Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro is trying to win over his voters with the help of a superhero. His name is SuperMoustache. He looks similar to Maduro and he was last seen fighting Trump. Palki Sharma tells you which other leaders have had a stint as an animated character.

Gravitas: Venezuela's President gets his very own superhero, SuperMoustache

Children in Venezuela are taking to a game of speed that is being played in the country for more than a century. Our next report gets you the details.

Children in Venezuela take to wooden board racing

Most children around the world these days are hooked on their video games. But the children in Venezuela are increasingly taking to a game of speed that has been played in the country for more than a century.

Hundreds of children in Venezuela take to streets for Wooden board racing

Previously Lake Maracaibo in Venezuela was known as the lightning capital of the world. But now, the water of the lake has turned dark tinted by oil pollution. WION tells you more.

Famous lake in Venezuela, Maracaibo turns black due to oil pollution

Venezuela is all set to hold regional elections. Stakes are high as this is for the first time in four years that opposition parties are returning to ballots.

Regional elections to take place in Venezuela

Venezuela is all set to hold regional elections. For the first time in four years, opposition parties are returning to ballots.

Venezuela: Opposition returns to ballot after 4 years

Since Venezuelan artist and medical student Elianni Di Gregorio was born in 1997 the currency of her home country has done nothing but tank.

Artist in Venezuela brings new value to discarded banknotes

The International Criminal Court will investigate whether crimes against humanity were committed during&nbsp;Venezuela's clampdown on anti-government protests in 2017, President Nicolas Maduro and ICC prosecutor Karim Khan said Wednesday.

More than 100 people died as the security forces cracked down on the demonstrations sparked by the arrests of several opposition leaders and the supreme court's decision to dissolve the opposition-dominated National Assembly.

After a preliminary evaluation, Khan "has decided to move on to the next phase to seek the truth," said Maduro. "As a state, we respect his decision, although we do not share it."&nbsp;

"I ask everyone, as we enter this new phase, to give my office space to do its work," added Khan.

The move was hailed by opposition leader Juan Guaido, who has claimed since 2019 to be&nbsp;Venezuela's interim president, backed by around 60 countries.

Guaido said on Twitter that this move would enable the victims and their families to "claim the right to obtain justice that has been denied in&nbsp;Venezuela."

When the ICC opened the preliminary investigation in 2018, Khan's predecessor Fatou Bensouda said there was a "reasonable basis" to believe the government had committed crimes against humanity.

Maduro complained that the Venezuelan state was not given access to the documents and information evaluated during that phase.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/europe-once-again-at-epicentre-of-coronavirus-pandemic-who-426681">Also read |&nbsp;Europe once again at epicentre of coronavirus pandemic: WHO</a>

"We were blind in that stage," said the president.

During Khan's three-day visit, which began on Sunday, small groups of family members of the victims of the alleged rights abuses held street protests demanding an audience with Khan.

On Wednesday there was also a small protest outside the intelligence services headquarters in Caracas, where opposition figures are being held.

"I'm fully aware of the flaws that exist in&nbsp;Venezuela, the political division. We (the ICC) are not political, we are guided by the principles of legality and the rule of law," said Khan.

Khan and Maduro signed an agreement to collaborate on the next step of the investigation.

The ICC prosecutor praised the "constructive dialogue" he had following meetings with Maduro, Vice-President Delcy Rodriguez, Attorney General Tarek William Saab and representatives of the Supreme Court.

Since 2017, some 150 members of the police and military have been charged or sentenced for human rights violations, according to the public ministry.

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The opposition claims those actions were taken merely to try to avoid an ICC investigation.

Rafael Uzcategui, a leader of the Provea human rights NGO, said the opening of an investigation showed that "there were crimes against humanity and ... they have so far not been properly investigated."

The ICC is also at the preliminary stage of another case involving&nbsp;Venezuela, brought by the government accusing the United States of crimes against humanity over its sanctions against the South American country's leaders.

The International Criminal Court will investigate whether crimes against humanity were committed during Venezuela's clampdown on anti-government protests in 2017, President Nicolas Maduro and ICC prosecutor Karim Khan said Wednesday.

The International Criminal Court will investigate whether crimes against humanity were committed during Venezuela's clampdown on anti-government protests in 2017, President Nicolas Maduro and ICC prosecutor Karim Khan said Wednesday. More than 100 people died as the security forces cracked down on the demonstrations sparked by the arrests of several opposition leaders and the supreme court's decision to dissolve the opposition-dominated National Assembly. After a preliminary evaluation, Khan "has decided to move on to the next phase to seek the truth," said Maduro. "As a state, we respect his decision, although we do not share it." "I ask everyone, as we enter this new phase, to give my office space to do its work," added Khan. The move was hailed by opposition leader Juan Guaido, who has claimed since 2019 to be Venezuela's interim president, backed by around 60 countries. Guaido said on Twitter that this move would enable the victims and their families to "claim the right to obtain justice that has been denied in Venezuela." When the ICC opened the preliminary investigation in 2018, Khan's predecessor Fatou Bensouda said there was a "reasonable basis" to believe the government had committed crimes against humanity. Maduro complained that the Venezuelan state was not given access to the documents and information evaluated during that phase. Also read | Europe once again at epicentre of coronavirus pandemic: WHO "We were blind in that stage," said the president. During Khan's three-day visit, which began on Sunday, small groups of family members of the victims of the alleged rights abuses held street protests demanding an audience with Khan. On Wednesday there was also a small protest outside the intelligence services headquarters in Caracas, where opposition figures are being held. "I'm fully aware of the flaws that exist in Venezuela, the political division. We (the ICC) are not political, we are guided by the principles of legality and the rule of law," said Khan. Khan and Maduro signed an agreement to collaborate on the next step of the investigation. The ICC prosecutor praised the "constructive dialogue" he had following meetings with Maduro, Vice-President Delcy Rodriguez, Attorney General Tarek William Saab and representatives of the Supreme Court. Since 2017, some 150 members of the police and military have been charged or sentenced for human rights violations, according to the public ministry. Also read | Australia: 36-year-old man charged for abduction of Cleo Smith The opposition claims those actions were taken merely to try to avoid an ICC investigation. Rafael Uzcategui, a leader of the Provea human rights NGO, said the opening of an investigation showed that "there were crimes against humanity and ... they have so far not been properly investigated." The ICC is also at the preliminary stage of another case involving Venezuela, brought by the government accusing the United States of crimes against humanity over its sanctions against the South American country's leaders.

