WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - March 29th 2019

Venezuela faces second major blackout this month

Venezuela's auditor general's office announced on Thursday that it has stripped <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-guaido-envoy-asks-spain-to-press-for-tougher-eu-sanctions-on-maduro-204762">opposition leader Juan Guaido</a>, congressional speaker, of the right to hold public office for 15 years.

The move, announced by Auditor General Elvis Amoroso on state television, marked another effort by President Nicolas Maduro's regime to politically sideline Guaido, who is recognized by the US and 50 other countries as Venezuela's interim president.

The move comes as &nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-tells-russia-to-get-its-troops-out-of-venezuela-206097">US and Russia clashed publicly </a>over Venezuela on Monday, raising geopolitical stakes over the oil-producing nation after Moscow sent dozens of soldiers to Caracas amid what it alleged was a budding "coup."

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo warned his counterpart Sergei Lavrov over the phone that "the United States and regional countries will not stand idly by as Russia exacerbates tensions in Venezuela."

Although Russian state news agency Sputnik described the troop arrival as a movement to "fulfill technical military contracts," the development unsettled Washington, which has thrown its weight behind opposition leader Juan Guaido as interim president against President Nicolas Maduro.

Lavrov said in a statement he had complained of "attempts by Washington to organize a coup d'etat in Venezuela" during his conversation with Pompeo.

President Nicolas Maduro had accused the United States of using frozen Venezuelan funds to bankroll mercenaries to assassinate him in a "plot" he said was directed by opposition leader Juan Guaido.

"We have dismantled a plan organized personally by the diabolical puppet to kill me," Maduro told thousands of supporters in Caracas, referring to Guaido, who is recognized as interim president by more than 50 countries.

He alleged that Colombia, Venezuela's US-aligned neighbor, was also involved, and said that an unidentified Colombian paramilitary chief had been captured in the country "and is giving testimony."

Maduro's government gave details of the alleged plot on state television, with Information Minister Jorge Rodriguez saying "hitmen" from El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras had been recruited "using big sums of money" and sent to Colombia ahead of missions into Venezuela to carry out "targeted assassinations" and "sabotage."

Venezuela's auditor general's office announced on Thursday that it has stripped opposition leader Juan Guaido, congressional speaker, of the right to hold public office for 15 years.

Venezuela's auditor general's office announced on Thursday that it has stripped opposition leader Juan Guaido, congressional speaker, of the right to hold public office for 15 years. The move, announced by Auditor General Elvis Amoroso on state television, marked another effort by President Nicolas Maduro's regime to politically sideline Guaido, who is recognized by the US and 50 other countries as Venezuela's interim president. The move comes as US and Russia clashed publicly over Venezuela on Monday, raising geopolitical stakes over the oil-producing nation after Moscow sent dozens of soldiers to Caracas amid what it alleged was a budding "coup." US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo warned his counterpart Sergei Lavrov over the phone that "the United States and regional countries will not stand idly by as Russia exacerbates tensions in Venezuela." Although Russian state news agency Sputnik described the troop arrival as a movement to "fulfill technical military contracts," the development unsettled Washington, which has thrown its weight behind opposition leader Juan Guaido as interim president against President Nicolas Maduro. Lavrov said in a statement he had complained of "attempts by Washington to organize a coup d'etat in Venezuela" during his conversation with Pompeo. President Nicolas Maduro had accused the United States of using frozen Venezuelan funds to bankroll mercenaries to assassinate him in a "plot" he said was directed by opposition leader Juan Guaido. "We have dismantled a plan organized personally by the diabolical puppet to kill me," Maduro told thousands of supporters in Caracas, referring to Guaido, who is recognized as interim president by more than 50 countries. He alleged that Colombia, Venezuela's US-aligned neighbor, was also involved, and said that an unidentified Colombian paramilitary chief had been captured in the country "and is giving testimony." Maduro's government gave details of the alleged plot on state television, with Information Minister Jorge Rodriguez saying "hitmen" from El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras had been recruited "using big sums of money" and sent to Colombia ahead of missions into Venezuela to carry out "targeted assassinations" and "sabotage."

Venezuela's auditor general strips Guaido of public office

‘Russia has to get out’ of Venezuela: Trump

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-troops-in-venezuela-not-linked-to-any-military-operations-foreign-ministry-206267">Russian troops in Venezuela not linked to any military operations: Foreign ministry</a>

A day after&nbsp;President Trump asked&nbsp;Russian troops to "get out" of Venezuela, the Russian foreign ministry said that its troops in Venezuela were "not linked" to any military operations.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/fire-breaks-out-in-22-storey-building-in-bangladesh-several-feared-trapped-206273">Five killed in Bangladesh building fire; several still feared trapped</a>

At least five people were killed while Several others still feared trapped in a huge fire that broke out in a 22-storey building in Dhaka's Banani area on Thursday, in the latest blaze to hit the Bangladeshi capital.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/article-35a-surreptitiously-inserted-by-nehru-govt-in-constitution-arun-jaitley-206257">Article 35A surreptitiously inserted by Nehru govt in Constitution: Arun Jaitley</a>

Union Finance Minister Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Thursday wrote a blog post, where he launched a scathing attack against the Congress and blamed Pt Nehru’s govt and Nehruvian vision for Jammu and Kashmir’s present situation.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/common-citizen-robert-vadra-now-involved-in-huge-deals-says-ed-seeking-his-custody-206269">Common citizen Robert Vadra now involved in huge deals, says ED seeking his custody</a>

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday opposed the anticipatory bail plea of Robert Vadra in a money laundering case. Appearing before the Patiala House Court in Delhi, ED advocate DP Singh said, "We need his custodial interrogation, we have sufficient material."

<a href="http://cms.wionews.com/india-news/syria-backs-india-as-a-full-fledged-member-of-the-organisation-of-islamic-cooperation-206265">Syria backs India as a full-fledged member of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation</a>

India has a big number of Islamic people and we want India to be a full member of OIC, said Syrian Ambassador to India, Riad Abbas.&nbsp;In an interview with WION, Riad Abbas talked about his views on India-Syria relationship, Islamic State and India's membership at the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

Russian troops in Venezuela not linked to any military operations: Foreign ministry A day after President Trump asked Russian troops to "get out" of Venezuela, the Russian foreign ministry said that its troops in Venezuela were "not linked" to any military operations.

Russian troops in Venezuela not linked to any military operations: Foreign ministry A day after President Trump asked Russian troops to "get out" of Venezuela, the Russian foreign ministry said that its troops in Venezuela were "not linked" to any military operations. Five killed in Bangladesh building fire; several still feared trapped At least five people were killed while Several others still feared trapped in a huge fire that broke out in a 22-storey building in Dhaka's Banani area on Thursday, in the latest blaze to hit the Bangladeshi capital. Article 35A surreptitiously inserted by Nehru govt in Constitution: Arun Jaitley Union Finance Minister Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Thursday wrote a blog post, where he launched a scathing attack against the Congress and blamed Pt Nehru’s govt and Nehruvian vision for Jammu and Kashmir’s present situation. Common citizen Robert Vadra now involved in huge deals, says ED seeking his custody The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday opposed the anticipatory bail plea of Robert Vadra in a money laundering case. Appearing before the Patiala House Court in Delhi, ED advocate DP Singh said, "We need his custodial interrogation, we have sufficient material." Syria backs India as a full-fledged member of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation India has a big number of Islamic people and we want India to be a full member of OIC, said Syrian Ambassador to India, Riad Abbas. In an interview with WION, Riad Abbas talked about his views on India-Syria relationship, Islamic State and India's membership at the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

News brief: Big stories of the day

A day after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-tells-russia-to-get-its-troops-out-of-venezuela-206097">President Trump asked </a>Russian troops to "get out" of Venezuela, the Russian foreign ministry said that its troops in Venezuela were "not linked" to any military operations.

"Russia, unlike Washington, "isn't threatening anyone" in Venezuela," the Russian foreign ministry said.

"They are involved in the implementation of agreements in the sphere of military and technical cooperation," said ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, adding they would remain in the country "for as long as needed."

"Russia is not changing the balance of power in the region, Russia is not threatening anyone unlike citizens in Washington whom I have just quoted," she added.

On Wednesday, President Trump had said that "Russia has to get out" as he met <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/enough-already-says-wife-of-venezuelan-opposition-leader-to-maduro-205184">Fabiana Rosales, the wife</a> of Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido. Trump and Vice President Mike Pence met with Rosales to express support for her husband

The Russian foreign ministry had earlier said that &nbsp;Moscow's decision to send military specialists to Caracas was in full accordance with Venezuelan law, after Russian military planes delivered troops and equipment to the country.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had warned foriegn minister Sergei Lavrov over the phone that "the United States and regional countries will not stand idly by as Russia exacerbates tensions in Venezuela."

"The United States views Russia's arrival of military planes this weekend as an unwelcome provocation," Pence said after meeting Rosales, adding,"We call on Russia today to cease all support of the Maduro regime and stand with Juan Guaido and stand with nations across this hemisphere and across the world until freedom is restored."

US has imposed heavy sanctions on Venezuela including its lucrative state oil company PDVSA.&nbsp;

Last week it sanctioned a key bank, BANDES and four affiliates over their support for President Nicolas Maduro. The Trump administration had also put sanctions on Venezuelan state mining company, charging that its illicit gold operations.

The US has already pulled out its diplomats from Venezuela. The US had recognised Juan Guaido, 35, as the interim president in January, calling Maduro’s 2018 re-election a fraud. Most countries in Europe and Latin America have also recognised Guaido. 
&nbsp;

A day after President Trump asked Russian troops to "get out" of Venezuela, the Russian foreign ministry said that its troops in Venezuela were "not linked" to any military operations.

A day after President Trump asked Russian troops to "get out" of Venezuela, the Russian foreign ministry said that its troops in Venezuela were "not linked" to any military operations. "Russia, unlike Washington, "isn't threatening anyone" in Venezuela," the Russian foreign ministry said. "They are involved in the implementation of agreements in the sphere of military and technical cooperation," said ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, adding they would remain in the country "for as long as needed." "Russia is not changing the balance of power in the region, Russia is not threatening anyone unlike citizens in Washington whom I have just quoted," she added. On Wednesday, President Trump had said that "Russia has to get out" as he met Fabiana Rosales, the wife of Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido. Trump and Vice President Mike Pence met with Rosales to express support for her husband The Russian foreign ministry had earlier said that Moscow's decision to send military specialists to Caracas was in full accordance with Venezuelan law, after Russian military planes delivered troops and equipment to the country. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had warned foriegn minister Sergei Lavrov over the phone that "the United States and regional countries will not stand idly by as Russia exacerbates tensions in Venezuela." "The United States views Russia's arrival of military planes this weekend as an unwelcome provocation," Pence said after meeting Rosales, adding,"We call on Russia today to cease all support of the Maduro regime and stand with Juan Guaido and stand with nations across this hemisphere and across the world until freedom is restored." US has imposed heavy sanctions on Venezuela including its lucrative state oil company PDVSA. Last week it sanctioned a key bank, BANDES and four affiliates over their support for President Nicolas Maduro. The Trump administration had also put sanctions on Venezuelan state mining company, charging that its illicit gold operations. The US has already pulled out its diplomats from Venezuela. The US had recognised Juan Guaido, 35, as the interim president in January, calling Maduro’s 2018 re-election a fraud. Most countries in Europe and Latin America have also recognised Guaido.

