The UN human rights chief lamented Friday the erosion of rule of law in Venezuela, pointing to attacks on political opponents and activists, including using torture and killings.

"Essential institutions and the rule of law in Venezuela have been eroded," Michelle Bachelet told the UN Human Rights Council.

She was presenting a damning report published late Thursday, following her visit to the troubled South American Country last month.

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.

"Many could constitute extrajudicial killings, and should be fully investigated with accountability of perpetrators, and guarantees of non-recurrence," Bachelet told the council.

In her report, she especially pointed a finger at Venezuela's police special forces (FAES), and urged the authorities to "dissolve" the unit.&nbsp;

Overall, she said that attempts to exercise basic rights like freedom of opinion, expression, association and assembly "entails a risk of reprisals and repression".

"Our report notes attacks against actual or perceived political opponents and human rights defenders ranging from threats and smear campaigns to arbitrary detention, torture, ill-treatment, sexual violence, killings and enforced disappearance," Bachelet said.

She also warned that "excessive and lethal force has repeatedly been used against protestors."

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.

The opposition leader, Guaido, declared himself interim president earlier this year, and has been recognised by the United States and more than 50 other countries.

The oil-rich country is also suffering from hyperinflation and shortages of basic goods from food to medicine, a crisis that has forced millions to flee.&nbsp;

The UN human rights chief lamented Friday the erosion of rule of law in Venezuela, pointing to attacks on political opponents and activists, including using torture and killings.

The UN human rights chief lamented Friday the erosion of rule of law in Venezuela, pointing to attacks on political opponents and activists, including using torture and killings. "Essential institutions and the rule of law in Venezuela have been eroded," Michelle Bachelet told the UN Human Rights Council. She was presenting a damning report published late Thursday, following her visit to the troubled South American Country last month. 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. "Many could constitute extrajudicial killings, and should be fully investigated with accountability of perpetrators, and guarantees of non-recurrence," Bachelet told the council. In her report, she especially pointed a finger at Venezuela's police special forces (FAES), and urged the authorities to "dissolve" the unit. Overall, she said that attempts to exercise basic rights like freedom of opinion, expression, association and assembly "entails a risk of reprisals and repression". "Our report notes attacks against actual or perceived political opponents and human rights defenders ranging from threats and smear campaigns to arbitrary detention, torture, ill-treatment, sexual violence, killings and enforced disappearance," Bachelet said. She also warned that "excessive and lethal force has repeatedly been used against protestors." 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. The opposition leader, Guaido, declared himself interim president earlier this year, and has been recognised by the United States and more than 50 other countries. The oil-rich country is also suffering from hyperinflation and shortages of basic goods from food to medicine, a crisis that has forced millions to flee.

Rule of law in Venezuela 'eroded': UN rights chief

The Venezuelan foreign ministry said on Monday it had agreed to the return of the German ambassador whom President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/venezuelas-former-spy-chief-says-nicolas-maduro-could-yet-fall-230214">Nicolas Maduro</a>'s government expelled in March after he had gone to Caracas airport to greet opposition leader Juan Guaido.

Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza said in a statement that ambassador Daniel Kriener would return to Venezuela with the German government's permission, in the context of a process "to normalise the diplomatic relations between both states."

The German embassy did not respond to a request for comment.

Kriener went to the airport with other European ambassadors to welcome Guaido upon his return to Venezuela from a tour of Latin America to muster support for his campaign to oust Maduro.

In February, the German government publicly said it recognized Guaido as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/venezuelas-power-struggle-reaches-a-tense-stalemate-as-human-suffering-deepens-208171">Venezuela</a>'s legitimate head of state.

Guaido, a member of the National Assembly, invoked the Venezuelan constitution in January to declare himself interim president, denouncing Maduro as a usurper who had secured re-election last year in a vote that was widely viewed as fraudulent.

Maduro, who retains control of the state and the military, calls Guaido a US-controlled puppet trying to foment a coup.

The Venezuelan foreign ministry said on Monday it had agreed to the return of the German ambassador whom President Nicolas Maduro's government expelled in March after he had gone to Caracas airport to greet opposition leader Juan Guaido.

