Mexico has detained more than 16,000 migrants in a four-day span. This includes nearly five thousand Venezuelan citizens according to Mexico's National Institute of migration.

Mexico: More than 16,000 foreign migrants detained in four days

Heavy rain in northern Venezuela caused a landslide that has killed at least three people.

WION Climate Tracker: Three killed as fresh landslide strikes Venezuela

In a joint statement, the United States and Mexico indicated that they have reached an agreement on a plan to curb Venezuelan migration. This move is made in a bid to ease some of the pressure on the border that the two countries share which has recently witnessed an uptick in the number of migrants from the crisis-hit country, said reports.&nbsp;

The deal announced on Wednesday will allow the US to send some Venezuelan nationals to Mexico while granting humanitarian access to others. Starting October 12 several flights will be arranged for at least 24,000 migrants to arrive in Washington and stay for up to two years, said the statement.&nbsp;

“These actions make clear that there is a lawful and orderly way for Venezuelans to enter the United States, and lawful entry is the only way…Those who attempt to cross the southern border of the United States illegally will be returned to Mexico and will be ineligible for this process in the future.” said the US secretary of Homeland Security, Alejandro Mayorkas, in a statement.&nbsp;

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According to reports, more than six million Venezuelans have fled their country in the last five years. This comes amid food, fuel and medicine shortages and increased violence and repression by the country’s President Nicolás Maduro and his government.&nbsp;

The agreement is based on the Uniting for Ukraine programme, under which following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, people from Kyiv could enter Washington by securing a sponsor. This sponsor could be a person or an organisation based in the US and back up their claim that they are in fact a part of the programme, said the media reports.&nbsp;

On the other hand, Mexico has agreed to “temporarily” allow some Venezuelan nationals to enter the country but did not specify the number. Reports suggest that officials in Mexico have argued that economic sanctions against Maduro’s government are fueling illegal immigration and should be eased.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-aims-to-rebuild-and-expand-legal-immigration-388574">Biden aims to rebuild and expand legal immigration</a>

Mexico’s government has also reportedly said that those seeking to apply for the US new programme must not enter through the US-Mexico border. Furthermore, at Mexico’s request Washington has also agreed to provide an additional 65,000 temporary visas to migrants for non-agricultural jobs out of which 20,000 will be allocated to Central Americans and Haitians, said a media report.&nbsp;

This comes ahead of the mid-term elections where US president Joe Biden’s government has struggled to deal with the increase in migrant detentions at the country’s southwest border, due to the uptick in people coming in from Venezuela, Cuba and Nicaragua, said media reports. Meanwhile, his opposition, the Republican party has criticised his government for what they claim is Biden’s failure to secure the border.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

&nbsp;

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In a joint statement, the United States and Mexico indicated that they have reached an agreement on a plan to curb Venezuelan migration. This move is made in a bid to ease some of the pressure on the border that the two countries share which has recently witnessed an uptick in the number of migrants from the crisis-hit country, said reports.

In a joint statement, the United States and Mexico indicated that they have reached an agreement on a plan to curb Venezuelan migration. This move is made in a bid to ease some of the pressure on the border that the two countries share which has recently witnessed an uptick in the number of migrants from the crisis-hit country, said reports. The deal announced on Wednesday will allow the US to send some Venezuelan nationals to Mexico while granting humanitarian access to others. Starting October 12 several flights will be arranged for at least 24,000 migrants to arrive in Washington and stay for up to two years, said the statement. “These actions make clear that there is a lawful and orderly way for Venezuelans to enter the United States, and lawful entry is the only way…Those who attempt to cross the southern border of the United States illegally will be returned to Mexico and will be ineligible for this process in the future.” said the US secretary of Homeland Security, Alejandro Mayorkas, in a statement. ALSO READ: US court orders review of Obama-era 'Dreamers' immigration programme According to reports, more than six million Venezuelans have fled their country in the last five years. This comes amid food, fuel and medicine shortages and increased violence and repression by the country’s President Nicolás Maduro and his government. The agreement is based on the Uniting for Ukraine programme, under which following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, people from Kyiv could enter Washington by securing a sponsor. This sponsor could be a person or an organisation based in the US and back up their claim that they are in fact a part of the programme, said the media reports. On the other hand, Mexico has agreed to “temporarily” allow some Venezuelan nationals to enter the country but did not specify the number. Reports suggest that officials in Mexico have argued that economic sanctions against Maduro’s government are fueling illegal immigration and should be eased. ALSO READ: Biden aims to rebuild and expand legal immigration Mexico’s government has also reportedly said that those seeking to apply for the US new programme must not enter through the US-Mexico border. Furthermore, at Mexico’s request Washington has also agreed to provide an additional 65,000 temporary visas to migrants for non-agricultural jobs out of which 20,000 will be allocated to Central Americans and Haitians, said a media report. This comes ahead of the mid-term elections where US president Joe Biden’s government has struggled to deal with the increase in migrant detentions at the country’s southwest border, due to the uptick in people coming in from Venezuela, Cuba and Nicaragua, said media reports. Meanwhile, his opposition, the Republican party has criticised his government for what they claim is Biden’s failure to secure the border. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

US, Mexico reach an agreement to ease Venezuelan migration

It's been only a few days since landslides were recorded in Venezuela fueled by flooding and days of torrential rain. Since then central Venezuela has been covered with mud rocks and trees and the death toll in the country has now risen to 43.

WION Climate Tracker: Locals in disarray as floods, landslides bring destruction in Venezuela

The latest terrible disaster caused by excessive rains in central Venezuela, left at least 22 people dead and more than 50 missing after a river overflowed, officials said Sunday.&nbsp;

Venezuela Vice President Delcy Rodriguez said in a televised address that the rain on Saturday night damaged businesses and agriculture by sweeping massive tree trunks and debris from the mountains into the village of Tejerias, 40 miles southwest of Caracas.&nbsp;

Rodriguez stated that finding individuals still buried in the town's mud and rocks were of the utmost importance and that rescue workers and the military were also searching the riverbanks for survivors.&nbsp;

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Authorities in charge of search and rescue said that El Pato, one of the flooded rivers, washed away a number of residences, businesses, and a slaughterhouse.&nbsp;

A resident, whose brother is missing, told the news agency Reuters: "What happened is the river overflowed and there are people we haven’t found trapped in there."&nbsp;

"We need help, please help rescue people because we do not know if people are buried. I have a missing brother, we need support. It is not only my pain, it is the pain of all the people who are here," the resident added.&nbsp;

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In a tweet sent on Sunday, Carlos Perez, the deputy minister for the nation's civil protection system, stated that 1000 officers were searching the region for victims.&nbsp;

The deaths bring the total killed in recent weeks to at least 40 as a result of severe rains brought on by the La Nina weather trend, which has caused Venezuela to experience flooding and landslides, to at least 40.&nbsp;

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The latest terrible disaster caused by excessive rains in central Venezuela, left at least 22 people dead and more than 50 missing after a river overflowed, officials said Sunday.

The latest terrible disaster caused by excessive rains in central Venezuela, left at least 22 people dead and more than 50 missing after a river overflowed, officials said Sunday. Venezuela Vice President Delcy Rodriguez said in a televised address that the rain on Saturday night damaged businesses and agriculture by sweeping massive tree trunks and debris from the mountains into the village of Tejerias, 40 miles southwest of Caracas. Rodriguez stated that finding individuals still buried in the town's mud and rocks were of the utmost importance and that rescue workers and the military were also searching the riverbanks for survivors. ALSO READ | North Korea's recent missile tests include 'tactical nuclear' drills, overseen by Kim WATCH | North Korea says recent missile tests were 'tactical nuclear' drills × Authorities in charge of search and rescue said that El Pato, one of the flooded rivers, washed away a number of residences, businesses, and a slaughterhouse. A resident, whose brother is missing, told the news agency Reuters: "What happened is the river overflowed and there are people we haven’t found trapped in there." "We need help, please help rescue people because we do not know if people are buried. I have a missing brother, we need support. It is not only my pain, it is the pain of all the people who are here," the resident added. ALSO READ | Trump believes 'World War III' is a possibility, blames 'stupid people' for Russia-Ukraine conflict escalation In a tweet sent on Sunday, Carlos Perez, the deputy minister for the nation's civil protection system, stated that 1000 officers were searching the region for victims. The deaths bring the total killed in recent weeks to at least 40 as a result of severe rains brought on by the La Nina weather trend, which has caused Venezuela to experience flooding and landslides, to at least 40. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Venezuela landslide: At least 22 dead, more than 50 missing after river overflowed

A landslide fueled by flooding and days of torrential rains swept through a municipality in central Venezuela leaving at least 25 people dead and more than 50 people missing.

