The government of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and the opposition are continuing to hold talks in Barbados in an effort to find ways to resolve the Latin American country's political crisis, the Foreign Ministry of mediator Norway said on Friday.

Friday`s statement, the first in three weeks, came a day after US President Donald Trump said he was considering a quarantine or blockade of Venezuela and ahead of a summit in Peru on the Venezuelan crisis, which US Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross will attend.

"The representatives of the main political actors in Venezuela are continuing the negotiations ... the parties have reiterated their willingness to advance in the search for an agreed upon and constitutional solution," Norway`s Foreign Ministry said.

Maduro, who after saying the dialogue was progressing and that he would "meet even with the devil," alleged that the United States is timing new sanctions on Venezuelan officials to coincide with the new rounds of talks.&nbsp;

The Trump administration on Friday slapped sanctions on two security officials for alleged human rights violations.

"Every time there has been a dialogue session, the US government makes bad, perverse decisions like it took this week," Maduro said in a Friday evening state television broadcast. "Illegal, spurious decisions. Stupid decisions about supposed sanctions."

The opposition`s main negotiator, Stalin Gonzalez, thanked the government of Norway in a tweet shortly after the ministry`s statement, ratifying his party`s proposal for a constitutional solution.

Juan Guaido, leader of the opposition-controlled National Assembly, invoked the constitution in January to assume a rival interim presidency after declaring Maduro`s 2018 re-election a fraud. Maduro calls Guaido a puppet of the United States and blames Venezuela`s severe economic problems on U.S. sanctions meant to force him from office.

The government of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and the opposition are continuing to hold talks in Barbados in an effort to find ways to resolve the Latin American country's political crisis, the Foreign Ministry of mediator Norway said on Friday.

The government of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and the opposition are continuing to hold talks in Barbados in an effort to find ways to resolve the Latin American country's political crisis, the Foreign Ministry of mediator Norway said on Friday. Friday`s statement, the first in three weeks, came a day after US President Donald Trump said he was considering a quarantine or blockade of Venezuela and ahead of a summit in Peru on the Venezuelan crisis, which US Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross will attend. "The representatives of the main political actors in Venezuela are continuing the negotiations ... the parties have reiterated their willingness to advance in the search for an agreed upon and constitutional solution," Norway`s Foreign Ministry said. Maduro, who after saying the dialogue was progressing and that he would "meet even with the devil," alleged that the United States is timing new sanctions on Venezuelan officials to coincide with the new rounds of talks. The Trump administration on Friday slapped sanctions on two security officials for alleged human rights violations. "Every time there has been a dialogue session, the US government makes bad, perverse decisions like it took this week," Maduro said in a Friday evening state television broadcast. "Illegal, spurious decisions. Stupid decisions about supposed sanctions." The opposition`s main negotiator, Stalin Gonzalez, thanked the government of Norway in a tweet shortly after the ministry`s statement, ratifying his party`s proposal for a constitutional solution. Juan Guaido, leader of the opposition-controlled National Assembly, invoked the constitution in January to assume a rival interim presidency after declaring Maduro`s 2018 re-election a fraud. Maduro calls Guaido a puppet of the United States and blames Venezuela`s severe economic problems on U.S. sanctions meant to force him from office.

Venezuela government, opposition hold talks in Barbados as Maduro slams sanctions

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-government-opposition-hold-talks-in-barbados-as-maduro-slams-sanctions-240348">Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro</a> on Friday said he rejected US&nbsp;President Donald Trump's statement about a possible blockade of the South American country, adding that its seas would remain "free and independent."&nbsp;

Maduro said he had asked Venezuela`s ambassador to the United Nations, Samuel Moncada, to denounce the "illegal" threat to the UN&nbsp;Security Council.&nbsp;

"All of Venezuela, in a civic-military union, repudiates and rejects the statements of Donald Trump about a supposed quarantine, of a supposed blockade," Maduro said in a state television broadcast. "A blockade, why would he announce that? It is clearly illegal."&nbsp;

The United States has applied sanctions and diplomatic pressure to try to get Maduro, whom it accuses of human rights violations and stealing the Venezuelan election last year, to step down.

On Thursday, when asked by a reporter whether he was considering such a measure given involvement by China and Iran in Venezuela, Trump said: "Yes, I am." He gave no details.

On Friday, a senior US&nbsp;official said Trump`s word on the issue should be taken "very seriously" but that the administration did not want to give away "the element of surprise."

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on Friday said he rejected US President Donald Trump's statement about a possible blockade of the South American country, adding that its seas would remain "free and independent.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on Friday said he rejected US President Donald Trump's statement about a possible blockade of the South American country, adding that its seas would remain "free and independent." Maduro said he had asked Venezuela`s ambassador to the United Nations, Samuel Moncada, to denounce the "illegal" threat to the UN Security Council. "All of Venezuela, in a civic-military union, repudiates and rejects the statements of Donald Trump about a supposed quarantine, of a supposed blockade," Maduro said in a state television broadcast. "A blockade, why would he announce that? It is clearly illegal." The United States has applied sanctions and diplomatic pressure to try to get Maduro, whom it accuses of human rights violations and stealing the Venezuelan election last year, to step down. On Thursday, when asked by a reporter whether he was considering such a measure given involvement by China and Iran in Venezuela, Trump said: "Yes, I am." He gave no details. On Friday, a senior US official said Trump`s word on the issue should be taken "very seriously" but that the administration did not want to give away "the element of surprise."

Maduro says he 'repudiates' Trump statement on possible Venezuela blockade

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/armed-man-dead-after-attacking-united-states-immigration-jail-235787">United States immigration</a> officials have added Venezuelan government minister Tareck El Aissami, a suspected drug smuggler, to their list of most wanted fugitives, they said Wednesday.

"Have you seen this #mostwanted #fugitive?," Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) posted on its Twitter account, alongside a picture of the industry minister and former deputy to President Nicolas Maduro.&nbsp;

"He's wanted for international narcotics trafficking."

US federal authorities in March charged El Aissami with drug trafficking and dodging sanctions imposed by Washington.&nbsp;

If he is arrested and extradited, El Aissami could face up to 30 years in prison.&nbsp;

The US designated El Aissami in February 2017 as having played "a significant role in international narcotics trafficking."

"In his previous positions, he oversaw or partially owned narcotics shipments of more than 1,000 kilograms (2,200 pounds) from Venezuela on multiple occasions, including those with the final destinations of Mexico and the United States," ICE said on its website.

El Aissami denounced the move as "a dirty trick" and declared himself steadfast and loyal to Maduro's government.

"Accuse us of whatever you want... we will win," he said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/technicians-to-fly-out-of-venezuela-russian-embassy-230688">Venezuela</a> is struggling with a political and economic crisis that the United Nations says has left a quarter of its 30 million people in need of humanitarian aid.&nbsp;

In January, National Assembly Speaker Juan Guaido declared himself acting president, branding Maduro a "usurper" over his re-election last year in a poll widely believed to have been rigged.

But despite the support of some 50 countries including the US, Guaido has been unable to dislodge him from power. 
&nbsp;

United States immigration officials have added Venezuelan government minister Tareck El Aissami, a suspected drug smuggler, to their list of most wanted fugitives, they said Wednesday.

United States immigration officials have added Venezuelan government minister Tareck El Aissami, a suspected drug smuggler, to their list of most wanted fugitives, they said Wednesday. "Have you seen this #mostwanted #fugitive?," Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) posted on its Twitter account, alongside a picture of the industry minister and former deputy to President Nicolas Maduro. "He's wanted for international narcotics trafficking." US federal authorities in March charged El Aissami with drug trafficking and dodging sanctions imposed by Washington. If he is arrested and extradited, El Aissami could face up to 30 years in prison. The US designated El Aissami in February 2017 as having played "a significant role in international narcotics trafficking." "In his previous positions, he oversaw or partially owned narcotics shipments of more than 1,000 kilograms (2,200 pounds) from Venezuela on multiple occasions, including those with the final destinations of Mexico and the United States," ICE said on its website. El Aissami denounced the move as "a dirty trick" and declared himself steadfast and loyal to Maduro's government. "Accuse us of whatever you want... we will win," he said. Venezuela is struggling with a political and economic crisis that the United Nations says has left a quarter of its 30 million people in need of humanitarian aid. In January, National Assembly Speaker Juan Guaido declared himself acting president, branding Maduro a "usurper" over his re-election last year in a poll widely believed to have been rigged. But despite the support of some 50 countries including the US, Guaido has been unable to dislodge him from power.

US immigration agency names Venezuelan minister Tareck El Aissami among 'most wanted'

For the first time in its history, the Miss Venezuela contest will not publish the 24 contestants' waist, bust and hip measurements, organizers said -- as pageants face criticism for their primary focus on physical appearance.

The event, which will take place in Caracas on Thursday, has been running since 1952 and has an enviable record on the international stage, having produced seven Miss Universe winners and six in Miss World.

Traditionally, the contestants' vital statistics have been publicized -- with a 90-centimetre (36- inch) bust, 60-centimetre&nbsp;waist and 90-centimetre hips long considered the ideal.

This year, contestants will still parade on stage in swimsuits and evening gowns, but organizers say they want to fight stereotypes about what an ideal woman looks like and hence will not reveal their measurements.

"A woman's beauty isn't 90, 60, 90 ... It is measured by each one's talent," said Gabriela Isler, the pageant's spokeswoman and Venezuela's last Miss Universe winner in 2013.

At past pageants, presenters would tell the audience the exact size of each contestant, many of whom underwent cosmetic surgery and followed strict diets in a bid to achieve the supposedly ideal physique.

Miss Venezuela is normally a big business in the crisis-wracked Latin American country, but it is suffering from the same difficulties as the rest of the population.

One of those is frequent blackouts, the latest of which hit the country on July 22.

Isler revealed that the pageant did not have enough money to put in place contingency measures in case of a power outage on Thursday.

For the first time in its history, the Miss Venezuela contest will not publish the 24 contestants' waist, bust and hip measurements, organizers said -- as pageants face criticism for their primary focus on physical appearance.