The Venezuelan foreign ministry said on Monday it had agreed to the return of the German ambassador whom President Nicolas Maduro's government expelled in March after he had gone to Caracas airport to greet opposition leader Juan Guaido. Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza said in a statement that ambassador Daniel Kriener would return to Venezuela with the German government's permission, in the context of a process "to normalise the diplomatic relations between both states." The German embassy did not respond to a request for comment. Kriener went to the airport with other European ambassadors to welcome Guaido upon his return to Venezuela from a tour of Latin America to muster support for his campaign to oust Maduro. In February, the German government publicly said it recognized Guaido as Venezuela's legitimate head of state. Guaido, a member of the National Assembly, invoked the Venezuelan constitution in January to declare himself interim president, denouncing Maduro as a usurper who had secured re-election last year in a vote that was widely viewed as fraudulent. Maduro, who retains control of the state and the military, calls Guaido a US-controlled puppet trying to foment a coup.

Ambassador Daniel Kriener to return with German government's permission: Venezuela

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thousands-of-venezuelans-cram-border-with-colombia-225597">Venezuela's government</a> on Saturday deported 59 Colombian citizens who had been "arbitrarily" detained there almost three years ago, the United Nations human rights office said, applauding it as a "positive sign."

Colombia's foreign ministry had requested last year that the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-seeks-un-resolution-calling-for-venezuela-elections-196300">United Nations</a> intervene to negotiate the release of those arrested in September 2016 by Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's government on allegations they were paramilitaries.

The foreign ministry had said Venezuelan authorities were keeping them in poor conditions and had not followed the correct legal process. Venezuela's government had no immediate comment on its release.

"These 59 compatriots have returned to our country and will go to their homes," President Ivan Duque said during an event in eastern Vichada province. "We hope these compatriots can finish with this horrible night and be reunited with their loved ones."

Duque's adviser on human rights, Francisco Barbosa, said on Twitter earlier on Saturday that he would receive "59 citizens arbitrarily detained by the dictatorship of Nicolas Maduro" in the border city of Cucuta.

The U.N. human rights office wrote on Twitter that "we applaud their release."

"It is a positive sign that the government is complying with the human rights commitments that it made during (U.N. human rights chief) Michelle Bachelet's recent visit. We expect more releases in the coming days," the office said.

Bachelet travelled to Caracas last week for a three-day visit to meet with Maduro and opposition leader Juan Guaido, as well as activists and victims of human rights violations.

Maduro's administration cut off diplomatic relations with Colombia in February after Duque's government assisted Guaido's efforts to bring humanitarian aid into Venezuela.

Colombia recognizes Guaido as Venezuela's legitimate head of state, along with dozens of other countries, while Maduro accuses Guaido of trying to illegally force him from power.

Venezuela's government on Saturday deported 59 Colombian citizens who had been "arbitrarily" detained there almost three years ago, the United Nations human rights office said, applauding it as a "positive sign.

Venezuela's government on Saturday deported 59 Colombian citizens who had been "arbitrarily" detained there almost three years ago, the United Nations human rights office said, applauding it as a "positive sign." Colombia's foreign ministry had requested last year that the United Nations intervene to negotiate the release of those arrested in September 2016 by Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's government on allegations they were paramilitaries. The foreign ministry had said Venezuelan authorities were keeping them in poor conditions and had not followed the correct legal process. Venezuela's government had no immediate comment on its release. "These 59 compatriots have returned to our country and will go to their homes," President Ivan Duque said during an event in eastern Vichada province. "We hope these compatriots can finish with this horrible night and be reunited with their loved ones." Duque's adviser on human rights, Francisco Barbosa, said on Twitter earlier on Saturday that he would receive "59 citizens arbitrarily detained by the dictatorship of Nicolas Maduro" in the border city of Cucuta. The U.N. human rights office wrote on Twitter that "we applaud their release." "It is a positive sign that the government is complying with the human rights commitments that it made during (U.N. human rights chief) Michelle Bachelet's recent visit. We expect more releases in the coming days," the office said. Bachelet travelled to Caracas last week for a three-day visit to meet with Maduro and opposition leader Juan Guaido, as well as activists and victims of human rights violations. Maduro's administration cut off diplomatic relations with Colombia in February after Duque's government assisted Guaido's efforts to bring humanitarian aid into Venezuela. Colombia recognizes Guaido as Venezuela's legitimate head of state, along with dozens of other countries, while Maduro accuses Guaido of trying to illegally force him from power.