WION Climate Tracker: At least 25 killed in Venezuela due to landslide

The decision by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC+) to reduce oil output, according to President Biden, has left the government searching for "alternatives."&nbsp;

When asked if the United States would contemplate turning to the oil-rich country Venezuela, he told reporters, "There's a lot of alternatives.&nbsp;We are still debating our options."&nbsp;

A day after OPEC+ said it will reduce oil output by 2 million barrels per day, the president made the&nbsp;remarks.

Oil-producing countries like Saudi Arabia, Russia, and the UAE would benefit economically from the OPEC+ decision.&nbsp;

However, it also implies that when storage levels drop, petrol prices will probably increase.&nbsp;

According to reports published Wednesday night, the Biden administration was considering easing Venezuelan sanctions so that American oil corporations might restart production there.

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However, the White House refuted these assertions on Thursday, stating that "there are no plans to change our sanctions policy without constructive steps from the Maduro regime."&nbsp;

Prior to the Wednesday decision, the Biden administration allegedly made attempts to convince the Saudi authorities to maintain oil output.

(with inputs from agencies)

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The decision by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC+) to reduce oil output, according to President Biden, has left the government searching for "alternatives.

The decision by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC+) to reduce oil output, according to President Biden, has left the government searching for "alternatives." When asked if the United States would contemplate turning to the oil-rich country Venezuela, he told reporters, "There's a lot of alternatives. We are still debating our options." A day after OPEC+ said it will reduce oil output by 2 million barrels per day, the president made the remarks. Oil-producing countries like Saudi Arabia, Russia, and the UAE would benefit economically from the OPEC+ decision. However, it also implies that when storage levels drop, petrol prices will probably increase. According to reports published Wednesday night, the Biden administration was considering easing Venezuelan sanctions so that American oil corporations might restart production there. Also Read: Asia Pacific may lose title as world's largest travel region to Europe post-pandemic However, the White House refuted these assertions on Thursday, stating that "there are no plans to change our sanctions policy without constructive steps from the Maduro regime." Prior to the Wednesday decision, the Biden administration allegedly made attempts to convince the Saudi authorities to maintain oil output. (with inputs from agencies)

US looking for 'alternatives' after OPEC 'disappointment', may ease Venezuela sanctions

United States President Joe Biden said on Saturday (October 1) that seven Americans who were "wrongfully held" in Venezuela had been freed. Five of the seven were Citgo oil company workers who were jailed in 2017 while visiting the South American nation on business. Separate arrests were made for the other two.&nbsp;

After Biden's announcement, Caracas also informed the release of two Venezuelans imprisoned in the US. A government statement said that Venezuela "announces the release of two Venezuelans unjustly imprisoned in the United States." The statement added that US citizens had been freed for "humanitarian reasons".&nbsp;

The officials said that the swap also included US Marine veteran Matthew Heath and Osman Khan. The officials also revealed that they were being exchanged for two of Maduro's wife's nephews, who had been jailed on drug charges.&nbsp;

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In a statement, Biden said that the "wrongfully detained" Americans "will soon be reunited with their families and back in the arms of their loved ones where they belong."&nbsp;

"Today, we celebrate that seven families will be whole once more. To all the families who are still suffering and separated from their loved ones who are wrongfully detained – know that we remain dedicated to securing their release," Biden added.&nbsp;

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The release came after secret negotiations between the US and Maduro's administration, which is subject to severe US sanctions, including ones affecting the OPEC country's energy industry.&nbsp;

The news comes as Washington is under intense pressure to do more to secure the release of the numerous Americans detained abroad, notably in Russia.&nbsp;

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United States President Joe Biden said on Saturday (October 1) that seven Americans who were "wrongfully held" in Venezuela had been freed. Five of the seven were Citgo oil company workers who were jailed in 2017 while visiting the South American nation on business.

United States President Joe Biden said on Saturday (October 1) that seven Americans who were "wrongfully held" in Venezuela had been freed. Five of the seven were Citgo oil company workers who were jailed in 2017 while visiting the South American nation on business. Separate arrests were made for the other two. After Biden's announcement, Caracas also informed the release of two Venezuelans imprisoned in the US. A government statement said that Venezuela "announces the release of two Venezuelans unjustly imprisoned in the United States." The statement added that US citizens had been freed for "humanitarian reasons". The officials said that the swap also included US Marine veteran Matthew Heath and Osman Khan. The officials also revealed that they were being exchanged for two of Maduro's wife's nephews, who had been jailed on drug charges. ALSO READ | China’s cultural genocide: How regime is trying to relabel Tibet as ‘Xizang’ In a statement, Biden said that the "wrongfully detained" Americans "will soon be reunited with their families and back in the arms of their loved ones where they belong." "Today, we celebrate that seven families will be whole once more. To all the families who are still suffering and separated from their loved ones who are wrongfully detained – know that we remain dedicated to securing their release," Biden added. WATCH | Russia's nuclear Gambit: How real are Putin's nuclear threats in Ukraine? × ALSO READ | Nicaragua cuts diplomatic ties with Netherlands, calls them ‘interventionist’ The release came after secret negotiations between the US and Maduro's administration, which is subject to severe US sanctions, including ones affecting the OPEC country's energy industry. The news comes as Washington is under intense pressure to do more to secure the release of the numerous Americans detained abroad, notably in Russia. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

In a prisoner swap, seven Americans and two Venezuelans released

A United Nations report published on Tuesday&nbsp;details how Venezuela’s military and state intelligence agencies under President Nicolas Maduro have used torture and arbitrary arrests to silence dissent in the country which amounts to crimes against humanity. The plans are well-coordinated at the highest levels of the government while the president is accused of personally selecting targets for arrest and torture, the report claims.&nbsp;

The report by the UN Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela (FFMV)&nbsp;details the role and contribution of various individuals in the chain of command in these agencies. These reportedly include Venezuela's general office of military counterintelligence (DGCIM) and the Bolivarian national intelligence service (SEBIN). The report claims that these officers have used sexual and gender-based violence to torture and humiliate detainees in their custody since 2014.&nbsp;

“Our investigations and analysis show that the Venezuelan State relies on the intelligence services and its agents to repress dissent in the country. In doing so, grave crimes and human rights violations are being committed, including acts of torture and sexual violence. These practices must stop immediately, and the individuals responsible must be investigated and prosecuted in accordance with the law,” said the chair of the UN FFMV, Marta Valiñas, in a press release, on September 20.&nbsp; 
 
ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/icc-to-probe-possible-venezuela-rights-violations-426715">ICC to probe possible Venezuela rights violations</a>

The investigators have based their claims on over 200 confidential interviews, both in-person and remotely taken by secure lines over the phone and video calls, of victims, their family members, lawyers as well as at the latest 50 ex-officers who worked at the security agencies. The detainees were reportedly subjected to beatings with blunt and sharp objects, electric shocks, asphyxiation, stress positions, and were also force-fed faeces and vomit.&nbsp;

“Real or perceived government opponents and their relatives were subjected to unlawful detention, followed by acts of torture.&nbsp;Venezuela is under a “profound human rights crisis,”&nbsp;said Valiñas, as she called upon the international community to follow the developments and closely monitor if progress is made in improving “justice, accountability, and respect for human rights,” in the country.&nbsp;

The mission alleges that some of the attacks were planned by Maduro himself, and with the help of other high-level individuals, they would quash any and all opposition to the government using various methods of “extremely grave acts of torture” which amount to crimes against humanity, said the statement.&nbsp;

Citing various sources, including the former high-ranking employees of the DGCIM and the armed forces who have direct knowledge of the matter, the report said how the decisions were made with the president calling the orders and targets via telephone to the DGCIM's director, General Ivan Hernandez Dala.&nbsp;

“The Mission has documented 122 cases of victims who were subjected to torture, sexual violence and/or other cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment perpetrated by DGCIM agents”, said the statement released on Tuesday. The report also claims the torture by DGCIM agents was carried out predominantly at Boleíta headquarters in Caracas whereas there were smaller detention centres spread across the country.&nbsp;

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Meanwhile, SEBIN has tortured detainees including&nbsp;opposition politicians, journalists, protesters, and human rights defenders, at El Helicoide detention centre in Caracas, said the report. These people were often surveilled, investigated and subjected to “cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment,” which would often go on for days or weeks on end, it said.

