Venezuelan musician Zandu Montoya has been cheering up his neighbours by singing and playing cuatro every afternoon amid quarantine imposed to prevent more coronavirus cases.

Venezuelan musician sings to neighbours from balcony amid quarantine

The United States has charged&nbsp;Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and several top aides on Thursday for "narco-terrorism" and offered a $15 million reward for information leading to his capture.

Unveiling&nbsp;the indictment, the attorney general, William Barr, said the Venezuelan leadership collaborated with a dissident faction of the former Colombian guerrilla group, the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, operating on the Colombian-Venezuelan border, which Barr described as an ''extremely violent terrorist organization''.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/man-who-orchestrated-3000-murders-for-drugs-kingpin-pablo-escobar-dies-of-stomach-cancer-279268">Man who orchestrated 3000 murders for drugs kingpin Pablo Escobar dies of stomach cancer</a>

''We estimate that somewhere between 200 and 250 metric tons of cocaine are shipped out of Venezuela by these routes,''&nbsp;Barr said. ''Those 250 metric tons equate to 30 million&nbsp;lethal doses.''

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indonesia-even-with-strict-preventive-laws-in-place-people-are-brewing-cannabis-coffee-279039">Indonesia: Even with strict preventive laws in place, people are brewing cannabis coffee</a>

"It's time to call out this regime for what it is," he added. "The Maduro regime is awash in corruption and criminality."

Alongside Maduro, Venezuela’s vice-president for the economy, Venezuela’s defence minister, and the supreme court’s chief justice are among the list of 15 current and former officials who have been indicted.

<aside data-component="rich-link" data-link-name="rich-link-3 | 1">
The Justice Department accused Maduro of leading a cocaine-trafficking gang called "The Cartel of the Suns" that shipped hundreds of tons of narcotics into the US over two decades, earning hundreds of millions of dollars.
</aside>

The United States has charged Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and several top aides on Thursday for "narco-terrorism" and offered a $15 million reward for information leading to his capture.

The United States has charged Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and several top aides on Thursday for "narco-terrorism" and offered a $15 million reward for information leading to his capture. Unveiling the indictment, the attorney general, William Barr, said the Venezuelan leadership collaborated with a dissident faction of the former Colombian guerrilla group, the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, operating on the Colombian-Venezuelan border, which Barr described as an ''extremely violent terrorist organization''. Also read: Man who orchestrated 3000 murders for drugs kingpin Pablo Escobar dies of stomach cancer ''We estimate that somewhere between 200 and 250 metric tons of cocaine are shipped out of Venezuela by these routes,'' Barr said. ''Those 250 metric tons equate to 30 million lethal doses.'' Also read: Indonesia: Even with strict preventive laws in place, people are brewing cannabis coffee "It's time to call out this regime for what it is," he added. "The Maduro regime is awash in corruption and criminality." Alongside Maduro, Venezuela’s vice-president for the economy, Venezuela’s defence minister, and the supreme court’s chief justice are among the list of 15 current and former officials who have been indicted. The Justice Department accused Maduro of leading a cocaine-trafficking gang called "The Cartel of the Suns" that shipped hundreds of tons of narcotics into the US over two decades, earning hundreds of millions of dollars.

US indicts Venezuelan President Maduro and other top leaders for drug trafficking

President Nicolas Maduro sparked a furore in Venezuela after he urged women to produce six children, each for the "good of the country".

While addressing a woman present at the healthcare event, Maduro said, "May God bless you for having given life to six little girls and boys".

He then urged that "Every woman should have six children for the good of the country", he said.

Although Venezuela sits on the world's largest proven oil reserves, Venezuela's economy has collapsed under Maduro's leadership and the country has suffered five years of recession. The UN says more than 4.5 million people have left the country due to its crisis while inflation is the highest in the world, according to the International Monetary Fund.

In 2019, the official currency, the bolivar, depreciated more than 90%, while hyperinflation in the first nine months of the year clocked in at 4,680%, according to the central bank.

According to a report by the United Nations' children's agency Unicef, 13% of Venezuelan children were malnourished between 2013 and 2018.

A bitter power struggle between the Maduro government and the opposition leader Juan Guaido has exacerbated the country's economic crisis.

Last year, Guaido declared himself the country's acting president in a direct challenge to Maduro.&nbsp; 
He derived such authority from his position as the speaker of the National Assembly after the legislature declared Maduro's 2018 re-election invalid following a poll widely denounced as rigged.

 
&nbsp;

President Nicolas Maduro sparked a furore in Venezuela after he urged women to produce six children, each for the "good of the country". While addressing a woman present at the healthcare event, Maduro said, "May God bless you for having given life to six little girls and boys".

President Nicolas Maduro sparked a furore in Venezuela after he urged women to produce six children, each for the "good of the country". While addressing a woman present at the healthcare event, Maduro said, "May God bless you for having given life to six little girls and boys". He then urged that "Every woman should have six children for the good of the country", he said. Although Venezuela sits on the world's largest proven oil reserves, Venezuela's economy has collapsed under Maduro's leadership and the country has suffered five years of recession. The UN says more than 4.5 million people have left the country due to its crisis while inflation is the highest in the world, according to the International Monetary Fund. In 2019, the official currency, the bolivar, depreciated more than 90%, while hyperinflation in the first nine months of the year clocked in at 4,680%, according to the central bank. According to a report by the United Nations' children's agency Unicef, 13% of Venezuelan children were malnourished between 2013 and 2018. A bitter power struggle between the Maduro government and the opposition leader Juan Guaido has exacerbated the country's economic crisis. Last year, Guaido declared himself the country's acting president in a direct challenge to Maduro. He derived such authority from his position as the speaker of the National Assembly after the legislature declared Maduro's 2018 re-election invalid following a poll widely denounced as rigged.

Woman should have six children for the good of the country: Venezuela's Nicolas Maduro

Oil prices rose on Wednesday, with Brent gaining for a seventh straight day after a slowing of new coronavirus cases in China eased demand worries and supply was curtailed by a US move to cut more Venezuelan crude from the market.

Oil prices rose on Wednesday, with Brent gaining for a seventh straight day after a slowing of new coronavirus cases in China eased demand worries and supply was curtailed by a US move to cut more Venezuelan crude from the market. Brent crude was up by 75 cents at $58.50 a barrel by 1003 GMT, while US oil was up 66 cents at $52.71 a barrel. China, the world's second-largest economy, has imposed city lockdowns and travel restrictions to contain a virus that has now killed more than 2,000 people, stoking concern over an economic slowdown and a hit to oil demand. Also Read: Oil prices fall on oversupply worries as virus hits China demand "Those in doubt of the economic impact from the virus should take heed from Apple's surprise sales warning ... Put simply, this is the surest sign yet of the coronavirus fallout on the global economy," said PVM analysts in a note. S&P Global Ratings said it expected coronavirus would deliver a "short-term blow" to economic growth in China in the first quarter, echoing findings by the International Energy Agency. Official data showed new cases in China fell for a second straight day, although the World Health Organisation has cautioned there is not enough data to know if the epidemic is being contained. Brent has risen nearly 10 per cent since falling last week to its lowest this year. The market structure is also showing signs of prompt demand for oil picking up, as the front-month Brent futures market is moving deeper back into backwardation when near-term prices are higher than later-dated prices. Also Read: China virus could hit oil prices by $3 per barrel: Goldman This week, oil prices were also buoyed by a US decision to blacklist a trading subsidiary of Russia's Rosneft which President Donald Trump's administration said provided a financial lifeline to Venezuela's government. The grouping, known as OPEC+, has been withholding supply to support prices and meets next month to decide a response to the downturn in demand resulting from the coronavirus epidemic. But in the United States, which is not party to any supply cut agreements, crude oil production has been rising as shale output grows. US shale production is expected to rise to a record 9.2 million barrels a day next month, according to the Energy Information Administration.