Russian troops in Venezuela not linked to any military operations: Foreign ministry

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday called on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-accuses-us-of-plotting-coup-in-venezuela-205616">Russia </a>to pull its <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russian-air-force-planes-carrying-troops-landed-in-venezuela-205499">troops from Venezuela</a> and warned that "all options" were open to make that happen.

"Russia has to get out," Trump told reporters in the Oval Office, where he met with Fabiana Rosales, the wife of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/venezuela-blackout-continues-maduro-govt-extends-workschool-holiday-206031">Venezuelan</a> opposition leader Juan Guaido.

Two Russian Air Force planes landed outside Caracas on Saturday carrying nearly 100 Russian troops. The US government believes the troops include special forces and cybersecurity personnel.

Asked how he would make Russian forces leave, Trump said: "We'll see. All options are open."

Trump and Vice President Mike Pence met with Rosales to express support for her husband, who invoked the constitution to assume the interim presidency in January, saying President Nicolas Maduro's re-election was not legitimate.

"The United States views Russia's arrival of military planes this weekend as an unwelcome provocation," Pence told reporters.

"We call on Russia today to cease all support of the Maduro regime and stand with Juan Guaido and stand with nations across this hemisphere and across the world until freedom is restored," Pence said. 
&nbsp;

&nbsp;

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday called on Russia to pull its troops from Venezuela and warned that "all options" were open to make that happen. "Russia has to get out," Trump told reporters in the Oval Office, where he met with Fabiana Rosales, the wife of Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido.

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday called on Russia to pull its troops from Venezuela and warned that "all options" were open to make that happen. "Russia has to get out," Trump told reporters in the Oval Office, where he met with Fabiana Rosales, the wife of Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido. Two Russian Air Force planes landed outside Caracas on Saturday carrying nearly 100 Russian troops. The US government believes the troops include special forces and cybersecurity personnel. Asked how he would make Russian forces leave, Trump said: "We'll see. All options are open." Trump and Vice President Mike Pence met with Rosales to express support for her husband, who invoked the constitution to assume the interim presidency in January, saying President Nicolas Maduro's re-election was not legitimate. "The United States views Russia's arrival of military planes this weekend as an unwelcome provocation," Pence told reporters. "We call on Russia today to cease all support of the Maduro regime and stand with Juan Guaido and stand with nations across this hemisphere and across the world until freedom is restored," Pence said.

Russian troops must get out of Venezuela: Trump

Vast portions of Venezuela remained in the dark on Wednesday as the second major blackout this month left the streets of Caracas mostly empty and residents wondering how long power would be out amid a deepening economic crisis.

President Nicolas Maduro's Socialist government, which had blamed sabotage by the United States and the opposition for the previous power cut, said an "attack" on its electrical system caused the blackout that first hit on Monday. The outage shuttered businesses, paralysed the country's main oil export terminal, and stranded commuters.

Intermittent service has long affected Venezuela's largely rural interior, but residents of Caracas fear the increasing blackouts in the capital mean that unreliable power is becoming the new normal for them, too.

Maria Garces, a dentist in Caracas, described the situation as 'mummies' waking around, trying to get what they need.

"They are starving us to death because if there is no electricity, then the banks are not operating, there's no internet, there's nothing. In others words, people are walking around like mummies trying to get to where they need to get to without really knowing how. They all go out looking for food but then not be able to buy any because there aren't any jobs. I work, I am coming here to take care of an emergency which I will not be able to tend to - I am a dentist. The people are there with oral pain and nothing can be done for them. People are dying in hospitals," Garces said.

The blackout came amid tensions with the United States over the weekend arrival of Russian military planes, which led Washington to accuse Moscow of "reckless escalation" of the country's political crisis.

The United States believes the planes were carrying "cybersecurity personnel," a US official told Reuters on Tuesday. That would suggest part of their mission could be helping Maduro's loyalists with surveillance and protecting the government's cyber infrastructure.

Russia, which has major energy investments in OPEC member Venezuela, has remained a staunch ally of Maduro, while the United States and most other Western nations have endorsed opposition leader Juan Guaido.

Citing the constitution, Guaido in January assumed the interim presidency, saying Maduro's re-election last year was fraudulent. Maduro says Guaido is a US puppet attempting to lead a coup against him and has blamed worsening economic difficulties on sanctions imposed by Washington.

Upon leaving a National Assembly session on Tuesday, individuals threw stones at the vehicle in which Guaido was travelling and tried to open its doors, according to a Reuters witness. Referring to the event on Twitter, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said, "we condemn the attack on @JGuaido's caravan."

Vast portions of Venezuela remained in the dark on Wednesday as the second major blackout this month left the streets of Caracas mostly empty and residents wondering how long power would be out amid a deepening economic crisis.

Vast portions of Venezuela remained in the dark on Wednesday as the second major blackout this month left the streets of Caracas mostly empty and residents wondering how long power would be out amid a deepening economic crisis. President Nicolas Maduro's Socialist government, which had blamed sabotage by the United States and the opposition for the previous power cut, said an "attack" on its electrical system caused the blackout that first hit on Monday. The outage shuttered businesses, paralysed the country's main oil export terminal, and stranded commuters. Intermittent service has long affected Venezuela's largely rural interior, but residents of Caracas fear the increasing blackouts in the capital mean that unreliable power is becoming the new normal for them, too. Maria Garces, a dentist in Caracas, described the situation as 'mummies' waking around, trying to get what they need. "They are starving us to death because if there is no electricity, then the banks are not operating, there's no internet, there's nothing. In others words, people are walking around like mummies trying to get to where they need to get to without really knowing how. They all go out looking for food but then not be able to buy any because there aren't any jobs. I work, I am coming here to take care of an emergency which I will not be able to tend to - I am a dentist. The people are there with oral pain and nothing can be done for them. People are dying in hospitals," Garces said. The blackout came amid tensions with the United States over the weekend arrival of Russian military planes, which led Washington to accuse Moscow of "reckless escalation" of the country's political crisis. The United States believes the planes were carrying "cybersecurity personnel," a US official told Reuters on Tuesday. That would suggest part of their mission could be helping Maduro's loyalists with surveillance and protecting the government's cyber infrastructure. Russia, which has major energy investments in OPEC member Venezuela, has remained a staunch ally of Maduro, while the United States and most other Western nations have endorsed opposition leader Juan Guaido. Citing the constitution, Guaido in January assumed the interim presidency, saying Maduro's re-election last year was fraudulent. Maduro says Guaido is a US puppet attempting to lead a coup against him and has blamed worsening economic difficulties on sanctions imposed by Washington. Upon leaving a National Assembly session on Tuesday, individuals threw stones at the vehicle in which Guaido was travelling and tried to open its doors, according to a Reuters witness. Referring to the event on Twitter, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said, "we condemn the attack on @JGuaido's caravan."

Second major blackout leaves Venezuelans fearing power cuts will be the norm

Russia's foreign ministry said Tuesday that Moscow's decision to send <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-accuses-us-of-plotting-coup-in-venezuela-205616">military specialists to Caracas</a> was in full accordance with Venezuelan law, after Russian military planes delivered troops and equipment to the country in a move denounced by Washington.

Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said in a statement that Moscow is "developing <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-arrests-colombian-fugitive-said-linked-to-terror-plot-205198">cooperation with Venezuela </a>in strict accordance with the constitution of that country and with full respect for its legal norms."&nbsp;

She added that "the presence of Russian specialists on Venezuelan territory is regulated by an agreement between the Russian and Venezuelan governments on military and technical cooperation that was signed in May 2001."

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had warned his counterpart Sergei Lavrov over the phone that "the United States and regional countries will not stand idly by as Russia exacerbates tensions in Venezuela."

The tense conversation came after Russia sent two planes reportedly carrying around 100 soldiers and 35 tons of military equipment to Venezuela's main airport outside Caracas on Saturday.

Although Russian state news agency Sputnik described the troop arrival as a movement to "fulfill technical military contracts," the development unsettled Washington, which has thrown its weight behind opposition leader Juan Guaido as interim president against President Nicolas Maduro.

"The continued insertion of Russian military personnel to support the illegitimate regime of Nicolas Maduro in Venezuela risks prolonging the suffering of the Venezuelan people who overwhelmingly support interim President Juan Guaido," Pompeo said, according to his office.

The Organization of American States echoed the US condemnation.

Lavrov said in a statement he had complained of "attempts by Washington to organize a coup d'etat in Venezuela" during his conversation with Pompeo.

Such moves "constitute violations of the UN charter and undisguised interference in the internal affairs of a sovereign state," it said.

Russia's foreign ministry said Tuesday that Moscow's decision to send military specialists to Caracas was in full accordance with Venezuelan law, after Russian military planes delivered troops and equipment to the country in a move denounced by Washington.

Russia's foreign ministry said Tuesday that Moscow's decision to send military specialists to Caracas was in full accordance with Venezuelan law, after Russian military planes delivered troops and equipment to the country in a move denounced by Washington. Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said in a statement that Moscow is "developing cooperation with Venezuela in strict accordance with the constitution of that country and with full respect for its legal norms." She added that "the presence of Russian specialists on Venezuelan territory is regulated by an agreement between the Russian and Venezuelan governments on military and technical cooperation that was signed in May 2001." US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had warned his counterpart Sergei Lavrov over the phone that "the United States and regional countries will not stand idly by as Russia exacerbates tensions in Venezuela." The tense conversation came after Russia sent two planes reportedly carrying around 100 soldiers and 35 tons of military equipment to Venezuela's main airport outside Caracas on Saturday. Although Russian state news agency Sputnik described the troop arrival as a movement to "fulfill technical military contracts," the development unsettled Washington, which has thrown its weight behind opposition leader Juan Guaido as interim president against President Nicolas Maduro. "The continued insertion of Russian military personnel to support the illegitimate regime of Nicolas Maduro in Venezuela risks prolonging the suffering of the Venezuelan people who overwhelmingly support interim President Juan Guaido," Pompeo said, according to his office. The Organization of American States echoed the US condemnation. Lavrov said in a statement he had complained of "attempts by Washington to organize a coup d'etat in Venezuela" during his conversation with Pompeo. Such moves "constitute violations of the UN charter and undisguised interference in the internal affairs of a sovereign state," it said.

Decision to send military specialists to Venezuela in accordance with law: Russia

Many regions in Venezuela including some areas in Caracas was hit by new blackout on Monday.

The power cut occurred at 1:28 pm in the capital and the entire city centre was out of electricity.

Shops were closed fearing looters, cellphone signals were also disrupted and television was blanked out.

This comes after weeks of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-maduro-government-shuts-schools-suspends-working-day-as-blackout-enters-second-day-202053">previous blackout which started around March 1</a>&nbsp;and lasted for a week. Many were affected during that time, several patients died, public transport came to a halt, water supplies were interrupted, forcing citizens to turn to sewage outflows and polluted water sources.

Few Venezuelans took to Twitter complaining about the blackout.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
I had to make a decision today: I could either go to the supermarket to buy food, or wait to see if there was another blackout. I ate something while I was out reporting ... the fridge is still empty ... good call, very bad way of living. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Venezuela?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Venezuela</a>
— Ana Vanessa Herrero (@AnaVHerrero) <a href="https://twitter.com/AnaVHerrero/status/1110363071577575425?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 26, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Another <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/blackout?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#blackout</a> in Venezuela. This is beyond nightmare. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/apagon?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#apagon</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/valencia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#valencia</a>
— J. Carolina MQ (@jekac_7) <a href="https://twitter.com/jekac_7/status/1110361929812455425?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 26, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Another countrwide black out. 
 