Venezuela deports 59 Colombians arrested 'arbitrarily' three years ago: United Nation

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro`s government and opposition leader Juan Guaido`s team will restart negotiations to try to resolve the country`s crisis, three people familiar with the talks said on Saturday.

The three people told Reuters that both sides had not yet decided whether to hold the discussions in Oslo, where previous talks were held, or in Barbados.

Two of the people said the talks would begin next week.

Norway`s government encouraged both sides to meet in Oslo in May, but they were unable to reach any agreement to resolve the economic and political crisis that has driven more than 4 million Venezuelans to flee abroad.

Few details have been released about the contents of the talks between representatives of Maduro and Guaidó, who assumed a rival presidency in January and denounces Maduro as illegitimate for securing re-election last year in a vote widely viewed as fraudulent.

Guaido said on Twitter on Friday that he had received backing from allies to "begin a new round of consultations with national and international leaders," without giving more details.&nbsp;

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro`s government and opposition leader Juan Guaido`s team will restart negotiations to try to resolve the country`s crisis, three people familiar with the talks said on Saturday.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro`s government and opposition leader Juan Guaido`s team will restart negotiations to try to resolve the country`s crisis, three people familiar with the talks said on Saturday. The three people told Reuters that both sides had not yet decided whether to hold the discussions in Oslo, where previous talks were held, or in Barbados. Two of the people said the talks would begin next week. Norway`s government encouraged both sides to meet in Oslo in May, but they were unable to reach any agreement to resolve the economic and political crisis that has driven more than 4 million Venezuelans to flee abroad. Few details have been released about the contents of the talks between representatives of Maduro and Guaidó, who assumed a rival presidency in January and denounces Maduro as illegitimate for securing re-election last year in a vote widely viewed as fraudulent. Guaido said on Twitter on Friday that he had received backing from allies to "begin a new round of consultations with national and international leaders," without giving more details.

Venezuelan government and opposition to restart negotiations: Sources

The Venezuelan exodus may exceed eight million people by the end of next year, which would make it the largest migration crisis in the world, according to a special report issued by the Organisation of American States (OAS).

The group`s projection puts the exodus between 7.5 million and 8.2 million in 2020, far surpassing the 6.7 million people who in eight years have fled Syria, Al Jazeera reported.

"It`s not an economic or voluntary migration," said David Smolansky, an exiled Venezuelan politician who presented the final report with Harvard University economist Dany Bahar to the OAS assembly on Friday.

"It`s forced migration," he added.

The projections were previously released as part of the group`s preliminary report in March, but on Friday OAS representatives, pointing to the report, appealed to the international community for more support in addressing the growing number of Venezuelan migrants and refugees.

The UN estimates that four million people have already left Venezuela in recent years, fleeing hyperinflation, violence and scarcity of medicine and food as the country descends deeper into a catastrophic collapse.

The wave of displaced Venezuelans has already stoked tension and instability in South American countries, and the prospective doubling of the total exodus in the next 18 months raises grim prospects for the region`s future.

Meanwhile, the Trump administration on the same day announced sanctions on the son of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in a move to increase pressure on family members of top officials backing the leader and suspected of corruption.

The action by the US Treasury Department freezes any US assets belonging to Maduro`s son, Nicolas Ernesto Maduro Guerra, and prohibits US nationals or American institutions from doing business with him.

"Maduro`s regime was built on fraudulent elections, and his inner circle lives in luxury off the proceeds of corruption while the Venezuelan people suffer," said Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin.

"Maduro relies on his son Nicolasito and others close to his authoritarian regime to maintain a stranglehold on the economy and suppress the people of Venezuela. Treasury will continue to target complicit relatives of illegitimate regime insiders profiting off of Maduro`s corruption," he added.