Oil up on slowing pace of coronavirus, Venezuela sanctions

Russia's foreign minister on Friday slammed US sanctions against Venezuela during a visit to Caracas, providing a public show of support for President Nicolas Maduro as Washington mulls ramping up pressure on the South American nation.

Russia's foreign minister on Friday slammed US sanctions against Venezuela during a visit to Caracas, providing a public show of support for President Nicolas Maduro as Washington mulls ramping up pressure on the South American nation. Sergei Lavrov arrived in Caracas on Thursday, only hours after the US State Department suggested its Venezuela sanctions program could begin targeting Russia, whose oil companies have helped Maduro by buying much of the OPEC nation's crude. Assistance from Russia could be decisive for Maduro to boost oil production and restore economic growth after a surprise opening of the economy last year that followed years of hyperinflation and the exodus of 5 million people. [ Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro shakes hands with Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov (Courtesy: Reuters) ] "We have agreed to deepen our economic, commercial and investment cooperation in several areas despite the illegitimate sanctions," Lavrov said alongside Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez following an afternoon meeting with Maduro. "The most promising sectors are energy, natural resources and industry," Lavrov said in comments broadcast on state television, without providing details. US President Donald Trump met at the White House this week with opposition leader Juan Guaido, who is recognized by more than 50 countries as Venezuela's legitimate president. Also Read: Venezuela opposition calls on US to step up pressure on Maduro ally Russia "We consider sanctions to be unacceptable," Lavrov said during an earlier televised meeting with his Venezuelan counterpart, Jorge Arreaza, and other Venezuelan officials. "It is outrageous that unilateral actions by the United States affect social and humanitarian projects." Lavrov also said "unilateral" actions by Washington could interfere with humanitarian projects. He voiced support for a government-backed dialogue effort as an alternative to "uprisings and interventions." Opposition leaders have said Maduro uses dialogue proceedings as a stalling tactic. The US Special Representative to Venezuela Elliott Abrams said on Thursday that Russia's support for Maduro's government may "no longer be cost-free." On Friday, the US Treasury Department said it imposed sanctions on Venezuela state-run airline Conviasa, which it said was being used to "shuttle corrupt officials around the world." "The Trump administration will not allow Maduro and his proxies to continue stealing from the Venezuelan people and abusing state-owned assets to advance their own corrupt and destabilizing activities," Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said in a statement. It is not evident that Washington is prepared to impose sanctions on Russian oil companies due to the potential impact on crude markets.

Russia foreign minister slams US sanctions during visit to Venezuela

The US President Donald Trump delivered his third State of the Union address in the House Chamber of the United States Capitol in Washington. US President Donald Trump rejected a handshake from the House speaker Nancy Pelosi, which was followed by her tearing up the speech immediately after Trump concluded his ''State of the Union'' address.

Donald Trump snubs Nancy Pelosi, refuses to shake hand

The US President Donald Trump delivered his third State of the Union address in the House Chamber of the United States Capitol in Washington. On coronavirus, President Trump said, "We are coordinating with the Chinese government to take on the coronavirus in China." #WION #Trump #DonaldTrump #Coronavirus

Highlights of Donald Trump's State of the Union address

The US President Donald Trump delivered his third State of the Union address in the House Chamber of the United States Capitol in Washington. President Trump said, "Three years ago, we launched the great American comeback. Tonight, I stand before you to share the incredible results."

Donald Trump calls Juan Guaido as true President of Venezuela

The US President Donald Trump delivered his third State of the Union address in the House Chamber of the United States Capitol in Washington. On coronavirus, President Trump said, "We are coordinating with the Chinese government to take on the coronavirus in China."

Donald Trump promises protection from coronavirus

Venezuela's opposition leader <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/scuffle-outside-venezuela-parliament-guaido-tries-to-scale-fence-272554">Juan Guaido</a> joined thousands of supporters at a demonstration in Madrid on Saturday after arriving in Spain on the last leg of a European tour.

Speaking in a central square packed with supporters holding signs <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/venezuelas-juan-guaido-meets-emmanuel-macron-on-charm-offensive-276546">calling for 'democracy', Guaido</a> emphasised the importance of international support in unseating Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro from power.

"We need the support of the world to fight against the groups operating in Venezuela. We have the opportunity to get Venezuela back because we are together. We can heal Venezuela," he told a crowd of people waving Venezuelan flags and chanting "Yes we can". "It is the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/venezuelas-guaido-pushes-past-troops-to-enter-congress-after-socialist-takeover-272820">struggle of a whole country</a> in favour of democracy," he said.

<img alt="Supporters of Venezuela's opposition leader Juan Guaido" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="cf43dcfc-2fbb-4010-ad68-88032f8a5270" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2880%29_0.jpg" /> 
[&nbsp;Supporters of Venezuela's opposition leader Juan Guaido&nbsp;attend a rally with Venezuelans living in Spain (Courtesy: Reuters) ]

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez did not meet Guaido, a decision that angered right-wing opposition parties but was welcomed by Unidas Podemos, the far-left coalition partners of Sanchez's Socialists. Podemos members have voiced support for Venezuela's leftist ruling party in the past.

Instead, Guaido met Spanish Foreign Minister Arancha Gonzalez Laya as well as Madrid's mayor and regional president, both from the conservative People's Party (PP).

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/venezuelas-guaido-calls-for-more-protests-against-maduro-273685">Venezuela's Guaido calls for more protests against Maduro</a>

Guaido's visit coincided with a political spat in Spain over reports that Transport Minister Jose Luis Abalos secretly met a senior Maduro aide who is subject to a European Union travel ban at Madrid's Barajas airport on Monday. PP leader Pablo Casado criticised Sanchez for not meeting Guaido and called on him to dismiss Abalos.

Sanchez told reporters earlier in the day that Spain's government wanted elections in Venezuela "as soon as possible" but criticised Spanish opposition parties for using the crisis in Venezuela "against the government".

He also voices his backing for Abalos, saying "he put all his efforts into avoiding a diplomatic crisis and succeeded". Guaido has defied a travel ban to seek support in Europe, where he has spoken at the European Parliament, attended the World Economic Forum in Davos and met with leaders including Emmanuel Macron and Boris Johnson. 
&nbsp;

Venezuela's opposition leader Juan Guaido joined thousands of supporters at a demonstration in Madrid on Saturday after arriving in Spain on the last leg of a European tour.