I'm logging off to conserve battery. Plus who knows how long we'll have a connection.
— Joaco in Venezuela (@JoacoMachado) <a href="https://twitter.com/JoacoMachado/status/1110363903584657408?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 26, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

A Venezuelan newspaper reported that the power was out at Venezuela's main international airport outside Caracas.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/venezuelas-maduro-accuses-us-of-financing-mercenary-plot-against-him-205158">President Nicolas Maduro</a>'s government blamed the power outage on an ''attack'' which targeted main hydroelectric plant Guri. It supplies power to 80 per cent of Venezuelans.

Many regions in Venezuela including some areas in Caracas was hit by new blackout on Monday. The power cut occurred at 1:28 pm in the capital and the entire city centre was out of electricity.

Many regions in Venezuela including some areas in Caracas was hit by new blackout on Monday. The power cut occurred at 1:28 pm in the capital and the entire city centre was out of electricity. Shops were closed fearing looters, cellphone signals were also disrupted and television was blanked out. This comes after weeks of the previous blackout which started around March 1 and lasted for a week. Many were affected during that time, several patients died, public transport came to a halt, water supplies were interrupted, forcing citizens to turn to sewage outflows and polluted water sources. Few Venezuelans took to Twitter complaining about the blackout. I had to make a decision today: I could either go to the supermarket to buy food, or wait to see if there was another blackout. I ate something while I was out reporting ... the fridge is still empty ... good call, very bad way of living. #Venezuela — Ana Vanessa Herrero (@AnaVHerrero) March 26, 2019 × Another #blackout in Venezuela. This is beyond nightmare. #apagon #valencia — J. Carolina MQ (@jekac_7) March 26, 2019 × Another countrwide black out. I'm logging off to conserve battery. Plus who knows how long we'll have a connection. — Joaco in Venezuela (@JoacoMachado) March 26, 2019 × A Venezuelan newspaper reported that the power was out at Venezuela's main international airport outside Caracas. President Nicolas Maduro's government blamed the power outage on an ''attack'' which targeted main hydroelectric plant Guri. It supplies power to 80 per cent of Venezuelans.

Several regions in Venezuela face new blackout

Russian air force planes carrying troops landed in Venezuela

The wife of Venezuelan <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-guaido-envoy-asks-spain-to-press-for-tougher-eu-sanctions-on-maduro-204762">opposition leader Juan Guaido</a> had a brief message for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/venezuelas-maduro-accuses-us-of-financing-mercenary-plot-against-him-205158">President Nicolas Maduro</a> on Saturday, following the arrest of her husband's chief of staff this week: "Enough already."

In an interview with Reuters in Peru, where she met with Venezuelan immigrants before a trip to the United States, Fabiana Rosales said the arrest of Roberto Marrero on terrorism accusations on Thursday was a "farcical" attempt by Maduro to break the opposition's morale.

"We are very clear about what our objective is and what our route is and this is part of their game (Nicolas Maduro's government), to put obstacles in the way that deviate us from our final goal but they have bumped into a generation that does not gives up," said Rosales, a 26-year-old journalist and opposition activist who is considered Venezuela's first lady by supporters.

Venezuela plunged into a deep political crisis in January, when Guaido invoked the constitution to assume an interim presidency, arguing Maduro's 2018 re-election was illegitimate. He has been recognized by most Latin American and Western countries as Venezuela's rightful leader.

But Maduro retains control of state functions and the loyalty of the military top brass. A socialist, Maduro says Guaido is a puppet of the United States and is attempting to lead a coup against him to wrest control of the OPEC nation's oil reserves, the largest in the world.

Rosales said spies and pro-government armed groups known as "collectives" have long followed her and her husband, monitoring their movements and stalking their family members and friends.

Venezuela's foreign ministry did not answer phone calls seeking comment outside regular working hours on Saturday. Venezuelan authorities have accused Marrero of planning attacks against political figures and said an arms cache had been seized from his house.

Guaido, 35, told Reuters in an interview on Friday that he was prepared for more people in his team to be arrested, but thought Maduro's government had reached its final stage.

Rosales said she thought Maduro was too fearful to have Guaido himself arrested.

Rosales declined to comment on whom she plans to meet in the United States but said she has confirmed visits to New York City and Miami.

The wife of Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido had a brief message for President Nicolas Maduro on Saturday, following the arrest of her husband's chief of staff this week: "Enough already.

The wife of Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido had a brief message for President Nicolas Maduro on Saturday, following the arrest of her husband's chief of staff this week: "Enough already." In an interview with Reuters in Peru, where she met with Venezuelan immigrants before a trip to the United States, Fabiana Rosales said the arrest of Roberto Marrero on terrorism accusations on Thursday was a "farcical" attempt by Maduro to break the opposition's morale. "We are very clear about what our objective is and what our route is and this is part of their game (Nicolas Maduro's government), to put obstacles in the way that deviate us from our final goal but they have bumped into a generation that does not gives up," said Rosales, a 26-year-old journalist and opposition activist who is considered Venezuela's first lady by supporters. Venezuela plunged into a deep political crisis in January, when Guaido invoked the constitution to assume an interim presidency, arguing Maduro's 2018 re-election was illegitimate. He has been recognized by most Latin American and Western countries as Venezuela's rightful leader. But Maduro retains control of state functions and the loyalty of the military top brass. A socialist, Maduro says Guaido is a puppet of the United States and is attempting to lead a coup against him to wrest control of the OPEC nation's oil reserves, the largest in the world. Rosales said spies and pro-government armed groups known as "collectives" have long followed her and her husband, monitoring their movements and stalking their family members and friends. Venezuela's foreign ministry did not answer phone calls seeking comment outside regular working hours on Saturday. Venezuelan authorities have accused Marrero of planning attacks against political figures and said an arms cache had been seized from his house. Guaido, 35, told Reuters in an interview on Friday that he was prepared for more people in his team to be arrested, but thought Maduro's government had reached its final stage. Rosales said she thought Maduro was too fearful to have Guaido himself arrested. Rosales declined to comment on whom she plans to meet in the United States but said she has confirmed visits to New York City and Miami.

'Enough already!' wife of Venezuelan opposition leader Guaido tells Maduro

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/venezuelas-maduro-accuses-us-of-financing-mercenary-plot-against-him-205158">Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro</a> said Saturday that his government captured the head of the Colombian criminal gang Los Rastrojos and linked the fugitive to alleged plans by an opposition party to carry out terrorist acts.

"We have captured the head of Los Rastrojos in Carabobo state, and he is providing testimony and evidence of who hired him and why they brought him to Venezuela," the president said during a meeting with thousands of his followers outside Miraflores presidential palace.

Information Minister Jorge Rodriguez identified on Twitter the captured crime boss as Wilfrido Torres Gomez, alias "Neco," wanted in Colombia for criminal acts in the region of Puerto Santander.

Rodriguez had previously told a press conference that several Central American paramilitaries entered Venezuela from Colombia on Feb. 23 amid the violence unleashed on the border when the opposition tried to bring humanitarian aid into the country.

Rodriguez linked those paramilitaries to Popular Will, the party of National Assembly speaker Juan Guaido, who proclaimed himself acting president of Venezuela on Jan. 23 and is accepted as such by around 50 countries.

Maduro said authorities located Torres Gomez thanks to tips provided by Roberto Marrero, Guaido's chief of staff, detained early last Thursday after his home was raided and military weapons and large amounts of cash were found.

About the accusations this Saturday, Guaido has said nothing as yet, though he did make light of the accusations against Marrero.

Venezuela has been going through a new stage of political crisis ever since Maduro was sworn in last January for a new term in office that is not recognized by the opposition or by much of the international community, and in response, Guaido proclaimed himself interim president.

Guaido on Saturday asked the militant opposition to remain "confident" and to stay "in the streets," upon completing the second month of his challenge to Maduro.

"I ask for your presence in the streets and an intangible: confidence, not in Juan Guaido, confidence in yourselves...and in what we are going to achieve," the opposition leader told a meeting with thousands of followers in the northeastern state of Anzoategui.

The United States, which has been at odds with Venezuela since Maduro's late predecessor and mentor, Hugo Chavez, took office in 1999, immediately recognized Guaido when he declared himself acting president.

Guaido has since been recognized by dozens of other countries, including much of Latin America and the major European powers with the exception of Italy.

Washington and its allies agree with the Venezuelan opposition that Maduro's re-election last May lacked legitimacy.

China, Russia and India are among the scores of nations that continue to recognize Maduro.

The ongoing political standoff comes amid a severe economic crisis in Venezuela marked by shortages of basic goods and hyperinflation.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro said Saturday that his government captured the head of the Colombian criminal gang Los Rastrojos and linked the fugitive to alleged plans by an opposition party to carry out terrorist acts.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro said Saturday that his government captured the head of the Colombian criminal gang Los Rastrojos and linked the fugitive to alleged plans by an opposition party to carry out terrorist acts. "We have captured the head of Los Rastrojos in Carabobo state, and he is providing testimony and evidence of who hired him and why they brought him to Venezuela," the president said during a meeting with thousands of his followers outside Miraflores presidential palace. Information Minister Jorge Rodriguez identified on Twitter the captured crime boss as Wilfrido Torres Gomez, alias "Neco," wanted in Colombia for criminal acts in the region of Puerto Santander. Rodriguez had previously told a press conference that several Central American paramilitaries entered Venezuela from Colombia on Feb. 23 amid the violence unleashed on the border when the opposition tried to bring humanitarian aid into the country. Rodriguez linked those paramilitaries to Popular Will, the party of National Assembly speaker Juan Guaido, who proclaimed himself acting president of Venezuela on Jan. 23 and is accepted as such by around 50 countries. Maduro said authorities located Torres Gomez thanks to tips provided by Roberto Marrero, Guaido's chief of staff, detained early last Thursday after his home was raided and military weapons and large amounts of cash were found. About the accusations this Saturday, Guaido has said nothing as yet, though he did make light of the accusations against Marrero. Venezuela has been going through a new stage of political crisis ever since Maduro was sworn in last January for a new term in office that is not recognized by the opposition or by much of the international community, and in response, Guaido proclaimed himself interim president. Guaido on Saturday asked the militant opposition to remain "confident" and to stay "in the streets," upon completing the second month of his challenge to Maduro. "I ask for your presence in the streets and an intangible: confidence, not in Juan Guaido, confidence in yourselves...and in what we are going to achieve," the opposition leader told a meeting with thousands of followers in the northeastern state of Anzoategui. The United States, which has been at odds with Venezuela since Maduro's late predecessor and mentor, Hugo Chavez, took office in 1999, immediately recognized Guaido when he declared himself acting president. Guaido has since been recognized by dozens of other countries, including much of Latin America and the major European powers with the exception of Italy. Washington and its allies agree with the Venezuelan opposition that Maduro's re-election last May lacked legitimacy. China, Russia and India are among the scores of nations that continue to recognize Maduro. The ongoing political standoff comes amid a severe economic crisis in Venezuela marked by shortages of basic goods and hyperinflation.

Venezuela arrests Colombian fugitive said linked to terror plot

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/maduro-creates-military-unit-to-protect-public-service-installations-203677">President Nicolas Maduro</a> on Saturday accused the United States of using frozen Venezuelan funds to bankroll mercenaries to assassinate him in a "plot" he said was directed by opposition leader Juan Guaido.

"We have dismantled a plan organized personally by the diabolical puppet to kill me," Maduro told thousands of supporters in Caracas, referring to Guaido, who is recognized as interim president by more than 50 countries.