ICC to probe possible Venezuela rights violations

The ICC is opening an investigation into possible crimes against humanity in Venezuela. The crimes were allegedly committed under president Maduro's rule.

ICC to probe crimes against humanity in Venezuela, Maduro's government under scanner

A close aide of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has been extradited from Cape Verde to the United States. He's been charged with money laundering prompting fury from the President who called extradition a kidnapping on national television.

Aide of Venezuelan President extradited to US on charges of money laundering

Since the onset of Covid-19, some countries have turned to traditional ways of healing rituals to ward off the pandemic, watch this bulletin for more.

Venezuelans fight Covid pandemic; seek strength, healing from mythical goddess

Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez has slammed the US for vetoing Venezuela`s access to $5 billion in International Monetary Fund (IMF) Special Drawing Rights.

"The International Monetary Fund refuses to give our people the $5 billion dollars that correspond to our country to fight the pandemic. The reason: the express veto of the US against Venezuela," said Rodriguez.

In a teleconference speech to the Un Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), Rodriguez added the US has "blocked" Venezuela's foreign trade through sanctions, otherwise known as "unilateral coercive measures", reports Xinhua news agency.

"We have been the target of more than 430 unilateral coercive measures that have blocked our foreign and private trade, against all legal principles of sovereign immunity," said the Vice President.

In the oil sector alone, the sanctions have led to losses of more than $63 billion, leading to "a drastic 99 per cent reduction in revenue" for Venezuela, said Rodriguez.

"These measures are crimes against humanity and violate the international system of guarantee of human rights," she said.

Rodriguez formally issued a "request for UNCTAD to group, quantify and analySe the macroeconomic impacts of unilateral coercive measures" on Venezuela.

Despite Washington's economic "attacks", the South American nation "is making progress in the recovery of its economic equilibrium, through progressive openness in foreign trade" and in the investment sector, she said.

Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez has slammed the US for vetoing Venezuela`s access to $5 billion in International Monetary Fund (IMF) Special Drawing Rights.

Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez has slammed the US for vetoing Venezuela`s access to $5 billion in International Monetary Fund (IMF) Special Drawing Rights. "The International Monetary Fund refuses to give our people the $5 billion dollars that correspond to our country to fight the pandemic. The reason: the express veto of the US against Venezuela," said Rodriguez. In a teleconference speech to the Un Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), Rodriguez added the US has "blocked" Venezuela's foreign trade through sanctions, otherwise known as "unilateral coercive measures", reports Xinhua news agency. "We have been the target of more than 430 unilateral coercive measures that have blocked our foreign and private trade, against all legal principles of sovereign immunity," said the Vice President. In the oil sector alone, the sanctions have led to losses of more than $63 billion, leading to "a drastic 99 per cent reduction in revenue" for Venezuela, said Rodriguez. "These measures are crimes against humanity and violate the international system of guarantee of human rights," she said. Rodriguez formally issued a "request for UNCTAD to group, quantify and analySe the macroeconomic impacts of unilateral coercive measures" on Venezuela. Despite Washington's economic "attacks", the South American nation "is making progress in the recovery of its economic equilibrium, through progressive openness in foreign trade" and in the investment sector, she said.

Venezuela slams US veto of access to IMF resources

For the third time in 13 years,&nbsp;Venezuela&nbsp;on Friday will slash&nbsp;zeroes off its inflation-battered currency, the bolivar. This time, it will shed six zeroes, for a total of 14&nbsp;since 2008.

With that, a million bolivars will overnight become one&nbsp;still the equivalent of about 25 US dollar cents.

Venezuela's central bank announced the move last month to simplify transactions, with consumers scrambling to make payment for even the most basic goods or services.

Seven one-million bolivar notes the highest denomination and very hard to come by -- are required to pay in cash for one loaf of bread in the once-rich oil-producing nation now battling the highest inflation in the world.

Venezuela's GDP has plummeted by 80 percent since 2013 as the oil price crashed and output dwindled during decades of under-investment and mismanagement by successive socialist governments.

Teacher Marelys Guerrero, 43, is one of the many Venezuelans who receives a salary in the millions of bolivars that are worth nothing.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-economic-crisis-over-three-quarters-live-in-extreme-poverty-417155">Also read |&nbsp;Venezuela economic crisis: Over three-quarters live in extreme poverty</a>

"We earn, fortnightly, less than $3," she told AFP in Caracas.&nbsp;

Rent for an apartment in a modest suburb of the capital starts from about $150, while a basket of basic groceries for a family of five costs about $220.

Most payments in bolivars are done by debit card or bank transfer, but seventy percent of transactions are now conducted in dollars, according to private sector estimates, and prices on many shop shelves are displayed in the US currency, to keep things simpler.

'I'll buy your dollar!'

On Friday,&nbsp;Venezuela&nbsp;becomes the South American country to have removed the most zeroes from its currency. It lost three in 2008 under now-deceased President Hugo Chavez, whose successor Nicolas Maduro eliminated five more in 2018.

The bolivar is now worth so little that children use it for play money.

In&nbsp;Venezuela's border regions, besides the dollar, it is common to also pay for goods in Colombian pesos or Brazilian reais, and even grams of gold.

In the rest of the country, cash is used almost exclusively for purchasing public transport tickets, but even this presents a headache as notes are scarce and can only be obtained by standing in long queues at the bank.

"I'll buy your dollar!" -- children with thick wads of bolivar bills yell at buses that, along with bus stops, have become informal currency exchange offices.&nbsp;

"We pay one dollar for four million bolivars. The fare costs two million," said William Hernandez, a 56-year-old bus driver.

The government will issue new banknotes in denominations of five, 10, 20, 50 and 100 bolivars, as well as a one-bolivar coin after Friday's change.

But the government has also said that it wants the economy to become entirely digital, a move, experts say, is meant to avoid printing money that will just continue devaluing.

"If inflation behaves as it has in recent months, it is very likely that in about three or four years the government will have to reconvert again," Luis Arturo Barcenas of economic consultancy Ecoanalitica told AFP.

'It's a relief'

The bolivar has lost nearly all its value in just over a decade,&nbsp;shedding almost 73 percent in 2021 alone.

The country's annual budget of 115 billion bolivars in 2007, then the equivalent of $50 billion,&nbsp;if held in bolivars, would be worth less than a dollar today.