Venezuela's opposition leader Juan Guaido joined thousands of supporters at a demonstration in Madrid on Saturday after arriving in Spain on the last leg of a European tour. Speaking in a central square packed with supporters holding signs calling for 'democracy', Guaido emphasised the importance of international support in unseating Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro from power. "We need the support of the world to fight against the groups operating in Venezuela. We have the opportunity to get Venezuela back because we are together. We can heal Venezuela," he told a crowd of people waving Venezuelan flags and chanting "Yes we can". "It is the struggle of a whole country in favour of democracy," he said. [ Supporters of Venezuela's opposition leader Juan Guaido attend a rally with Venezuelans living in Spain (Courtesy: Reuters) ] Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez did not meet Guaido, a decision that angered right-wing opposition parties but was welcomed by Unidas Podemos, the far-left coalition partners of Sanchez's Socialists. Podemos members have voiced support for Venezuela's leftist ruling party in the past. Instead, Guaido met Spanish Foreign Minister Arancha Gonzalez Laya as well as Madrid's mayor and regional president, both from the conservative People's Party (PP). Also Read: Venezuela's Guaido calls for more protests against Maduro Guaido's visit coincided with a political spat in Spain over reports that Transport Minister Jose Luis Abalos secretly met a senior Maduro aide who is subject to a European Union travel ban at Madrid's Barajas airport on Monday. PP leader Pablo Casado criticised Sanchez for not meeting Guaido and called on him to dismiss Abalos. Sanchez told reporters earlier in the day that Spain's government wanted elections in Venezuela "as soon as possible" but criticised Spanish opposition parties for using the crisis in Venezuela "against the government". He also voices his backing for Abalos, saying "he put all his efforts into avoiding a diplomatic crisis and succeeded". Guaido has defied a travel ban to seek support in Europe, where he has spoken at the European Parliament, attended the World Economic Forum in Davos and met with leaders including Emmanuel Macron and Boris Johnson.

Thousands support Venezuela's Guaido at Madrid rally

The beaches, hotels and pools that Cuba hopes to have thronged by foreign tourists appear far emptier than normal as the Caribbean nation's tourist sector has been hard hit by the Trump administration's tightening of U.S. restrictions on travel there.

U.S. sanctions sting Cuba's tourism sector

A group of armed civilians attacked a convoy of vehicles carrying Venezuelan opposition politicians to congress on January 15 backing recent efforts under President Nicolas Maduro to bar opposition leader Juan Guaido from presiding over parliament. A crowd of men hit the cars with traffic cones and crowbars, breaking one car's back window, according to a video recorded by an opposition member from inside the vehicle. The convoy then sped away, tailed by several individuals on motorbikes. Watch report:

WION Dispatch: Armed civilians attack opposition convoy outside Venezuelan congress

Bolivia's exiled former president <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/morales-victim-of-coup-mexican-president-amlo-265630">Evo Morales</a> on Sunday defended a call he made for the formation of armed groups, a recording of which was leaked on public radio.

Speaking exclusively to Reuters on Sunday night in Argentina where he is in exile, the defiant former president confirmed he was the voice in a recording played on Bolivian radio calling for the creation of armed militias "as in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/venezuela-france-wests-duplicity-196078">Venezuela</a>".

He said people have a right to defend themselves if the new government was attacking them. He said he had not meant armed with guns and was referring to civil defense groups that had always loosely existed.

"In Bolivia, if the armed forces are shooting the people, killing the people, the people have the right to organize their security," he said in the interview with Reuters.

"We´re not talking arms, more like slingshots," he said.

"In some times (these groups) were called militias, in other times they were called union security or union police and in some places, it is called a communal guard. It is not new."

In the recording released by radio station Kawsachun Coca Tropico, Morales said he and his supporters had been "too trusting" ahead of last year´s presidential election and should have had a "Plan B."

"If between now and in a little while... I were to return (to Bolivia) or someone else goes back, we must organize as in Venezuela armed militias of the people," Morales said in the recording. "We were too trusting. The blunder: we did not have a 'Plan B'."

Morales fled Bolivia in November after political unrest sparked by his controversial election win.

The former coca farmer-led Bolivia for almost 14 years at the helm of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/violence-rocks-bolivia-after-poll-shows-weakening-support-for-morales-249562">Movement for Socialism</a> (MAS) coalition but left for Mexico in mid-November after being granted asylum there. He then moved to Argentina.

His departure followed intense pressure from the armed forces after the Organization of American States found "overwhelming" irregularities in the October presidential elections which he won.

He has since described what happened as a coup. At least 29 people died in clashes between police and protesters in the unrest, a significant number in Morales strongholds.

Bolivia´s interim president <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-recognises-jeanine-anez-as-bolivias-interim-president-261929">Jeanine Añez</a>, a former senator and political opponent of Morales, said the recording showed that "peace, reconciliation, and democracy were never options for him."

"Given the intention of sowing terror and violence, they will only find the Bolivian people united, and in the face of threats, our deepest democratic vocation," Añez tweeted on Sunday night.

In mid-December, Bolivian prosecutors issued an arrest warrant for Morales´arrest over allegations of sedition and terrorism.

The charges related to accusations by the Añez government that Morales had organised road blockades. Morales has denied the claim.

Morales told Reuters in an interview in December that he would return to his home country by next Christmas, but he has ruled out running as a candidate himself in the next elections scheduled for May 3.

Bolivia's exiled former president Evo Morales on Sunday defended a call he made for the formation of armed groups, a recording of which was leaked on public radio.

Bolivia's exiled former president Evo Morales on Sunday defended a call he made for the formation of armed groups, a recording of which was leaked on public radio. Speaking exclusively to Reuters on Sunday night in Argentina where he is in exile, the defiant former president confirmed he was the voice in a recording played on Bolivian radio calling for the creation of armed militias "as in Venezuela". He said people have a right to defend themselves if the new government was attacking them. He said he had not meant armed with guns and was referring to civil defense groups that had always loosely existed. "In Bolivia, if the armed forces are shooting the people, killing the people, the people have the right to organize their security," he said in the interview with Reuters. "We´re not talking arms, more like slingshots," he said. "In some times (these groups) were called militias, in other times they were called union security or union police and in some places, it is called a communal guard. It is not new." In the recording released by radio station Kawsachun Coca Tropico, Morales said he and his supporters had been "too trusting" ahead of last year´s presidential election and should have had a "Plan B." "If between now and in a little while... I were to return (to Bolivia) or someone else goes back, we must organize as in Venezuela armed militias of the people," Morales said in the recording. "We were too trusting. The blunder: we did not have a 'Plan B'." Morales fled Bolivia in November after political unrest sparked by his controversial election win. The former coca farmer-led Bolivia for almost 14 years at the helm of the Movement for Socialism (MAS) coalition but left for Mexico in mid-November after being granted asylum there. He then moved to Argentina. His departure followed intense pressure from the armed forces after the Organization of American States found "overwhelming" irregularities in the October presidential elections which he won. He has since described what happened as a coup. At least 29 people died in clashes between police and protesters in the unrest, a significant number in Morales strongholds. Bolivia´s interim president Jeanine Añez, a former senator and political opponent of Morales, said the recording showed that "peace, reconciliation, and democracy were never options for him." "Given the intention of sowing terror and violence, they will only find the Bolivian people united, and in the face of threats, our deepest democratic vocation," Añez tweeted on Sunday night. In mid-December, Bolivian prosecutors issued an arrest warrant for Morales´arrest over allegations of sedition and terrorism. The charges related to accusations by the Añez government that Morales had organised road blockades. Morales has denied the claim. Morales told Reuters in an interview in December that he would return to his home country by next Christmas, but he has ruled out running as a candidate himself in the next elections scheduled for May 3.