He alleged that Colombia, Venezuela's US-aligned neighbour, was also involved, and said that an unidentified Colombian paramilitary chief had been captured in the country "and is giving testimony."

Maduro's government gave details of the alleged plot on state television, with Information Minister Jorge Rodriguez saying "hitmen" from El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras had been recruited "using big sums of money" and sent to Colombia ahead of missions into Venezuela to carry out "targeted assassinations" and "sabotage."

Rodriguez accused Guaido's chief of staff, Roberto Marrero, of receiving money from the United States and being a key organizer of the alleged operation.

Marrero, a 49-year-old lawyer, was arrested on Thursday in his Caracas home, triggering an outcry and demands he be immediately released by the US, the European Union and major Latin American countries that recognize Guaido as Venezuela's interim president.&nbsp;

He yelled out to a neighbour, an opposition lawmaker, that the SEBIN intelligence officers arresting him had planted two assault rifles and a grenade in his home.&nbsp;

Hours later, Maduro's government showed pictures of weapons it said it found an alleged Marrero was part of a "terrorist cell."

US ratchets up sanctions&nbsp;

Rodriguez played recordings he said were from WhatsApp conversations between Marrero and Guaido in which he said they discussed using Venezuelan funds blocked by US sanctions to finance armed groups with the support of Colombian President Ivan Duque.

The accusations were repeated shortly afterwards by Maduro as he addressed a crowd of thousands of supporters in the capital.

According to his government, the United States has seized $30 billion is Venezuelan assets, including money in bank accounts.

Rodriguez alleged funds in accounts in Bank of America and Banesco Panama were being used in the plot.

Guaido, the head of the opposition-run assembly, has asked the international community to keep up its pressure on Maduro's government.

The United States has ratcheted up successive rounds of sanctions on Venezuela, suspending visas for 300 Venezuelans deemed close to the regime and making it difficult for the state-run oil company PDVSA to operate or secure credit on the markets.

On April 28, the sanctions will jump up another level with an embargo on crude exports.

US President Donald Trump's administration has repeatedly warned Maduro to not arrest or intimidate Guaido or his aides, or else face unspecified consequences.

Trump has reiterated that "all options" -- implicitly including military action -- are on the table for dealing with Venezuela.

President Nicolas Maduro on Saturday accused the United States of using frozen Venezuelan funds to bankroll mercenaries to assassinate him in a "plot" he said was directed by opposition leader Juan Guaido.

President Nicolas Maduro on Saturday accused the United States of using frozen Venezuelan funds to bankroll mercenaries to assassinate him in a "plot" he said was directed by opposition leader Juan Guaido. "We have dismantled a plan organized personally by the diabolical puppet to kill me," Maduro told thousands of supporters in Caracas, referring to Guaido, who is recognized as interim president by more than 50 countries. He alleged that Colombia, Venezuela's US-aligned neighbour, was also involved, and said that an unidentified Colombian paramilitary chief had been captured in the country "and is giving testimony." Maduro's government gave details of the alleged plot on state television, with Information Minister Jorge Rodriguez saying "hitmen" from El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras had been recruited "using big sums of money" and sent to Colombia ahead of missions into Venezuela to carry out "targeted assassinations" and "sabotage." Rodriguez accused Guaido's chief of staff, Roberto Marrero, of receiving money from the United States and being a key organizer of the alleged operation. Marrero, a 49-year-old lawyer, was arrested on Thursday in his Caracas home, triggering an outcry and demands he be immediately released by the US, the European Union and major Latin American countries that recognize Guaido as Venezuela's interim president. He yelled out to a neighbour, an opposition lawmaker, that the SEBIN intelligence officers arresting him had planted two assault rifles and a grenade in his home. Hours later, Maduro's government showed pictures of weapons it said it found an alleged Marrero was part of a "terrorist cell." US ratchets up sanctions Rodriguez played recordings he said were from WhatsApp conversations between Marrero and Guaido in which he said they discussed using Venezuelan funds blocked by US sanctions to finance armed groups with the support of Colombian President Ivan Duque. The accusations were repeated shortly afterwards by Maduro as he addressed a crowd of thousands of supporters in the capital. According to his government, the United States has seized $30 billion is Venezuelan assets, including money in bank accounts. Rodriguez alleged funds in accounts in Bank of America and Banesco Panama were being used in the plot. Guaido, the head of the opposition-run assembly, has asked the international community to keep up its pressure on Maduro's government. The United States has ratcheted up successive rounds of sanctions on Venezuela, suspending visas for 300 Venezuelans deemed close to the regime and making it difficult for the state-run oil company PDVSA to operate or secure credit on the markets. On April 28, the sanctions will jump up another level with an embargo on crude exports. US President Donald Trump's administration has repeatedly warned Maduro to not arrest or intimidate Guaido or his aides, or else face unspecified consequences. Trump has reiterated that "all options" -- implicitly including military action -- are on the table for dealing with Venezuela.

Venezuela's Maduro accuses US of financing mercenary 'plot' against him

The United States on Friday slapped sanctions on a key Venezuelan bank, BANDES and four affiliates over their support for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/maduro-creates-military-unit-to-protect-public-service-installations-203677">President Nicolas Maduro</a>.

The US move came just hours after Maduro's regime defied the United States and arrested a top aide of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-guaido-envoy-asks-spain-to-press-for-tougher-eu-sanctions-on-maduro-204762">opposition leader Juan Guaido</a>, whom Washington recognizes as the crisis-hit country's interim leader.

Venezuelan Interior Minister Nestor Reverol accused the aide, Roberto Marrero, a 49-year-old lawyer who serves as Guaido's chief of staff, of leading a "terrorist cell" bent on attacking the government's leadership.

The companies sanctioned are BANDES, a state-controlled bank; Banco Bandes Uruguay; Banco Bicentenario del Pueblos; Banco Universal SA Banco de Venezuela; and Banco Prodem SA, of Bolivia.

"All property and interests in property of these entities, and of any entities that are owned, directly or indirectly, 50 per cent or more by this entity, that are in the United States or in the possession or control of US persons are blocked and must be reported to OFAC," the Treasury Department Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) statement said.

"Maduro and his enablers have distorted the original purpose of the bank, which was founded to help the economic and social wellbeing of the Venezuelan people, as part of a desperate attempt to hold onto power," Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said.

"Roberto Marrero and other political prisoners must be released&nbsp; 
immediately," Mnuchin stressed.

National Security Advisor John Bolton said on Twitter that "BANDES bank is to Venezuela's financial sector what PDVSA is to its oil sector. This action will severely affect any attempted currency movements by Maduro and his cronies moving forward. Do not test the resolve of this Administration."

The United States has repeatedly warned Maduro's government against arresting Guaido or his close aides, saying it would face unspecified repercussions.

US President Donald Trump reiterated this week he was considering "all options" at his disposal to see Maduro dislodged and Guaido installed in power, implying military action if he deemed it necessary.

US Vice President Mike Pence said in an op-ed in the Miami Herald Friday that "Nicolas Maduro must go."

A UN spokesman Thursday expressed "concern" at the arrest, urging "all actors in Venezuela to take immediate steps to lower tensions and refrain from any action that could lead to further escalation."&nbsp;

The United States on Friday slapped sanctions on a key Venezuelan bank, BANDES and four affiliates over their support for President Nicolas Maduro. The US move came just hours after Maduro's regime defied the United States and arrested a top aide of opposition leader Juan Guaido, whom Washington recognizes as the crisis-hit country's interim leader.

The United States on Friday slapped sanctions on a key Venezuelan bank, BANDES and four affiliates over their support for President Nicolas Maduro. The US move came just hours after Maduro's regime defied the United States and arrested a top aide of opposition leader Juan Guaido, whom Washington recognizes as the crisis-hit country's interim leader. Venezuelan Interior Minister Nestor Reverol accused the aide, Roberto Marrero, a 49-year-old lawyer who serves as Guaido's chief of staff, of leading a "terrorist cell" bent on attacking the government's leadership. The companies sanctioned are BANDES, a state-controlled bank; Banco Bandes Uruguay; Banco Bicentenario del Pueblos; Banco Universal SA Banco de Venezuela; and Banco Prodem SA, of Bolivia. "All property and interests in property of these entities, and of any entities that are owned, directly or indirectly, 50 per cent or more by this entity, that are in the United States or in the possession or control of US persons are blocked and must be reported to OFAC," the Treasury Department Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) statement said. "Maduro and his enablers have distorted the original purpose of the bank, which was founded to help the economic and social wellbeing of the Venezuelan people, as part of a desperate attempt to hold onto power," Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said. "Roberto Marrero and other political prisoners must be released immediately," Mnuchin stressed. National Security Advisor John Bolton said on Twitter that "BANDES bank is to Venezuela's financial sector what PDVSA is to its oil sector. This action will severely affect any attempted currency movements by Maduro and his cronies moving forward. Do not test the resolve of this Administration." The United States has repeatedly warned Maduro's government against arresting Guaido or his close aides, saying it would face unspecified repercussions. US President Donald Trump reiterated this week he was considering "all options" at his disposal to see Maduro dislodged and Guaido installed in power, implying military action if he deemed it necessary. US Vice President Mike Pence said in an op-ed in the Miami Herald Friday that "Nicolas Maduro must go." A UN spokesman Thursday expressed "concern" at the arrest, urging "all actors in Venezuela to take immediate steps to lower tensions and refrain from any action that could lead to further escalation."

US slaps sanctions on Venezuelan bank

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?q=Lionel+Messi">Lionel Messi</a> will start Friday's friendly against Venezuela in Madrid as he makes his return for Argentina following a self-imposed eight-month exile, coach Lionel Scaloni confirmed.

Scaloni said that Messi would line up alongside Inter Milan forward Lautaro Martinez and Atlanta United's Gonzalo Martinez in attack as he revealed his full starting team.

"It's a joy for me and for everyone that he's back," Scaloni told a news conference on Thursday.

"Now what remains is try and get the team to play along with him and get the best out of him. We're all very happy that he's back."

"It is the others who have to take that step so that Argentina can return to the level it had," added Scaloni, who replaced Jorge Sampaoli as coach following the last-16 defeat by France at the 2018 World Cup.

Messi has missed six friendlies since the tournament in Russia but many believe he will be an essential part of the team that travels to Brazil for the Copa America, which kicks off June 14.

"We have a way of playing and feeling football in these six games we've had. We're not going to change it, that (Messi) is coming is more incentive for us and another addition."

"We've played different systems and we're going to do it in the same way, added to his great quality," Scaloni added.

"But we need the rest, who are all top players and key figures at their clubs, to give us that bit extra to try and be a great team."

Scaloni refused to be drawn on whether Messi would also travel with the squad for next week's friendly against Morocco in Tangier, but said he would not risk the Barcelona forward's fitness.

The news that Messi would be involved for the game at Atletico Madrid's Wanda Metropolitano ground pleased Venezuela coach Rafael Dudamel.

"The presence of the best player in the world lifts the game's expectation," Dudamel said.

"For us to take on Argentina is a good way to see how we stack up. The return of Lionel Messi makes the demands on us extremely high."

Lionel Messi will start Friday's friendly against Venezuela in Madrid as he makes his return for Argentina following a self-imposed eight-month exile, coach Lionel Scaloni confirmed.