Guerra is also a member of the constitutional assembly, a rubber-stamping rival of the opposition-controlled congress charged with rewriting the nation`s charter.

In 2017, he delivered a fiery speech from the assembly vowing to storm the White House in response to President Donald Trump`s threat of military force to remove his father from power.

A senior US administration official was further quoted as saying that Washington is considering expanding actions against family members of Maduro officials as part of its focus on corruption by the socialist leader`s top allies.

The Venezuelan exodus may exceed eight million people by the end of next year, which would make it the largest migration crisis in the world, according to a special report issued by the Organisation of American States (OAS).

The Venezuelan exodus may exceed eight million people by the end of next year, which would make it the largest migration crisis in the world, according to a special report issued by the Organisation of American States (OAS). The group`s projection puts the exodus between 7.5 million and 8.2 million in 2020, far surpassing the 6.7 million people who in eight years have fled Syria, Al Jazeera reported. "It`s not an economic or voluntary migration," said David Smolansky, an exiled Venezuelan politician who presented the final report with Harvard University economist Dany Bahar to the OAS assembly on Friday. "It`s forced migration," he added. The projections were previously released as part of the group`s preliminary report in March, but on Friday OAS representatives, pointing to the report, appealed to the international community for more support in addressing the growing number of Venezuelan migrants and refugees. The UN estimates that four million people have already left Venezuela in recent years, fleeing hyperinflation, violence and scarcity of medicine and food as the country descends deeper into a catastrophic collapse. The wave of displaced Venezuelans has already stoked tension and instability in South American countries, and the prospective doubling of the total exodus in the next 18 months raises grim prospects for the region`s future. Meanwhile, the Trump administration on the same day announced sanctions on the son of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in a move to increase pressure on family members of top officials backing the leader and suspected of corruption. The action by the US Treasury Department freezes any US assets belonging to Maduro`s son, Nicolas Ernesto Maduro Guerra, and prohibits US nationals or American institutions from doing business with him. "Maduro`s regime was built on fraudulent elections, and his inner circle lives in luxury off the proceeds of corruption while the Venezuelan people suffer," said Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin. "Maduro relies on his son Nicolasito and others close to his authoritarian regime to maintain a stranglehold on the economy and suppress the people of Venezuela. Treasury will continue to target complicit relatives of illegitimate regime insiders profiting off of Maduro`s corruption," he added. Guerra is also a member of the constitutional assembly, a rubber-stamping rival of the opposition-controlled congress charged with rewriting the nation`s charter. In 2017, he delivered a fiery speech from the assembly vowing to storm the White House in response to President Donald Trump`s threat of military force to remove his father from power. A senior US administration official was further quoted as saying that Washington is considering expanding actions against family members of Maduro officials as part of its focus on corruption by the socialist leader`s top allies.

Venezuela migrant crisis to become world's largest by 2020: Report

Brazil reached the last four of the Copa America on Thursday with a 4-3 penalty shootout win over Paraguay after their compelling quarter-final in Porto Alegre ended scoreless.

Gabriel got the winning kick for Brazil after Gustavo Gomez and Derlis Gonzalez missed for the visitors. Roberto Firmino pulled his spot-kick wide for the hosts.

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/copa-america-brazil-crush-peru-to-reach-last-eight-229690&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi9xP-EtovjAhVQinAKHe0uAoIQFjACegQIDxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1rpJxdtBBQB4wYSuxv9Vqh">Brazil</a>, who have yet to concede a goal in their first four games, will next face the winner of Friday’s quarter-final between Argentina and Venezuela in Belo Horizonte next Tuesday.

Gabriel Jesus had missed a penalty against Peru in their last group game and said he went back to his tried and tested the technique on Thursday.

"In the last game I didn’t look at the keeper and I hit it hard straight away and the goalie made a good save," he added.

"Today I did it my usual way, I looked calmly at the keeper and I could see him moving to the left and I side-footed it the other way,"&nbsp;Jesus said.