Venezuela&nbsp;is battling its eight year of recession as well as hyperinflation that reached nearly 3,000 percent in 2020 and more than 9,500 percent the year before, according to central bank figures.

Ecoanalitica expects the number to hit 1,600 for 2021.

In May, the government tripled the minimum monthly wage but the new amount was not enough even to buy a kilogram of meat.

Three in four Venezuelans today live in extreme poverty, according to an academic study published Wednesday, with the economic collapse was worsened by the coronavirus pandemic.

Millions have left the country in recent years to try their luck elsewhere, but many have ended up as refugees.

While consumers like Guerrero fear Friday's readjustment of the bolivar could further squash their pocket with shopkeepers rounding up prices, others like Caracas accountant Rodrigo Bermudez welcome the change.

"It’s a relief... The number of digits was making everything very cumbersome," he told AFP, showing an invoice with too many zeroes to make any sense of.

For the third time in 13 years, Venezuela on Friday will slash zeroes off its inflation-battered currency, the bolivar. This time, it will shed six zeroes, for a total of 14 since 2008.

For the third time in 13 years, Venezuela on Friday will slash zeroes off its inflation-battered currency, the bolivar. This time, it will shed six zeroes, for a total of 14 since 2008. With that, a million bolivars will overnight become one still the equivalent of about 25 US dollar cents. Venezuela's central bank announced the move last month to simplify transactions, with consumers scrambling to make payment for even the most basic goods or services. Seven one-million bolivar notes the highest denomination and very hard to come by -- are required to pay in cash for one loaf of bread in the once-rich oil-producing nation now battling the highest inflation in the world. Venezuela's GDP has plummeted by 80 percent since 2013 as the oil price crashed and output dwindled during decades of under-investment and mismanagement by successive socialist governments. Teacher Marelys Guerrero, 43, is one of the many Venezuelans who receives a salary in the millions of bolivars that are worth nothing. Also read | Venezuela economic crisis: Over three-quarters live in extreme poverty "We earn, fortnightly, less than $3," she told AFP in Caracas. Rent for an apartment in a modest suburb of the capital starts from about $150, while a basket of basic groceries for a family of five costs about $220. Most payments in bolivars are done by debit card or bank transfer, but seventy percent of transactions are now conducted in dollars, according to private sector estimates, and prices on many shop shelves are displayed in the US currency, to keep things simpler. 'I'll buy your dollar!' On Friday, Venezuela becomes the South American country to have removed the most zeroes from its currency. It lost three in 2008 under now-deceased President Hugo Chavez, whose successor Nicolas Maduro eliminated five more in 2018. The bolivar is now worth so little that children use it for play money. In Venezuela's border regions, besides the dollar, it is common to also pay for goods in Colombian pesos or Brazilian reais, and even grams of gold. In the rest of the country, cash is used almost exclusively for purchasing public transport tickets, but even this presents a headache as notes are scarce and can only be obtained by standing in long queues at the bank. "I'll buy your dollar!" -- children with thick wads of bolivar bills yell at buses that, along with bus stops, have become informal currency exchange offices. "We pay one dollar for four million bolivars. The fare costs two million," said William Hernandez, a 56-year-old bus driver. The government will issue new banknotes in denominations of five, 10, 20, 50 and 100 bolivars, as well as a one-bolivar coin after Friday's change. But the government has also said that it wants the economy to become entirely digital, a move, experts say, is meant to avoid printing money that will just continue devaluing. "If inflation behaves as it has in recent months, it is very likely that in about three or four years the government will have to reconvert again," Luis Arturo Barcenas of economic consultancy Ecoanalitica told AFP. 'It's a relief' The bolivar has lost nearly all its value in just over a decade, shedding almost 73 percent in 2021 alone. The country's annual budget of 115 billion bolivars in 2007, then the equivalent of $50 billion, if held in bolivars, would be worth less than a dollar today. Venezuela is battling its eight year of recession as well as hyperinflation that reached nearly 3,000 percent in 2020 and more than 9,500 percent the year before, according to central bank figures. Ecoanalitica expects the number to hit 1,600 for 2021. In May, the government tripled the minimum monthly wage but the new amount was not enough even to buy a kilogram of meat. Three in four Venezuelans today live in extreme poverty, according to an academic study published Wednesday, with the economic collapse was worsened by the coronavirus pandemic. Millions have left the country in recent years to try their luck elsewhere, but many have ended up as refugees. While consumers like Guerrero fear Friday's readjustment of the bolivar could further squash their pocket with shopkeepers rounding up prices, others like Caracas accountant Rodrigo Bermudez welcome the change. "It’s a relief... The number of digits was making everything very cumbersome," he told AFP, showing an invoice with too many zeroes to make any sense of.

A million bolivars become one as Venezuela recalibrates battered currency

As per the latest research published on Wednesday, more than 75% of Venezuelans are now living in extreme poverty.

Reuters reports that the number of Venezuelans living in extreme poverty increased by about ten percentage points from last year, from 67.7% to 76.6 percent this year, according to the 2020-2021 National Survey of Living Conditions.

According to the study, which was conducted by researchers from Andres Bello Catholic University and surveyed 14,000 homes in 21 of the country's 23 states between February and April, around 95 percent of the population lives in poverty.&nbsp;

Fuel shortages, COVID-19, and a lack of job possibilities are all issues that contribute to such extreme poverty.

The research comes as the country is in the midst of a political and economic crisis that includes shortages of key goods such as medication and food, hyperinflation, and a lack of electricity.

According to Reuters, others claim that the country's economy has been mismanaged, which is to blame for the current situation.

President Nicolás Maduro's administration has blamed U.S. sanctions for the country's problems.&nbsp;

However, the United States has continued to provide financial aid to the country, including a recent $336 million investment in humanitarian and economic aid.

Since 2017, the US has provided more than $1.9 billion in financial aid to the country, according to the State Department.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

As per the latest research published on Wednesday, more than 75% of Venezuelans are now living in extreme poverty. Reuters reports that the number of Venezuelans living in extreme poverty increased by about ten percentage points from last year, from 67.