For the first time in its history, the Miss Venezuela contest will not publish the 24 contestants' waist, bust and hip measurements, organizers said -- as pageants face criticism for their primary focus on physical appearance. The event, which will take place in Caracas on Thursday, has been running since 1952 and has an enviable record on the international stage, having produced seven Miss Universe winners and six in Miss World. Traditionally, the contestants' vital statistics have been publicized -- with a 90-centimetre (36- inch) bust, 60-centimetre waist and 90-centimetre hips long considered the ideal. This year, contestants will still parade on stage in swimsuits and evening gowns, but organizers say they want to fight stereotypes about what an ideal woman looks like and hence will not reveal their measurements. "A woman's beauty isn't 90, 60, 90 ... It is measured by each one's talent," said Gabriela Isler, the pageant's spokeswoman and Venezuela's last Miss Universe winner in 2013. At past pageants, presenters would tell the audience the exact size of each contestant, many of whom underwent cosmetic surgery and followed strict diets in a bid to achieve the supposedly ideal physique. Miss Venezuela is normally a big business in the crisis-wracked Latin American country, but it is suffering from the same difficulties as the rest of the population. One of those is frequent blackouts, the latest of which hit the country on July 22. Isler revealed that the pageant did not have enough money to put in place contingency measures in case of a power outage on Thursday.

In a first, Miss Venezuela ditches contestants' measurements

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nicolas-maduro-meets-european-unions-special-envoy-in-caracas-ahead-of-opposition-talks-234668">Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro</a> on Tuesday honoured American protesters who had occupied the country's embassy in Washington for weeks in support of the beleaguered leader before being evicted by US authorities.

Venezuela broke off relations with Washington after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-tears-into-china-on-twitter-as-trade-talks-resume-239492">President Donald Trump</a> said he recognised opposition politician Juan Guaido as acting president one of around 50 countries to acknowledge the 36-year-old as leader of the crisis-hit nation.

Several left-wing and pacifist activists protesting Guaido's bid to remove Maduro from power occupied the Venezuelan embassy in Washington in April, aiming to block the entry of his delegation to the embassy before US police evicted them the following month.

On Tuesday, Maduro awarded the American squatters a replica of the sword used by Venezuela's founding father Simon Bolivar.

"I want to give it to you as a show of deep gratitude," he said.

The Venezuelan government had condemned the eviction of the activists and accused the US government of violating international law.&nbsp;

For more than a month, an unclear number of Americans belonging to a group calling itself the Embassy Protection Collective lived in the diplomatic mission, with the consent of the Maduro government.

A group of Venezuelan residents of Washington meanwhile camped outside the building to protest against the squatters and prevent any supplies from being delivered to them inside.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on Tuesday honoured American protesters who had occupied the country's embassy in Washington for weeks in support of the beleaguered leader before being evicted by US authorities.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on Tuesday honoured American protesters who had occupied the country's embassy in Washington for weeks in support of the beleaguered leader before being evicted by US authorities. Venezuela broke off relations with Washington after President Donald Trump said he recognised opposition politician Juan Guaido as acting president one of around 50 countries to acknowledge the 36-year-old as leader of the crisis-hit nation. Several left-wing and pacifist activists protesting Guaido's bid to remove Maduro from power occupied the Venezuelan embassy in Washington in April, aiming to block the entry of his delegation to the embassy before US police evicted them the following month. On Tuesday, Maduro awarded the American squatters a replica of the sword used by Venezuela's founding father Simon Bolivar. "I want to give it to you as a show of deep gratitude," he said. The Venezuelan government had condemned the eviction of the activists and accused the US government of violating international law. For more than a month, an unclear number of Americans belonging to a group calling itself the Embassy Protection Collective lived in the diplomatic mission, with the consent of the Maduro government. A group of Venezuelan residents of Washington meanwhile camped outside the building to protest against the squatters and prevent any supplies from being delivered to them inside.

Maduro honors Americans evicted from Venezuelan embassy in US

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nicolas-maduro-optimistic-after-opposition-talks-resume-in-barbados-234229">Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro</a> on Sunday said two former FARC commanders from neighbouring Colombia whose whereabouts are unknown were "welcome in Venezuela," a statement likely to fuel criticism that he is providing a safe haven for armed groups.

Speaking alongside Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel at the closing ceremony of the Sao Paulo Forum, a gathering of regional leftist politicians and activists, Maduro called Ivan Marquez and Jesus Santrich "leaders of peace."

Santrich and Marquez - the war aliases used by Seuxis Paucias Hernandez and Luciano Marin, respectively - both joined the FARC's political party after the leftist rebel group demobilized under a 2016 peace deal that ended decades of civil war.

But Marquez went missing last year after his nephew was arrested and taken to the United States to cooperate with drug-trafficking investigators. And earlier this month, Colombia's Supreme Court ordered Santrich's arrest after he failed to appear for questioning about US drug-trafficking charges.

Colombian President Ivan Duque later suggested Santrich may have fled to Venezuela. Maduro said he had learned of Santrich's possible presence in Venezuela from Duque's statement.

"They had announced that Ivan Marquez and Jesus Santrich were coming, and I was left waiting," Maduro said. "Ivan Marquez and Jesus Santrich are welcome in Venezuela and at the Sao Paulo Forum, the two of them are leaders of peace."

Colombian authorities believe dissident FARC rebels and fighters for leftist rebel National Liberation Army (ELN) are hiding in Venezuela and receiving protection from Maduro, according to a military intelligence report seen by Reuters. Maduro's government has denied protecting Colombian rebels.

Tensions between the neighboring countries have worsened since Duque joined the United States and most Latin American countries in recognizing Juan Guaido, president of the opposition-controlled National Assembly, as the rightful leader, arguing Maduro's 2018 re-election was illegitimate.

Maduro, who calls Guaido a US puppet seeking to oust him in a coup, broke off diplomatic relations with Bogota in February after Guaido's failed attempt to bring humanitarian aid into Venezuela through the Colombian border.

Maduro also said that two other FARC leaders, Timochenko and Pablo Catatumbo, were welcome in Venezuela.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on Sunday said two former FARC commanders from neighbouring Colombia whose whereabouts are unknown were "welcome in Venezuela," a statement likely to fuel criticism that he is providing a safe haven for armed groups.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on Sunday said two former FARC commanders from neighbouring Colombia whose whereabouts are unknown were "welcome in Venezuela," a statement likely to fuel criticism that he is providing a safe haven for armed groups. Speaking alongside Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel at the closing ceremony of the Sao Paulo Forum, a gathering of regional leftist politicians and activists, Maduro called Ivan Marquez and Jesus Santrich "leaders of peace." Santrich and Marquez - the war aliases used by Seuxis Paucias Hernandez and Luciano Marin, respectively - both joined the FARC's political party after the leftist rebel group demobilized under a 2016 peace deal that ended decades of civil war. But Marquez went missing last year after his nephew was arrested and taken to the United States to cooperate with drug-trafficking investigators. And earlier this month, Colombia's Supreme Court ordered Santrich's arrest after he failed to appear for questioning about US drug-trafficking charges. Colombian President Ivan Duque later suggested Santrich may have fled to Venezuela. Maduro said he had learned of Santrich's possible presence in Venezuela from Duque's statement. "They had announced that Ivan Marquez and Jesus Santrich were coming, and I was left waiting," Maduro said. "Ivan Marquez and Jesus Santrich are welcome in Venezuela and at the Sao Paulo Forum, the two of them are leaders of peace." Colombian authorities believe dissident FARC rebels and fighters for leftist rebel National Liberation Army (ELN) are hiding in Venezuela and receiving protection from Maduro, according to a military intelligence report seen by Reuters. Maduro's government has denied protecting Colombian rebels. Tensions between the neighboring countries have worsened since Duque joined the United States and most Latin American countries in recognizing Juan Guaido, president of the opposition-controlled National Assembly, as the rightful leader, arguing Maduro's 2018 re-election was illegitimate. Maduro, who calls Guaido a US puppet seeking to oust him in a coup, broke off diplomatic relations with Bogota in February after Guaido's failed attempt to bring humanitarian aid into Venezuela through the Colombian border. Maduro also said that two other FARC leaders, Timochenko and Pablo Catatumbo, were welcome in Venezuela.

Maduro says missing FARC leaders are 'welcome in Venezuela'

Venezuela's Supreme Court on Friday annulled a decision by the opposition-controlled legislature to re-join a regional defence treaty that could provide a legal framework for foreign military intervention.

Venezuela's top court, made up of judges loyal to President Nicolas Maduro, said the National Assembly's decision to rejoin the Inter-American Treaty of Reciprocal Assistance (TIAR) on Tuesday had no legal basis.

Maduro's predecessor and mentor, late president Hugo Chavez, withdrew the country from the defence pact, which involves 17 countries including the United States, seven years ago.

Opposition leader Juan Guaido said on Tuesday that re-joining the treaty would let Venezuela establish "international alliances" to "protect and defend the people and Venezuelan sovereignty."

The Supreme Court has annulled every decision taken by the National Assembly -- the only government institution in opposition hands -- since declaring it in "contempt" in 2016.

Venezuela was thrust into a political crisis in January when Guaido declared himself acting president, in a direct challenge to Maduro's authority. He is demanding Maduro step down so that new elections can be held.

The opposition has branded the socialist leader a "usurper" over his re-election last year in a poll widely viewed as rigged.

Guaido has since been backed by more than 50 countries, including many of those in the TIAR.

The TIAR was originally ratified by 23 countries at the start of the Cold War, but five of those -- at the time all under leftist governments -- left in 2012 while Mexico distanced itself in 2004.

Bolivia, Ecuador, Nicaragua and Venezuela left over Washington's refusal to take Argentina's side in 1982 after it invaded the British-ruled Falkland Islands. It said US inaction meant the defence pact was meaningless.

Venezuela's Supreme Court on Friday annulled a decision by the opposition-controlled legislature to re-join a regional defence treaty that could provide a legal framework for foreign military intervention.