Bolivia exiled ex-president Morales calls on radio for armed militias

Venezuelan opposition leader <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/venezuelas-guaido-pushes-past-troops-to-enter-congress-after-socialist-takeover-272820">Juan&nbsp;Guaido</a>&nbsp;on Saturday called for&nbsp;more&nbsp;protests&nbsp;against&nbsp;the government of President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-opposition-calls-on-us-to-step-up-pressure-on-maduro-ally-russia-273498">Nicolas&nbsp;Maduro</a>&nbsp;in the wake of a failed attempt by the ruling Socialist Party to install allied leadership in congress.

Guaido&nbsp;held his first rally since troops six days ago blocked his access to congress long enough for the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/venezuelas-ruling-socialists-seize-congress-defiant-opposition-re-elects-guaido-272587">Socialist Party</a> to declare an allied legislator as head of parliament.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Estamos realizando cientos de asambleas y cabildos a nivel nacional porque tenemos que ir todos juntos en una misma dirección, organizados y con fuerza, a empujar en toda Venezuela, para salir de esta miserable emergencia y lograr la Libertad y la Democracia. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GranCabildoPorVzla?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GranCabildoPorVzla</a> <a href="https://t.co/ibHzpSXp2C">pic.twitter.com/ibHzpSXp2C</a>
— Juan Guaidó (@jguaido) <a href="https://twitter.com/jguaido/status/1216145460555063296?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Opposition legislators in a separate session on January&nbsp;5 re-elected him anyway, and they later returned to the legislative palace to hold session.

"We have to go into the streets to protest and make demands, we have to push together,"&nbsp;Guaido&nbsp;said on Saturday at a sparsely attended rally in the Montalban neighbourhood of western Caracas that brought out several hundred people.

"Nobody can stay in their house. Nobody can kneel before the dictatorship."

Guaido, who has been recognised by&nbsp;more&nbsp;than 50 countries as&nbsp;Venezuela's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/guaido-parra-claim-victory-in-venezuelas-parliament-speaker-vote-272404">legitimate president</a>, has since November sought to revive the groundswell mobilizations of early 2019 that galvanized the opposition.

But rallies have consistently been smaller than last year, with many Venezuelans expressing weariness with the ongoing political standoff and frustration that&nbsp;Maduro&nbsp;remains in power despite an economic crisis and US&nbsp;sanctions.

Guaido&nbsp;had called on supporters on Tuesday to march to the headquarters of parliament to hold session, but Socialist Party leaders on Saturday called in sympathizers to surround Congress.

<img alt="Juan Guaido sharing his views with supporters during citizen assembly in Caracas, Venezuela" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7fb97244-985e-402d-8522-1cb1e067f1a6" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2837%29_0.jpg" /> 
[ Juan&nbsp;Guaido sharing his views with supporters during&nbsp;citizen assembly in Caracas, Venezuela (Courtesy: Reuters) ]

At Saturday's rally,&nbsp;Guaido&nbsp;noted that congress can hold session where and when it chooses, signalling he may avoid a confrontation. After being blocked from congress, legislators held session at the headquarters of opposition-linked newspaper El Nacional.

Guaido's press team on Friday said that a representative of the Norwegian government would visit <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/twitter-suspends-over-a-dozen-venezuelan-government-military-accounts-273072">Venezuela</a>, but that the opposition would not participate in any efforts by Norway to mediate conversations with the government.

The two sides in 2019 participated in talks brokered by Norway that were meant to ease the political deadlock, but the opposition walked away from the meetings because it contended the government was using them to buy time.

Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido on Saturday called for more protests against the government of President Nicolas Maduro in the wake of a failed attempt by the ruling Socialist Party to install allied leadership in congress.

Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido on Saturday called for more protests against the government of President Nicolas Maduro in the wake of a failed attempt by the ruling Socialist Party to install allied leadership in congress. Guaido held his first rally since troops six days ago blocked his access to congress long enough for the Socialist Party to declare an allied legislator as head of parliament. Estamos realizando cientos de asambleas y cabildos a nivel nacional porque tenemos que ir todos juntos en una misma dirección, organizados y con fuerza, a empujar en toda Venezuela, para salir de esta miserable emergencia y lograr la Libertad y la Democracia. #GranCabildoPorVzla pic.twitter.com/ibHzpSXp2C — Juan Guaidó (@jguaido) January 11, 2020 × Opposition legislators in a separate session on January 5 re-elected him anyway, and they later returned to the legislative palace to hold session. "We have to go into the streets to protest and make demands, we have to push together," Guaido said on Saturday at a sparsely attended rally in the Montalban neighbourhood of western Caracas that brought out several hundred people. "Nobody can stay in their house. Nobody can kneel before the dictatorship." Guaido, who has been recognised by more than 50 countries as Venezuela's legitimate president, has since November sought to revive the groundswell mobilizations of early 2019 that galvanized the opposition. But rallies have consistently been smaller than last year, with many Venezuelans expressing weariness with the ongoing political standoff and frustration that Maduro remains in power despite an economic crisis and US sanctions. Guaido had called on supporters on Tuesday to march to the headquarters of parliament to hold session, but Socialist Party leaders on Saturday called in sympathizers to surround Congress. [ Juan Guaido sharing his views with supporters during citizen assembly in Caracas, Venezuela (Courtesy: Reuters) ] At Saturday's rally, Guaido noted that congress can hold session where and when it chooses, signalling he may avoid a confrontation. After being blocked from congress, legislators held session at the headquarters of opposition-linked newspaper El Nacional. Guaido's press team on Friday said that a representative of the Norwegian government would visit Venezuela, but that the opposition would not participate in any efforts by Norway to mediate conversations with the government. The two sides in 2019 participated in talks brokered by Norway that were meant to ease the political deadlock, but the opposition walked away from the meetings because it contended the government was using them to buy time.

Venezuela's Guaido calls for more protests against Maduro

Venezuela's opposition is calling on the United States and other countries to step up pressure on Russia over its support for socialist Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, the opposition's envoy to Washington said on Friday.

Carlos Vecchio, opposition leader Juan Guaido's representative to the United States, said Russia's role backing Maduro economically, diplomatically and militarily was of growing concern as OPEC member Venezuela's political crisis has dragged on.

"I request to the international community to hold accountable Russia for what they are doing in Venezuela," Vecchio told reporters in Washington. The pressure campaign, he said, should also extend to Russian oil giant Rosneft, which has helped Venezuela market its crude since Washington imposed sanctions on the South American country's state oil company PDVSA last January.

Since early last year, the United States and dozens of other countries have recognised Guaido, head of the opposition-controlled National Assembly, as Venezuela's legitimate interim president.

But Maduro remains in power, backed by the military as well as Russia, China and Cuba. A senior White House administration official told Reuters in October that President Donald Trump's frustration over the lack of results had spurred aides to ready further actions.

Vecchio's focus on Russia echoes comments by Elliott Abrams, the Trump administration's envoy on Venezuela, who told reporters earlier this week that "as the regime has become more and more desperate... they have relied more and more on Russia."