“The human rights violations by state intelligence agencies, orchestrated at the highest political levels, have taken place in a climate of almost complete impunity,” said Francisco Cox, a member of the mission.&nbsp;

The mission also found human rights violations in key mining areas of the country as the government exploits the people to boost income. It said Venezuela’s southern Bolivar state has witnessed both state and non-state actors committing “a range of violations and crimes against local populations in gold mining areas,” this included killings, disappearances, extortion and sexual violence.&nbsp;

A United Nations report published on Tuesday details how Venezuela’s military and state intelligence agencies under President Nicolas Maduro have used torture and arbitrary arrests to silence dissent in the country which amounts to crimes against humanity.

A United Nations report published on Tuesday details how Venezuela’s military and state intelligence agencies under President Nicolas Maduro have used torture and arbitrary arrests to silence dissent in the country which amounts to crimes against humanity. The plans are well-coordinated at the highest levels of the government while the president is accused of personally selecting targets for arrest and torture, the report claims. The report by the UN Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela (FFMV) details the role and contribution of various individuals in the chain of command in these agencies. These reportedly include Venezuela's general office of military counterintelligence (DGCIM) and the Bolivarian national intelligence service (SEBIN). The report claims that these officers have used sexual and gender-based violence to torture and humiliate detainees in their custody since 2014. “Our investigations and analysis show that the Venezuelan State relies on the intelligence services and its agents to repress dissent in the country. In doing so, grave crimes and human rights violations are being committed, including acts of torture and sexual violence. These practices must stop immediately, and the individuals responsible must be investigated and prosecuted in accordance with the law,” said the chair of the UN FFMV, Marta Valiñas, in a press release, on September 20. ALSO READ: ICC to probe possible Venezuela rights violations The investigators have based their claims on over 200 confidential interviews, both in-person and remotely taken by secure lines over the phone and video calls, of victims, their family members, lawyers as well as at the latest 50 ex-officers who worked at the security agencies. The detainees were reportedly subjected to beatings with blunt and sharp objects, electric shocks, asphyxiation, stress positions, and were also force-fed faeces and vomit. “Real or perceived government opponents and their relatives were subjected to unlawful detention, followed by acts of torture. Venezuela is under a “profound human rights crisis,” said Valiñas, as she called upon the international community to follow the developments and closely monitor if progress is made in improving “justice, accountability, and respect for human rights,” in the country. The mission alleges that some of the attacks were planned by Maduro himself, and with the help of other high-level individuals, they would quash any and all opposition to the government using various methods of “extremely grave acts of torture” which amount to crimes against humanity, said the statement. Citing various sources, including the former high-ranking employees of the DGCIM and the armed forces who have direct knowledge of the matter, the report said how the decisions were made with the president calling the orders and targets via telephone to the DGCIM's director, General Ivan Hernandez Dala. “The Mission has documented 122 cases of victims who were subjected to torture, sexual violence and/or other cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment perpetrated by DGCIM agents”, said the statement released on Tuesday. The report also claims the torture by DGCIM agents was carried out predominantly at Boleíta headquarters in Caracas whereas there were smaller detention centres spread across the country. ALSO READ: Britain's High Court rules against Venezuela's Maduro in latest gold battle Meanwhile, SEBIN has tortured detainees including opposition politicians, journalists, protesters, and human rights defenders, at El Helicoide detention centre in Caracas, said the report. These people were often surveilled, investigated and subjected to “cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment,” which would often go on for days or weeks on end, it said. “The human rights violations by state intelligence agencies, orchestrated at the highest political levels, have taken place in a climate of almost complete impunity,” said Francisco Cox, a member of the mission. The mission also found human rights violations in key mining areas of the country as the government exploits the people to boost income. It said Venezuela’s southern Bolivar state has witnessed both state and non-state actors committing “a range of violations and crimes against local populations in gold mining areas,” this included killings, disappearances, extortion and sexual violence.

UN Report: Venezuela's agencies committed grave crimes against humanity to suppress dissent

The OPEC Plus has decided to start cutting oil production in October by 100,000 barrels. Western sanctions on countries like Iran and Venezuela could squeeze oil supplies further. Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: Why your oil bills could spike again

Venezuela and Colombia restored full diplomatic relations Sunday after a three-year break, as a new leftist government in Bogota takes shape.

A new Colombian ambassador, Armando Benedetti, arrived in Caracas and said on Twitter: "Relations with Venezuela should never have been severed. We are brothers and an imaginary line cannot separate us."

He was welcomed by deputy foreign minister Rander Pena Ramirez, who tweeted that "our historical ties summon us to work together for the happiness of our peoples."

Colombia's new leftist president, Gustavo Petro, and Venezuela's socialist president Nicolas Maduro announced on August 11 that they planned to restore diplomatic relations that were severed in 2019.

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That rupture was the culmination of years of tension between leftist Venezuela and Colombia under successive conservative presidents, starting with Alvaro Uribe.

Embassies and consulates in both countries were closed, and flights between the neighbors grounded.

Even the 2,000-kilometer (1,200-mile) land border between the two countries was closed between 2019 and October 2021, when it was opened to pedestrians only.

Petro is Colombia's first leftist president.

The last president in Colombia, Ivan Duque, did not recognize Maduro as president -- but rather opposition leader Juan Guaido.

Colombia was one of around 60 countries to do so, having rejected Venezuela's 2018 presidential election, which was boycotted by the opposition.

In addition to exchanging ambassadors, the normalization process will include the full reopening of the border, which has remained largely closed to vehicles.

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The porous frontier has been the scene of clashes between armed groups.

Caracas and Bogota have also announced intentions to restore military relations.

Benedetti said more than eight million Colombians make a living from trade with Venezuela, which is why one of the objectives is to re-establish trade relations between the two countries.

A similar expectation exists on the Venezuelan side, where industrialists want to normalize the trade that reached $7.2 billion in 2008 but collapsed with the border closure.

Venezuela and Colombia restored full diplomatic relations Sunday after a three-year break, as a new leftist government in Bogota takes shape. A new Colombian ambassador, Armando Benedetti, arrived in Caracas and said on Twitter: "Relations with Venezuela should never have been severed.

Venezuela and Colombia restored full diplomatic relations Sunday after a three-year break, as a new leftist government in Bogota takes shape. A new Colombian ambassador, Armando Benedetti, arrived in Caracas and said on Twitter: "Relations with Venezuela should never have been severed. We are brothers and an imaginary line cannot separate us." He was welcomed by deputy foreign minister Rander Pena Ramirez, who tweeted that "our historical ties summon us to work together for the happiness of our peoples." Colombia's new leftist president, Gustavo Petro, and Venezuela's socialist president Nicolas Maduro announced on August 11 that they planned to restore diplomatic relations that were severed in 2019. Also read | NASA's Artemis I mission to Moon: When and where to watch the historic launch That rupture was the culmination of years of tension between leftist Venezuela and Colombia under successive conservative presidents, starting with Alvaro Uribe. Embassies and consulates in both countries were closed, and flights between the neighbors grounded. Even the 2,000-kilometer (1,200-mile) land border between the two countries was closed between 2019 and October 2021, when it was opened to pedestrians only. Petro is Colombia's first leftist president. The last president in Colombia, Ivan Duque, did not recognize Maduro as president -- but rather opposition leader Juan Guaido. Colombia was one of around 60 countries to do so, having rejected Venezuela's 2018 presidential election, which was boycotted by the opposition. In addition to exchanging ambassadors, the normalization process will include the full reopening of the border, which has remained largely closed to vehicles. Also read | More than 5.7 million people affected by floods in Pakistan, over 1000 killed The porous frontier has been the scene of clashes between armed groups. Caracas and Bogota have also announced intentions to restore military relations. Benedetti said more than eight million Colombians make a living from trade with Venezuela, which is why one of the objectives is to re-establish trade relations between the two countries. A similar expectation exists on the Venezuelan side, where industrialists want to normalize the trade that reached $7.2 billion in 2008 but collapsed with the border closure.

Venezuela, Colombia restore diplomatic ties after three-year break

Venezuela's inflation slowed to 7.5% month-over-month in July, from 11.4% recorded in June, according to data released on Monday by the country's central bank.

Venezuela inflation slows to 7.5% in July

The capital of Venezuela 'Caracas' offers very vibrant biodiversity. It has a significant amount of species of birds especially hummingbirds and some hummingbird enthusiasts in the city have now set up water troughs for these birds.