Venezuela's Supreme Court on Friday annulled a decision by the opposition-controlled legislature to re-join a regional defence treaty that could provide a legal framework for foreign military intervention. Venezuela's top court, made up of judges loyal to President Nicolas Maduro, said the National Assembly's decision to rejoin the Inter-American Treaty of Reciprocal Assistance (TIAR) on Tuesday had no legal basis. Maduro's predecessor and mentor, late president Hugo Chavez, withdrew the country from the defence pact, which involves 17 countries including the United States, seven years ago. Opposition leader Juan Guaido said on Tuesday that re-joining the treaty would let Venezuela establish "international alliances" to "protect and defend the people and Venezuelan sovereignty." The Supreme Court has annulled every decision taken by the National Assembly -- the only government institution in opposition hands -- since declaring it in "contempt" in 2016. Venezuela was thrust into a political crisis in January when Guaido declared himself acting president, in a direct challenge to Maduro's authority. He is demanding Maduro step down so that new elections can be held. The opposition has branded the socialist leader a "usurper" over his re-election last year in a poll widely viewed as rigged. Guaido has since been backed by more than 50 countries, including many of those in the TIAR. The TIAR was originally ratified by 23 countries at the start of the Cold War, but five of those -- at the time all under leftist governments -- left in 2012 while Mexico distanced itself in 2004. Bolivia, Ecuador, Nicaragua and Venezuela left over Washington's refusal to take Argentina's side in 1982 after it invaded the British-ruled Falkland Islands. It said US inaction meant the defence pact was meaningless.

Venezuela's Supreme Court quashes Opposition's attempt to rejoin Rio Pact

Massive Power Outage Across Venezuela. President Maduro Blames It On The U.S. Venezuela plunges into darkness due to a massive power outage. President Maduro says that the U.S. was responsible for the outage, Maduro hints at possible cyber attacks. Is the U.S. waging an electricity war on Maduro's regime? Or is Venezuela's power grid genuinely in a bad shape? This report explores.

Gravitas: Venezuela plunges into darkness

The Lima Group on Tuesday said <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/indigenous-people-are-forgotten-victims-of-the-ongoing-crisis-in-venezuela-215018">Venezuela's political crisis</a> threatened regional peace and international security and urged the global community to make a "huge effort to re-establish" democracy in the South American country.

The group of a dozen Latin American countries and Canada helping to mediate the Venezuelan crisis urged the world to push Caracas to hold new presidential elections a move <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nicolas-maduro-optimistic-after-opposition-talks-resume-in-barbados-234229">socialist leader Nicolas Maduro</a> has refused to consider.

Venezuela was thrust into a political impasse six months ago when opposition leader Juan Guaido declared himself acting president after branding Maduro a "usurper" because of his "fraudulent" 2018 re-election.

Government-opposition talks are stalled as Guaido, recognized by more than 50 countries, is demanding that Maduro step down and hold new elections.

"While a dictator is in power in Venezuela, all our democracies are more fragile," said Argentine Foreign Minister Jorge Faurie at the Lima Group meeting in Buenos Aires.

He said the Venezuelan crisis "threatens regional peace and security" as well as international security.

Most Lima Group members recognize Guaido, who participated by video link.

A quarter of Venezuela's 30 million people are in need of humanitarian aid, according to the United Nations, while three million have left the country since early 2016.

Colombia has taken in 1.3 million Venezuelans while another 768,000 live in Peru.

Nestor Popolizio, Peru's foreign minister, asked for "urgent and concrete help in the form of international cooperation" to relieve the burden on countries hosting the migrants.

"The crisis is worsening and requires an urgent solution in the form of credible, transparent, free and fair elections," Popolizio said.

Legalized military intervention

Separately, Venezuela's opposition-controlled legislature approved re-joining a regional defence treaty that could provide a legal framework for foreign military intervention.

Venezuela withdrew from the Inter-American Treaty of Reciprocal Assistance (TIAR) a defence pact involving 17 countries including the United States seven years ago under the late president Hugo Chavez.

Guaido said that re-joining the treaty would let Venezuela establish "international alliances" to "protect and defend the people and Venezuelan sovereignty," but didn't mention foreign intervention.

The vote, however, does not necessarily mean Venezuela will be re-join the TIAR.

The National Assembly's decisions are routinely annulled by the Supreme Court, which is filled with Maduro loyalists, and the body has been effectively replaced by the staunchly pro-government Constituent Assembly.

The Lima Group on Tuesday said Venezuela's political crisis threatened regional peace and international security and urged the global community to make a "huge effort to re-establish" democracy in the South American country.

The Lima Group on Tuesday said Venezuela's political crisis threatened regional peace and international security and urged the global community to make a "huge effort to re-establish" democracy in the South American country. The group of a dozen Latin American countries and Canada helping to mediate the Venezuelan crisis urged the world to push Caracas to hold new presidential elections a move socialist leader Nicolas Maduro has refused to consider. Venezuela was thrust into a political impasse six months ago when opposition leader Juan Guaido declared himself acting president after branding Maduro a "usurper" because of his "fraudulent" 2018 re-election. Government-opposition talks are stalled as Guaido, recognized by more than 50 countries, is demanding that Maduro step down and hold new elections. "While a dictator is in power in Venezuela, all our democracies are more fragile," said Argentine Foreign Minister Jorge Faurie at the Lima Group meeting in Buenos Aires. He said the Venezuelan crisis "threatens regional peace and security" as well as international security. Most Lima Group members recognize Guaido, who participated by video link. A quarter of Venezuela's 30 million people are in need of humanitarian aid, according to the United Nations, while three million have left the country since early 2016. Colombia has taken in 1.3 million Venezuelans while another 768,000 live in Peru. Nestor Popolizio, Peru's foreign minister, asked for "urgent and concrete help in the form of international cooperation" to relieve the burden on countries hosting the migrants. "The crisis is worsening and requires an urgent solution in the form of credible, transparent, free and fair elections," Popolizio said. Legalized military intervention Separately, Venezuela's opposition-controlled legislature approved re-joining a regional defence treaty that could provide a legal framework for foreign military intervention. Venezuela withdrew from the Inter-American Treaty of Reciprocal Assistance (TIAR) a defence pact involving 17 countries including the United States seven years ago under the late president Hugo Chavez. Guaido said that re-joining the treaty would let Venezuela establish "international alliances" to "protect and defend the people and Venezuelan sovereignty," but didn't mention foreign intervention. The vote, however, does not necessarily mean Venezuela will be re-join the TIAR. The National Assembly's decisions are routinely annulled by the Supreme Court, which is filled with Maduro loyalists, and the body has been effectively replaced by the staunchly pro-government Constituent Assembly.

Lima Group: Venezuela crisis threatens 'international security'

The lights have gone out across much of Venezuela, snarling traffic in the capital and reviving fears of the blackouts that plunged the country into chaos a few months ago. Nicolás Maduro blames electromagnetic attack for the recent darkness. Watch this video to know more.

Venezuela plunges into darkness, blames electromagnetic attack

Caracas and other parts of crisis-wracked Venezuela were hit by a massive power cut on Monday that the government blamed on an "electromagnetic attack."

The lights went out in most of Caracas at 4:41 pm (2041 GMT) while people in other parts of the country took to social media to report the power had gone out there too.

"The first indications received from the investigation... point to the existence of an electromagnetic attack that sought to affect the hydroelectric generation system of Guayana," Communication Minister Jorge Rodriguez said in a statement on state television.

Guayana, a natural region in southern Venezuela, is home to the Guri hydroelectric power station that produces 80 per cent of the country's electricity.

The statement read by Rodriguez recognized the cut as a "national event."

The capital was hit by huge traffic jams due to the traffic lights losing power, while the sidewalks teemed with pedestrians walking home as the metro had stopped running.

Closed stores were a common site on Monday, as the lack of electricity prevented the use of credit and debit cards that are essential due to the shortage of cash in inflation-plagued Venezuela.

"I'm hungry, I want to eat, but there is nowhere to use my debit card," said Hernan Montalvo, complaining of not having enough cash to buy a hot dog.

"I'm outraged," Eurimar Guere, 36, told AFP after leaving her office in eastern Caracas.

"Necessary repairs weren't carried out and it's more of the same. Maybe this power cut will be worse than the previous ones."

'Destroyed' electricity system

A major power outage in March affected all 23 states in Venezuela and lasted a week, paralyzing basic services such as the water supply and forcing the workday to be cancelled and school classes to be suspended.

Hospital care was also affected by that incident and another one that came days later.

Opponents of President Nicolas Maduro said at the time that about 20 people died due to problems in medical treatment due to the blackout.

Maduro had blamed unnamed "terrorists" for that near-nationwide blackout, claiming they had attacked the Guri hydroelectric plant.

Another huge outage in April left large parts of the country, including Caracas, in darkness, although it lasted hours rather than days.

Rodriguez said that following the earlier blackouts, the government "has implemented protection and security protocols" that will permit the restoration of electricity "in the shortest possible time."

Blackouts are a common occurrence in Venezuela, especially in remote western regions.

The government usually blames them on sabotage but experts say that a lack of investment, poor management, the emigration of qualified engineers and personnel, and corruption are the more likely culprits.&nbsp;

"They tried to hide the tragedy by rationing throughout the country, but the failure is clear," said opposition leader Juan Guaido on Twitter.

"They've destroyed the electricity system and they don't have any answers."

crisis-wracked Venezuela has been mired in a political impasse since January when Guaido proclaimed himself acting president, quickly receiving the support of more than 50 countries.

The oil-rich, cash-poor country has been in a deep recession for five years. Shortages of food and medicine are frequent, and public services are progressively failing.

Around a quarter of Venezuela's 30-million-strong population are in need of aid, according to the United Nations. Three million people have left the country since the start of 2016.

Caracas and other parts of crisis-wracked Venezuela were hit by a massive power cut on Monday that the government blamed on an "electromagnetic attack." The lights went out in most of Caracas at 4:41 pm (2041 GMT) while people in other parts of the country took to social media to report the power had gone out there too.