As per the latest research published on Wednesday, more than 75% of Venezuelans are now living in extreme poverty. Reuters reports that the number of Venezuelans living in extreme poverty increased by about ten percentage points from last year, from 67.7% to 76.6 percent this year, according to the 2020-2021 National Survey of Living Conditions. According to the study, which was conducted by researchers from Andres Bello Catholic University and surveyed 14,000 homes in 21 of the country's 23 states between February and April, around 95 percent of the population lives in poverty. Fuel shortages, COVID-19, and a lack of job possibilities are all issues that contribute to such extreme poverty. The research comes as the country is in the midst of a political and economic crisis that includes shortages of key goods such as medication and food, hyperinflation, and a lack of electricity. According to Reuters, others claim that the country's economy has been mismanaged, which is to blame for the current situation. President Nicolás Maduro's administration has blamed U.S. sanctions for the country's problems. However, the United States has continued to provide financial aid to the country, including a recent $336 million investment in humanitarian and economic aid. Since 2017, the US has provided more than $1.9 billion in financial aid to the country, according to the State Department. (With inputs from agencies)

Venezuela economic crisis: Over three-quarters live in extreme poverty

One firebolt after another illuminates a stilt-house settlement where the Catatumbo river flows into Venezuela's Lake Maracaibo, the lightning capital of the world.

Holder of the Guinness World Record as the place with the highest concentration of lightning, South America's largest lake receives an average of 233 flashes per square kilometer every year, according to NASA -- thousands per night.

A scientific and tourist curiosity, for the water-logged communities of Zulia state in Venezuela's northwest the phenomenon is known as the Catatumbo "lighthouse" which for centuries has helped them navigate their boats through the darkness.

There is no thunder, just lightning -- a silent spectacle to be enjoyed about 300 nights per year, peaking in September.

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On clear nights, the flashes paint striking patterns across the Milky Way in a sky so full of stars one does not need a telescope for constellation gazing.

Some are so fast they escape the human eye. Some zigzag more leisurely through the sky, or collide with other bolts.

In a boon for stargazers but a harsh reality for locals, the near nightly display is made all the more spectacular by the almost complete absence of light pollution.

There is no electrical grid here, and the few generators that still work are idle due to a critical lack of fuel occasioned by Venezuela's economic crisis.

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Only rarely is there the faint glow of a small home generator, or a beam from a fisherman's flashlight.

The foreign visitors who used to come to Zulia have been staying away due to the global coronavirus pandemic and Venezuela's economic problems.

Oblivious to the scientific interest in the phenomenon, Marianela Romera -- a fisherwoman of 40 whose worn face makes her look much older -- says that the lightning "shows us where to go."

NASA says Lake Maracaibo has a unique geography and climate ideal for the development of thunderstorms.

Located along part of the Andes mountains, storms form at night as the cool mountain breeze clashes with the warm, moist air over the lake.

One firebolt after another illuminates a stilt-house settlement where the Catatumbo river flows into Venezuela's Lake Maracaibo, the lightning capital of the world.

One firebolt after another illuminates a stilt-house settlement where the Catatumbo river flows into Venezuela's Lake Maracaibo, the lightning capital of the world. Holder of the Guinness World Record as the place with the highest concentration of lightning, South America's largest lake receives an average of 233 flashes per square kilometer every year, according to NASA -- thousands per night. A scientific and tourist curiosity, for the water-logged communities of Zulia state in Venezuela's northwest the phenomenon is known as the Catatumbo "lighthouse" which for centuries has helped them navigate their boats through the darkness. There is no thunder, just lightning -- a silent spectacle to be enjoyed about 300 nights per year, peaking in September. Jennifer Lopez, Ben Affleck not following each other on Instagram On clear nights, the flashes paint striking patterns across the Milky Way in a sky so full of stars one does not need a telescope for constellation gazing. Some are so fast they escape the human eye. Some zigzag more leisurely through the sky, or collide with other bolts. In a boon for stargazers but a harsh reality for locals, the near nightly display is made all the more spectacular by the almost complete absence of light pollution. There is no electrical grid here, and the few generators that still work are idle due to a critical lack of fuel occasioned by Venezuela's economic crisis. Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie now fight over their French wedding venue Uma Thurman reveals she had an abortion as a teenager, slams Texas law Only rarely is there the faint glow of a small home generator, or a beam from a fisherman's flashlight. The foreign visitors who used to come to Zulia have been staying away due to the global coronavirus pandemic and Venezuela's economic problems. Oblivious to the scientific interest in the phenomenon, Marianela Romera -- a fisherwoman of 40 whose worn face makes her look much older -- says that the lightning "shows us where to go." NASA says Lake Maracaibo has a unique geography and climate ideal for the development of thunderstorms. Located along part of the Andes mountains, storms form at night as the cool mountain breeze clashes with the warm, moist air over the lake.

Lake Maracaibo, lightning capital of the world

Representatives of the Venezuelan government and the opposition began a round of talks on Friday in Mexico City aimed at overcoming Venezuela's acute political and economic crisis, which has caused millions to flee the Latin American nation. 
 
Unlike previous negotiation efforts, the talks will include more than a dozen countries, among them the Netherlands, Russia, Bolivia, Turkey and Norway, which will act as the facilitator. 
 
At the National Museum of Anthropology, the parties agreed to a memorandum of understanding containing the road map that will guide the dialogue process. 
 
For the talks to advance to a potential agreement, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro demands that sanctions imposed by the United States and Europe on officials and institutions be lifted. Venezuela says the sanctions are responsible for the OPEC member's economic crisis. 
 
For its part, the opposition coalition calls to allow humanitarian aid, including vaccines against COVID-19, to enter into Venezuela; the release of dozens of supporters whom it considers "political prisoners;" and guarantees it will be allowed to participate in regional elections in November. 
 
"We already know what we do not agree on. ... The job now is to find points of confluence to guarantee the future and the happiness of the people of Venezuela," Jorge Rodriguez, president of Venezuela's parliament, said at the beginning of the talks. 
 
The return to the negotiating table represents a turnaround for the opposition, which in the past accused Maduro of using dialogue to buy time and defuse international pressure. The Venezuelan government abandoned the 2019 dialogue, which took place in Barbados and Norway, after the United States tightened sanctions. 
 
"Today we are beginning the second stage of a negotiation process that we know will be complex, which will surely have very difficult moments," said Gerardo Blyde, chair of the Venezuelan opposition delegation. 
 
"Between these two sidewalks where each party supports narratives that seem diametrically opposed is a street full of hopeless and suffering citizens, our people," he added.

Representatives of the Venezuelan government and the opposition began a round of talks on Friday in Mexico City aimed at overcoming Venezuela's acute political and economic crisis, which has caused millions to flee the Latin American nation.