Lionel Messi will start Friday's friendly against Venezuela in Madrid as he makes his return for Argentina following a self-imposed eight-month exile, coach Lionel Scaloni confirmed. Scaloni said that Messi would line up alongside Inter Milan forward Lautaro Martinez and Atlanta United's Gonzalo Martinez in attack as he revealed his full starting team. "It's a joy for me and for everyone that he's back," Scaloni told a news conference on Thursday. "Now what remains is try and get the team to play along with him and get the best out of him. We're all very happy that he's back." "It is the others who have to take that step so that Argentina can return to the level it had," added Scaloni, who replaced Jorge Sampaoli as coach following the last-16 defeat by France at the 2018 World Cup. Messi has missed six friendlies since the tournament in Russia but many believe he will be an essential part of the team that travels to Brazil for the Copa America, which kicks off June 14. "We have a way of playing and feeling football in these six games we've had. We're not going to change it, that (Messi) is coming is more incentive for us and another addition." "We've played different systems and we're going to do it in the same way, added to his great quality," Scaloni added. "But we need the rest, who are all top players and key figures at their clubs, to give us that bit extra to try and be a great team." Scaloni refused to be drawn on whether Messi would also travel with the squad for next week's friendly against Morocco in Tangier, but said he would not risk the Barcelona forward's fitness. The news that Messi would be involved for the game at Atletico Madrid's Wanda Metropolitano ground pleased Venezuela coach Rafael Dudamel. "The presence of the best player in the world lifts the game's expectation," Dudamel said. "For us to take on Argentina is a good way to see how we stack up. The return of Lionel Messi makes the demands on us extremely high."

Lionel Messi to start Venezuela friendly on Argentina return

The man representing Venezuelan self-proclaimed <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/venezuelas-guaido-says-intelligence-agents-seize-his-chief-of-staff-204685">acting president Juan Guaido</a> in the United States is urging Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez to convince his European Union partners to impose tougher sanctions on incumbent <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/maduro-creates-military-unit-to-protect-public-service-installations-203677">Nicolas Maduro</a>.

"It seems to me, (that) what Maduro's government has to understand is that the pressure is just beginning and it is the moment to increase it," Carlos Vecchio said in an interview with EFE.

The EU should take steps to ensure that Maduro's allies cannot use European financial institutions to hide the money they are "stealing" from oil-rich Venezuela, Vecchio said.

Spain, he said, should lead that effort because the Iberian nation has traditionally served as a link between Latin America and Europe, which gives Madrid moral authority to argue for a more punitive stance toward Maduro by the EU, 24 of whose 28 member-states have recognized Guaido.

"My appeal is to Pedro Sanchez for him, as the head of government in Spain ... to push inside the framework of the EU for the sanctions that cut off the Maduro regime and which will force him to find a way out of the crisis," Vecchio said.

Sanchez formally recognized Guaido as Venezuela's acting president on Feb. 4 and advocated the scheduling of "competitive free and fair elections" as soon as possible.

At the same time, Spain has taken part in the International Contact Group for Venezuela, an EU-led initiative comprising Latin American and European countries with a mission "to help create the conditions for a political process that would lead to free and fair presidential elections."

Asked about that EU bid to resolve the crisis, Vecchio was dismissive.

"My message to the contact group is that there is not much to discuss, only when Maduro leaves power," Guaido's envoy said.

Even so, Vecchio thinks that Spain can play an "important role" by providing a haven for Venezuelan officials who want to abandon the Maduro administration, a possibility discussed by the Spanish and US governments.

"I believe that the regime is collapsing, everyone knows that Maduro is the past. Maduro is not going anywhere and many people are negotiating secretly because they know he is going to fall at any moment and everyone is trying to save himself," Vecchio said.

A top official of Guaido's Popular Will party, Vecchio has been living in self-imposed exile in Florida for more than four years. He fled Venezuela to avoid arrest on charges of fomenting violent protests in 2014.

The US government has accredited Vecchio as Venezuela's diplomatic representative.

The man representing Venezuelan self-proclaimed acting president Juan Guaido in the United States is urging Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez to convince his European Union partners to impose tougher sanctions on incumbent Nicolas Maduro.

The man representing Venezuelan self-proclaimed acting president Juan Guaido in the United States is urging Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez to convince his European Union partners to impose tougher sanctions on incumbent Nicolas Maduro. "It seems to me, (that) what Maduro's government has to understand is that the pressure is just beginning and it is the moment to increase it," Carlos Vecchio said in an interview with EFE. The EU should take steps to ensure that Maduro's allies cannot use European financial institutions to hide the money they are "stealing" from oil-rich Venezuela, Vecchio said. Spain, he said, should lead that effort because the Iberian nation has traditionally served as a link between Latin America and Europe, which gives Madrid moral authority to argue for a more punitive stance toward Maduro by the EU, 24 of whose 28 member-states have recognized Guaido. "My appeal is to Pedro Sanchez for him, as the head of government in Spain ... to push inside the framework of the EU for the sanctions that cut off the Maduro regime and which will force him to find a way out of the crisis," Vecchio said. Sanchez formally recognized Guaido as Venezuela's acting president on Feb. 4 and advocated the scheduling of "competitive free and fair elections" as soon as possible. At the same time, Spain has taken part in the International Contact Group for Venezuela, an EU-led initiative comprising Latin American and European countries with a mission "to help create the conditions for a political process that would lead to free and fair presidential elections." Asked about that EU bid to resolve the crisis, Vecchio was dismissive. "My message to the contact group is that there is not much to discuss, only when Maduro leaves power," Guaido's envoy said. Even so, Vecchio thinks that Spain can play an "important role" by providing a haven for Venezuelan officials who want to abandon the Maduro administration, a possibility discussed by the Spanish and US governments. "I believe that the regime is collapsing, everyone knows that Maduro is the past. Maduro is not going anywhere and many people are negotiating secretly because they know he is going to fall at any moment and everyone is trying to save himself," Vecchio said. A top official of Guaido's Popular Will party, Vecchio has been living in self-imposed exile in Florida for more than four years. He fled Venezuela to avoid arrest on charges of fomenting violent protests in 2014. The US government has accredited Vecchio as Venezuela's diplomatic representative.

Venezuela: Guaido envoy asks Spain to press for tougher EU sanctions on Maduro

Water is now gold for desperate Venezuelans

Reliance Industries is selling fuels to Venezuela from India and Europe to sidestep sanctions that bar US-based companies from dealing with state-run PDVSA, according to trading sources and Refinitiv Eikon data.

Reliance had been supplying alkylate, diluent naphtha and other fuel to Venezuela through its US-based subsidiary before Washington in late January imposed sanctions aimed at curbing the OPEC member's oil exports and ousting Socialist President Nicolas Maduro.

Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/india-should-be-wary-of-the-us-sponsored-crisis-in-venezuela-194281"> India should be wary of the US-sponsored crisis in Venezuela</a>

At least three vessels chartered by the Indian conglomerate supplied refined products to Venezuela in recent weeks, and another vessel carrying gasoil is expected to set sail to the South American nation as well, according to the sources and data.

A Reliance spokesman wrote to Reuters in an email and said,&nbsp;"Reliance is and will remain in compliance with the sanctions and shall work with the concerned authorities."

He also said, "the volume of products supplied to and crude oil imported from Venezuela have not increased."

Reliance, a conglomerate controlled by billionaire Mukesh Ambani, has significant exposure to the financial system of the United States, where it operates subsidiaries linked to its oil and telecom businesses, among others.

The Indian market is crucial for Venezuela's economy because it has historically been the second-largest cash-paying customer for the OPEC country's crude, behind the United States.

Additional sanctions against Venezuela are possible in the future, as US President Donald Trump's administration has not yet tried to prevent companies based outside the United States from buying Venezuelan oil, a strategy known as "secondary sanctions."

Refinitiv Eikon trade data shows that Reliance shipped alkylate, a component for motor gasoline, to Venezuela on vessels Torm Mary and Torm Anabel in recent weeks. Those originated in India and passed through the Suez Canal.

It also shipped a gasoline cargo using tanker Torm Troilus to Venezuela and is preparing to send 35,000 tonnes of gasoil in a vessel called Vukovar to the South American nation.

"Reliance is also supplying some products from its Rotterdam storage," a source familiar with Reliance's operation said.

PDVSA did not reply to a request for comment.

In a statement last week, Reliance said its US unit has completely stopped all business with PDVSA. Reliance also halted all supply of diluents including heavy naphtha to Venezuela and does not plan to resume such sales until sanctions are lifted, according to the release.

Venezuela has overall imported some 160,000 barrels per day of fuel and diluents for its extra heavy oil output since the US measures were imposed, according to PDVSA and Definitive data, below levels prior to the sanctions but still enough to supply gas stations and power plants.

Reliance is among the biggest buyers of Venezuelan oil, although the company has recently said it has not increased crude purchases from Venezuela. In 2012, Reliance signed a 15-year deal to buy between 300,000 to 400,000 bpd of heavy crude from PDVSA.

Ship tracking data obtained by Reuters showed that Reliance's average purchases from Venezuela were less than 300,000 bpd in 2018 and in the first two months of this year.

Venezuela continues to supply at least some oil to India. A very large crude carrier (VLCC) is anchored off Venezuela's Jose port waiting to load oil bound for India, and at least six other vessels of the same size are underway to India's Sikka and Vadinar ports, according to the Refinitiv data.

PDVSA's second-largest customer in India is Nayara Energy, partially owned by Russian energy firm Rosneft, one of PDVSA's primary allies.

Reliance Industries is selling fuels to Venezuela from India and Europe to sidestep sanctions that bar US-based companies from dealing with state-run PDVSA, according to trading sources and Refinitiv Eikon data.

Reliance Industries is selling fuels to Venezuela from India and Europe to sidestep sanctions that bar US-based companies from dealing with state-run PDVSA, according to trading sources and Refinitiv Eikon data. Reliance had been supplying alkylate, diluent naphtha and other fuel to Venezuela through its US-based subsidiary before Washington in late January imposed sanctions aimed at curbing the OPEC member's oil exports and ousting Socialist President Nicolas Maduro. Also read: India should be wary of the US-sponsored crisis in Venezuela At least three vessels chartered by the Indian conglomerate supplied refined products to Venezuela in recent weeks, and another vessel carrying gasoil is expected to set sail to the South American nation as well, according to the sources and data. A Reliance spokesman wrote to Reuters in an email and said, "Reliance is and will remain in compliance with the sanctions and shall work with the concerned authorities." He also said, "the volume of products supplied to and crude oil imported from Venezuela have not increased." Reliance, a conglomerate controlled by billionaire Mukesh Ambani, has significant exposure to the financial system of the United States, where it operates subsidiaries linked to its oil and telecom businesses, among others. The Indian market is crucial for Venezuela's economy because it has historically been the second-largest cash-paying customer for the OPEC country's crude, behind the United States. Additional sanctions against Venezuela are possible in the future, as US President Donald Trump's administration has not yet tried to prevent companies based outside the United States from buying Venezuelan oil, a strategy known as "secondary sanctions." Refinitiv Eikon trade data shows that Reliance shipped alkylate, a component for motor gasoline, to Venezuela on vessels Torm Mary and Torm Anabel in recent weeks. Those originated in India and passed through the Suez Canal. It also shipped a gasoline cargo using tanker Torm Troilus to Venezuela and is preparing to send 35,000 tonnes of gasoil in a vessel called Vukovar to the South American nation. "Reliance is also supplying some products from its Rotterdam storage," a source familiar with Reliance's operation said. PDVSA did not reply to a request for comment. In a statement last week, Reliance said its US unit has completely stopped all business with PDVSA. Reliance also halted all supply of diluents including heavy naphtha to Venezuela and does not plan to resume such sales until sanctions are lifted, according to the release. Venezuela has overall imported some 160,000 barrels per day of fuel and diluents for its extra heavy oil output since the US measures were imposed, according to PDVSA and Definitive data, below levels prior to the sanctions but still enough to supply gas stations and power plants. Reliance is among the biggest buyers of Venezuelan oil, although the company has recently said it has not increased crude purchases from Venezuela. In 2012, Reliance signed a 15-year deal to buy between 300,000 to 400,000 bpd of heavy crude from PDVSA. Ship tracking data obtained by Reuters showed that Reliance's average purchases from Venezuela were less than 300,000 bpd in 2018 and in the first two months of this year. Venezuela continues to supply at least some oil to India. A very large crude carrier (VLCC) is anchored off Venezuela's Jose port waiting to load oil bound for India, and at least six other vessels of the same size are underway to India's Sikka and Vadinar ports, according to the Refinitiv data. PDVSA's second-largest customer in India is Nayara Energy, partially owned by Russian energy firm Rosneft, one of PDVSA's primary allies.