Caracas and other parts of crisis-wracked Venezuela were hit by a massive power cut on Monday that the government blamed on an "electromagnetic attack." The lights went out in most of Caracas at 4:41 pm (2041 GMT) while people in other parts of the country took to social media to report the power had gone out there too. "The first indications received from the investigation... point to the existence of an electromagnetic attack that sought to affect the hydroelectric generation system of Guayana," Communication Minister Jorge Rodriguez said in a statement on state television. Guayana, a natural region in southern Venezuela, is home to the Guri hydroelectric power station that produces 80 per cent of the country's electricity. The statement read by Rodriguez recognized the cut as a "national event." The capital was hit by huge traffic jams due to the traffic lights losing power, while the sidewalks teemed with pedestrians walking home as the metro had stopped running. Closed stores were a common site on Monday, as the lack of electricity prevented the use of credit and debit cards that are essential due to the shortage of cash in inflation-plagued Venezuela. "I'm hungry, I want to eat, but there is nowhere to use my debit card," said Hernan Montalvo, complaining of not having enough cash to buy a hot dog. "I'm outraged," Eurimar Guere, 36, told AFP after leaving her office in eastern Caracas. "Necessary repairs weren't carried out and it's more of the same. Maybe this power cut will be worse than the previous ones." 'Destroyed' electricity system A major power outage in March affected all 23 states in Venezuela and lasted a week, paralyzing basic services such as the water supply and forcing the workday to be cancelled and school classes to be suspended. Hospital care was also affected by that incident and another one that came days later. Opponents of President Nicolas Maduro said at the time that about 20 people died due to problems in medical treatment due to the blackout. Maduro had blamed unnamed "terrorists" for that near-nationwide blackout, claiming they had attacked the Guri hydroelectric plant. Another huge outage in April left large parts of the country, including Caracas, in darkness, although it lasted hours rather than days. Rodriguez said that following the earlier blackouts, the government "has implemented protection and security protocols" that will permit the restoration of electricity "in the shortest possible time." Blackouts are a common occurrence in Venezuela, especially in remote western regions. The government usually blames them on sabotage but experts say that a lack of investment, poor management, the emigration of qualified engineers and personnel, and corruption are the more likely culprits. "They tried to hide the tragedy by rationing throughout the country, but the failure is clear," said opposition leader Juan Guaido on Twitter. "They've destroyed the electricity system and they don't have any answers." crisis-wracked Venezuela has been mired in a political impasse since January when Guaido proclaimed himself acting president, quickly receiving the support of more than 50 countries. The oil-rich, cash-poor country has been in a deep recession for five years. Shortages of food and medicine are frequent, and public services are progressively failing. Around a quarter of Venezuela's 30-million-strong population are in need of aid, according to the United Nations. Three million people have left the country since the start of 2016.

Caracas, other parts of Venezuela hit by massive power cut

Electricity has been restored in all of Caracas and several other regions of Venezuela after a major blackout, the government said Tuesday- the latest taste of misery for a country mired in economic crisis.

The outage that began Monday afternoon triggered gridlock in the capital as traffic lights went dark. Sidewalks teemed with pedestrians walking home after the metro stopped running.

The government blamed sabotage, saying a hydroelectric plant that provides 80 per&nbsp;cent of the country's power had been hit by an "electromagnetic attack."

A nationwide blackout in March lasted a week, accentuating the woes of people in an oil-rich country that now has shortages of food and medicine and such basics as toilet paper and soap.

This time, the lights went out in a dozen hospitals, telephone service was knocked out and faucets ran dry, according to a consumer rights group called the Public Services Observatory.

Stores closed Monday night as the lack of electricity prevented the use of credit and debit cards. They are essential because cash is scarce in inflation-plagued Venezuela.

"I'm hungry, I want to eat, but there is nowhere to use my debit card," said Hernan Montalvo, complaining of not having enough cash to buy a hot dog.

"I'm outraged," Eurimar Guere, 36, told AFP after leaving her office in eastern Caracas.

"Necessary repairs weren't carried out and it's more of the same."

Early Tuesday, the state-run utility Corpoelec said power had been restored in all of Caracas and parts of four other states.&nbsp;

"We are moving toward total restoration of the service," it said on Twitter.

President Nicolas Maduro denounced what he said was a "criminal attack against tranquillity and peace of the homeland," adding that the country's armed forces had been deployed for relief efforts.

- 'Destroyed' electricity system -

The power outage in March affected all 23 states in Venezuela and lasted a week, paralyzing basic services such as the water supply and forcing the workday to be cancelled and school classes to be suspended.

Hospital care was also affected by that incident and another one that came days later.

Opponents of Maduro said at the time that about 20 people died due to problems receiving medical treatment because of the blackout.

Maduro blamed unnamed "terrorists" for that near-nationwide blackout, claiming they had attacked the Guri hydroelectric plant -- the same one that was allegedly targeted this time.

Another huge outage in April left large parts of the country, including Caracas, in darkness, although it lasted hours rather than days.

Blackouts are a common occurrence in Venezuela, especially in remote western regions.

The government usually blames them on sabotage but experts say that a lack of investment, poor management, the emigration of qualified engineers and personnel, and corruption are the more likely culprits.&nbsp;

"They tried to hide the tragedy by rationing throughout the country, but the failure is clear," said opposition leader Juan Guaido on Twitter.

"They've destroyed the electricity system and they don't have any answers."

Venezuela has been mired in a political impasse since January when opposition leader Juan Guaido proclaimed himself acting president, quickly receiving the support of more than 50 countries.

The country has been in a deep recession for five years.&nbsp;

Around a quarter of Venezuela's 30-million-strong population are in need of aid, according to the United Nations. Three million people have left the country since the start of 2016.

Electricity has been restored in all of Caracas and several other regions of Venezuela after a major blackout, the government said Tuesday- the latest taste of misery for a country mired in economic crisis.

Electricity has been restored in all of Caracas and several other regions of Venezuela after a major blackout, the government said Tuesday- the latest taste of misery for a country mired in economic crisis. The outage that began Monday afternoon triggered gridlock in the capital as traffic lights went dark. Sidewalks teemed with pedestrians walking home after the metro stopped running. The government blamed sabotage, saying a hydroelectric plant that provides 80 per cent of the country's power had been hit by an "electromagnetic attack." A nationwide blackout in March lasted a week, accentuating the woes of people in an oil-rich country that now has shortages of food and medicine and such basics as toilet paper and soap. This time, the lights went out in a dozen hospitals, telephone service was knocked out and faucets ran dry, according to a consumer rights group called the Public Services Observatory. Stores closed Monday night as the lack of electricity prevented the use of credit and debit cards. They are essential because cash is scarce in inflation-plagued Venezuela. "I'm hungry, I want to eat, but there is nowhere to use my debit card," said Hernan Montalvo, complaining of not having enough cash to buy a hot dog. "I'm outraged," Eurimar Guere, 36, told AFP after leaving her office in eastern Caracas. "Necessary repairs weren't carried out and it's more of the same." Early Tuesday, the state-run utility Corpoelec said power had been restored in all of Caracas and parts of four other states. "We are moving toward total restoration of the service," it said on Twitter. President Nicolas Maduro denounced what he said was a "criminal attack against tranquillity and peace of the homeland," adding that the country's armed forces had been deployed for relief efforts. - 'Destroyed' electricity system - The power outage in March affected all 23 states in Venezuela and lasted a week, paralyzing basic services such as the water supply and forcing the workday to be cancelled and school classes to be suspended. Hospital care was also affected by that incident and another one that came days later. Opponents of Maduro said at the time that about 20 people died due to problems receiving medical treatment because of the blackout. Maduro blamed unnamed "terrorists" for that near-nationwide blackout, claiming they had attacked the Guri hydroelectric plant -- the same one that was allegedly targeted this time. Another huge outage in April left large parts of the country, including Caracas, in darkness, although it lasted hours rather than days. Blackouts are a common occurrence in Venezuela, especially in remote western regions. The government usually blames them on sabotage but experts say that a lack of investment, poor management, the emigration of qualified engineers and personnel, and corruption are the more likely culprits. "They tried to hide the tragedy by rationing throughout the country, but the failure is clear," said opposition leader Juan Guaido on Twitter. "They've destroyed the electricity system and they don't have any answers." Venezuela has been mired in a political impasse since January when opposition leader Juan Guaido proclaimed himself acting president, quickly receiving the support of more than 50 countries. The country has been in a deep recession for five years. Around a quarter of Venezuela's 30-million-strong population are in need of aid, according to the United Nations. Three million people have left the country since the start of 2016.

Venezuela limps back to normal after another blackout

US President Donald Trump's administration plans to divert more than $40 million in humanitarian aid for Central America to support the US-backed opposition in Venezuela, according to an internal document obtained by Reuters on Tuesday.

The $41.9 million had been destined for Guatemala and Honduras, two of the three Central American countries at the centre of a migration crisis in which thousands of people have fled poverty, violence and corruption and attempted to cross the southern US border.

The congressional notification from the US Agency for International Development said the money will instead be used for salaries, travel, communications equipment, technical assistance and training for the management of a government budget and other needs for the Venezuelan opposition.

The memorandum, dated July 11, says the funds are necessary because of "a significant, exigent event in the US national interest, specifically the rapidly evolving crisis in Venezuela."

The memo and its contents were first reported by the Los Angeles Times.

Spokespeople for the State Department, Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido and Venezuela's Information Ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Guaido, the head of Venezuela's National Assembly, invoked the Venezuelan constitution in January to assume an interim presidency, arguing Venezuela`s President Nicolas Maduro is illegitimate.&nbsp;

Maduro, meanwhile, has called Guaido a US-backed puppet and has so far retained his grip on the levers of government.

The State Department announced in June it was slashing hundreds of millions of dollars of aid to El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras after Trump said the three countries were not doing enough to stem migration.

US President Donald Trump's administration plans to divert more than $40 million in humanitarian aid for Central America to support the US-backed opposition in Venezuela, according to an internal document obtained by Reuters on Tuesday.

US President Donald Trump's administration plans to divert more than $40 million in humanitarian aid for Central America to support the US-backed opposition in Venezuela, according to an internal document obtained by Reuters on Tuesday. The $41.9 million had been destined for Guatemala and Honduras, two of the three Central American countries at the centre of a migration crisis in which thousands of people have fled poverty, violence and corruption and attempted to cross the southern US border. The congressional notification from the US Agency for International Development said the money will instead be used for salaries, travel, communications equipment, technical assistance and training for the management of a government budget and other needs for the Venezuelan opposition. The memorandum, dated July 11, says the funds are necessary because of "a significant, exigent event in the US national interest, specifically the rapidly evolving crisis in Venezuela." The memo and its contents were first reported by the Los Angeles Times. Spokespeople for the State Department, Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido and Venezuela's Information Ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Guaido, the head of Venezuela's National Assembly, invoked the Venezuelan constitution in January to assume an interim presidency, arguing Venezuela`s President Nicolas Maduro is illegitimate. Maduro, meanwhile, has called Guaido a US-backed puppet and has so far retained his grip on the levers of government. The State Department announced in June it was slashing hundreds of millions of dollars of aid to El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras after Trump said the three countries were not doing enough to stem migration.

Trump administration plans to divert $40 million in aid to Venezuela's opposition

Authorities in Venezuela on Tuesday released from prison a young musician who was jailed six weeks ago after taking to social media to vent her frustration against President Nicolás Maduro's government.