Representatives of the Venezuelan government and the opposition began a round of talks on Friday in Mexico City aimed at overcoming Venezuela's acute political and economic crisis, which has caused millions to flee the Latin American nation. Unlike previous negotiation efforts, the talks will include more than a dozen countries, among them the Netherlands, Russia, Bolivia, Turkey and Norway, which will act as the facilitator. At the National Museum of Anthropology, the parties agreed to a memorandum of understanding containing the road map that will guide the dialogue process. For the talks to advance to a potential agreement, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro demands that sanctions imposed by the United States and Europe on officials and institutions be lifted. Venezuela says the sanctions are responsible for the OPEC member's economic crisis. For its part, the opposition coalition calls to allow humanitarian aid, including vaccines against COVID-19, to enter into Venezuela; the release of dozens of supporters whom it considers "political prisoners;" and guarantees it will be allowed to participate in regional elections in November. "We already know what we do not agree on. ... The job now is to find points of confluence to guarantee the future and the happiness of the people of Venezuela," Jorge Rodriguez, president of Venezuela's parliament, said at the beginning of the talks. The return to the negotiating table represents a turnaround for the opposition, which in the past accused Maduro of using dialogue to buy time and defuse international pressure. The Venezuelan government abandoned the 2019 dialogue, which took place in Barbados and Norway, after the United States tightened sanctions. "Today we are beginning the second stage of a negotiation process that we know will be complex, which will surely have very difficult moments," said Gerardo Blyde, chair of the Venezuelan opposition delegation. "Between these two sidewalks where each party supports narratives that seem diametrically opposed is a street full of hopeless and suffering citizens, our people," he added.

Venezuelan government and opposition talks open in Mexico City

As hyperinflation continues to plague Venezuela, the country has said that it will make a million-to-1 change in its currency soon, eliminating six zeros from prices in the local currency.

Venezuela to make a million-to-1 change in its currency soon

Venezuela will receive 6.2 million doses of coronavirus vaccines through the COVAX initiative "in the coming days," President Nicolas Maduro said on Sunday, potentially speeding up an inoculation campaign well behind regional peers. 
 
The announcement comes after the GAVI alliance, which co-runs the facility along with the World Health Organization (WHO), said in early July that COVAX had received payments from the South American country after Venezuelan officials said some payments were blocked by a bank due to US&nbsp;sanctions. 
 
Maduro had given COVAX an "ultimatum" to send the doses or return the funds Venezuela has already paid. 
 
Venezuela will receive doses of China's Sinopharm and Sinovac vaccines through the initiative, according to the Pan-American Health Organization (PAHO), the regional arm of the WHO. The country has so far been administering Sinopharm, Russia's Sputnik-V, and Cuba's Abdala vaccines. 
 
The country of some 28 million inhabitants has reported 305,766 cases and 3,591 deaths, official data show. It had administered some 2.2 million doses as of July 14, according to PAHO. Reuters data show Venezuela has fully vaccinated 3.9% of the population, among the lowest rates in Latin America.

Venezuela will receive 6.2 million doses of coronavirus vaccines through the COVAX initiative "in the coming days," President Nicolas Maduro said on Sunday, potentially speeding up an inoculation campaign well behind regional peers.

Venezuela will receive 6.2 million doses of coronavirus vaccines through the COVAX initiative "in the coming days," President Nicolas Maduro said on Sunday, potentially speeding up an inoculation campaign well behind regional peers. The announcement comes after the GAVI alliance, which co-runs the facility along with the World Health Organization (WHO), said in early July that COVAX had received payments from the South American country after Venezuelan officials said some payments were blocked by a bank due to US sanctions. Maduro had given COVAX an "ultimatum" to send the doses or return the funds Venezuela has already paid. Venezuela will receive doses of China's Sinopharm and Sinovac vaccines through the initiative, according to the Pan-American Health Organization (PAHO), the regional arm of the WHO. The country has so far been administering Sinopharm, Russia's Sputnik-V, and Cuba's Abdala vaccines. The country of some 28 million inhabitants has reported 305,766 cases and 3,591 deaths, official data show. It had administered some 2.2 million doses as of July 14, according to PAHO. Reuters data show Venezuela has fully vaccinated 3.9% of the population, among the lowest rates in Latin America.

Venezuela to receive COVAX vaccines in coming days, Maduro says

Venezuela's armed forces said on Friday that a US&nbsp;military plane violated its airspace along the South American country's border with Colombia in what it said was a "flagrant provocation." 
 
Venezuela, whose socialist government is under heavy sanctions from Washington, has on several occasions in recent years reported alleged airspace violations. 
 
It said that on Thursday evening, a C-17 plane from the US&nbsp;Air Force flew over the Perija mountains in western Zulia state for three minutes. 
 
"They are performing reconnaissance tasks on Venezuelan geophysical space, and thus we do not rule out other possible hostile actions that violate our sovereignty and territorial integrity," the Venezuelan armed forces said in a statement. 
 
The US&nbsp;State Department did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Washington accuses President Nicolas Maduro of corruption, human rights violations and rigging his 2018 re-election, and has pressured him to step down.

Venezuela's armed forces said on Friday that a US military plane violated its airspace along the South American country's border with Colombia in what it said was a "flagrant provocation.

Venezuela's armed forces said on Friday that a US military plane violated its airspace along the South American country's border with Colombia in what it said was a "flagrant provocation." Venezuela, whose socialist government is under heavy sanctions from Washington, has on several occasions in recent years reported alleged airspace violations. It said that on Thursday evening, a C-17 plane from the US Air Force flew over the Perija mountains in western Zulia state for three minutes. "They are performing reconnaissance tasks on Venezuelan geophysical space, and thus we do not rule out other possible hostile actions that violate our sovereignty and territorial integrity," the Venezuelan armed forces said in a statement. The US State Department did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Washington accuses President Nicolas Maduro of corruption, human rights violations and rigging his 2018 re-election, and has pressured him to step down.