Reliance sends fuel from India, Europe to Venezuela to sidestep US sanctions

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday reaffirmed that "all options" are being considered in his drive to bring down Venezuela's socialist President Nicolas Maduro.

"All options are on the table," he told reporters in the White House. "It's a shame what's happening in Venezuela —&nbsp;the debt and the destruction and the hunger."

Trump spoke at a meeting where he hosted <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bolsonaro-compliments-trump-who-replies-brazil-could-join-nato-204420">Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro</a>, who has backed the US-led campaign to pressure Maduro.

In response, the Venezuelan foreign ministry accused Trump and Bolsonaro of being apologists for war, and described their statements as "dangerous" and a "threat to international peace and security."

"No neofascist alliance will succeed in overcoming the independent and sovereign will of the Venezuelan people, nor will it succeed in its aim to spread hatred and war strategies," it said.

The United States and more than 50 other countries, including Brazil, recognize opposition leader Juan Guaido, the head of the National Assembly, as Venezuela's rightful president.

The White House said Trump would also discuss the Venezuela crisis with Caribbean leaders —&nbsp;including from the Bahamas, the Dominican Republic, Haiti, Jamaica and Saint Lucia —&nbsp;at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida on Friday.&nbsp;

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday reaffirmed that "all options" are being considered in his drive to bring down Venezuela's socialist President Nicolas Maduro.

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday reaffirmed that "all options" are being considered in his drive to bring down Venezuela's socialist President Nicolas Maduro. "All options are on the table," he told reporters in the White House. "It's a shame what's happening in Venezuela — the debt and the destruction and the hunger." Trump spoke at a meeting where he hosted Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, who has backed the US-led campaign to pressure Maduro. In response, the Venezuelan foreign ministry accused Trump and Bolsonaro of being apologists for war, and described their statements as "dangerous" and a "threat to international peace and security." "No neofascist alliance will succeed in overcoming the independent and sovereign will of the Venezuelan people, nor will it succeed in its aim to spread hatred and war strategies," it said. The United States and more than 50 other countries, including Brazil, recognize opposition leader Juan Guaido, the head of the National Assembly, as Venezuela's rightful president. The White House said Trump would also discuss the Venezuela crisis with Caribbean leaders — including from the Bahamas, the Dominican Republic, Haiti, Jamaica and Saint Lucia — at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida on Friday.

Trump again says US considering 'all options' on Venezuela

Still full of Chavista paraphernalia, the Venezuelan consulate in New York is now in the hands of the head of the opposition-controlled Parliament, Juan Guaido, and his supporters, who are promising to reopen the facility as soon as possible so that their countrymen can "begin to return home."

"We have begun the recovery of the assets of the Republic, assets that belong to all Venezuelans," Gustavo Marcano, the No. 2 official in the delegation to the US named by Guaido and the head of the Monday operation to take over the consulate, said on Tuesday.

Less than 24 hours after taking control of the consulate, Marcano opened the building's doors to a group of journalists to show them the conditions inside what many consider to be the "jewel in the crown" of Venezuelan diplomacy in the US.

The deterioration of some of the floors in the consulate, which for some time has been closed to the public, is evident, with wrecked and perforated ceilings and significant damage to walls and floors.

On other floors, in much better shape and filled with symbols of the Bolivarian Revolution, one can still see drinking glasses on the tables and personal items strewn around, as if people had left the facility in a great hurry.

According to Marcano, that is indeed more or less what occurred, given that the building was being "occupied" by "officials of the Nicolas Maduro regime." 
Those people were mainly, he said, personnel accredited to Venezuela's mission to the United Nations, which remains in the control of the Maduro regime, although nobody was in the building when the diplomat and his team broke the locks on Monday afternoon.

Marcano, an opposition figure who previously served as a city mayor and lawmaker, insisted that the recovery of the consulate was "absolutely according to the laws."

The US, which was the first country to recognize Guaido as Venezuela's president after he proclaimed himself the country's interim leader on January&nbsp;23, has accredited the envoys he has named as diplomatic representatives, including Carlos Vecchio, who was tapped to be the opposition government's ambassador to Washington.

"Since yesterday, this space is being occupied by the legitimate government of Venezuela, by the diplomatic mission of the Venezuelan embassy to the United States. And, more importantly, this space soon will be open to all Venezuelans," Marcano said.

He added that this is a first step "so that we Venezuelans can begin to return home."

"When we set foot inside this consulate yesterday, we felt that the Venezuelans who have fought for freedom, ... who have suffered, who have endured all this struggle against the narco-regime that Nicolas Maduro heads, (that) we're conquering spaces, we're liberating spaces," he said.

In remarks to reporters, Marcano emphasized,&nbsp;"Here, we're beginning with spaces free of usurpation and we've convinced that sooner rather than later Venezuela's going to be free of usurpation."

At present, Guaido's representatives are focusing on taking an "inventory" of everything that they are finding inside the consulate, including the diplomatic pouch, computers and other materials with an eye toward preparing a report that they are intending to make public.

"There could be items of a criminal nature - that wouldn't surprise us," said Marcano, who also wants to assess the damage caused to state properties, including works of art that he and his colleagues say were removed to make room for portraits of the late Hugo Chavez and Maduro.

As a political gesture, on Monday a photograph of Chavez that hung on the wall was removed and replaced with a poster announcing the pending reopening of the consulate.

According to Marcano, the facility will soon be "free of any kind of political propaganda."

The downtown Manhattan consulate - a six-story building valued at millions of dollars - is a symbol for Guaido, since it is the most important diplomatic facility he controls in the US and, in contrast to others, it remains the property of the Venezuelan state.

The intention of the new landlords is to reopen the consulate within several weeks and to start providing services to Venezuelans.

The first step, they said, will be to begin registering all the Venezuelans who are in the US and to listen to their concerns.

The Maduro government, meanwhile, is denouncing the fact that the New York consulate and other diplomatic facilities are "being forcibly occupied" with the support of US authorities.

Besides the consulate, Guaido's representatives on Monday took charge of two Venezuelan Defense Ministry buildings in Washington and are intending to do the same in the near future with the embassy in the US capital and other diplomatic installations.

Still full of Chavista paraphernalia, the Venezuelan consulate in New York is now in the hands of the head of the opposition-controlled Parliament, Juan Guaido, and his supporters, who are promising to reopen the facility as soon as possible so that their countrymen can "begin to return home.

Still full of Chavista paraphernalia, the Venezuelan consulate in New York is now in the hands of the head of the opposition-controlled Parliament, Juan Guaido, and his supporters, who are promising to reopen the facility as soon as possible so that their countrymen can "begin to return home." "We have begun the recovery of the assets of the Republic, assets that belong to all Venezuelans," Gustavo Marcano, the No. 2 official in the delegation to the US named by Guaido and the head of the Monday operation to take over the consulate, said on Tuesday. Less than 24 hours after taking control of the consulate, Marcano opened the building's doors to a group of journalists to show them the conditions inside what many consider to be the "jewel in the crown" of Venezuelan diplomacy in the US. The deterioration of some of the floors in the consulate, which for some time has been closed to the public, is evident, with wrecked and perforated ceilings and significant damage to walls and floors. On other floors, in much better shape and filled with symbols of the Bolivarian Revolution, one can still see drinking glasses on the tables and personal items strewn around, as if people had left the facility in a great hurry. According to Marcano, that is indeed more or less what occurred, given that the building was being "occupied" by "officials of the Nicolas Maduro regime." Those people were mainly, he said, personnel accredited to Venezuela's mission to the United Nations, which remains in the control of the Maduro regime, although nobody was in the building when the diplomat and his team broke the locks on Monday afternoon. Marcano, an opposition figure who previously served as a city mayor and lawmaker, insisted that the recovery of the consulate was "absolutely according to the laws." The US, which was the first country to recognize Guaido as Venezuela's president after he proclaimed himself the country's interim leader on January 23, has accredited the envoys he has named as diplomatic representatives, including Carlos Vecchio, who was tapped to be the opposition government's ambassador to Washington. "Since yesterday, this space is being occupied by the legitimate government of Venezuela, by the diplomatic mission of the Venezuelan embassy to the United States. And, more importantly, this space soon will be open to all Venezuelans," Marcano said. He added that this is a first step "so that we Venezuelans can begin to return home." "When we set foot inside this consulate yesterday, we felt that the Venezuelans who have fought for freedom, ... who have suffered, who have endured all this struggle against the narco-regime that Nicolas Maduro heads, (that) we're conquering spaces, we're liberating spaces," he said. In remarks to reporters, Marcano emphasized, "Here, we're beginning with spaces free of usurpation and we've convinced that sooner rather than later Venezuela's going to be free of usurpation." At present, Guaido's representatives are focusing on taking an "inventory" of everything that they are finding inside the consulate, including the diplomatic pouch, computers and other materials with an eye toward preparing a report that they are intending to make public. "There could be items of a criminal nature - that wouldn't surprise us," said Marcano, who also wants to assess the damage caused to state properties, including works of art that he and his colleagues say were removed to make room for portraits of the late Hugo Chavez and Maduro. As a political gesture, on Monday a photograph of Chavez that hung on the wall was removed and replaced with a poster announcing the pending reopening of the consulate. According to Marcano, the facility will soon be "free of any kind of political propaganda." The downtown Manhattan consulate - a six-story building valued at millions of dollars - is a symbol for Guaido, since it is the most important diplomatic facility he controls in the US and, in contrast to others, it remains the property of the Venezuelan state. The intention of the new landlords is to reopen the consulate within several weeks and to start providing services to Venezuelans. The first step, they said, will be to begin registering all the Venezuelans who are in the US and to listen to their concerns. The Maduro government, meanwhile, is denouncing the fact that the New York consulate and other diplomatic facilities are "being forcibly occupied" with the support of US authorities. Besides the consulate, Guaido's representatives on Monday took charge of two Venezuelan Defense Ministry buildings in Washington and are intending to do the same in the near future with the embassy in the US capital and other diplomatic installations.

Venezuela's New York consulate passes from Chavista hands to Guaido

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-has-suspended-oil-exports-to-india-russia-and-china-main-destinations-azerbaijan-energy-ministry-204333">Venezuela has suspended oil exports to India, Russia and China main destinations: Azerbaijan energy ministry</a>

Venezuela has suspended its oil exports to India and views Russia and China as its main export destinations, Azerbaijan's energy ministry said on Tuesday, citing Venezuela's oil minister.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/european-union-building-in-brussels-evacuated-over-bomb-threat-204327">European Union building in Brussels evacuated over bomb threat</a>

Police today evacuated the European Union (EU) building in Brussels over a phone call threatening to blow up the building, reports said.