Venezuela musician freed after blasting government

This segment of WION brings to you top stories of the morning from across the globe. Watch this video to get updated with the latest information.

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - July 14th, 2019

Tourism to Cuba will likely drop 8.5 per cent this year in the wake of tighter US restrictions <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-tightens-cuba-sanctions-ends-group-travel-224316">on travel to the Caribbean island</a>, the government said on Thursday, and the decline in arrivals will further hurt Cuba's already ailing centrally planned economy.

A boom in tourism over the last few years has helped offset weaker exports and a steep decline in aid from key ally Venezuela that has forced the government to take austerity measures like cutting imports.

The administration of US President Donald Trump has decided to squeeze that hard currency revenue stream too as part of its attempt to force the Communist government to reform and stop supporting Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro.

Last month it banned cruise ships and private planes and yachts from travelling to the island and ended a heavily used educational category of travel allowed as an exemption to the overall ban on US tourism.

"These measures sparked a 20.33% reduction in tourist activity," tourism minister Manuel Marrero was quoted as saying by state news agencies in a speech to the National Assembly.

The minister estimated 4.3 million people would visit Cuba this year, down from the goal of more than 5 million, and 4.7 million last year.

Looser restrictions on US travel to Cuba under former President Barack Obama, the re-establishment of diplomatic relations and commercial flights and cruises had caused a spike in US visits to the country.

US travellers excluding Cuban-Americans became the second- biggest group of tourists on the island in recent years after Canadians, with cruise travellers accounting for half of them.

But Trump has rolled back much of Obama's detente and taken additional measures to punish the economy and government.

Marrero noted the Trump administration's decision in April to allow US lawsuits against foreign companies deemed to be "trafficking" in properties in Cuba nationalised after Cuba's 1959 revolution was also affecting the tourism sector.

Several hotel operators and a unit of online travel agency Expedia have been targeted with lawsuits.

Cubans working in the tourism sector complain that while the policy targets the government, they are the ones who suffer.

"Our income has dropped by 80 per cent," said Carlos Cristobal Marquez, owner of the private restaurant San Cristobal, where Obama dined on his historic trip to Havana in 2016.

"Many restaurants will have to close, while others will have a hard time. Trump has said he wants to support the private sector, but he isn't," he said.

Marrero said the country would continue to develop the tourism sector regardless of the US measures. It is planning new dolphinariums and the country's first amusement park, for example.

Cranes tower around Havana at the construction sites of what are to be the city's first generation of luxury hotels, in a bid to attract a new type of client.

Cuba, which receives just two-thirds of the visitors that neighbouring Dominican Republic does although it is twice as large, has traditionally focused on resort tourism or travellers on a medium budget.

José Luis Perelló, a former University of Havana professor who studies Cuba's tourism industry, said the country should not take short-term shifts in US policy too much into account in the long-term development of its tourism industry.

"A large part of the revenues we use weekly... comes from tourism," President Miguel Diaz-Canel told the National Assembly. "For this reason, we must continue betting on the development of tourism."

Tourism to Cuba will likely drop 8.5 per cent this year in the wake of tighter US restrictions on travel to the Caribbean island, the government said on Thursday, and the decline in arrivals will further hurt Cuba's already ailing centrally planned economy.

Tourism to Cuba will likely drop 8.5 per cent this year in the wake of tighter US restrictions on travel to the Caribbean island, the government said on Thursday, and the decline in arrivals will further hurt Cuba's already ailing centrally planned economy. A boom in tourism over the last few years has helped offset weaker exports and a steep decline in aid from key ally Venezuela that has forced the government to take austerity measures like cutting imports. The administration of US President Donald Trump has decided to squeeze that hard currency revenue stream too as part of its attempt to force the Communist government to reform and stop supporting Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro. Last month it banned cruise ships and private planes and yachts from travelling to the island and ended a heavily used educational category of travel allowed as an exemption to the overall ban on US tourism. "These measures sparked a 20.33% reduction in tourist activity," tourism minister Manuel Marrero was quoted as saying by state news agencies in a speech to the National Assembly. The minister estimated 4.3 million people would visit Cuba this year, down from the goal of more than 5 million, and 4.7 million last year. Looser restrictions on US travel to Cuba under former President Barack Obama, the re-establishment of diplomatic relations and commercial flights and cruises had caused a spike in US visits to the country. US travellers excluding Cuban-Americans became the second- biggest group of tourists on the island in recent years after Canadians, with cruise travellers accounting for half of them. But Trump has rolled back much of Obama's detente and taken additional measures to punish the economy and government. Marrero noted the Trump administration's decision in April to allow US lawsuits against foreign companies deemed to be "trafficking" in properties in Cuba nationalised after Cuba's 1959 revolution was also affecting the tourism sector. Several hotel operators and a unit of online travel agency Expedia have been targeted with lawsuits. Cubans working in the tourism sector complain that while the policy targets the government, they are the ones who suffer. "Our income has dropped by 80 per cent," said Carlos Cristobal Marquez, owner of the private restaurant San Cristobal, where Obama dined on his historic trip to Havana in 2016. "Many restaurants will have to close, while others will have a hard time. Trump has said he wants to support the private sector, but he isn't," he said. Marrero said the country would continue to develop the tourism sector regardless of the US measures. It is planning new dolphinariums and the country's first amusement park, for example. Cranes tower around Havana at the construction sites of what are to be the city's first generation of luxury hotels, in a bid to attract a new type of client. Cuba, which receives just two-thirds of the visitors that neighbouring Dominican Republic does although it is twice as large, has traditionally focused on resort tourism or travellers on a medium budget. José Luis Perelló, a former University of Havana professor who studies Cuba's tourism industry, said the country should not take short-term shifts in US policy too much into account in the long-term development of its tourism industry. "A large part of the revenues we use weekly... comes from tourism," President Miguel Diaz-Canel told the National Assembly. "For this reason, we must continue betting on the development of tourism."

Cuba's tourism industry hit after Trump ban on cruise ship stopovers

Art Of Living Founder Sri Sri Ravi Shankar To Help In Peace Process In Venezuela After 6 months of political crisis, violence, protests and conflict in Venezuela, President Maduro looks to resolve the conflict with talks. Maduro has announced that Art of Living Founder Sri Sri Ravi Shankar will mediate in the peace talks. Will talks lead to the resolution of conflict in Venezuela? Palki analyses the development

Gravitas: Sri Sri Ravi Shankar to mediate in Venezuela crisis

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nicolas-maduro-optimistic-after-opposition-talks-resume-in-barbados-234229">Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro</a> met with the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/european-union-set-for-trade-talks-with-us-on-march-6-amid-concern-over-tariffs-201134">European Union's representative</a> to the OPEC nation Enrique Iglesias on Tuesday (July 09) as part of an intensification of diplomatic efforts to seek new elections in the divided nation.

The EU, which leads an international crisis group with South American nations, hopes Iglesias can help find a way to convince Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro to allow all political groups in the country to contest a free and fair vote.

The meeting comes after a UN report that accused Maduro's government of pursuing a strategy aimed at "neutralising, repressing and criminalising political opponents and people critical of the government".

President Nicolas Maduro has called for continued Norway-backed talks with the opposition to resolve differences. Guaido has been hesitant to resume talks, lambasting the Venezuelan leader as a "dictator".

Iglesias, a former Uruguayan foreign minister and a former president of the Inter-American Development Bank, is seen by diplomats as having the contacts and know-how to talk to both Maduro and Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido, as well as other political groups.

Having met Maduro and Guaido this month, the EU's crisis group that includes Britain, France and Germany also hopes to convince the United States to back a peaceful diplomatic process out of the crisis.

Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro met with the European Union's representative to the OPEC nation Enrique Iglesias on Tuesday (July 09) as part of an intensification of diplomatic efforts to seek new elections in the divided nation.

Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro met with the European Union's representative to the OPEC nation Enrique Iglesias on Tuesday (July 09) as part of an intensification of diplomatic efforts to seek new elections in the divided nation. The EU, which leads an international crisis group with South American nations, hopes Iglesias can help find a way to convince Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro to allow all political groups in the country to contest a free and fair vote. The meeting comes after a UN report that accused Maduro's government of pursuing a strategy aimed at "neutralising, repressing and criminalising political opponents and people critical of the government". President Nicolas Maduro has called for continued Norway-backed talks with the opposition to resolve differences. Guaido has been hesitant to resume talks, lambasting the Venezuelan leader as a "dictator". Iglesias, a former Uruguayan foreign minister and a former president of the Inter-American Development Bank, is seen by diplomats as having the contacts and know-how to talk to both Maduro and Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido, as well as other political groups. Having met Maduro and Guaido this month, the EU's crisis group that includes Britain, France and Germany also hopes to convince the United States to back a peaceful diplomatic process out of the crisis.

Nicolas Maduro meets European Union's special envoy ahead of opposition talks

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-response-to-norway-mediation-will-resume-talks-with-maduro-government-in-barbados-guaido-233875">Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro</a> said Monday he was "optimistic" after dialogue between his government and the opposition resumed in Barbados.

The South American nation was plunged into political turmoil in January when National Assembly speaker <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/news-brief-big-stories-of-the-day-233881">Juan Guaido</a> declared himself acting president in a direct challenge to Maduro's authority.

The opposition leader is recognized by the United States and more than 50 other countries but has been unable to dislodge Venezuela's socialist leader, who is backed by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/what-is-behind-georgias-anti-russia-protests-233898">Russia</a>, China, and Cuba.

Delegations from both sides arrived in Barbados Monday morning to revive discussions after a previous round in Norway petered out.

"I am very optimistic... Today they had a five-hour session, and I think that step by step, with strategic patience, we can find a path to peace," Maduro said in a broadcast on the state television channel VTV.

Without giving details, he said that a six-point agenda was being discussed with "the whole country in mind."

"If you work with goodwill and there is no American interventionism, I am sure that we will reach an agreement," said Maduro, who blames the United States for fanning the crisis.

The Barbados talks will be the third round since the Oslo talks in May, although Guaido had originally said last Tuesday there were no plans to re-open talks with Maduro's "murderous dictatorship" following the death of an officer in custody over an alleged coup plot.

The suspicious death of retired naval officer Rafael Acosta Arevalo had sparked international condemnation.