Venezuela says US military plane violated its airspace

Once appearing to be heading towards Venezuela, two Iranian ships are now appearing to reach the Russian city of St Petersburg and are in the Baltic Sea currently, according to a website that tracks ships, MarineTraffic.&nbsp;

According to two US defence officials familiar with the ships' movements said, the ships’ position indicates they are likely headed to St Petersburg to participate in Russia's Navy Day events.&nbsp;

For about two months, the Pentagon has been monitoring the movement of the ships as they took round near the southern tip of Africa and appeared set to cross the Atlantic for Venezuela.&nbsp;

The concern of the Pentagon officials was the introduction of Iranian weapons into the Western Hemisphere through the possible delivery of weapons to Venezuela.&nbsp;

The ships, which were off the coast of West Africa in mid-June, began to inch north instead of crossing the Atlantic.&nbsp;

After the US imposed diplomatic pressure on the regime of Nicolas Maduro, Venezuela was forced to turn away the Iranian ships, said two officials at the time.&nbsp;

Not just this, diplomatic pressure was also put by the US on other countries along the route of the Iranian vessels, such as Senegal.&nbsp;

Once appearing to be heading towards Venezuela, two Iranian ships are now appearing to reach the Russian city of St Petersburg and are in the Baltic Sea currently, according to a website that tracks ships, MarineTraffic.

Once appearing to be heading towards Venezuela, two Iranian ships are now appearing to reach the Russian city of St Petersburg and are in the Baltic Sea currently, according to a website that tracks ships, MarineTraffic. According to two US defence officials familiar with the ships' movements said, the ships’ position indicates they are likely headed to St Petersburg to participate in Russia's Navy Day events. For about two months, the Pentagon has been monitoring the movement of the ships as they took round near the southern tip of Africa and appeared set to cross the Atlantic for Venezuela. The concern of the Pentagon officials was the introduction of Iranian weapons into the Western Hemisphere through the possible delivery of weapons to Venezuela. The ships, which were off the coast of West Africa in mid-June, began to inch north instead of crossing the Atlantic. After the US imposed diplomatic pressure on the regime of Nicolas Maduro, Venezuela was forced to turn away the Iranian ships, said two officials at the time. Not just this, diplomatic pressure was also put by the US on other countries along the route of the Iranian vessels, such as Senegal.

Earlier Venezuela, now two Iranian ships appear to reach St Petersburg

On July 07, Haiti President, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/haiti-president-jovenel-moise-assassinated-wife-injured-world-leaders-pay-tribute-396479">Jovenel Moise</a>, was assassinated in his home in the hills above Port-au-Prince, while his wife survived the attack.

While the assassination was a shock, its connection to the city of Miami has not come as a surprise. The Miami-Florida connection of major criminals has been infamous for several years.

This time, too, the main suspect of Moise’s assassination, Christian Emmanuel Sanon, is a Haitian with a strong connection to the Miami area. Another detainee is a Haitian-American and the security firm, Counter Terrorist Unit Federal Academy (CTU), which has been accused of recruiting these criminals, is also reportedly based in the area near the Miami International airport.

<h3>Operation Gideon</h3>

While the Haitian authorities were busy nabbing the assassinators, the world worked on finding the similarities between this assassination and the raid on Venezuela in May 2020.

In late 2019, a former US army sergeant, Jordan Gourdreau, turned his Miami apartment into the headquarters of Operation Gideon. The 43-year-old used his years of experience as a green beret in Iraq and Afghanistan and mapped out a plan to overthrow and kidnap Venezuela’s President,&nbsp;Nicolás Maduro.

However, his dreams of carrying out a successful coup fell apart very soon and he found himself, along with his partner, being paraded by the Venezuelan authorities in the streets, to set an example. Reportedly, eight people were killed and more than 100 were arrested for this unsuccessful coup attempt.

The Haiti President’s assassination also played out close to the heart of the US' crime city.

<h3>Miami’s power-hungry groups</h3>

As years after years, Miami pops up in the investigations against such assassinations and coups, it makes one wonder what is it about Miami that leads all investigators back to this infamous and unlabelled ‘sin city’.

Miami, in general, has a lot of exile communities who have been dreaming about overthrowing the government of their home country and returning back to their beloved homeland. Add to that a large population of retired, military veterans experienced in areas of Latin America and the Caribbean, and a long history of corrupt politics — and you have the perfect recipe of mercenary missions.

The exile communities in the area operate in an autonomous fashion. These communities have their own internal leadership that holds more local power than the officially elected government. In addition to having their own political governance, communities also run their own radio stations and media houses that run their own agenda.&nbsp; This, in turn, affects voting in the official elections, too. For example, the existence of the Cuban and Venezuelan diaspora had played a huge part in swinging votes to Trump from Florida in the 2016 and 2020 US elections.

As many experts say, Miami is an area full of people aching to return to their homeland but on their own conditions and under their rule.

The coast from Miami to Fort Lauderdale, till West palm Beach is dominantly populated by Latin American states, mainly by Cuban, Haitian and Venezuelan communities. While the Cubans reside in areas of Little Havana, Haiti communities populate area towards the north and the area near Doral is mainly populated by Venezuelans.

<h3>Private security firms</h3>

In recent years, several private security firms have sprouted across South Florida. There are several private security firms being run by the former US special forces who are hoping to find a comfortable yet meaningful retirement in the area.

The firm which has been named for helping in the Haitian president’s assassination was also reported to having ties with the Miami security circle. However, these connections were not confirmed yet.

As per local media reports, the criminals had hoped to kidnap the deceased President and experts believe the plan was far worse than mere murder. However, the fact that the plan failed has only added chaos in the country, which was also suffering due to a staggering economy and dangerous pandemic.

Whether or not the connection to Miami was actually true is something that will soon be revealed in further investigations.

On July 07, Haiti President, Jovenel Moise, was assassinated in his home in the hills above Port-au-Prince, while his wife survived the attack. While the assassination was a shock, its connection to the city of Miami has not come as a surprise.