Abrams told Reuters in October that the administration was taking a "closer look" at Russia's role in helping Maduro remain in power. But since then the United States has not taken any major action against Moscow over its Venezuela ties.

Vecchio said new steps against Russia, including sanctions, should be also be taken by the European Union and the rest of the international community.

Moscow has acted as a lender of last resort for Venezuela, with the government and Rosneft providing at least $17 billion in loans and credit lines since 2006.

Guaido invoked the constitution last January to assume a rival presidency, arguing that Maduro's 2018 re-election was a sham. Maduro has accused Guaido of leading a US-orchestrated coup attempt.

Venezuela's opposition is calling on the United States and other countries to step up pressure on Russia over its support for socialist Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, the opposition's envoy to Washington said on Friday.

Venezuela's opposition is calling on the United States and other countries to step up pressure on Russia over its support for socialist Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, the opposition's envoy to Washington said on Friday. Carlos Vecchio, opposition leader Juan Guaido's representative to the United States, said Russia's role backing Maduro economically, diplomatically and militarily was of growing concern as OPEC member Venezuela's political crisis has dragged on. "I request to the international community to hold accountable Russia for what they are doing in Venezuela," Vecchio told reporters in Washington. The pressure campaign, he said, should also extend to Russian oil giant Rosneft, which has helped Venezuela market its crude since Washington imposed sanctions on the South American country's state oil company PDVSA last January. Since early last year, the United States and dozens of other countries have recognised Guaido, head of the opposition-controlled National Assembly, as Venezuela's legitimate interim president. But Maduro remains in power, backed by the military as well as Russia, China and Cuba. A senior White House administration official told Reuters in October that President Donald Trump's frustration over the lack of results had spurred aides to ready further actions. Vecchio's focus on Russia echoes comments by Elliott Abrams, the Trump administration's envoy on Venezuela, who told reporters earlier this week that "as the regime has become more and more desperate... they have relied more and more on Russia." Abrams told Reuters in October that the administration was taking a "closer look" at Russia's role in helping Maduro remain in power. But since then the United States has not taken any major action against Moscow over its Venezuela ties. Vecchio said new steps against Russia, including sanctions, should be also be taken by the European Union and the rest of the international community. Moscow has acted as a lender of last resort for Venezuela, with the government and Rosneft providing at least $17 billion in loans and credit lines since 2006. Guaido invoked the constitution last January to assume a rival presidency, arguing that Maduro's 2018 re-election was a sham. Maduro has accused Guaido of leading a US-orchestrated coup attempt.

Venezuela opposition calls on US to step up pressure on Maduro ally Russia

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/venezuelas-ruling-socialists-seize-congress-defiant-opposition-re-elects-guaido-272587">Venezuelan</a> security forces let US-backed opposition leader Juan Guaido enter the legislative palace on Tuesday amid a showdown for control of parliament after the ruling socialist party installed its own rival congressional chief.

Guaido, who was re-elected on Sunday to a second one-year term as head of the opposition-held congress, had pledged to preside over Tuesday's opening session after security forces blocked him from the building over the weekend to allow socialist legislators to swear in their own speaker.

Local television images early Tuesday showed Guaido arguing for half an hour with troops wielding riot shields who again blocked the entrance to the legislative building, but eventually allowed him to push past them.

"This is not a barracks. This is the house of laws," Guaido told the soldiers blocking his entrance. "The military does not get to decide who can enter the house of laws."

But inside, a brief session led by Luis Parra - who was sworn in by allies of President Nicolas Maduro as parliament chief Sunday - had already ended, according to Reuters witnesses.

Parra's swearing-in on Sunday gave Maduro sway over the last major state institution that had remained outside his control and appeared to mark a setback to Washington's efforts to unseat him.

The gambit marked an escalation in Maduro's crackdown on the opposition, whose key international ally - the Trump administration - has so far been unsuccessful in its year-long attempt to oust Maduro through economic sanctions and diplomatic pressure.

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US&nbsp;special envoy for Venezuela Elliott Abrams on Monday said Washington was preparing new sanctions to step up pressure on Caracas. But Maduro's move suggests he does not expect major consequences from the United States, though the government has steered clear of actions - like arresting Guaido - that could provoke a harsher response.

"We once again handed imperialism a defeat," socialist party Vice President Diosdado Cabello said on his talk show Monday night.

Parra, who was elected to congress in 2015, had been expelled from the First Justice opposition party in late 2019 due to corruption allegations, which he has denied.

Dozens of countries, including the United States, denounced Parra's appointment as illegitimate and said they continued to recognize Guaido as the parliament's head and as Venezuela's rightful president.

On Sunday, after soldiers prevented Guaido from entering parliament, he held a separate session elsewhere in which 100 lawmakers backed his bid despite the earlier swearing-in of Parra. The legislature has 167 seats.

'The people are in charge'

Guaido had vowed to preside over Tuesday's legislative session despite what he called Parra's "parliamentary coup." Parra has rejected that description, while saying he wants to end confrontations with Maduro's government. "We came to save parliament from destruction," he said on Twitter.

After security forces opened the gates to allow him to pass, Guaido stood in the leadership post and sang the Venezuelan national anthem with allies. Electricity swiftly went out in the chamber, and state television - which had broadcast footage of Parra's session - cut away from the congress.

"In here, the people are in charge," lawmakers chanted as Guaido entered.

Guaido was elected head of the congress in January 2019 and invoked Venezuela's constitution to assume an interim presidency, denouncing Maduro as a usurper who had secured re-election in a 2018 vote widely considered fraudulent.

So far, Maduro has fended off Guaido's challenge, retaining control of the armed forces and tightening the noose around opposition lawmakers. More than 30 of Guaido's congressional allies are in hiding, in prison, or in exile.

Guaido has also been losing support as Venezuelans tired with Maduro lose patience with his floundering movement. It remains to be seen whether his defiant response to Maduro's move could galvanize his supporters, who turned out by the hundreds of thousands to protest Maduro early last year.

Parra's new policy agenda focuses on reducing conflict with the government. Maduro was quick to celebrate his swearing-in, highlighting a "rebellion" among opposition lawmakers.

Parra said Monday his priority was to set up a new electoral council to preside over free and fair elections.

His brief session included a debate over proposals to tackle widespread shortages of gasoline. The session began around 10 a.m. and ended in under an hour.

Venezuelan security forces let US-backed opposition leader Juan Guaido enter the legislative palace on Tuesday amid a showdown for control of parliament after the ruling socialist party installed its own rival congressional chief.