Guido said Sunday he wants the talks to lead them towards Maduro's departure from the presidency he has held since 2013 to a transitional government, and then "free elections with international observers".

Ravaged by crises

Some members of the opposition oppose the Barbados talks, fearing they may reinvigorate Maduro, but Enrique Marquez, vice president of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rule-of-law-in-venezuela-eroded-un-rights-chief-233251">Venezuela</a>'s opposition-controlled National Assembly, said they are the best option.

"A violent solution... could generate a loss of governance even for a new government," he told AFP.

Along with the negotiations in Barbados, Guaido had a closed-door meeting on Monday in the capital Caracas with Enrique Iglesias, the European Union's special advisor for Venezuela.

Afterwards, Iglesias met with Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez.

"Iglesias has confirmed his commitment to the dialogue process," Rodriguez said on Twitter.

Oil-rich Venezuela has been ravaged by five years of recession marked by shortages of food, medicine, and other necessities, and the economic woes have been exacerbated by the political crisis.

Delegations representing the Venezuelan rivals met face-to-face in Oslo for the first time in late May, in a process begun two weeks earlier under Norwegian auspices to find a solution to the nation's multiple crises.

Maduro has repeatedly said that the dialogue will continue with the opposition "for peace in Venezuela."

Guido has called Maduro a "usurper" for staying in power after a 2018 election widely dismissed as a sham.

Meanwhile, Panamanian President Laurentino Cortizo stressed in a TV interview that military intervention is not the solution to the Venezuelan crisis, and offered his country's assistance in reaching a negotiated solution.

Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro said Monday he was "optimistic" after dialogue between his government and the opposition resumed in Barbados. The South American nation was plunged into political turmoil in January when National Assembly speaker Juan Guaido declared himself acting president in a direct challenge to Maduro's authority.

Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro said Monday he was "optimistic" after dialogue between his government and the opposition resumed in Barbados. The South American nation was plunged into political turmoil in January when National Assembly speaker Juan Guaido declared himself acting president in a direct challenge to Maduro's authority. The opposition leader is recognized by the United States and more than 50 other countries but has been unable to dislodge Venezuela's socialist leader, who is backed by Russia, China, and Cuba. Delegations from both sides arrived in Barbados Monday morning to revive discussions after a previous round in Norway petered out. "I am very optimistic... Today they had a five-hour session, and I think that step by step, with strategic patience, we can find a path to peace," Maduro said in a broadcast on the state television channel VTV. Without giving details, he said that a six-point agenda was being discussed with "the whole country in mind." "If you work with goodwill and there is no American interventionism, I am sure that we will reach an agreement," said Maduro, who blames the United States for fanning the crisis. The Barbados talks will be the third round since the Oslo talks in May, although Guaido had originally said last Tuesday there were no plans to re-open talks with Maduro's "murderous dictatorship" following the death of an officer in custody over an alleged coup plot. The suspicious death of retired naval officer Rafael Acosta Arevalo had sparked international condemnation. Guido said Sunday he wants the talks to lead them towards Maduro's departure from the presidency he has held since 2013 to a transitional government, and then "free elections with international observers". Ravaged by crises Some members of the opposition oppose the Barbados talks, fearing they may reinvigorate Maduro, but Enrique Marquez, vice president of Venezuela's opposition-controlled National Assembly, said they are the best option. "A violent solution... could generate a loss of governance even for a new government," he told AFP. Along with the negotiations in Barbados, Guaido had a closed-door meeting on Monday in the capital Caracas with Enrique Iglesias, the European Union's special advisor for Venezuela. Afterwards, Iglesias met with Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez. "Iglesias has confirmed his commitment to the dialogue process," Rodriguez said on Twitter. Oil-rich Venezuela has been ravaged by five years of recession marked by shortages of food, medicine, and other necessities, and the economic woes have been exacerbated by the political crisis. Delegations representing the Venezuelan rivals met face-to-face in Oslo for the first time in late May, in a process begun two weeks earlier under Norwegian auspices to find a solution to the nation's multiple crises. Maduro has repeatedly said that the dialogue will continue with the opposition "for peace in Venezuela." Guido has called Maduro a "usurper" for staying in power after a 2018 election widely dismissed as a sham. Meanwhile, Panamanian President Laurentino Cortizo stressed in a TV interview that military intervention is not the solution to the Venezuelan crisis, and offered his country's assistance in reaching a negotiated solution.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro 'optimistic' after opposition talks resume in Barbados

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-response-to-norway-mediation-will-resume-talks-with-maduro-government-in-barbados-guaido-233875">In response to Norway mediation, will resume talks with Maduro government in Barbados: Guaido</a>

Dialogue between Venezuela's opposition and President Nicolas Maduro's government will resume in Barbados, self-declared interim president Juan Guaido said on Sunday, after previous negotiations in Norway petered out.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-better-be-careful-warns-trump-on-breaching-uranium-enrichment-cap-233859">Iran better be careful, warns Trump on breaching uranium enrichment cap</a>

US President Donald Trump warned Iran over its imminent breach of a uranium enrichment cap.

"Iran better be careful, because you enrich for one reason, and I won't tell you what that reason is. But it's no good. They better be careful," he told reporters in Morristown, New Jersey.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/riot-police-baton-charge-protesters-in-hong-kong-233863">Riot police baton-charge protesters in Hong Kong</a>

Fresh political violence broke out in Hong Kong on Sunday night as riot police baton-charged anti-government protesters seeking to keep the pressure up on the city's pro-Beijing leaders, after a mass rally outside a train station linking the finance hub to mainland China.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/i-want-the-press-to-go-and-see-migrant-detention-centres-trump-233876">I want the press to go and see migrant detention centres: Trump</a>

US President Donald Trump on Sunday said migrant detention centers that have come under criticism for overcrowding and poor conditions will be opened to visits by journalists.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/brazil-lifts-up-their-ninth-copa-america-trophy-after-defeating-peru-233851">Brazil outlast Peru to lift ninth Copa America Cup</a>

Ten-man Brazil held on to win the Copa America on home soil despite Gabriel Jesus's dismissal with a 3-1 victory over Peru on Sunday.

Jesus scored the decisive goal after a penalty from Peru captain Paolo Guerrero cancelled out Everton's opener for hosts Brazil at Rio de Janeiro's Maracana stadium.

In response to Norway mediation, will resume talks with Maduro government in Barbados: Guaido Dialogue between Venezuela's opposition and President Nicolas Maduro's government will resume in Barbados, self-declared interim president Juan Guaido said on Sunday, after previous negotiations in Norway petered out.

In response to Norway mediation, will resume talks with Maduro government in Barbados: Guaido Dialogue between Venezuela's opposition and President Nicolas Maduro's government will resume in Barbados, self-declared interim president Juan Guaido said on Sunday, after previous negotiations in Norway petered out. Iran better be careful, warns Trump on breaching uranium enrichment cap US President Donald Trump warned Iran over its imminent breach of a uranium enrichment cap. "Iran better be careful, because you enrich for one reason, and I won't tell you what that reason is. But it's no good. They better be careful," he told reporters in Morristown, New Jersey. Riot police baton-charge protesters in Hong Kong Fresh political violence broke out in Hong Kong on Sunday night as riot police baton-charged anti-government protesters seeking to keep the pressure up on the city's pro-Beijing leaders, after a mass rally outside a train station linking the finance hub to mainland China. I want the press to go and see migrant detention centres: Trump US President Donald Trump on Sunday said migrant detention centers that have come under criticism for overcrowding and poor conditions will be opened to visits by journalists. Brazil outlast Peru to lift ninth Copa America Cup Ten-man Brazil held on to win the Copa America on home soil despite Gabriel Jesus's dismissal with a 3-1 victory over Peru on Sunday. Jesus scored the decisive goal after a penalty from Peru captain Paolo Guerrero cancelled out Everton's opener for hosts Brazil at Rio de Janeiro's Maracana stadium.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Dialogue between Venezuela's opposition and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chile-bars-entry-to-more-than-100-venezuelans-linked-to-maduro-government-president-233392">President Nicolas Maduro's government </a>will resume in Barbados, self-declared interim president Juan Guaido said on Sunday, after previous negotiations in Norway petered out.

"In response to the mediation of the Kingdom of Norway (the opposition) will attend a meeting with representatives of the usurper regime in Barbados, to establish a negotiation on the end of the dictatorship," Guaido said in a statement, without giving a date for talks to resume.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-frees-judge-journalist-20-students-un-233370">Maduro's government </a>suggested talks would resume this week.

Delegations representing the Venezuelan rivals met face-to-face in Oslo for the first time in late May, in a process begun two weeks earlier under Norwegian auspices to find a solution to the South American country's economic and political crises.

Oil-rich Venezuela has been ravaged by five years of recession marked by shortages of food, medicine and other basic necessities.

It plunged deeper into political turmoil in January when National Assembly speaker Guaido declared himself acting president in a direct challenge to Maduro's authority.

On Sunday Guaido also announced that he would push for Caracas to rejoin the Inter-American Defense Treaty, which Venezuela left in 2012.&nbsp;

Some opposition lawmakers believe the treaty, from which Bolivia, Ecuador and Nicaragua have also withdrawn, could legally allow foreign military intervention to overthrow Maduro.

"We have the legitimate right to build the international capacities and alliances necessary to protect and defend our people and our sovereignty," Guaido said on Twitter.

Guaido is recognized by the United States and more than 50 other countries but has been unable to dislodge Maduro, who is backed by Cuba, Russia and China.

Last Tuesday Guaido had said there were no plans to re-open talks with the "murderous dictatorship" of Maduro, following the death of an officer in custody over an alleged coup plot.

The suspicious death of retired naval officer Rafael Acosta Arevalo sparked international condemnation.

Guaido said at that time, though, that if fresh talks aimed at "facilitating the cessation of the usurpation" of Maduro were announced, "we will officially communicate."

-- 'To move forward' -- 
In a tweet, Maduro's Communications Minister Jorge Rodriguez implicitly corroborated Guaido's announcement by reproducing a Norwegian Foreign Ministry statement.

"The two parties will meet this week in Barbados to move forward in the search for a negotiated and constitutional solution," the statement said.

The Barbados talks will be the third round since May.

Guaido wants them to lead towards Maduro's departure from the presidency he has held since 2013, to a transitional government, and then "free elections with international observers."