On July 07, Haiti President, Jovenel Moise, was assassinated in his home in the hills above Port-au-Prince, while his wife survived the attack. While the assassination was a shock, its connection to the city of Miami has not come as a surprise. The Miami-Florida connection of major criminals has been infamous for several years. This time, too, the main suspect of Moise’s assassination, Christian Emmanuel Sanon, is a Haitian with a strong connection to the Miami area. Another detainee is a Haitian-American and the security firm, Counter Terrorist Unit Federal Academy (CTU), which has been accused of recruiting these criminals, is also reportedly based in the area near the Miami International airport. Operation Gideon While the Haitian authorities were busy nabbing the assassinators, the world worked on finding the similarities between this assassination and the raid on Venezuela in May 2020. In late 2019, a former US army sergeant, Jordan Gourdreau, turned his Miami apartment into the headquarters of Operation Gideon. The 43-year-old used his years of experience as a green beret in Iraq and Afghanistan and mapped out a plan to overthrow and kidnap Venezuela’s President, Nicolás Maduro. However, his dreams of carrying out a successful coup fell apart very soon and he found himself, along with his partner, being paraded by the Venezuelan authorities in the streets, to set an example. Reportedly, eight people were killed and more than 100 were arrested for this unsuccessful coup attempt. The Haiti President’s assassination also played out close to the heart of the US' crime city. Miami’s power-hungry groups As years after years, Miami pops up in the investigations against such assassinations and coups, it makes one wonder what is it about Miami that leads all investigators back to this infamous and unlabelled ‘sin city’. Miami, in general, has a lot of exile communities who have been dreaming about overthrowing the government of their home country and returning back to their beloved homeland. Add to that a large population of retired, military veterans experienced in areas of Latin America and the Caribbean, and a long history of corrupt politics — and you have the perfect recipe of mercenary missions. The exile communities in the area operate in an autonomous fashion. These communities have their own internal leadership that holds more local power than the officially elected government. In addition to having their own political governance, communities also run their own radio stations and media houses that run their own agenda. This, in turn, affects voting in the official elections, too. For example, the existence of the Cuban and Venezuelan diaspora had played a huge part in swinging votes to Trump from Florida in the 2016 and 2020 US elections. As many experts say, Miami is an area full of people aching to return to their homeland but on their own conditions and under their rule. The coast from Miami to Fort Lauderdale, till West palm Beach is dominantly populated by Latin American states, mainly by Cuban, Haitian and Venezuelan communities. While the Cubans reside in areas of Little Havana, Haiti communities populate area towards the north and the area near Doral is mainly populated by Venezuelans. Private security firms In recent years, several private security firms have sprouted across South Florida. There are several private security firms being run by the former US special forces who are hoping to find a comfortable yet meaningful retirement in the area. The firm which has been named for helping in the Haitian president’s assassination was also reported to having ties with the Miami security circle. However, these connections were not confirmed yet. As per local media reports, the criminals had hoped to kidnap the deceased President and experts believe the plan was far worse than mere murder. However, the fact that the plan failed has only added chaos in the country, which was also suffering due to a staggering economy and dangerous pandemic. Whether or not the connection to Miami was actually true is something that will soon be revealed in further investigations.

Exile headquarters: Why is Miami the 'hotbed' of Latin American assassinations and coup?

In this week's clashes between police and a gang in northwestern Caracas,&nbsp;at least 26 people have died and 38 are injured, Venezuelan Interior Minister Carmen Melendez&nbsp;said&nbsp;on Saturday. The victims include&nbsp;four officers.

This count has come up as the area has been witnessing&nbsp;heavy gunfire, which has forced&nbsp;some capital residents to flee homes along with traffic snarls in several neighbourhoods.

In the crime-stricken city,&nbsp;the authorities try to push back on what analysts describe as a gang's effort to expand its territory beyond the Cota 905 barrio.

Minister&nbsp;said 10 officers were injured in the clashes and&nbsp;22 'criminals' died. Around&nbsp;28 'civilians', a reference to residents not suspected to be gang members, were injured and that some civilians died, though she did not specify how many and did not provide further details. 
 
Human rights activists said this week that four people were killed by stray bullets during the clashes. Activists and the political opposition have for years accused President Nicolas Maduro's government of disregarding and covering up civilian casualties in anti-crime raids. 
 
They have also criticised pacts the socialist government signed with some gangs to create no-go areas for police in certain neighborhoods in a bid to lower violence, arguing the so-called 'peace zones' allowed gangs to consolidate power and resources. 
 
"While civilians and police were murdered, western Caracas lived in fear for two days, and Venezuelans are fleeing the conflict, the dictatorship put on a show,"&nbsp;said opposition leader Juan Guaido. 
 
Vice President Delcy Rodriguez, speaking alongside Melendez on state television, alleged the gang that controls Cota 905 was linked to some opposition politicians, without providing evidence. She added that three alleged members of 'Colombian paramilitary' groups were detained in connection to the raids. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

In this week's clashes between police and a gang in northwestern Caracas, at least 26 people have died and 38 are injured, Venezuelan Interior Minister Carmen Melendez said on Saturday.

In this week's clashes between police and a gang in northwestern Caracas, at least 26 people have died and 38 are injured, Venezuelan Interior Minister Carmen Melendez said on Saturday. The victims include four officers. This count has come up as the area has been witnessing heavy gunfire, which has forced some capital residents to flee homes along with traffic snarls in several neighbourhoods. In the crime-stricken city, the authorities try to push back on what analysts describe as a gang's effort to expand its territory beyond the Cota 905 barrio. Minister said 10 officers were injured in the clashes and 22 'criminals' died. Around 28 'civilians', a reference to residents not suspected to be gang members, were injured and that some civilians died, though she did not specify how many and did not provide further details. Human rights activists said this week that four people were killed by stray bullets during the clashes. Activists and the political opposition have for years accused President Nicolas Maduro's government of disregarding and covering up civilian casualties in anti-crime raids. They have also criticised pacts the socialist government signed with some gangs to create no-go areas for police in certain neighborhoods in a bid to lower violence, arguing the so-called 'peace zones' allowed gangs to consolidate power and resources. "While civilians and police were murdered, western Caracas lived in fear for two days, and Venezuelans are fleeing the conflict, the dictatorship put on a show," said opposition leader Juan Guaido. Vice President Delcy Rodriguez, speaking alongside Melendez on state television, alleged the gang that controls Cota 905 was linked to some opposition politicians, without providing evidence. She added that three alleged members of 'Colombian paramilitary' groups were detained in connection to the raids. (With inputs from agencies)

Venezuela says clashes between police, gang leave 26 dead

Authorities in&nbsp;Venezuela&nbsp;issued search warrants and offered&nbsp;rewards&nbsp;Thursday of up to $500,000&nbsp;for&nbsp;gang&nbsp;bosses fueling deadly clashes between armed bandits and security forces in the capital Caracas.

The biggest&nbsp;rewards&nbsp;were for three criminal&nbsp;leaders&nbsp;known by their aliases of "Koki," "El Galvis" and "El Vampi," while others had prices of between $20,000&nbsp;and $50,000&nbsp;placed on their heads.

Koki, real name Carlos Luis Revete, is a leader of the&nbsp;gang&nbsp;Cota 905, one of several involved in a fresh outbreak of running battles with police in the poorer neighborhoods of Caracas since Wednesday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/study-shows-covid-19-origins-reflect-initial-spread-of-sars-virus-17-years-ago-396714">Also read |&nbsp;Study shows COVID-19 origins reflect initial spread of SARS virus 17 years ago</a>

Local media say a dozen people have been killed, including a number of bystanders.