WION Climate Tracker: Bird enthusiast sets up water troughs for Hummingbirds

Britain's High Court rejected Nicolas Maduro's latest efforts on Friday to gain control of more than $1 billion of Venezuela's gold reserves stored in the Bank of England's underground vaults in London.

The court ruled that recent decisions by the Maduro-backed Venezuelan Supreme Court aimed at reducing opposition leader Juan Guaido's say over the gold, should be disregarded.

It marked the latest victory for Guaido, who has won a series of legal clashes over the gold after the British government recognised him rather than Maduro as the Latin American country's president.

"I have ... concluded that the Guaido Board succeeds: that the STJ (Venezuelan supreme court) judgements are not capable of being recognised," the judge in the case said.

The Maduro and Guaido camps have each appointed a different board to the Central Bank of Venezuela (BCV) and the two have issued conflicting instructions concerning the gold reserves.

Lawyers for the Maduro-backed BCV board said the central bank was considering an appeal after Friday's ruling.

Maduro's legal team has said he would like to sell some of the 31 tonnes of gold to finance Venezuela's response to the coronavirus pandemic and bolster a health system gutted by years of economic crisis.

Guaido's opposition has alleged that Maduro's cash-strapped administration wants to use the money to pay off his foreign allies, which his lawyers deny.

The British government in early 2019 joined dozens of nations in backing Guaido, after he declared an interim presidency and denounced Maduro for rigging 2018 elections.

Guaido at that time asked the Bank of England to prevent Maduro's government from accessing the gold. Maduro's central bank then sued the Bank of England to recover control, saying it was depriving the BCV of funds needed to finance Venezuela's coronavirus response.

Legal experts have said the latest case has been unprecedented as it has seen one country's highest court interpreting the constitution of another.

"This is an unfortunate ruling," said Sarosh Zaiwalla at Zaiwalla &amp; Co, which represented the Maduro-backed central bank, adding that it would continue to pursue the case despite Friday's decision.

"The BCV remains concerned that the cumulative effect of the judgments of the English Court appears to accord a simple statement by the UK Government recognising as a head of state a person with no effective control or power over any part of that state," Zaiwalla added.

Law firm Arnold &amp; Porter, which represented the Guaido side in the case, did not comment. 
&nbsp;

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Britain's High Court rejected Nicolas Maduro's latest efforts on Friday to gain control of more than $1 billion of Venezuela's gold reserves stored in the Bank of England's underground vaults in London.

Britain's High Court rejected Nicolas Maduro's latest efforts on Friday to gain control of more than $1 billion of Venezuela's gold reserves stored in the Bank of England's underground vaults in London. The court ruled that recent decisions by the Maduro-backed Venezuelan Supreme Court aimed at reducing opposition leader Juan Guaido's say over the gold, should be disregarded. It marked the latest victory for Guaido, who has won a series of legal clashes over the gold after the British government recognised him rather than Maduro as the Latin American country's president. "I have ... concluded that the Guaido Board succeeds: that the STJ (Venezuelan supreme court) judgements are not capable of being recognised," the judge in the case said. The Maduro and Guaido camps have each appointed a different board to the Central Bank of Venezuela (BCV) and the two have issued conflicting instructions concerning the gold reserves. Lawyers for the Maduro-backed BCV board said the central bank was considering an appeal after Friday's ruling. Maduro's legal team has said he would like to sell some of the 31 tonnes of gold to finance Venezuela's response to the coronavirus pandemic and bolster a health system gutted by years of economic crisis. Guaido's opposition has alleged that Maduro's cash-strapped administration wants to use the money to pay off his foreign allies, which his lawyers deny. The British government in early 2019 joined dozens of nations in backing Guaido, after he declared an interim presidency and denounced Maduro for rigging 2018 elections. Guaido at that time asked the Bank of England to prevent Maduro's government from accessing the gold. Maduro's central bank then sued the Bank of England to recover control, saying it was depriving the BCV of funds needed to finance Venezuela's coronavirus response. Legal experts have said the latest case has been unprecedented as it has seen one country's highest court interpreting the constitution of another. "This is an unfortunate ruling," said Sarosh Zaiwalla at Zaiwalla & Co, which represented the Maduro-backed central bank, adding that it would continue to pursue the case despite Friday's decision. "The BCV remains concerned that the cumulative effect of the judgments of the English Court appears to accord a simple statement by the UK Government recognising as a head of state a person with no effective control or power over any part of that state," Zaiwalla added. Law firm Arnold & Porter, which represented the Guaido side in the case, did not comment.

Britain's High Court rules against Venezuela's Maduro in latest gold battle

A&nbsp;Venezuelan&nbsp;indigenous&nbsp;leader&nbsp;who&nbsp;was an opponent of armed groups and&nbsp;illegal&nbsp;mining&nbsp;was shot dead on Thursday in the Amazonas state capital, a non-governmental organisation and three people with knowledge of the case said.

Virgilio Trujillo Arana, a 38-year-old&nbsp;indigenous&nbsp;Uwottuja man, was a defender of the&nbsp;Venezuelan Amazon and had set up community groups to act as guardians of the Autana municipality of Amazonas.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-resumes-oil-exports-to-europe-as-russia-ukraine-war-triggers-high-gas-prices-report-489291">Venezuela resumes oil exports to Europe as Russia-Ukraine war triggers high gas prices: Report</a>

"In life, Trujillo Arana strongly&nbsp;opposed&nbsp;the presence of foreign groups and&nbsp;illegal&nbsp;mining&nbsp;exploitation in the&nbsp;indigenous&nbsp;territories of the Uwottuja people, in the Alto Guayapo area", indigenous&nbsp;rights&nbsp;NGO&nbsp;A C Kape Kape wrote Friday on Twitter.

The Uwottuja community is made up of about 15,000 people.

Watch | Iran and Venezuela sign 20-year cooperation plan

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According to a report by Reuters, Kape Kape's director general Armando Obdola said that Trujillo had received threats for his activism, and that his case echoed the murders of environmental and social activists in neighbouring Colombia.

Communities from the town of Uwottuja announced last February their decision to defend their territory against a "silent invasion" by criminal groups, rejecting&nbsp;illegal&nbsp;mining&nbsp;exploitation as well as the use of their land for illicit activities.

"Virgilio was accompanying the Armed Forces as a territorial guard during operations into areas where there are irregular groups", said Obdola,&nbsp;who&nbsp;added that there are other&nbsp;leaders in hiding&nbsp;who&nbsp;fear for their lives.

The Ministry of Communication and Information and the Prosecutor's Office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-bars-cuba-venezuela-from-americas-summit-mexican-leader-sits-out-485873">US bars Cuba, Venezuela from Americas summit; Mexican leader sits out</a>

Non-governmental organisations and a United Nations report have denounced the presence of violent criminal groups that control gold mines in the jungle.

Mining&nbsp;has been prohibited since 1989 in&nbsp;Venezuela's southern Amazonas state, which is not part of the so-called Arco Minero, a gold exploitation zone 111,000 square km created by decree in 2016 by the government of President Nicolas Maduro covering.&nbsp;

The Office of United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet has asked the government to regularise&nbsp;mining&nbsp;activities and guarantee that they are carried out under international and environmental standards.

The Universidad de Los Andes Working Group on&nbsp;Indigenous&nbsp;Affairs called for an investigation into Trujillo's killing, and said&nbsp;indigenous&nbsp;organisations have so far not received responses from the Inter-America Commission on Human Rights regarding protection measures for other environmental defenders.

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A Venezuelan indigenous leader who was an opponent of armed groups and illegal mining was shot dead on Thursday in the Amazonas state capital, a non-governmental organisation and three people with knowledge of the case said.