Some in the opposition criticize dialogue as a way for Maduro to "buy time," but Guaido responds it is a means to "put an end to the suffering of Venezuelans."

Political scientist Jesus Castillo-Molleda told AFP "the opposition cannot defeat the government, neither alone nor with the help of the United States government."

This means it has to look for other ways to reach agreements in favor of elections, the analyst said.

Maduro has repeatedly said that the dialogue "will continue" with the opposition, "for peace in Venezuela."

During a parade last Friday celebrating the country's independence, Maduro said there would be "good news" this week about the negotiations.

Guaido calls Maduro a "usurper" for staying in power after a 2018 election widely dismissed as a sham.

Venezuela is suffering from hyperinflation in an economic crisis that has forced millions to flee. The UN estimates that more than seven million Venezuelans are in need of urgent humanitarian aid.

But Maduro has withstood a US-led pressure campaign that includes sanctions on Venezuela's crucial oil exports.

He has accused the opposition of working on behalf of Washington and called them "putchist."

Dialogue between Venezuela's opposition and President Nicolas Maduro's government will resume in Barbados, self-declared interim president Juan Guaido said on Sunday, after previous negotiations in Norway petered out.

Dialogue between Venezuela's opposition and President Nicolas Maduro's government will resume in Barbados, self-declared interim president Juan Guaido said on Sunday, after previous negotiations in Norway petered out. "In response to the mediation of the Kingdom of Norway (the opposition) will attend a meeting with representatives of the usurper regime in Barbados, to establish a negotiation on the end of the dictatorship," Guaido said in a statement, without giving a date for talks to resume. Maduro's government suggested talks would resume this week. Delegations representing the Venezuelan rivals met face-to-face in Oslo for the first time in late May, in a process begun two weeks earlier under Norwegian auspices to find a solution to the South American country's economic and political crises. Oil-rich Venezuela has been ravaged by five years of recession marked by shortages of food, medicine and other basic necessities. It plunged deeper into political turmoil in January when National Assembly speaker Guaido declared himself acting president in a direct challenge to Maduro's authority. On Sunday Guaido also announced that he would push for Caracas to rejoin the Inter-American Defense Treaty, which Venezuela left in 2012. Some opposition lawmakers believe the treaty, from which Bolivia, Ecuador and Nicaragua have also withdrawn, could legally allow foreign military intervention to overthrow Maduro. "We have the legitimate right to build the international capacities and alliances necessary to protect and defend our people and our sovereignty," Guaido said on Twitter. Guaido is recognized by the United States and more than 50 other countries but has been unable to dislodge Maduro, who is backed by Cuba, Russia and China. Last Tuesday Guaido had said there were no plans to re-open talks with the "murderous dictatorship" of Maduro, following the death of an officer in custody over an alleged coup plot. The suspicious death of retired naval officer Rafael Acosta Arevalo sparked international condemnation. Guaido said at that time, though, that if fresh talks aimed at "facilitating the cessation of the usurpation" of Maduro were announced, "we will officially communicate." -- 'To move forward' -- In a tweet, Maduro's Communications Minister Jorge Rodriguez implicitly corroborated Guaido's announcement by reproducing a Norwegian Foreign Ministry statement. "The two parties will meet this week in Barbados to move forward in the search for a negotiated and constitutional solution," the statement said. The Barbados talks will be the third round since May. Guaido wants them to lead towards Maduro's departure from the presidency he has held since 2013, to a transitional government, and then "free elections with international observers." Some in the opposition criticize dialogue as a way for Maduro to "buy time," but Guaido responds it is a means to "put an end to the suffering of Venezuelans." Political scientist Jesus Castillo-Molleda told AFP "the opposition cannot defeat the government, neither alone nor with the help of the United States government." This means it has to look for other ways to reach agreements in favor of elections, the analyst said. Maduro has repeatedly said that the dialogue "will continue" with the opposition, "for peace in Venezuela." During a parade last Friday celebrating the country's independence, Maduro said there would be "good news" this week about the negotiations. Guaido calls Maduro a "usurper" for staying in power after a 2018 election widely dismissed as a sham. Venezuela is suffering from hyperinflation in an economic crisis that has forced millions to flee. The UN estimates that more than seven million Venezuelans are in need of urgent humanitarian aid. But Maduro has withstood a US-led pressure campaign that includes sanctions on Venezuela's crucial oil exports. He has accused the opposition of working on behalf of Washington and called them "putchist."

In response to Norway mediation, will resume talks with Maduro government in Barbados: Guaido

The sweltering heat of the Venezuelan forest makes no difference to Jose Gregorio, who trembles with a cold chill. "I have pain everywhere, fever," he stammers.&nbsp;

Gregorio has the classic symptoms of malaria, a disease eradicated years ago among his Yukpa indigenous people, but it's back with a vengeance all across crisis-struck Venezuela.

"He had sore joints and then started vomiting, and it's been four or five days since he's eaten anything," says his worried wife Marisol.&nbsp;

Their four-month-old baby babbles beside his father on the bed.

"The baby and I also had malaria," says Marisol. "Before, that was not the case here, there was only chikungunya and dengue, malaria came back here last year."&nbsp;

She doesn't bat an eyelid at the mention of either of the other mosquito-borne viruses, whose spread has been fueled by the collapse of Venezuela's health system.

"Here" is El Tucuco, a small village at the foot of the mountains that form the border with Colombia, a three-hour drive from Maracaibo in Venezuela's western Zulia state.

With 3,700 people, El Tucuco is the Yukpas' "capital" and malaria is rapidly making its presence felt here as in the rest of Venezuela -- a country that could once boast of being the first to have eradicated the disease in 1961.

'Pandemic'

There are no official statistics on malaria's reach into El Tucuco, nor on the number of deaths, it causes.&nbsp;

But from his consulting room at the Catholic Mission, Dr Carlos Polanco is seeing a developing crisis.&nbsp;

"Out of 10 people who are tested for malaria in the village laboratory, four to five come out with a positive test. This is an alarming figure."

Brother Nelson Sandoval, a Capuchin friar who presides over the mission, adds: "Before entering the order, I already knew this community and I had never seen a case of malaria. Today we are in the middle of a pandemic."

El Tucuco is affected by Plasmodium vivax, the most geographically widespread malarial species. The more lethal Plasmodium falciparum strain is prevalent in the Amazonian regions of southeastern Venezuela.

According to Sandoval and Polanco, the reason for malaria's sudden virulence in El Tucuco is simple: once-regular fumigation missions by the Venezuelan government stopped.

"And as the population of mosquitos increased, cases exploded," said Polanco.

Added to this is the malnutrition that weakens resistance to the disease, a new phenomenon since the economic crisis took hold at the end of 2015.&nbsp;

"Before, it was possible to vary one's diet, but with inflation the Yukpa cannot afford it," instead making do with what they can grow, like cassava and plantain, according to Polanco.

Rosa, 67, knows all about malnutrition. Lying on the floor of her house, she is battling malaria for the third time. "The doctor weighed me yesterday -- 37 kilograms. I was 83 kilos before."

A report published in British medical journal The Lancet in February warned of an epidemic of malaria and dengue fever as a result of the continuing crisis in Venezuela.

Between 2016 and 2017 alone, the number of malaria cases in the nation jumped 70 per cent.&nbsp;

"The situation is catastrophic," said Dr Huniades Urbina, secretary of the National Academy of Medicine. In 2018, "there were 600,000 cases of malaria and we, the scientific organizations, estimate that in 2019 we could reach a million cases" -- one in every 30 people.

But these figures are only estimates, "because the government conceals the statistics."

'Nobody answers us'

The malaria explosion has gone hand in hand with the worsening economic crisis. According to Nicolas Maduro's government, inflation reached a staggering 130,000 per cent in 2018 and GDP halved between 2013 and 2018.&nbsp;

In the oil-rich state of Zulia, service stations have been dry for more than a month. Electricity blackouts are commonplace and residents flee abroad in their thousands.

Despite a poster of late president Hugo Chavez at the entry to the clinic, there is little sign of government presence in El Tucuco. Dr Luisana Hernandez despairs of ever seeing any state help.

"Every day, everything is deteriorating a bit more," she says, exasperated. Refrigerators intended to keep vaccines cold do not work "because we have no gasoline to run the generator," and both the clinic's broken-down ambulances are gathering rust in the garden.

"We've knocked on every door. But nobody answers us," said Hernandez.

Without fuel to bring drugs from the city, without resources to prevent illnesses, eradicating malaria in an almost impossible task.

Brother Nelson does what he can, with help from the Catholic charity Caritas and the Pan American Health Organization. His mission distributes the antimalarial drugs chloroquine and primaquine to sick Yukpa people.

Maria Jose Romero, 22, was able to benefit from treatment. "Repeated seizures are due to the fact that many people cannot follow the treatment," for lack of drugs, she said.

Romero now lives across the border in Colombia, having fled Venezuela. She is visiting El Tucuco to see her family. Soon she will return to the other side of the mountain, on foot.

"It's three days' walk," she says.

The sweltering heat of the Venezuelan forest makes no difference to Jose Gregorio, who trembles with a cold chill. "I have pain everywhere, fever," he stammers. Gregorio has the classic symptoms of malaria, a disease eradicated years ago among his Yukpa indigenous people, but it's back with a vengeance all across crisis-struck Venezuela.