Venezuela, once a wealthy oil-producing nation, is in its fourth year of hyperinflation and its eight year of recession.&nbsp;

It is one of the most violent countries on Earth, with heavily armed gangs rife in poor neighborhoods.

The&nbsp;rewards&nbsp;offered are astronomical sums in a country where the monthly minimum wage is about $2.50 -- not enough to buy a kilogram (2.2 pounds) of meat.

In 2020,&nbsp;Venezuela&nbsp;registered 12,000&nbsp;violent deaths, according to the Venezuelan Violence Observatory. This is a rate of 45.6 per 100,000&nbsp;inhabitants -- seven times higher than the global average.

Authorities in Venezuela issued search warrants and offered rewards Thursday of up to $500,000 for gang bosses fueling deadly clashes between armed bandits and security forces in the capital Caracas.

Authorities in Venezuela issued search warrants and offered rewards Thursday of up to $500,000 for gang bosses fueling deadly clashes between armed bandits and security forces in the capital Caracas. The biggest rewards were for three criminal leaders known by their aliases of "Koki," "El Galvis" and "El Vampi," while others had prices of between $20,000 and $50,000 placed on their heads. Koki, real name Carlos Luis Revete, is a leader of the gang Cota 905, one of several involved in a fresh outbreak of running battles with police in the poorer neighborhoods of Caracas since Wednesday. Also read | Study shows COVID-19 origins reflect initial spread of SARS virus 17 years ago Local media say a dozen people have been killed, including a number of bystanders. Venezuela, once a wealthy oil-producing nation, is in its fourth year of hyperinflation and its eight year of recession. It is one of the most violent countries on Earth, with heavily armed gangs rife in poor neighborhoods. The rewards offered are astronomical sums in a country where the monthly minimum wage is about $2.50 -- not enough to buy a kilogram (2.2 pounds) of meat. In 2020, Venezuela registered 12,000 violent deaths, according to the Venezuelan Violence Observatory. This is a rate of 45.6 per 100,000 inhabitants -- seven times higher than the global average.

Venezuela offers $500,000 rewards for gang leaders

President Joe Biden reaffirmed US support &nbsp;for Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido in a letter Monday even in the midst of efforts to resume negotiations with President Nicolas Maduro's government.&nbsp;

"Under your leadership&nbsp;and in coalition with civil society leaders you are preserving those ideals of freedom democracy and sovereignty," Biden wrote in a letter addressed to Guaido and sent through the Office of Venezuelan Affairs in neighboring Colombia, an official in that office told AFP.

The letter was sent on the occasion of the anniversary of Venezuela's independence, on July 5, 1811.

Biden said that Guaido is guiding his country "through a peaceful democratic transition of power."

Guaido is recognized by some 50 countries as Venezuela's interim leader as head of the National Assembly after Maduro declared victory in 2018 elections widely decried as fraudulent.

The administration of former US president Donald Trump imposed severe financial sanctions on Venezuela and its national oil company PDVSA in an unsuccessful effort to oust the leftist as Venezuela has plunged deeper into political, economic and humanitarian crisis.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/florida-building-collapse-death-toll-rises-to-28-with-117-missing-396088">Also read |&nbsp;Florida building collapse: Death toll rises to 28, with 117 missing</a>

The United States and the European Union said in June, however, that they would be willing to renegotiate certain sanctions if the Venezuelans made strides toward "credible elections."

Guaido on Monday led rallies calling for new elections, after the main opposition parties boycotted the 2018 presidential election and the 2020 legislative elections.&nbsp;

Maduro is totally opposed to the idea as gubernatorial and mayoral elections are coming up in November.&nbsp;

Maduro on Friday accused the United States of plotting to assassinate him, rhetorically asking if Biden had approved a plan.&nbsp;

"Has Joe Biden signed off on Donald Trump's orders to bring a civil war to Venezuela and to kill us? Yes or no? I'm asking," he said, referring to a visit by CIA director William Burns and SouthCom chief Craig Faller to Colombia and Brazil.&nbsp;

Washington and Caracas broke off diplomatic relations in 2019 after the White House's recognition of Guaido's mandate.&nbsp;

The US embassy in Caracas is closed, with matters relating to the countries' relationship now handled at an office in Bogota.

President Joe Biden reaffirmed US support for Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido in a letter Monday even in the midst of efforts to resume negotiations with President Nicolas Maduro's government.

President Joe Biden reaffirmed US support for Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido in a letter Monday even in the midst of efforts to resume negotiations with President Nicolas Maduro's government. "Under your leadership and in coalition with civil society leaders you are preserving those ideals of freedom democracy and sovereignty," Biden wrote in a letter addressed to Guaido and sent through the Office of Venezuelan Affairs in neighboring Colombia, an official in that office told AFP. The letter was sent on the occasion of the anniversary of Venezuela's independence, on July 5, 1811. Biden said that Guaido is guiding his country "through a peaceful democratic transition of power." Guaido is recognized by some 50 countries as Venezuela's interim leader as head of the National Assembly after Maduro declared victory in 2018 elections widely decried as fraudulent. The administration of former US president Donald Trump imposed severe financial sanctions on Venezuela and its national oil company PDVSA in an unsuccessful effort to oust the leftist as Venezuela has plunged deeper into political, economic and humanitarian crisis. Also read | Florida building collapse: Death toll rises to 28, with 117 missing The United States and the European Union said in June, however, that they would be willing to renegotiate certain sanctions if the Venezuelans made strides toward "credible elections." Guaido on Monday led rallies calling for new elections, after the main opposition parties boycotted the 2018 presidential election and the 2020 legislative elections. Maduro is totally opposed to the idea as gubernatorial and mayoral elections are coming up in November. Maduro on Friday accused the United States of plotting to assassinate him, rhetorically asking if Biden had approved a plan. "Has Joe Biden signed off on Donald Trump's orders to bring a civil war to Venezuela and to kill us? Yes or no? I'm asking," he said, referring to a visit by CIA director William Burns and SouthCom chief Craig Faller to Colombia and Brazil. Washington and Caracas broke off diplomatic relations in 2019 after the White House's recognition of Guaido's mandate. The US embassy in Caracas is closed, with matters relating to the countries' relationship now handled at an office in Bogota.

Biden reaffirms support for Venezuela opposition leader

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