

&nbsp;Amid mounting political and civil unrest in Venezuela, US Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo is likely to meet Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on May 6, state media reported on Thursday.

The meeting is likely to take place in Finland`s northern city of Rovaniemi on the sidelines of Arctic Council Ministerial Meeting on May 6-7, reported TASS.

The development holds prominence as Russia and the US have taken diametrically opposed stands in Venezuela`s political crisis that was heightened after country`s opposition leader Juan Guaido called for a military uprising against<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/nicolas-maduro-open-to-adopt-a-plan-to-improve-venezuelas-condition-215356&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj84beFrP_hAhUo7nMBHRJQDiIQFjAEegQIBRAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2JkaFDz6DVfgMDsVgcctlG"> President Nicolas Maduro</a> on Tuesday.

The two countries have traded warnings against interfering in<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-says-attempted-coup-under-way-214775&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjNuqzsq__hAhVG63MBHcapB7Y4FBAWMAV6BAgAEAI&amp;usg=AOvVaw3XjbR71dZvPMMbXAtwcYkb"> Venezuela. </a>Pompeo released a statement urging Moscow to "cease support for Nicolas Maduro and join other nations, including the overwhelming majority of countries in the Western Hemisphere, who seek a better future for the Venezuelan people.

"In a telephonic conversation between the two top diplomats on Wednesday, Lavrov responded by saying that Washington`s interference in Venezuela`s affairs was a destructive approach fraught with "the most serious consequences," according to Sputnik.

Venezuela has been in the throes of a political crisis, which was accelerated when Guaido declared himself as the President of the nation in January.

The US immediately recognised him as the interim President, demanding Maduro to step down.

Maduro continues to hold on to his post despite several countries calling for his resignation.

Venezuela is also facing an acute economic and humanitarian crisis at the moment, which is worsened by repeated sanctions from the US.

Countries like Cuba, China, Russia, and Turkey amongst others have slammed international interference in Venezuelan affairs, throwing their weight behind Maduro.&nbsp;

Amid mounting political and civil unrest in Venezuela, US Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo is likely to meet Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on May 6, state media reported on Thursday.

Amid mounting political and civil unrest in Venezuela, US Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo is likely to meet Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on May 6, state media reported on Thursday. The meeting is likely to take place in Finland`s northern city of Rovaniemi on the sidelines of Arctic Council Ministerial Meeting on May 6-7, reported TASS. The development holds prominence as Russia and the US have taken diametrically opposed stands in Venezuela`s political crisis that was heightened after country`s opposition leader Juan Guaido called for a military uprising against President Nicolas Maduro on Tuesday. The two countries have traded warnings against interfering in Venezuela. Pompeo released a statement urging Moscow to "cease support for Nicolas Maduro and join other nations, including the overwhelming majority of countries in the Western Hemisphere, who seek a better future for the Venezuelan people. "In a telephonic conversation between the two top diplomats on Wednesday, Lavrov responded by saying that Washington`s interference in Venezuela`s affairs was a destructive approach fraught with "the most serious consequences," according to Sputnik. Venezuela has been in the throes of a political crisis, which was accelerated when Guaido declared himself as the President of the nation in January. The US immediately recognised him as the interim President, demanding Maduro to step down. Maduro continues to hold on to his post despite several countries calling for his resignation. Venezuela is also facing an acute economic and humanitarian crisis at the moment, which is worsened by repeated sanctions from the US. Countries like Cuba, China, Russia, and Turkey amongst others have slammed international interference in Venezuelan affairs, throwing their weight behind Maduro.

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