A Venezuelan indigenous leader who was an opponent of armed groups and illegal mining was shot dead on Thursday in the Amazonas state capital, a non-governmental organisation and three people with knowledge of the case said. Virgilio Trujillo Arana, a 38-year-old indigenous Uwottuja man, was a defender of the Venezuelan Amazon and had set up community groups to act as guardians of the Autana municipality of Amazonas. Also read | Venezuela resumes oil exports to Europe as Russia-Ukraine war triggers high gas prices: Report "In life, Trujillo Arana strongly opposed the presence of foreign groups and illegal mining exploitation in the indigenous territories of the Uwottuja people, in the Alto Guayapo area", indigenous rights NGO A C Kape Kape wrote Friday on Twitter. The Uwottuja community is made up of about 15,000 people. Watch | Iran and Venezuela sign 20-year cooperation plan According to a report by Reuters, Kape Kape's director general Armando Obdola said that Trujillo had received threats for his activism, and that his case echoed the murders of environmental and social activists in neighbouring Colombia. Communities from the town of Uwottuja announced last February their decision to defend their territory against a "silent invasion" by criminal groups, rejecting illegal mining exploitation as well as the use of their land for illicit activities. "Virgilio was accompanying the Armed Forces as a territorial guard during operations into areas where there are irregular groups", said Obdola, who added that there are other leaders in hiding who fear for their lives. The Ministry of Communication and Information and the Prosecutor's Office did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Also read | US bars Cuba, Venezuela from Americas summit; Mexican leader sits out Non-governmental organisations and a United Nations report have denounced the presence of violent criminal groups that control gold mines in the jungle. Mining has been prohibited since 1989 in Venezuela's southern Amazonas state, which is not part of the so-called Arco Minero, a gold exploitation zone 111,000 square km created by decree in 2016 by the government of President Nicolas Maduro covering. The Office of United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet has asked the government to regularise mining activities and guarantee that they are carried out under international and environmental standards. The Universidad de Los Andes Working Group on Indigenous Affairs called for an investigation into Trujillo's killing, and said indigenous organisations have so far not received responses from the Inter-America Commission on Human Rights regarding protection measures for other environmental defenders. Watch WION LIVE HERE: You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Indigenous leader who opposed illegal mining killed in Venezuela: NGO

Venezuela is all set to start its oil exports to Europe two years after the US announced sanctions on the South American country on charges of undermining democracy. The fresh exports come as Europe is looking to cut its crude imports from Russia in the wake of war against Ukraine.

A 650,000-barrel-cargo of Venezuela’s oil chartered by Italy’s Eni is about to take off, Reuters news agency reported citing Refinitiv Eikon data on Friday.

Apart from that, a second tanker chartered by Eni, the very large crude carrier (VLCC) Pantanassa, is currently sailing towards Venezuela and expected to load 2 million barrels of the same grade, diluted crude oil (DCO), and take it to Europe, according to the Eikon data.

That cargo is expected to be delivered by Venezuela’s state-owned PDVSA later this month with an option for Eni to sell a portion of the crude to Spain’s Repsol for its Cartagena and Bilbao refineries, according to the document and sources.

In May, the US State Department sent letters to Eni and Spain’s Repsol authorising them to resume Venezuelan crude imports as a way to settle billions of dollars of unpaid debt and dividends owed by the OPEC-member nation.

The oil exports is likely to provide a major relief to the Venezuelan economy which is burdened with debt as its inflation rate reached stratospheric levels in 2018.

According to British oil and gas company BP, Venezuela has the world's biggest oil reserves.

In 2019, the US imposed oil sanctions on Venezuela under the Trump administration due to ongoing human rights violations by President Nicolás Maduro. Under President Biden, there were discussions about reopening some trade links by allowing crude-for-diesel exchanges on humanitarian grounds, although this never came to fruition.

The White House announced in May that it was reconsidering its restrictions on Venezuelan oil, entering discussions with Maduro.

(With imports from agencies)

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Venezuela is all set to start its oil exports to Europe two years after the US announced sanctions on the South American country on charges of undermining democracy.

Venezuela is all set to start its oil exports to Europe two years after the US announced sanctions on the South American country on charges of undermining democracy. The fresh exports come as Europe is looking to cut its crude imports from Russia in the wake of war against Ukraine. A 650,000-barrel-cargo of Venezuela’s oil chartered by Italy’s Eni is about to take off, Reuters news agency reported citing Refinitiv Eikon data on Friday. Apart from that, a second tanker chartered by Eni, the very large crude carrier (VLCC) Pantanassa, is currently sailing towards Venezuela and expected to load 2 million barrels of the same grade, diluted crude oil (DCO), and take it to Europe, according to the Eikon data. That cargo is expected to be delivered by Venezuela’s state-owned PDVSA later this month with an option for Eni to sell a portion of the crude to Spain’s Repsol for its Cartagena and Bilbao refineries, according to the document and sources. In May, the US State Department sent letters to Eni and Spain’s Repsol authorising them to resume Venezuelan crude imports as a way to settle billions of dollars of unpaid debt and dividends owed by the OPEC-member nation. The oil exports is likely to provide a major relief to the Venezuelan economy which is burdened with debt as its inflation rate reached stratospheric levels in 2018. According to British oil and gas company BP, Venezuela has the world's biggest oil reserves. In 2019, the US imposed oil sanctions on Venezuela under the Trump administration due to ongoing human rights violations by President Nicolás Maduro. Under President Biden, there were discussions about reopening some trade links by allowing crude-for-diesel exchanges on humanitarian grounds, although this never came to fruition. The White House announced in May that it was reconsidering its restrictions on Venezuelan oil, entering discussions with Maduro. (With imports from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Venezuela resumes oil exports to Europe as Russia-Ukraine war triggers high gas prices: Report

Iran and Venezuela signed a 20-year cooperation plan in Tehran as the two countries are under stringent US sanctions. Is Venezuela-Iran coming close under US sanctions?

Iran and Venezuela sign 20-year cooperation plan

Iran and Venezuela have signed a 20-year “cooperation road map” as Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro met his Iranian counterpart Ebrahim Raisi on Saturday in Tehran. The two leaders met at the at the Saadabad Palace in the Iranian capital and the meeting was aimed at boosting bilateral ties between two nations facing tough sanctions from the United States. In a joint press conference, the two leaders said that the agreement will boost sectors in both countries like trade, energy, science and technology, agriculture and tourism sectors. Both economies are struggling at the moment and this agreement was hailed as a step towards stabilising the situation in both Iran and Venezuela.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ursula-von-der-leyen-visits-ukraine-to-discuss-its-bid-to-get-eu-candidacy-status-487183">Leyen says EU will finalise advice 'next week' on Ukraine's hopes to join bloc</a>

“The Islamic Republic of Iran’s foreign policy has always been to have relations with independent countries, and Venezuela showed that it has had incredible resistance against threats and sanctions by enemies and imperialism,” Raisi said according to a report in the Al-Jazeera.

The other major agreement between the two leaders was the establishment of a direct flight between Tehran and Caracas which will begin operations from July 18 this year.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/wion-insights/ramsay-hunt-syndrome-whats-partial-facial-paralysis-the-condition-justin-beiber-says-he-has-487152" hreflang="en">Ramsay Hunt Syndrome: What's partial facial paralysis, the condition Justin Beiber says he has?</a>

“I believe that our future will be one of the pleasing and solid friendships. The future of the world is one of equality and justice and standing up against imperialism. We must build this future together,” Maduro said after announcing the direct flight between the capital cities of the two nations.

In 2021, Iran and Venezuela signed an oil swap agreement which resulted in Iran sending heavy crude oil to Venezuela which allowed Maduro to avoid a fuel crisis in his country.

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Iran and Venezuela have signed a 20-year “cooperation road map” as Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro met his Iranian counterpart Ebrahim Raisi on Saturday in Tehran.

Iran and Venezuela have signed a 20-year “cooperation road map” as Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro met his Iranian counterpart Ebrahim Raisi on Saturday in Tehran. The two leaders met at the at the Saadabad Palace in the Iranian capital and the meeting was aimed at boosting bilateral ties between two nations facing tough sanctions from the United States. In a joint press conference, the two leaders said that the agreement will boost sectors in both countries like trade, energy, science and technology, agriculture and tourism sectors. Both economies are struggling at the moment and this agreement was hailed as a step towards stabilising the situation in both Iran and Venezuela. Also read | Leyen says EU will finalise advice 'next week' on Ukraine's hopes to join bloc “The Islamic Republic of Iran’s foreign policy has always been to have relations with independent countries, and Venezuela showed that it has had incredible resistance against threats and sanctions by enemies and imperialism,” Raisi said according to a report in the Al-Jazeera. The other major agreement between the two leaders was the establishment of a direct flight between Tehran and Caracas which will begin operations from July 18 this year. Also read | Ramsay Hunt Syndrome: What's partial facial paralysis, the condition Justin Beiber says he has? “I believe that our future will be one of the pleasing and solid friendships. The future of the world is one of equality and justice and standing up against imperialism. We must build this future together,” Maduro said after announcing the direct flight between the capital cities of the two nations. In 2021, Iran and Venezuela signed an oil swap agreement which resulted in Iran sending heavy crude oil to Venezuela which allowed Maduro to avoid a fuel crisis in his country. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Iran, Venezuela sign 20-year cooperation plan during Maduro visit to Tehran

A 72-year-old grandmother who named a popular snack after the "widow" of President Nicolas Maduro -- still very much alive -- has become the latest casualty of a Venezuelan hate speech law denounced by rights defenders.