Venezuelan security forces let US-backed opposition leader Juan Guaido enter the legislative palace on Tuesday amid a showdown for control of parliament after the ruling socialist party installed its own rival congressional chief. Guaido, who was re-elected on Sunday to a second one-year term as head of the opposition-held congress, had pledged to preside over Tuesday's opening session after security forces blocked him from the building over the weekend to allow socialist legislators to swear in their own speaker. Local television images early Tuesday showed Guaido arguing for half an hour with troops wielding riot shields who again blocked the entrance to the legislative building, but eventually allowed him to push past them. "This is not a barracks. This is the house of laws," Guaido told the soldiers blocking his entrance. "The military does not get to decide who can enter the house of laws." But inside, a brief session led by Luis Parra - who was sworn in by allies of President Nicolas Maduro as parliament chief Sunday - had already ended, according to Reuters witnesses. Parra's swearing-in on Sunday gave Maduro sway over the last major state institution that had remained outside his control and appeared to mark a setback to Washington's efforts to unseat him. The gambit marked an escalation in Maduro's crackdown on the opposition, whose key international ally - the Trump administration - has so far been unsuccessful in its year-long attempt to oust Maduro through economic sanctions and diplomatic pressure. × US special envoy for Venezuela Elliott Abrams on Monday said Washington was preparing new sanctions to step up pressure on Caracas. But Maduro's move suggests he does not expect major consequences from the United States, though the government has steered clear of actions - like arresting Guaido - that could provoke a harsher response. "We once again handed imperialism a defeat," socialist party Vice President Diosdado Cabello said on his talk show Monday night. Parra, who was elected to congress in 2015, had been expelled from the First Justice opposition party in late 2019 due to corruption allegations, which he has denied. Dozens of countries, including the United States, denounced Parra's appointment as illegitimate and said they continued to recognize Guaido as the parliament's head and as Venezuela's rightful president. On Sunday, after soldiers prevented Guaido from entering parliament, he held a separate session elsewhere in which 100 lawmakers backed his bid despite the earlier swearing-in of Parra. The legislature has 167 seats. 'The people are in charge' Guaido had vowed to preside over Tuesday's legislative session despite what he called Parra's "parliamentary coup." Parra has rejected that description, while saying he wants to end confrontations with Maduro's government. "We came to save parliament from destruction," he said on Twitter. After security forces opened the gates to allow him to pass, Guaido stood in the leadership post and sang the Venezuelan national anthem with allies. Electricity swiftly went out in the chamber, and state television - which had broadcast footage of Parra's session - cut away from the congress. "In here, the people are in charge," lawmakers chanted as Guaido entered. Guaido was elected head of the congress in January 2019 and invoked Venezuela's constitution to assume an interim presidency, denouncing Maduro as a usurper who had secured re-election in a 2018 vote widely considered fraudulent. So far, Maduro has fended off Guaido's challenge, retaining control of the armed forces and tightening the noose around opposition lawmakers. More than 30 of Guaido's congressional allies are in hiding, in prison, or in exile. Guaido has also been losing support as Venezuelans tired with Maduro lose patience with his floundering movement. It remains to be seen whether his defiant response to Maduro's move could galvanize his supporters, who turned out by the hundreds of thousands to protest Maduro early last year. Parra's new policy agenda focuses on reducing conflict with the government. Maduro was quick to celebrate his swearing-in, highlighting a "rebellion" among opposition lawmakers. Parra said Monday his priority was to set up a new electoral council to preside over free and fair elections. His brief session included a debate over proposals to tackle widespread shortages of gasoline. The session began around 10 a.m. and ended in under an hour.

Venezuela's Guaido pushes past troops to enter Congress after socialist takeover

Nicolas Maduro has tightened his grip on power. The Venezuelan President has taken control of the National Assembly. Experts say the last democratic institution of the country has collapsed. Palki Sharma has the details. #Gravitas #Venezuela #Maduro

Gravitas: Crisis in Venezuela deepens, Maduro takes control of the National Assembly

Venezuela's socialist government installed a new head of Congress on Sunday after armed troops blocked opposition legislators from entering parliament, in a move condemned by dozens of nations as an assault on democracy.

Troops with riot shields blocked opposition leader Juan Guaido from entering parliament for what was expected to be his re-election as head of Congress, at one point pulling him off the compound's iron railings after he tried to push past security forces.

The blockade allowed the ruling Socialist Party to hand the post to legislator Luis Parra, who was recently expelled by an opposition party over corruption allegations.

The gambit by the government of President Nicolas Maduro was slammed by the United States, the European Union and a dozen Latin American nations.

Opposition legislators quickly re-elected Guaido - who is recognised by dozens of nations as Venezuela's rightful leader - in a session at the headquarters of a pro-opposition newspaper.

But the move may further weaken the opposition's already flagging campaign to oust Maduro, and creates two competing leaders of parliament in a nation caught in a political standoff and suffering a hyperinflationary economic collapse.

"Today the dictatorship has committed another blunder," Guaido said after taking the oath of office at the offices of El Nacional newspaper. "Today we once again soundly defeated the plans of the dictatorship." 
The opposition's tally showed 100 of parliament's 167 legislators voted in his favour.

Guaido last year led a groundswell movement to push Maduro from power, denouncing his 2018 re-election as a fraud and assuming a parallel presidency that quickly won the recognition of most Western and Latin American nations.

But Maduro has clung to power, thanks to continued support from the military and the backing of China, Cuba and Russia. He has denounced Guaido as a U.S. puppet.

Parliament melee

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Sunday night congratulated Guaido for winning a second term.

"Venezuela's political parties came together in a resounding display of unity to support Juan Guaido's re-election," Pompeo said in a statement. "No regime thugs, no jail cells, and no bribery or intimidation can subvert the will of the Venezuelan people."

Opposition legislators on Sunday spent much of the morning attempting to get past checkpoints in downtown Caracas at which police and troops stalled their advance and blocked a group of them from entering the historic Congress building.

Socialist Party legislators, in the absence of Guaido and other legislators, took control of the session and nominated Parra as the new Congress chief.

Following a melee on the floor of parliament, an impromptu vote was held through a show of hands but without counting each individual vote, as required by its regulations, according to a Reuters witness.

Venezuela's state television broadcast an improvised swearing-in ceremony for Parra, who was expelled last year from opposition party First Justice for allegedly helping burnish the reputation of a businessman associated with Maduro's government.

Parra denies the charges. Since his expulsion, he has been harshly critical of Guaido and has described himself and other legislators as being in "rebellion."

"We announced this morning before entering the legislative palace that the rebellion by the deputies ... would be clearly expressed," Parra said on Sunday in comments on state television.

Maduro, who donned a baseball uniform to inaugurate a new stadium on Sunday evening, said Congress had chosen new leadership out of frustration with Guaido.

"Mike Pompeo and Elliott Abrams should explain to Donald Trump why they lost the leadership of the National Assembly, one more failure by the gringos in Venezuela," Maduro said, referring to the Secretary of State and the US special representative for Venezuela.

The events were also condemned by the Lima Group, an organisation of Latin American nations that seeks political change in Venezuela.&nbsp;

Argentina, which recently elected a leftist government, also condemned the day's events.

Venezuela's socialist government installed a new head of Congress on Sunday after armed troops blocked opposition legislators from entering parliament, in a move condemned by dozens of nations as an assault on democracy.