At least forty people have been evacuated at the EU headquarters, reports added.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/european-union-building-in-brussels-evacuated-over-bomb-threat-204327">Gathering all details of Utrecht attack: Turkey President Erdogan</a>

Turkish intelligence services are investigating the gun attack in the Netherlands to determine whether it was a terror attack or a possible family dispute, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Monday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/reincarnation-of-the-dalai-lama-should-follow-national-rules-china-204287">Video: Reincarnation of the Dalai Lama should follow national rules, says China</a>

China Tuesday rejected the Dalai Lama's assertions that his successor could be from India and a nominee by Beijing would not be respected, saying the next spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism has to be approved by the Communist government.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-man-performs-emotional-haka-dance-to-pay-tribute-to-new-zealand-mosque-shooting-victims-204322">Watch: Man performs emotional 'haka dance' to pay tribute to New Zealand mosque shooting victims</a>

New Zealanders have shown a unique way of mourning and paying respects to those killed in horrifying gun attacks on two Christchurch mosques. In the shooting, over 50 people lost their lived on March 15.&nbsp;

Venezuela has suspended oil exports to India, Russia and China main destinations: Azerbaijan energy ministry Venezuela has suspended its oil exports to India and views Russia and China as its main export destinations, Azerbaijan's energy ministry said on Tuesday, citing Venezuela's oil minister.

Venezuela has suspended oil exports to India, Russia and China main destinations: Azerbaijan energy ministry Venezuela has suspended its oil exports to India and views Russia and China as its main export destinations, Azerbaijan's energy ministry said on Tuesday, citing Venezuela's oil minister. European Union building in Brussels evacuated over bomb threat Police today evacuated the European Union (EU) building in Brussels over a phone call threatening to blow up the building, reports said. At least forty people have been evacuated at the EU headquarters, reports added. Gathering all details of Utrecht attack: Turkey President Erdogan Turkish intelligence services are investigating the gun attack in the Netherlands to determine whether it was a terror attack or a possible family dispute, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Monday. Video: Reincarnation of the Dalai Lama should follow national rules, says China China Tuesday rejected the Dalai Lama's assertions that his successor could be from India and a nominee by Beijing would not be respected, saying the next spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism has to be approved by the Communist government. Watch: Man performs emotional 'haka dance' to pay tribute to New Zealand mosque shooting victims New Zealanders have shown a unique way of mourning and paying respects to those killed in horrifying gun attacks on two Christchurch mosques. In the shooting, over 50 people lost their lived on March 15.

Venezuela suspends oil exports to India

Venezuela has suspended its oil exports to<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/venezuelas-guaido-starts-domestic-tour-to-stir-support-203784"> India and views Russia and China</a> as its main export destinations, Azerbaijan's&nbsp;energy ministry said on Tuesday, citing Venezuela's oil minister.

The Azeri ministry issued the statement on Tuesday following talks in Baku between Azerbaijan's energy minister and Venezuelan oil minister and president of state-run oil company PDVSA, Manuel Quevedo.

"At the meeting... Quevedo said in order to prevent a sharp reduction, various measures are being implemented and diversification of the export market is underway," the statement said.

"Russia and China are seen as the main destinations because of the suspension of oil exports to India," the statement said.

The Indian market has been crucial for Venezuela's economy because it has historically been the second-largest cash-paying customer for the OPEC country's crude, behind the United States.

Earlier this year, the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pompeo-says-all-us-diplomats-have-left-venezuela-203407"> United States imposed heavy sanctions</a> on Venezuela's oil industry and has pressed India to stop buying Venezuelan oil.

OPEC and other oil ministers met in Baku in talks over the weekend that ended on Monday.

Venezuela has suspended its oil exports to India and views Russia and China as its main export destinations, Azerbaijan's energy ministry said on Tuesday, citing Venezuela's oil minister.

Venezuela has suspended its oil exports to India and views Russia and China as its main export destinations, Azerbaijan's energy ministry said on Tuesday, citing Venezuela's oil minister. The Azeri ministry issued the statement on Tuesday following talks in Baku between Azerbaijan's energy minister and Venezuelan oil minister and president of state-run oil company PDVSA, Manuel Quevedo. "At the meeting... Quevedo said in order to prevent a sharp reduction, various measures are being implemented and diversification of the export market is underway," the statement said. "Russia and China are seen as the main destinations because of the suspension of oil exports to India," the statement said. The Indian market has been crucial for Venezuela's economy because it has historically been the second-largest cash-paying customer for the OPEC country's crude, behind the United States. Earlier this year, the United States imposed heavy sanctions on Venezuela's oil industry and has pressed India to stop buying Venezuelan oil. OPEC and other oil ministers met in Baku in talks over the weekend that ended on Monday.

Venezuela has suspended oil exports to India, Russia and China main destinations: Azerbaijan energy ministry

Venezuelans queue for hours at banks to take out less than $2

Venezuela's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/venezuelas-guaido-calls-for-new-rally-as-lawmakers-declare-alarm-202804">self-proclaimed interim leader Juan Guaido</a> began a tour of his country Saturday aimed at sparking a citizen's movement to pry President Nicolas Maduro from power.

As Guaido, 35, kicked off his "operation freedom" in the northern city of Valencia, the pro-Maduro military staged the latest in a series of exercises.&nbsp;

The drill focused on defending hydroelectric infrastructure from attack -- a reaction to a weeklong national blackout that Maduro blamed on US "sabotage" but experts said was more likely the result of years of neglect.

Guaido, the head of the opposition-ruled National Assembly whose claim to be caretaker president is recognized by the US, Canada and much of Latin America and Europe, vowed he would "very soon" take up the office in Miraflores, the presidential palace.

He has been pushing for nearly two months against Maduro after declaring himself acting president during street rallies by tens of thousands, following Maduro's swearing-in for a second term despite elections widely dismissed as a sham.

"We are going to reclaim what belongs to the people," Guaido told thousands of supporters on Saturday.

Maduro, he said, "believes that a thieving gang or a palace makes him president. It's only the support of our people that makes someone president of a nation and he doesn't have that. And not much longer will he be in that palace."&nbsp;

Guaido offered no timeline for the mobilization across Venezuela, which he said will culminate with a march on the presidential palace in Caracas.

Accompanying him on his tour are opposition lawmakers tasked with creating citizen assemblies -- "freedom cells" -- across the country. The opposition said that, by Saturday, around 50 had already been set up in half of Venezuela's 23 states.

"Whatever happens, we must be united, mobilized in the streets," Guaido said, adding that he has not ruled out asking the National Assembly to activate a constitutional clause allowing foreign military intervention -- through such a move "depended on others."

US ratchets up sanctions

That was taken as a reference to US military action, which US President Donald Trump has repeatedly refused to rule out, even though there is no sign such an operation is being mounted and US allies in Latin America oppose the idea.

On Saturday, pro-Maduro demonstrators gathered in front of Trump's White House in Washington to protest any US-led intervention in Venezuela, while anti-Maduro protesters held their own rally nearby.

Washington has so far concentrated on ratcheting up sanctions on Venezuela. That has made an already dire economic situation in the country worse while increasing pressure on Maduro.

On April 28, a US embargo on Venezuelan oil exports will go into effect, dealing a heavy blow to Venezuela's diminished finances, as America accounts for half of the oil exported.

A major barrier to Guaido's plan to wrest control of the country is the military, which has so far remained loyal to Maduro, who has put generals in charge of lucrative civilian agencies and institutions.

Guaido has offered amnesties to soldiers who abandon Maduro.

As has become common when the opposition holds an event, pro-Maduro crowds surged into the streets of central Caracas on Saturday.

A senior regime official, Diosdado Cabello, roared to thousands of pro-government supporters that Guaido and his team "will never enter the palace of the revolutionary people."

He asked the crowd if they would accept "the oligarchy, the bourgeoisie" taking charge, prompting a loud "No" in response.

"We need a real opposition, one that isn't beholden to the imperialists, one that has personal standards and knows what is really happening in Venezuela," Cabello said.

Among the regime supporters, voices raged against perceived US meddling.

"Every minute of peace Venezuela has is a victory for the revolution and a defeat for the North American empire (the US) that really wants to see us killing each other here," one pro-Maduro demonstrator, Hermes Flores, told AFP.

For him, Guaido was "a flame that will go out."

Venezuela's self-proclaimed interim leader Juan Guaido began a tour of his country Saturday aimed at sparking a citizen's movement to pry President Nicolas Maduro from power.

Venezuela's self-proclaimed interim leader Juan Guaido began a tour of his country Saturday aimed at sparking a citizen's movement to pry President Nicolas Maduro from power. As Guaido, 35, kicked off his "operation freedom" in the northern city of Valencia, the pro-Maduro military staged the latest in a series of exercises. The drill focused on defending hydroelectric infrastructure from attack -- a reaction to a weeklong national blackout that Maduro blamed on US "sabotage" but experts said was more likely the result of years of neglect. Guaido, the head of the opposition-ruled National Assembly whose claim to be caretaker president is recognized by the US, Canada and much of Latin America and Europe, vowed he would "very soon" take up the office in Miraflores, the presidential palace. He has been pushing for nearly two months against Maduro after declaring himself acting president during street rallies by tens of thousands, following Maduro's swearing-in for a second term despite elections widely dismissed as a sham. "We are going to reclaim what belongs to the people," Guaido told thousands of supporters on Saturday. Maduro, he said, "believes that a thieving gang or a palace makes him president. It's only the support of our people that makes someone president of a nation and he doesn't have that. And not much longer will he be in that palace." Guaido offered no timeline for the mobilization across Venezuela, which he said will culminate with a march on the presidential palace in Caracas. Accompanying him on his tour are opposition lawmakers tasked with creating citizen assemblies -- "freedom cells" -- across the country. The opposition said that, by Saturday, around 50 had already been set up in half of Venezuela's 23 states. "Whatever happens, we must be united, mobilized in the streets," Guaido said, adding that he has not ruled out asking the National Assembly to activate a constitutional clause allowing foreign military intervention -- through such a move "depended on others." US ratchets up sanctions That was taken as a reference to US military action, which US President Donald Trump has repeatedly refused to rule out, even though there is no sign such an operation is being mounted and US allies in Latin America oppose the idea. On Saturday, pro-Maduro demonstrators gathered in front of Trump's White House in Washington to protest any US-led intervention in Venezuela, while anti-Maduro protesters held their own rally nearby. Washington has so far concentrated on ratcheting up sanctions on Venezuela. That has made an already dire economic situation in the country worse while increasing pressure on Maduro. On April 28, a US embargo on Venezuelan oil exports will go into effect, dealing a heavy blow to Venezuela's diminished finances, as America accounts for half of the oil exported. A major barrier to Guaido's plan to wrest control of the country is the military, which has so far remained loyal to Maduro, who has put generals in charge of lucrative civilian agencies and institutions. Guaido has offered amnesties to soldiers who abandon Maduro. As has become common when the opposition holds an event, pro-Maduro crowds surged into the streets of central Caracas on Saturday. A senior regime official, Diosdado Cabello, roared to thousands of pro-government supporters that Guaido and his team "will never enter the palace of the revolutionary people." He asked the crowd if they would accept "the oligarchy, the bourgeoisie" taking charge, prompting a loud "No" in response. "We need a real opposition, one that isn't beholden to the imperialists, one that has personal standards and knows what is really happening in Venezuela," Cabello said. Among the regime supporters, voices raged against perceived US meddling. "Every minute of peace Venezuela has is a victory for the revolution and a defeat for the North American empire (the US) that really wants to see us killing each other here," one pro-Maduro demonstrator, Hermes Flores, told AFP. For him, Guaido was "a flame that will go out."