Olga Mata was arrested last week after posting a comedic video on TikTok in which she posed as a food vendor advertising a type of arepa, a maize snack, named after Maduro's wife Cilia Flores.

The arepa in question is usually called a "widow" in&nbsp;Venezuela&nbsp;for not having any filling.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-releases-two-us-citizens-as-maduro-biden-attempt-to-bridge-gap-amid-russia-crisis-460657">Venezuela releases two US citizens as Maduro &amp; Biden attempt to bridge gap amid Russia crisis</a>

When a voice off camera points out that Flores is not yet a widow, Mata responds: "Right... but it is what we all want."

Another arepa featured in the clip was named after attorney general Tarek William Saab, who ordered Mata's arrest for "promoting hate".

Her son, Florencio Gil, was detained for "instigating the assassination of public personalities."

According to rights group Espacio Publico (Public Space),&nbsp;Venezuela's so-called "Law against Hate" was used to charge people in 17 criminal cases last year.

The law was passed in 2017 by a loyalist "Constitutional Assembly" created by Maduro and which replaced the then opposition-controlled National Assembly.

It provides for sentences of up to 20 years in jail for actions deemed "incitement of hatred."

Feel like prisoners

After a public outcry, Saab on Monday announced Mata had been charged and released under order to report to court every 30 days.

She was also made to release a new video apologizing for the first one.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Venezuela's President gets his very own superhero, SuperMoustache

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Her son was cleared of all charges.

"It is a way to make us feel like prisoners, even if we are not in a cell," Mata said after her release.

Her case is but the most recent one.

In March last year, journalist Milagros Mata and poet Juan Munoz were arrested for "incitement to hatred" after publishing a satirical text entitled "Mortal Wedding" on Facebook.

It poked fun at an extravagant wedding celebrated at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, and was said to have been attended by Saab.

Both people were later conditionally freed.

In 2018, two firefighters, Ricardo Prieto and Carlos Varon, were detained for 48 days over a viral video in which they showed a donkey they named "President Maduro."&nbsp;

They remain under judicial supervision.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thousands-march-in-support-of-venezuela-government-452871">Thousands march in support of Venezuela government</a>

Not new

For Espacio Publico director Carlos Correa, the "Law against Hate" had a vague definition of what constitutes hate speech, and disproportionate penalties.

"It causes people to refrain not only joking, but also from talking about matters of public interest such as denouncing corruption," Correa told AFP.

"The law is not there to determine whether a&nbsp;joke&nbsp;is in good or bad taste," he added.

Efforts to control free speech in&nbsp;Venezuela&nbsp;are nothing new.

Rayma Suprami, a Venezuelan cartoonist now living in the United States, was fired in 2014 from the newspaper where she worked for 19 years for a commentary on the country's poor health system that entailed then-president Hugo Chavez's signature petering out as a flat line on an electrocardiogram.

"Dictatorships have&nbsp;no&nbsp;humor, they don't get along with humor and what it represents: the reflection of what ordinary people think," Rayma told AFP.&nbsp;

"I was accused of inciting hatred, murder and terrorism," she recalled.

"You cannot make fun of power," added former colleague Eduardo "Edo" Sanabria, also in the United States.

"If they want to put you in jail, they will."

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/icc-to-probe-possible-venezuela-rights-violations-426715"> ICC to probe possible Venezuela rights violations</a>

In a report last year, Human Rights Watch accused Maduro's government of&nbsp;frequently using "public accusations and other forms of harassment to intimidate and attempt to silence those who criticize the government."

Maduro's reelection in 2018 was not recognized by the United States and dozens of other countries over fraud claims.

In recent years,&nbsp;Venezuela&nbsp;has seen&nbsp;political&nbsp;satire&nbsp;disappear from the television and newspapers.

But for those so inclined, comic relief can be found in animated propaganda shorts on state TV of "Super Mustache" -- a character representing Maduro as a superhero pitted against the White House and opposition leaders.

A 72-year-old grandmother who named a popular snack after the "widow" of President Nicolas Maduro -- still very much alive -- has become the latest casualty of a Venezuelan hate speech law denounced by rights defenders.

A 72-year-old grandmother who named a popular snack after the "widow" of President Nicolas Maduro -- still very much alive -- has become the latest casualty of a Venezuelan hate speech law denounced by rights defenders. Olga Mata was arrested last week after posting a comedic video on TikTok in which she posed as a food vendor advertising a type of arepa, a maize snack, named after Maduro's wife Cilia Flores. The arepa in question is usually called a "widow" in Venezuela for not having any filling. Also read | Venezuela releases two US citizens as Maduro & Biden attempt to bridge gap amid Russia crisis When a voice off camera points out that Flores is not yet a widow, Mata responds: "Right... but it is what we all want." Another arepa featured in the clip was named after attorney general Tarek William Saab, who ordered Mata's arrest for "promoting hate". Her son, Florencio Gil, was detained for "instigating the assassination of public personalities." According to rights group Espacio Publico (Public Space), Venezuela's so-called "Law against Hate" was used to charge people in 17 criminal cases last year. The law was passed in 2017 by a loyalist "Constitutional Assembly" created by Maduro and which replaced the then opposition-controlled National Assembly. It provides for sentences of up to 20 years in jail for actions deemed "incitement of hatred." Feel like prisoners After a public outcry, Saab on Monday announced Mata had been charged and released under order to report to court every 30 days. She was also made to release a new video apologizing for the first one. Watch | Gravitas: Venezuela's President gets his very own superhero, SuperMoustache Her son was cleared of all charges. "It is a way to make us feel like prisoners, even if we are not in a cell," Mata said after her release. Her case is but the most recent one. In March last year, journalist Milagros Mata and poet Juan Munoz were arrested for "incitement to hatred" after publishing a satirical text entitled "Mortal Wedding" on Facebook. It poked fun at an extravagant wedding celebrated at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, and was said to have been attended by Saab. Both people were later conditionally freed. In 2018, two firefighters, Ricardo Prieto and Carlos Varon, were detained for 48 days over a viral video in which they showed a donkey they named "President Maduro." They remain under judicial supervision. Also read | Thousands march in support of Venezuela government Not new For Espacio Publico director Carlos Correa, the "Law against Hate" had a vague definition of what constitutes hate speech, and disproportionate penalties. "It causes people to refrain not only joking, but also from talking about matters of public interest such as denouncing corruption," Correa told AFP. "The law is not there to determine whether a joke is in good or bad taste," he added. Efforts to control free speech in Venezuela are nothing new. Rayma Suprami, a Venezuelan cartoonist now living in the United States, was fired in 2014 from the newspaper where she worked for 19 years for a commentary on the country's poor health system that entailed then-president Hugo Chavez's signature petering out as a flat line on an electrocardiogram. "Dictatorships have no humor, they don't get along with humor and what it represents: the reflection of what ordinary people think," Rayma told AFP. "I was accused of inciting hatred, murder and terrorism," she recalled. "You cannot make fun of power," added former colleague Eduardo "Edo" Sanabria, also in the United States. "If they want to put you in jail, they will." Also read | ICC to probe possible Venezuela rights violations In a report last year, Human Rights Watch accused Maduro's government of frequently using "public accusations and other forms of harassment to intimidate and attempt to silence those who criticize the government." Maduro's reelection in 2018 was not recognized by the United States and dozens of other countries over fraud claims. In recent years, Venezuela has seen political satire disappear from the television and newspapers. But for those so inclined, comic relief can be found in animated propaganda shorts on state TV of "Super Mustache" -- a character representing Maduro as a superhero pitted against the White House and opposition leaders.

No joke: Political satire in Venezuela a risky business

Venezuela's inflation slowed down further to reach 1.4% in March, its lowest level in almost a decade, according to figures reported on Wednesday by the Central Bank.

Venezuela's inflation slows down to 1.4%, lowest in almost a decade

In a bid to&nbsp;compensate for the US ban on Russian oil,&nbsp;President Joe Biden has reached out to checkered oil regimes that he and former leaders of the country spectacularly snubbed or sanctioned in the past. These include United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar, Iran, Venezuela, and Saudi Arabia.

While the Biden administration is calling it a diplomatic masterstroke and saying it is part of a larger game plan, analysts are slamming the bizarre diplomacy which they believe will backfire.