The sweltering heat of the Venezuelan forest makes no difference to Jose Gregorio, who trembles with a cold chill. "I have pain everywhere, fever," he stammers. Gregorio has the classic symptoms of malaria, a disease eradicated years ago among his Yukpa indigenous people, but it's back with a vengeance all across crisis-struck Venezuela. "He had sore joints and then started vomiting, and it's been four or five days since he's eaten anything," says his worried wife Marisol. Their four-month-old baby babbles beside his father on the bed. "The baby and I also had malaria," says Marisol. "Before, that was not the case here, there was only chikungunya and dengue, malaria came back here last year." She doesn't bat an eyelid at the mention of either of the other mosquito-borne viruses, whose spread has been fueled by the collapse of Venezuela's health system. "Here" is El Tucuco, a small village at the foot of the mountains that form the border with Colombia, a three-hour drive from Maracaibo in Venezuela's western Zulia state. With 3,700 people, El Tucuco is the Yukpas' "capital" and malaria is rapidly making its presence felt here as in the rest of Venezuela -- a country that could once boast of being the first to have eradicated the disease in 1961. 'Pandemic' There are no official statistics on malaria's reach into El Tucuco, nor on the number of deaths, it causes. But from his consulting room at the Catholic Mission, Dr Carlos Polanco is seeing a developing crisis. "Out of 10 people who are tested for malaria in the village laboratory, four to five come out with a positive test. This is an alarming figure." Brother Nelson Sandoval, a Capuchin friar who presides over the mission, adds: "Before entering the order, I already knew this community and I had never seen a case of malaria. Today we are in the middle of a pandemic." El Tucuco is affected by Plasmodium vivax, the most geographically widespread malarial species. The more lethal Plasmodium falciparum strain is prevalent in the Amazonian regions of southeastern Venezuela. According to Sandoval and Polanco, the reason for malaria's sudden virulence in El Tucuco is simple: once-regular fumigation missions by the Venezuelan government stopped. "And as the population of mosquitos increased, cases exploded," said Polanco. Added to this is the malnutrition that weakens resistance to the disease, a new phenomenon since the economic crisis took hold at the end of 2015. "Before, it was possible to vary one's diet, but with inflation the Yukpa cannot afford it," instead making do with what they can grow, like cassava and plantain, according to Polanco. Rosa, 67, knows all about malnutrition. Lying on the floor of her house, she is battling malaria for the third time. "The doctor weighed me yesterday -- 37 kilograms. I was 83 kilos before." A report published in British medical journal The Lancet in February warned of an epidemic of malaria and dengue fever as a result of the continuing crisis in Venezuela. Between 2016 and 2017 alone, the number of malaria cases in the nation jumped 70 per cent. "The situation is catastrophic," said Dr Huniades Urbina, secretary of the National Academy of Medicine. In 2018, "there were 600,000 cases of malaria and we, the scientific organizations, estimate that in 2019 we could reach a million cases" -- one in every 30 people. But these figures are only estimates, "because the government conceals the statistics." 'Nobody answers us' The malaria explosion has gone hand in hand with the worsening economic crisis. According to Nicolas Maduro's government, inflation reached a staggering 130,000 per cent in 2018 and GDP halved between 2013 and 2018. In the oil-rich state of Zulia, service stations have been dry for more than a month. Electricity blackouts are commonplace and residents flee abroad in their thousands. Despite a poster of late president Hugo Chavez at the entry to the clinic, there is little sign of government presence in El Tucuco. Dr Luisana Hernandez despairs of ever seeing any state help. "Every day, everything is deteriorating a bit more," she says, exasperated. Refrigerators intended to keep vaccines cold do not work "because we have no gasoline to run the generator," and both the clinic's broken-down ambulances are gathering rust in the garden. "We've knocked on every door. But nobody answers us," said Hernandez. Without fuel to bring drugs from the city, without resources to prevent illnesses, eradicating malaria in an almost impossible task. Brother Nelson does what he can, with help from the Catholic charity Caritas and the Pan American Health Organization. His mission distributes the antimalarial drugs chloroquine and primaquine to sick Yukpa people. Maria Jose Romero, 22, was able to benefit from treatment. "Repeated seizures are due to the fact that many people cannot follow the treatment," for lack of drugs, she said. Romero now lives across the border in Colombia, having fled Venezuela. She is visiting El Tucuco to see her family. Soon she will return to the other side of the mountain, on foot. "It's three days' walk," she says.

Malaria surges back in crisis-hit Venezuela

Venezuelan Independence Day on July 5 was marked by rival rallied led by President Nicolas Maduro and opposition leader Juan Guaido.

The country celebrated its 1811 Declaration of Independence on July 5.

Maduro led a military parade down the Paseo de los Proceres, a boulevard to honour the country's founders.

Guaido, on the other hand, encouraged supporters to not give up hope.

"Don't leave! We're going to get there! Have no doubt, we'll succeed," Guaido said.

Meanwhile, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rule-of-law-in-venezuela-eroded-un-rights-chief-233251">UN human rights chief lamented the erosion</a> of rule of law in Venezuela, pointing to attacks on political opponents and activists, including using torture and killings.

The report pointed out that, according to a count by Caracas, nearly 7,000 people have been killed during security operations in Venezuela in the past year and a half.

The report also decried a wide range of other grave rights violations in Venezuela, which is caught in an economic crisis and a political standoff between President Nicolas Maduro's government and National Assembly leader Juan Guaido.

Venezuelan Independence Day on July 5 was marked by rival rallied led by President Nicolas Maduro and opposition leader Juan Guaido. The country celebrated its 1811 Declaration of Independence on July 5.

Venezuelan Independence Day on July 5 was marked by rival rallied led by President Nicolas Maduro and opposition leader Juan Guaido. The country celebrated its 1811 Declaration of Independence on July 5. Maduro led a military parade down the Paseo de los Proceres, a boulevard to honour the country's founders. Guaido, on the other hand, encouraged supporters to not give up hope. "Don't leave! We're going to get there! Have no doubt, we'll succeed," Guaido said. Meanwhile, the UN human rights chief lamented the erosion of rule of law in Venezuela, pointing to attacks on political opponents and activists, including using torture and killings. The report pointed out that, according to a count by Caracas, nearly 7,000 people have been killed during security operations in Venezuela in the past year and a half. The report also decried a wide range of other grave rights violations in Venezuela, which is caught in an economic crisis and a political standoff between President Nicolas Maduro's government and National Assembly leader Juan Guaido.

Venezuelan Independence Day marked by rival rallies, UN rebuke

Venezuela has freed 22 prisoners including the emblematic cases of judge Maria Afiuni and journalist Braulio Jatar, a senior UN official said on Friday, and an opposition lawmaker called for more releases.

Twenty students were also among those freed on Thursday, according to UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet and her office.

The news came after the UN Human Rights Council held a debate on Bachelet's report of a visit to Venezuela in June.

The report accused Venezuelan security forces of sending death squads to murder young men, but a vice minister rejected that in a speech to the Geneva forum on Friday.

"The welcome releases of 62 detainees then (in June), with a further 22 – including journalist Braulio Jatar and judge (Maria) Lourdes Afiuni – set free yesterday and the authorities’ acceptance of two human rights officers in the country, signify the beginning of positive engagement on the country's many human rights issues," Bachelet said.

A spokeswoman said Bachelet had requested the 22 releases directly to leftist President Nicolas Maduro.

Afiuni was jailed without a warrant shortly after former president Hugo Chavez criticized one of her rulings releasing businessman Eligio Cedeno, who was accused of corruption.

Prosecutors accused Afiuni of taking bribes to free Cedeno. She denied the charges, insisting she released Cedeno because he had been awaiting trial for longer than allowed by law.

Afiuni later said she was raped while in jail and refused health treatment by authorities. Ruling Socialist Party leaders rejected those allegations as a hoax to gain sympathy, but she was later granted house arrest.

She received a five-year sentence in March.

A lawyer representing Afiuni said in a telephone interview that the United Nations had called to say she had been freed, but that an official notice had not been sent.

Jatar, a prominent journalist and lawyer jailed on Venezuela’s Margarita island, was arrested after publicising a protest against Maduro and accused of money-laundering.

Venezuela's Information Ministry did not immediately reply to a request for comment on the releases.

"We are really happy about the liberation of Afiuni and Jatar; they should never have been in jail. And we hope this liberation continues," Miguel Pizarro, a member of Venezuela's National Assembly, told reporters in Geneva.

He was accused of treason by the top court in May along with three other opposition lawmakers. Pizarro said he had been living in 'safe houses" since then before coming to Europe to lobby the U.N. and parliaments.

He called for assembly vice president Edgar Zambrano and opposition lawmaker Juan Requesens to be released as well.

"Everything we can do to get a fair and free election to get a new president and a new government in Venezuela, we have to try it - demonstrations, negotiations, sanctions, international pressure, people in the street," Pizarro said.

Venezuela has freed 22 prisoners including the emblematic cases of judge Maria Afiuni and journalist Braulio Jatar, a senior UN official said on Friday, and an opposition lawmaker called for more releases.

Venezuela has freed 22 prisoners including the emblematic cases of judge Maria Afiuni and journalist Braulio Jatar, a senior UN official said on Friday, and an opposition lawmaker called for more releases. Twenty students were also among those freed on Thursday, according to UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet and her office. The news came after the UN Human Rights Council held a debate on Bachelet's report of a visit to Venezuela in June. The report accused Venezuelan security forces of sending death squads to murder young men, but a vice minister rejected that in a speech to the Geneva forum on Friday. "The welcome releases of 62 detainees then (in June), with a further 22 – including journalist Braulio Jatar and judge (Maria) Lourdes Afiuni – set free yesterday and the authorities’ acceptance of two human rights officers in the country, signify the beginning of positive engagement on the country's many human rights issues," Bachelet said. A spokeswoman said Bachelet had requested the 22 releases directly to leftist President Nicolas Maduro. Afiuni was jailed without a warrant shortly after former president Hugo Chavez criticized one of her rulings releasing businessman Eligio Cedeno, who was accused of corruption. Prosecutors accused Afiuni of taking bribes to free Cedeno. She denied the charges, insisting she released Cedeno because he had been awaiting trial for longer than allowed by law. Afiuni later said she was raped while in jail and refused health treatment by authorities. Ruling Socialist Party leaders rejected those allegations as a hoax to gain sympathy, but she was later granted house arrest. She received a five-year sentence in March. A lawyer representing Afiuni said in a telephone interview that the United Nations had called to say she had been freed, but that an official notice had not been sent. Jatar, a prominent journalist and lawyer jailed on Venezuela’s Margarita island, was arrested after publicising a protest against Maduro and accused of money-laundering. Venezuela's Information Ministry did not immediately reply to a request for comment on the releases. "We are really happy about the liberation of Afiuni and Jatar; they should never have been in jail. And we hope this liberation continues," Miguel Pizarro, a member of Venezuela's National Assembly, told reporters in Geneva. He was accused of treason by the top court in May along with three other opposition lawmakers. Pizarro said he had been living in 'safe houses" since then before coming to Europe to lobby the U.N. and parliaments. He called for assembly vice president Edgar Zambrano and opposition lawmaker Juan Requesens to be released as well. "Everything we can do to get a fair and free election to get a new president and a new government in Venezuela, we have to try it - demonstrations, negotiations, sanctions, international pressure, people in the street," Pizarro said.

Venezuela frees judge, journalist, 20 students: UN

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