Venezuela's Guaido starts domestic tour to stir support

Venezuela President Nicolas Maduro created a military unit on Friday charged with protecting basic installations and services such as electricity and water just over a week after the country was hit with a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/venezuelas-maduro-blames-us-weapons-for-massive-blackout-202264">massive blackout</a>.

Maduro blamed that on a cyber attack directed by the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-slashes-visa-duration-for-cubans-in-reciprocal-move-203628">United States</a> but critics say the government was at fault for failing to maintain infrastructure.

Speaking on television and radio, Maduro said the "Command for the Defence of Basic Strategic Services" would be tasked with ensuring "security, operability and maintenance."&nbsp;

Its officers would be responsible for guaranteeing both "physical and cybernetic" security of infrastructure and maintenance of equipment.

Maduro repeated his claim that the blackout, which lasted almost a week, was due to "successive attacks" against the country's major hydroelectric facility at Guri in Bolivar state, "directed" by US President Donald Trump's national security advisor John Bolton.

The blackout hit on March 7 and paralyzed the entire country.

The government announced on Tuesday that power was back on in practically the whole country but western regions still reported cuts.

The socialist leader accused the opposition of concocting a plan "to accompany the blackout with general violence," claiming it was neutralised.

Opposition leader Juan Guaido launched a challenge to Maduro's leadership in January by declaring himself acting president.

He has since been recognised by more than 50 countries, led by the US.

He said the blackout was caused by burning vegetation that damaged equipment.

Maduro accused him of "sabotage," although experts doubt that version of events.

Venezuela has been in recession for more than four years and is suffering from an economic crisis.

An estimated 2.7 million people have left the country as poverty soared leaving shortages of food and medicines.

Venezuela President Nicolas Maduro created a military unit on Friday charged with protecting basic installations and services such as electricity and water just over a week after the country was hit with a massive blackout.

Venezuela President Nicolas Maduro created a military unit on Friday charged with protecting basic installations and services such as electricity and water just over a week after the country was hit with a massive blackout. Maduro blamed that on a cyber attack directed by the United States but critics say the government was at fault for failing to maintain infrastructure. Speaking on television and radio, Maduro said the "Command for the Defence of Basic Strategic Services" would be tasked with ensuring "security, operability and maintenance." Its officers would be responsible for guaranteeing both "physical and cybernetic" security of infrastructure and maintenance of equipment. Maduro repeated his claim that the blackout, which lasted almost a week, was due to "successive attacks" against the country's major hydroelectric facility at Guri in Bolivar state, "directed" by US President Donald Trump's national security advisor John Bolton. The blackout hit on March 7 and paralyzed the entire country. The government announced on Tuesday that power was back on in practically the whole country but western regions still reported cuts. The socialist leader accused the opposition of concocting a plan "to accompany the blackout with general violence," claiming it was neutralised. Opposition leader Juan Guaido launched a challenge to Maduro's leadership in January by declaring himself acting president. He has since been recognised by more than 50 countries, led by the US. He said the blackout was caused by burning vegetation that damaged equipment. Maduro accused him of "sabotage," although experts doubt that version of events. Venezuela has been in recession for more than four years and is suffering from an economic crisis. An estimated 2.7 million people have left the country as poverty soared leaving shortages of food and medicines.

Maduro creates military unit to protect public service installations

All <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-military-not-involved-in-withdrawing-diplomats-from-venezuela-202985">US diplomats </a>remaining in Venezuela left the country on Thursday, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said, amid a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-calls-public-sector-back-to-work-as-blackout-recedes-203321">political crisis</a> over the legitimacy of President Nicolas Maduro's 2018 re-election.

"US diplomats will now continue that mission from other locations where they will continue to help manage the flow of humanitarian assistance to the Venezuelan people and support the democratic actors bravely resisting tyranny," Pompeo said in a statement.

A US official said the diplomats were flown out in a civilian charter aircraft.

The State Department had already announced that it would withdraw its remaining diplomatic staff from Venezuela this week.

Washington has taken the lead in recognizing Juan Guaido, the 35-year-old Congress chief who declared himself interim president in January, calling Maduro’s 2018 re-election a fraud. Most countries in Europe and Latin America have followed suit.

All US diplomats remaining in Venezuela left the country on Thursday, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said, amid a political crisis over the legitimacy of President Nicolas Maduro's 2018 re-election.

All US diplomats remaining in Venezuela left the country on Thursday, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said, amid a political crisis over the legitimacy of President Nicolas Maduro's 2018 re-election. "US diplomats will now continue that mission from other locations where they will continue to help manage the flow of humanitarian assistance to the Venezuelan people and support the democratic actors bravely resisting tyranny," Pompeo said in a statement. A US official said the diplomats were flown out in a civilian charter aircraft. The State Department had already announced that it would withdraw its remaining diplomatic staff from Venezuela this week. Washington has taken the lead in recognizing Juan Guaido, the 35-year-old Congress chief who declared himself interim president in January, calling Maduro’s 2018 re-election a fraud. Most countries in Europe and Latin America have followed suit.

All US diplomats have left Venezuela: Pompeo

Most people in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-calls-public-sector-back-to-work-as-blackout-recedes-203321">Venezuela</a> have gone back to their work since Thursday, as electricity supply was restored in most of the country after suffering a massive blackout from March 7.

On the first day of work resumption, many locals flocked into the subway stations, heading to their work positions.

'I'm on my way to work. And now, the subway has resumed; it is fantastic,'&nbsp;said Nerva Zerpa, a local resident.

'The subway now is in operation with its best efforts. After going through a serious blackout, it is normal to see some minor malfunctions,'&nbsp;said Santiago Ruiz, another resident.

Right now, the operation of public transportations in Caracas has been resumed, except the 40 percent of bus lines and three subway stations of Line 1.

The worst blackout in modern Venezuelan history came amid heightened tensions between the ruling socialist party and the opposition, which is receiving Washington's support in its bid to unseat President Nicolas Maduro.

Most people in Venezuela have gone back to their work since Thursday, as electricity supply was restored in most of the country after suffering a massive blackout from March 7.

Most people in Venezuela have gone back to their work since Thursday, as electricity supply was restored in most of the country after suffering a massive blackout from March 7. On the first day of work resumption, many locals flocked into the subway stations, heading to their work positions. 'I'm on my way to work. And now, the subway has resumed; it is fantastic,' said Nerva Zerpa, a local resident. 'The subway now is in operation with its best efforts. After going through a serious blackout, it is normal to see some minor malfunctions,' said Santiago Ruiz, another resident. Right now, the operation of public transportations in Caracas has been resumed, except the 40 percent of bus lines and three subway stations of Line 1. The worst blackout in modern Venezuelan history came amid heightened tensions between the ruling socialist party and the opposition, which is receiving Washington's support in its bid to unseat President Nicolas Maduro.

Most people back to work as electricity supply restored in Venezuela

Venezuela: As leaders battle, people struggle for water & electricity

India's biggest private oil refiner Reliance Industries has capped crude imports from sanction-hit Venezuela, the company said Thursday, following pressure from the United States.

The energy-to-telecoms conglomerate has also stopped exporting diluents to the crisis-hit South American country, it told AFP.

The announcements come after US Secretary of State Mike <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/us-urges-india-to-stop-buying-oil-from-venezuelas-nicolas-maduro-government-top-envoy-202463">Pompeo asked India to halt all crude imports from Nicolas Maduro's regime</a>, which the United States does not recognise.

"Our US subsidiary has completely stopped all business with Venezuela's state-owned oil company, PdVSA, and its global parent has not increased crude purchases," Reliance said in an emailed statement.

"Reliance has halted all supply of diluent to PdVSA and will not resume such sales until sanctions are lifted," added the company, which is owned by India's richest man Mukesh Ambani.

Venezuela — a once-rich oil-producing nation — is in the grip of an economic and political crisis and analysts said ending diluent exports would hamper Venezuela's output.

"Venezuelan oil is thick and needs these raw materials for processing crude," Petrovitch editor Madhu Nainan told AFP.

Venezuela is reeling from an unprecedented, week-long nationwide blackout and inflation is projected to reach 10 million percent this year, according to the IMF.

The country's infrastructure has degraded over years because of a lack of investment, a significant brain drain, and the government's practice of putting the military in charge of key civilian facilities and companies.

The situation has worsened with successive rounds of US sanctions against Maduro's government, including steps that have severely curbed its oil exports.

India became the top importer of crude from Venezuela in February after US President Donald Trump issued a de facto ban on imports.

The US and European Union recognise opposition leader Juan Guaido as Venezuela's interim president.

On Tuesday, Pompeo asked India to stop buying crude from Venezuela, so as not to provide an "economic lifeline" to Maduro's regime.

The following day, New Delhi warned oil companies that they faced "undisclosed consequences" if they continued to buy Venezuelan oil.

"We will continue a constructive dialogue with the US government to ensure Reliance remains in compliance," the conglomerate, which operates the world's biggest refining complex, added in its statement.

India's biggest private oil refiner Reliance Industries has capped crude imports from sanction-hit Venezuela, the company said Thursday, following pressure from the United States.

India's biggest private oil refiner Reliance Industries has capped crude imports from sanction-hit Venezuela, the company said Thursday, following pressure from the United States. The energy-to-telecoms conglomerate has also stopped exporting diluents to the crisis-hit South American country, it told AFP. The announcements come after US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo asked India to halt all crude imports from Nicolas Maduro's regime, which the United States does not recognise. "Our US subsidiary has completely stopped all business with Venezuela's state-owned oil company, PdVSA, and its global parent has not increased crude purchases," Reliance said in an emailed statement. "Reliance has halted all supply of diluent to PdVSA and will not resume such sales until sanctions are lifted," added the company, which is owned by India's richest man Mukesh Ambani. Venezuela — a once-rich oil-producing nation — is in the grip of an economic and political crisis and analysts said ending diluent exports would hamper Venezuela's output. "Venezuelan oil is thick and needs these raw materials for processing crude," Petrovitch editor Madhu Nainan told AFP. Venezuela is reeling from an unprecedented, week-long nationwide blackout and inflation is projected to reach 10 million percent this year, according to the IMF. The country's infrastructure has degraded over years because of a lack of investment, a significant brain drain, and the government's practice of putting the military in charge of key civilian facilities and companies. The situation has worsened with successive rounds of US sanctions against Maduro's government, including steps that have severely curbed its oil exports. India became the top importer of crude from Venezuela in February after US President Donald Trump issued a de facto ban on imports. The US and European Union recognise opposition leader Juan Guaido as Venezuela's interim president. On Tuesday, Pompeo asked India to stop buying crude from Venezuela, so as not to provide an "economic lifeline" to Maduro's regime. The following day, New Delhi warned oil companies that they faced "undisclosed consequences" if they continued to buy Venezuelan oil. "We will continue a constructive dialogue with the US government to ensure Reliance remains in compliance," the conglomerate, which operates the world's biggest refining complex, added in its statement.

After Pompeo urging, Reliance caps oil purchases from Venezuela

venezuela

Venezuela, News on Venezuela, stories on Venezuela, articles on Venezuela, Venezuela stories at Wion, Venezuela news, Venezuela latest news