They also believe he risks accusations of propping up authoritarian leaders and undermining his own battle for democracy.

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With the rise in crude prices brought on by the Ukraine war and Washington's decision to block all imports of Russian oil and gas, there is an urgent need to find other supply sources.

The average US price for regular unleaded gasoline has hit a record $4.25 a gallon, though that is about $1 a gallon below the inflation-adjusted peak.

US Strategic Petroleum Reserve levels fell last week to their lowest since July 2002, as the Biden administration had already approved releases in November as part of a larger effort to boost the US fuel supply.

Additional supply from OPEC could compensate for some supply shortfalls created by disruption to Russia's oil sales by economic sanctions imposed by the United States and other governments. But not for all of it.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/a-troubling-new-strategic-convergence-china-plans-to-invest-more-russian-energy-commodity-firms-461231">Also read |&nbsp;A&nbsp;'troubling new strategic convergence': China plans to invest more in Russian energy, commodity firms</a>

Russia's economy faces the gravest crisis since the 1991 fall of the Soviet Union after Western nations imposed sanctions on Russian companies, banks, individuals, and its central banking system, following its February 24 invasion of Ukraine.

"We have an interest globally in maintaining a... steady supply of energy, including through diplomatic effort," Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Wednesday on the moves toward countries that have been out of US or Biden administration's favour, and in the case of Iran an armed threat.

"We have a multiplicity of interests, and use diplomacy to try to advance them," Blinken said.

The phrasing, as Russia's war raises the stakes in many areas, was a marked change from Biden's praise at the outset of his presidency of democratic values as "America's abiding advantage" in diplomacy.

Saudi Arabia has profited richly in the past couple of years from teaming with fellow top petroleum producer Russia to keep global oil and natural gas supply modest and prices high.

And Biden came to office vowing to isolate the crown prince, Mohammed bin Salman, and the rest of the Saudi royal family over abuses that include the 2018 killing of US-based journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

Above all, the US government is on the back foot in its ties with oil-rich Gulf monarchies.

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The White House on Wednesday was forced to deny a Wall Street Journal report which said the crown princes of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates had declined to accept calls by the US president.

At the same time, news site Axios raised the prospect of a Biden trip to Riyadh in the spring in a bid to convince the kingdom to pump more oil.

"I don't know whether he's up to eating that much crow," Saudi Arabia analyst David Ottaway said of attempts now by Biden to improve his administration's relations with Prince Salman and Saudi Arabia, the country that could most easily end the global supply crunch. "He was going to make a pariah of this guy."

"Our response to (Russian President Vladimir) Putin's war shouldn't be to strengthen our relationship with the Saudis," tweeted Minnesota Democratic Rep. Ilhan Omar, citing Saudi Arabia's years-long war in neighboring Yemen.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/on-the-margin-india-re-asserts-strategic-autonomy-461314">Also read |&nbsp;On the Margin | India re-asserts strategic autonomy</a>

Gulf Arab states have so far taken a neutral stance between Western allies and Russia, with which they are partners under an oil producers' alliance known as OPEC+. Saudi Arabia and the UAE also have investment and business ties with Moscow.

A Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) statement read out by Saudi Arabia at a UN General Assembly session last week had affirmed the bloc's "deep ties" with all parties involved and called for de-escalation, restraint, and diplomacy to end the conflict.

The GCC includes Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman.

Meanwhile, amid the war unleashed by Russia in Ukraine, a recent American mission to energy-rich Caracas was intended to be discreet.

US government emissaries met with Venezuela's controversial leader Nicolas Maduro, a sworn enemy of Washington which disputes his legitimacy as president.

But news of the meeting leaked and the Biden administration was left scrambling to explain why it was engaging with an authoritarian regime.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-releases-two-us-citizens-as-maduro-biden-attempt-to-bridge-gap-amid-russia-crisis-460657">Also read |&nbsp;Venezuela releases two US citizens as Maduro &amp; Biden attempt to bridge gap amid Russia crisis</a>

Biden could certainly boast of success, as Caracas on Tuesday released two Americans detained in Venezuela. But the trip clearly had other motives.

"What we are doing is going all around the world, working with partners and organisations and entities, to try to increase the amount of oil on the market" and stabilise prices," said Victoria Nuland, the State Department's number three diplomat.

There are just a handful of countries that produce the "heavy fuel" that Russia was exporting, "so frankly we've got to look everywhere that we can," she said, without ruling out that Washington could buy Venezuelan crude.

The Trump Administration in early 2019 sanctioned Venezuela’s state oil company PDVSA to squeeze Nicolas Maduro’s brutal regime, which has impoverished the country, persecuted political opponents, and sent millions of refugees across the region.

But Venezuela continues to pump about 800,000 barrels a day with help from Russia and Iran. Venezuela has returned the favour by supporting Putin’s war on Ukraine and denouncing the West’s “economic war” against the Russian people.

Effectively, said Richard Goldberg, a former National Security Council official under the Trump administration, the Biden administration is saying of Iran, "They will still be financing terrorism, but let's go ahead and buy their oil."

In a bid to compensate for the US ban on Russian oil, President Joe Biden has reached out to checkered oil regimes that he and former leaders of the country spectacularly snubbed or sanctioned in the past.

In a bid to compensate for the US ban on Russian oil, President Joe Biden has reached out to checkered oil regimes that he and former leaders of the country spectacularly snubbed or sanctioned in the past. These include United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar, Iran, Venezuela, and Saudi Arabia. While the Biden administration is calling it a diplomatic masterstroke and saying it is part of a larger game plan, analysts are slamming the bizarre diplomacy which they believe will backfire. They also believe he risks accusations of propping up authoritarian leaders and undermining his own battle for democracy. With the rise in crude prices brought on by the Ukraine war and Washington's decision to block all imports of Russian oil and gas, there is an urgent need to find other supply sources. The average US price for regular unleaded gasoline has hit a record $4.25 a gallon, though that is about $1 a gallon below the inflation-adjusted peak. US Strategic Petroleum Reserve levels fell last week to their lowest since July 2002, as the Biden administration had already approved releases in November as part of a larger effort to boost the US fuel supply. Additional supply from OPEC could compensate for some supply shortfalls created by disruption to Russia's oil sales by economic sanctions imposed by the United States and other governments. But not for all of it. Also read | A 'troubling new strategic convergence': China plans to invest more in Russian energy, commodity firms Russia's economy faces the gravest crisis since the 1991 fall of the Soviet Union after Western nations imposed sanctions on Russian companies, banks, individuals, and its central banking system, following its February 24 invasion of Ukraine. "We have an interest globally in maintaining a... steady supply of energy, including through diplomatic effort," Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Wednesday on the moves toward countries that have been out of US or Biden administration's favour, and in the case of Iran an armed threat. "We have a multiplicity of interests, and use diplomacy to try to advance them," Blinken said. The phrasing, as Russia's war raises the stakes in many areas, was a marked change from Biden's praise at the outset of his presidency of democratic values as "America's abiding advantage" in diplomacy. Saudi Arabia has profited richly in the past couple of years from teaming with fellow top petroleum producer Russia to keep global oil and natural gas supply modest and prices high. And Biden came to office vowing to isolate the crown prince, Mohammed bin Salman, and the rest of the Saudi royal family over abuses that include the 2018 killing of US-based journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Above all, the US government is on the back foot in its ties with oil-rich Gulf monarchies. The White House on Wednesday was forced to deny a Wall Street Journal report which said the crown princes of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates had declined to accept calls by the US president. At the same time, news site Axios raised the prospect of a Biden trip to Riyadh in the spring in a bid to convince the kingdom to pump more oil. "I don't know whether he's up to eating that much crow," Saudi Arabia analyst David Ottaway said of attempts now by Biden to improve his administration's relations with Prince Salman and Saudi Arabia, the country that could most easily end the global supply crunch. "He was going to make a pariah of this guy." "Our response to (Russian President Vladimir) Putin's war shouldn't be to strengthen our relationship with the Saudis," tweeted Minnesota Democratic Rep. Ilhan Omar, citing Saudi Arabia's years-long war in neighboring Yemen. Also read | On the Margin | India re-asserts strategic autonomy Gulf Arab states have so far taken a neutral stance between Western allies and Russia, with which they are partners under an oil producers' alliance known as OPEC+. Saudi Arabia and the UAE also have investment and business ties with Moscow. A Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) statement read out by Saudi Arabia at a UN General Assembly session last week had affirmed the bloc's "deep ties" with all parties involved and called for de-escalation, restraint, and diplomacy to end the conflict. The GCC includes Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman. Meanwhile, amid the war unleashed by Russia in Ukraine, a recent American mission to energy-rich Caracas was intended to be discreet. US government emissaries met with Venezuela's controversial leader Nicolas Maduro, a sworn enemy of Washington which disputes his legitimacy as president. But news of the meeting leaked and the Biden administration was left scrambling to explain why it was engaging with an authoritarian regime. Also read | Venezuela releases two US citizens as Maduro & Biden attempt to bridge gap amid Russia crisis Biden could certainly boast of success, as Caracas on Tuesday released two Americans detained in Venezuela. But the trip clearly had other motives. "What we are doing is going all around the world, working with partners and organisations and entities, to try to increase the amount of oil on the market" and stabilise prices," said Victoria Nuland, the State Department's number three diplomat. There are just a handful of countries that produce the "heavy fuel" that Russia was exporting, "so frankly we've got to look everywhere that we can," she said, without ruling out that Washington could buy Venezuelan crude. The Trump Administration in early 2019 sanctioned Venezuela’s state oil company PDVSA to squeeze Nicolas Maduro’s brutal regime, which has impoverished the country, persecuted political opponents, and sent millions of refugees across the region. But Venezuela continues to pump about 800,000 barrels a day with help from Russia and Iran. Venezuela has returned the favour by supporting Putin’s war on Ukraine and denouncing the West’s “economic war” against the Russian people. Effectively, said Richard Goldberg, a former National Security Council official under the Trump administration, the Biden administration is saying of Iran, "They will still be financing terrorism, but let's go ahead and buy their oil."