Venezuela's socialist government installed a new head of Congress on Sunday after armed troops blocked opposition legislators from entering parliament, in a move condemned by dozens of nations as an assault on democracy. Troops with riot shields blocked opposition leader Juan Guaido from entering parliament for what was expected to be his re-election as head of Congress, at one point pulling him off the compound's iron railings after he tried to push past security forces. The blockade allowed the ruling Socialist Party to hand the post to legislator Luis Parra, who was recently expelled by an opposition party over corruption allegations. The gambit by the government of President Nicolas Maduro was slammed by the United States, the European Union and a dozen Latin American nations. Opposition legislators quickly re-elected Guaido - who is recognised by dozens of nations as Venezuela's rightful leader - in a session at the headquarters of a pro-opposition newspaper. But the move may further weaken the opposition's already flagging campaign to oust Maduro, and creates two competing leaders of parliament in a nation caught in a political standoff and suffering a hyperinflationary economic collapse. "Today the dictatorship has committed another blunder," Guaido said after taking the oath of office at the offices of El Nacional newspaper. "Today we once again soundly defeated the plans of the dictatorship." The opposition's tally showed 100 of parliament's 167 legislators voted in his favour. Guaido last year led a groundswell movement to push Maduro from power, denouncing his 2018 re-election as a fraud and assuming a parallel presidency that quickly won the recognition of most Western and Latin American nations. But Maduro has clung to power, thanks to continued support from the military and the backing of China, Cuba and Russia. He has denounced Guaido as a U.S. puppet. Parliament melee US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Sunday night congratulated Guaido for winning a second term. "Venezuela's political parties came together in a resounding display of unity to support Juan Guaido's re-election," Pompeo said in a statement. "No regime thugs, no jail cells, and no bribery or intimidation can subvert the will of the Venezuelan people." Opposition legislators on Sunday spent much of the morning attempting to get past checkpoints in downtown Caracas at which police and troops stalled their advance and blocked a group of them from entering the historic Congress building. Socialist Party legislators, in the absence of Guaido and other legislators, took control of the session and nominated Parra as the new Congress chief. Following a melee on the floor of parliament, an impromptu vote was held through a show of hands but without counting each individual vote, as required by its regulations, according to a Reuters witness. Venezuela's state television broadcast an improvised swearing-in ceremony for Parra, who was expelled last year from opposition party First Justice for allegedly helping burnish the reputation of a businessman associated with Maduro's government. Parra denies the charges. Since his expulsion, he has been harshly critical of Guaido and has described himself and other legislators as being in "rebellion." "We announced this morning before entering the legislative palace that the rebellion by the deputies ... would be clearly expressed," Parra said on Sunday in comments on state television. Maduro, who donned a baseball uniform to inaugurate a new stadium on Sunday evening, said Congress had chosen new leadership out of frustration with Guaido. "Mike Pompeo and Elliott Abrams should explain to Donald Trump why they lost the leadership of the National Assembly, one more failure by the gringos in Venezuela," Maduro said, referring to the Secretary of State and the US special representative for Venezuela. The events were also condemned by the Lima Group, an organisation of Latin American nations that seeks political change in Venezuela. Argentina, which recently elected a leftist government, also condemned the day's events.

Venezuela's ruling Socialists seize congress, defiant opposition re-elects Guaido

The United States on Monday congratulated Venezuela's leader Juan Guaido&nbsp;on being reelected assembly Speaker even as the Opposition leader and lawmaker&nbsp;Luis Parra claimed victory.

Amid the confusion over the vote, embattled <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/maduro-has-abandoned-the-negotiation-talks-venezuelas-juan-guaido-250055">President Maduro</a> backed Parra as the new Speaker saying that "Guaido was kicked out of the National Assembly by the votes of his own opposition."

US Secretary of State, however, said that it condemned "failed efforts of the former Maduro regime to negate the will of the democratically elected National Assembly".

Parra claimed he was elected with 81 votes in the 167-member House after Guaido was blocked from entering the National Assembly legislature.

"The United States and 57 other countries continue to regard him as the legitimate leader of the National Assembly and thus the legitimate interim president of Venezuela," Pompeo said

"I congratulate Juan Guaido on his re-election as president of the Venezuelan National Assembly and condemn the failed efforts of the former Maduro regime to negate the will of the democratically elected National Assembly," US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said.

"The United States and 57 other countries continue to regard him as the legitimate leader of the National Assembly and thus the legitimate interim president of Venezuela."

Guaido said he would "enforce the constitution" after annoucing victory.

In September, Venezuelan lawmakers from small opposition parties had backed Juan Guaido should to continue as head of Congress in 2020. Last year, Guaido had declared President Nicolas Maduro an "usurper" and declared himself the&nbsp;"interim president" that was recognised by more than 50 countries, including the US.

The United States on Monday congratulated Venezuela's leader Juan Guaido on being reelected assembly Speaker even as the Opposition leader and lawmaker Luis Parra claimed victory.

The United States on Monday congratulated Venezuela's leader Juan Guaido on being reelected assembly Speaker even as the Opposition leader and lawmaker Luis Parra claimed victory. Amid the confusion over the vote, embattled President Maduro backed Parra as the new Speaker saying that "Guaido was kicked out of the National Assembly by the votes of his own opposition." US Secretary of State, however, said that it condemned "failed efforts of the former Maduro regime to negate the will of the democratically elected National Assembly". Parra claimed he was elected with 81 votes in the 167-member House after Guaido was blocked from entering the National Assembly legislature. "The United States and 57 other countries continue to regard him as the legitimate leader of the National Assembly and thus the legitimate interim president of Venezuela," Pompeo said "I congratulate Juan Guaido on his re-election as president of the Venezuelan National Assembly and condemn the failed efforts of the former Maduro regime to negate the will of the democratically elected National Assembly," US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said. "The United States and 57 other countries continue to regard him as the legitimate leader of the National Assembly and thus the legitimate interim president of Venezuela." Guaido said he would "enforce the constitution" after annoucing victory. In September, Venezuelan lawmakers from small opposition parties had backed Juan Guaido should to continue as head of Congress in 2020. Last year, Guaido had declared President Nicolas Maduro an "usurper" and declared himself the "interim president" that was recognised by more than 50 countries, including the US.

Guaido, Parra claim victory in Venezuela's Parliament Speaker vote

Venezuela's parliament on January 5 swore in legislator Luis Parra as its new leader after government security forces blocked opposition leader Juan Guaido from entering parliament, in what Guaido's allies called a "parliamentary coup." Opposition leaders had expected to re-elect Guaido, recognized by more than 50 countries as Venezuela's legitimate leader, to a second term as chief of the legislature to continue pushing for the ouster of unpopular President Nicolas Maduro. Guaido could be seen attempting to scale a fence outside parliament and being pushed back by security forces. #Venezuela #Guaido #Maduro #VenezuelaParliament

Scuffle Outside Venezuela Parliament, Guaido tries to scale fence

US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo on Friday issued sanctions on Cuban General, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fidel-castro-as-seen-by-allies-and-enemies-9356">Leopoldo Cintra Frias</a> for use of violence to assist the former Maduro regime in Venezuela.

"Today we designate <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cuba-manuel-merrero-becomes-prime-minister-40-years-after-fidel-castro-269513">Cuba</a> regime official Leopoldo Cintra Frias for his involvement in gross violations of human rights and use of violence to prop up the former Maduro regime in Venezuela. We will promote accountability for those who abuse human rights, wherever they may reside," Michael Pompeo wrote in a tweet.