Diplomatic masterstroke or perilous gambit? Will oil producers play hardball with Joe Biden?

Venezuela's tourism minister on Thursday said the country will&nbsp;increase&nbsp;state airline&nbsp;flights&nbsp;to its ally&nbsp;Moscow, as many countries around the world, led by the United States and Europe, block Russian planes from their airspace.

President Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine last week provoked a battery of sanctions from the United States and its allies, including airspace being closed to Russian-flagged&nbsp;flights.&nbsp;

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/finally-us-navy-recovers-crashed-f-35c-lightning-ii-aircraft-from-south-china-sea-458883">&nbsp;Finally, US Navy recovers crashed F-35C Lightning II aircraft from South China Sea</a>

"Venezuela&nbsp;is ready to continue receiving Russian tourists," Minister Ali Padron tweeted on Thursday, after a phone call with the head of the Russian Federal Tourism Agency.

They agreed "to guarantee the continuity of regular&nbsp;flights&nbsp;through the Venezuelan airline Conviasa and&nbsp;increase&nbsp;connectivity," he wrote.&nbsp;

Russian tourism to&nbsp;Venezuela&nbsp;soared in May 2021 when the two countries opened a direct route between&nbsp;Moscow&nbsp;and Caracas.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/melinda-gates-calls-meeting-epstein-abhorrent-slams-ex-husband-bills-friendship-with-him-458921">Melinda Gates calls meeting Epstein 'abhorrent', slams ex-husband Bill's friendship with him</a>

Moscow&nbsp;has been a key ally of&nbsp;Venezuela&nbsp;since the government of the late president Hugo Chavez.&nbsp;

Chavez's successor Nicolas Maduro has expressed support for Putin in the past week, calling actions taken against&nbsp;Moscow&nbsp;"crimes" and "madness", although he advocated for peace negotiations with Ukraine to continue.

Venezuela's tourism minister on Thursday said the country will increase state airline flights to its ally Moscow, as many countries around the world, led by the United States and Europe, block Russian planes from their airspace.

Venezuela's tourism minister on Thursday said the country will increase state airline flights to its ally Moscow, as many countries around the world, led by the United States and Europe, block Russian planes from their airspace. President Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine last week provoked a battery of sanctions from the United States and its allies, including airspace being closed to Russian-flagged flights. Also read | Finally, US Navy recovers crashed F-35C Lightning II aircraft from South China Sea "Venezuela is ready to continue receiving Russian tourists," Minister Ali Padron tweeted on Thursday, after a phone call with the head of the Russian Federal Tourism Agency. They agreed "to guarantee the continuity of regular flights through the Venezuelan airline Conviasa and increase connectivity," he wrote. Russian tourism to Venezuela soared in May 2021 when the two countries opened a direct route between Moscow and Caracas. Also read | Melinda Gates calls meeting Epstein 'abhorrent', slams ex-husband Bill's friendship with him Moscow has been a key ally of Venezuela since the government of the late president Hugo Chavez. Chavez's successor Nicolas Maduro has expressed support for Putin in the past week, calling actions taken against Moscow "crimes" and "madness", although he advocated for peace negotiations with Ukraine to continue.

Venezuela announces increase in flights to Moscow

Thousands&nbsp;of pro-government&nbsp;demonstrators marched through Caracas Saturday in&nbsp;support&nbsp;of President Nicolas Maduro, with a smaller opposition rally gathering in parallel.

To the sound of drums and salsa,&nbsp;thousands&nbsp;of Chavistas -- named after Hugo Chavez, a figure of the Latin American radical left and late predecessor of Maduro -- marched some 14 kilometers (nine miles) through the streets of the capital.

"Chavez sets the tone, Maduro is behind the wheel," read one banner.&nbsp;

The&nbsp;government&nbsp;had mobilized its party and chartered buses to bring in supporters of all ages from all over the country for the rally held on World Youth Day.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/a-million-bolivars-become-one-as-venezuela-recalibrates-battered-currency-417320">&nbsp;A million bolivars become one as Venezuela recalibrates battered currency</a>

"The courageous youth are following their dreams and continuing to fight for their homeland," 26-year-old Maria Amatima told AFP.&nbsp;

Maduro, met with cheers, ended the demonstration saying, "I ask you (the youth) to help me... against corruption and bureaucracy... I come to ask you for help."&nbsp;

Maduro's re-election in 2018 in a vote boycotted by the opposition is not recognized by part of the international community and in particular the United States, which backs the opposition.

Some 500 opposition supporters, joined by leader Juan Guaido, also gathered in Caracas in a parallel rally.

Watch |&nbsp;Venezuela: Visitors steadily return to Caracas's city centre

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/venezuela-visitors-steadily-return-to-caracass-city-centre-451308/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Guaido called for "unity" in the wake of the defeat of a divided opposition in regional elections in November.&nbsp;

"We pledge today to fight... we must strengthen unity," he said, promising to revive the street protests that rocked the&nbsp;government&nbsp;in 2019 but eventually died out.&nbsp;

"We are going to return... to the place where freedoms are exercised: the street."&nbsp;

Thousands of pro-government demonstrators marched through Caracas Saturday in support of President Nicolas Maduro, with a smaller opposition rally gathering in parallel.

Thousands of pro-government demonstrators marched through Caracas Saturday in support of President Nicolas Maduro, with a smaller opposition rally gathering in parallel. To the sound of drums and salsa, thousands of Chavistas -- named after Hugo Chavez, a figure of the Latin American radical left and late predecessor of Maduro -- marched some 14 kilometers (nine miles) through the streets of the capital. "Chavez sets the tone, Maduro is behind the wheel," read one banner. The government had mobilized its party and chartered buses to bring in supporters of all ages from all over the country for the rally held on World Youth Day. Also read | A million bolivars become one as Venezuela recalibrates battered currency "The courageous youth are following their dreams and continuing to fight for their homeland," 26-year-old Maria Amatima told AFP. Maduro, met with cheers, ended the demonstration saying, "I ask you (the youth) to help me... against corruption and bureaucracy... I come to ask you for help." Maduro's re-election in 2018 in a vote boycotted by the opposition is not recognized by part of the international community and in particular the United States, which backs the opposition. Some 500 opposition supporters, joined by leader Juan Guaido, also gathered in Caracas in a parallel rally. Watch | Venezuela: Visitors steadily return to Caracas's city centre Guaido called for "unity" in the wake of the defeat of a divided opposition in regional elections in November. "We pledge today to fight... we must strengthen unity," he said, promising to revive the street protests that rocked the government in 2019 but eventually died out. "We are going to return... to the place where freedoms are exercised: the street."

Thousands march in support of Venezuela government

Visitors are steadily returning to the Caracas's city center in Venezuela which authorities and charities have worked to revitalize for several years.

Venezuela: Visitors steadily return to Caracas's city centre

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