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Today we designate <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cuba?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cuba</a> regime official Leopoldo Cintra Frias for his involvement in gross violations of human rights and use of violence to prop up the former Maduro regime in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Venezuela?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Venezuela</a>. We will promote accountability for those who abuse human rights, wherever they may reside.
— Secretary Pompeo (@SecPompeo) <a href="https://twitter.com/SecPompeo/status/1212848892867420181?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 2, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Last year, the United States imposed sanctions on Cuban Interior Minister Julio Ceaser Gandarilla Bermejo for involvement in "gross human rights violations in Venezuela."

Friday's sanction was the latest in a series of punitive measures that the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kim-a-man-of-his-word-on-denuclearization-donald-trump-271377">Trump</a> administration has taken against Washington's old Cold War foe.

The Trump administration has stopped short of breaking off diplomatic relations with Cuba restored by former president Obama in 2015 after more than five decades of hostility.

US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo on Friday issued sanctions on Cuban General, Leopoldo Cintra Frias for use of violence to assist the former Maduro regime in Venezuela.

US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo on Friday issued sanctions on Cuban General, Leopoldo Cintra Frias for use of violence to assist the former Maduro regime in Venezuela. "Today we designate Cuba regime official Leopoldo Cintra Frias for his involvement in gross violations of human rights and use of violence to prop up the former Maduro regime in Venezuela. We will promote accountability for those who abuse human rights, wherever they may reside," Michael Pompeo wrote in a tweet. Today we designate #Cuba regime official Leopoldo Cintra Frias for his involvement in gross violations of human rights and use of violence to prop up the former Maduro regime in #Venezuela. We will promote accountability for those who abuse human rights, wherever they may reside. — Secretary Pompeo (@SecPompeo) January 2, 2020 × Last year, the United States imposed sanctions on Cuban Interior Minister Julio Ceaser Gandarilla Bermejo for involvement in "gross human rights violations in Venezuela." Friday's sanction was the latest in a series of punitive measures that the Trump administration has taken against Washington's old Cold War foe. The Trump administration has stopped short of breaking off diplomatic relations with Cuba restored by former president Obama in 2015 after more than five decades of hostility.

US sanctions Cuban general Leopoldo Cintra Frias for supporting Maduro regime in Venezuela

Venezuela has arrested eleven&nbsp;people in connection with a weekend raid of a remote military outpost in southern Bolivar state, but some suspects have fled across the border to Brazil with stolen weapons, President Nicolas Maduro said on Monday.

Authorities have accused Brazil, Colombia and Peru - all adversaries of socialist Maduro who recognize opposition leader Juan Guaido as the rightful president - of complicity with the attack, in which one Venezuelan soldier was killed. All three countries' governments have denied involvement.

In an evening address on state television, Maduro called on Brazilian President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/i-believe-god-is-brazilian-made-me-president-jair-bolsonaro-268197">Jair Bolsonaro</a> to cooperate.

"Capture the assailants in Brazilian territory and return the weapons to the Venezuelan armed forces," Maduro said.

He said the eleven&nbsp;detainees included both military and civilian suspects, without providing details.

Authorities have blamed "extreme sectors of the opposition" for the raid. Venezuela, whose economy has collapsed under Maduro, has been locked in a deep political crisis since Guaido, the head of the opposition-held National Assembly, assumed a rival presidency in January.

Maduro dismisses <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/maduro-has-abandoned-the-negotiation-talks-venezuelas-juan-guaido-250055">Juan&nbsp;Guaido</a> as a US&nbsp;puppet seeking to oust him in a coup.

Information Minister Jorge Rodriguez said in an earlier address on Monday that Darwin Balaguera, a former National Guard member who deserted in February and fled to Colombia, was detained over the raid. The channel broadcast video of Balaguera answering authorities' questions in custody.

Balaguera was among hundreds of Venezuelan soldiers who defected to Colombia during a Guaido-led attempt to bring humanitarian aid into the country through Colombia and Brazil in February. Some have said they are prepared to take up arms to remove Maduro.

Olnar Ortiz, an attorney with nonprofit rights group Penal Forum, said at least seven members of the Pemon <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/indigenous-people-are-forgotten-victims-of-the-ongoing-crisis-in-venezuela-215018">indigenous group</a> were arrested in connection with the incident. Ortiz said four other Pemon individuals were missing.

Ortiz said authorities raided homes in the Pemon village of Kumarakapay near Venezuela's border with Brazil on Sunday evening, searching for suspected participants in the raid.

"They are criminalizing everyone without concrete evidence, without respect for due process," Ortiz said.

There were deadly confrontations between indigenous Pemon and authorities during the February aid effort. Troops loyal to Maduro blocked the aid from entering.

Venezuela has arrested eleven people in connection with a weekend raid of a remote military outpost in southern Bolivar state, but some suspects have fled across the border to Brazil with stolen weapons, President Nicolas Maduro said on Monday.

Venezuela has arrested eleven people in connection with a weekend raid of a remote military outpost in southern Bolivar state, but some suspects have fled across the border to Brazil with stolen weapons, President Nicolas Maduro said on Monday. Authorities have accused Brazil, Colombia and Peru - all adversaries of socialist Maduro who recognize opposition leader Juan Guaido as the rightful president - of complicity with the attack, in which one Venezuelan soldier was killed. All three countries' governments have denied involvement. In an evening address on state television, Maduro called on Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro to cooperate. "Capture the assailants in Brazilian territory and return the weapons to the Venezuelan armed forces," Maduro said. He said the eleven detainees included both military and civilian suspects, without providing details. Authorities have blamed "extreme sectors of the opposition" for the raid. Venezuela, whose economy has collapsed under Maduro, has been locked in a deep political crisis since Guaido, the head of the opposition-held National Assembly, assumed a rival presidency in January. Maduro dismisses Juan Guaido as a US puppet seeking to oust him in a coup. Information Minister Jorge Rodriguez said in an earlier address on Monday that Darwin Balaguera, a former National Guard member who deserted in February and fled to Colombia, was detained over the raid. The channel broadcast video of Balaguera answering authorities' questions in custody. Balaguera was among hundreds of Venezuelan soldiers who defected to Colombia during a Guaido-led attempt to bring humanitarian aid into the country through Colombia and Brazil in February. Some have said they are prepared to take up arms to remove Maduro. Olnar Ortiz, an attorney with nonprofit rights group Penal Forum, said at least seven members of the Pemon indigenous group were arrested in connection with the incident. Ortiz said four other Pemon individuals were missing. Ortiz said authorities raided homes in the Pemon village of Kumarakapay near Venezuela's border with Brazil on Sunday evening, searching for suspected participants in the raid. "They are criminalizing everyone without concrete evidence, without respect for due process," Ortiz said. There were deadly confrontations between indigenous Pemon and authorities during the February aid effort. Troops loyal to Maduro blocked the aid from entering.

Eleven arrested after weekend raid on military outpost: Maduro

Venezuela's opposition-run congress on Tuesday (December 17) approved a measure allowing lawmakers to vote on legislation without being present, a response to a government crackdown that has left dozens of legislators in hiding or in exile.

Venezuela congress allows remote voting to thwart government pressure on opposition

There are now over 4.5 million Venezuelan refugees and migrants living outside the country according to the UN's refugee agency and the outflow of people shows no signs of slowing down due to political and economic crisis in the South American country.

Venezuelan exodus and need for aid will increase in 2020 -UN

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