After a foul strewn and unexciting first half, <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/philippe-coutinho-helps-brazil-forget-neymar-in-winning-copa-america-start-227257&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi9xP-EtovjAhVQinAKHe0uAoIQFjAHegQIAhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2o7sb-lgkqIC_xEcjsN5dY">Brazil </a>took control when Fabian Balbuena was sent off in the 58th minute for fouling Firmino as he bore down on goal.

The referee gave a penalty but changed it to a free kick on the edge of the area after consulting the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/copa-america-organisers-satisfied-with-use-of-var-despite-lengthy-delays-230565&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjHqee2tovjAhWJq48KHWgwD5QQFjAAegQIARAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2nX7s9sw8sQFf1AVrg3Sre">video assistant referee (VAR).</a>

The sending off then saw the home side lay siege to the Paraguayan goal but without joy, Everton seeing a shot deflected over the bar, Gabriel Jesus pulling a gilt-edged chance wide, and Willian hitting the post in the last minute.

"We created lots and lots of chances, the ball hit the woodwork, the goalkeeper worked miracles, but the fans helped us and we never gave up," said midfielder Arthur.

"We know what football is like, it’s about small details, and we couldn’t win but we felt the good energies and we managed to get through on penalties," Arthur added.

Goalkeeper Alisson, who like Arthur started his career in Porto Alegre, saluted his teammates.

"This is a team that deserved the win today," Alisson said.

"It was a draw but against a team that didn’t want to play unless it was on the counter-attack. We’ve gone up one step, two more to go to our objective, to be Copa America champions," added&nbsp;Alisson.

In the other two quarter-finals, Colombia play <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/copa-america-alexis-sanchez-strikes-again-to-take-chile-into-quarters-229418&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiJl_uttovjAhUQ3o8KHdv-DkoQFjABegQIEhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw14HSyDrwysSqA06oXz5SVS">Chile </a>and Uruguay take on Peru.

Brazil reached the last four of the Copa America on Thursday with a 4-3 penalty shootout win over Paraguay after their compelling quarter-final in Porto Alegre ended scoreless.

Brazil reached the last four of the Copa America on Thursday with a 4-3 penalty shootout win over Paraguay after their compelling quarter-final in Porto Alegre ended scoreless. Gabriel got the winning kick for Brazil after Gustavo Gomez and Derlis Gonzalez missed for the visitors. Roberto Firmino pulled his spot-kick wide for the hosts. Brazil, who have yet to concede a goal in their first four games, will next face the winner of Friday’s quarter-final between Argentina and Venezuela in Belo Horizonte next Tuesday. Gabriel Jesus had missed a penalty against Peru in their last group game and said he went back to his tried and tested the technique on Thursday. "In the last game I didn’t look at the keeper and I hit it hard straight away and the goalie made a good save," he added. "Today I did it my usual way, I looked calmly at the keeper and I could see him moving to the left and I side-footed it the other way," Jesus said. After a foul strewn and unexciting first half, Brazil took control when Fabian Balbuena was sent off in the 58th minute for fouling Firmino as he bore down on goal. The referee gave a penalty but changed it to a free kick on the edge of the area after consulting the video assistant referee (VAR). The sending off then saw the home side lay siege to the Paraguayan goal but without joy, Everton seeing a shot deflected over the bar, Gabriel Jesus pulling a gilt-edged chance wide, and Willian hitting the post in the last minute. "We created lots and lots of chances, the ball hit the woodwork, the goalkeeper worked miracles, but the fans helped us and we never gave up," said midfielder Arthur. "We know what football is like, it’s about small details, and we couldn’t win but we felt the good energies and we managed to get through on penalties," Arthur added. Goalkeeper Alisson, who like Arthur started his career in Porto Alegre, saluted his teammates. "This is a team that deserved the win today," Alisson said. "It was a draw but against a team that didn’t want to play unless it was on the counter-attack. We’ve gone up one step, two more to go to our objective, to be Copa America champions," added Alisson. In the other two quarter-finals, Colombia play Chile and Uruguay take on Peru.

Copa America: Brazil reach semi-final with shootout win over Paraguay

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro said on Wednesday security forces had foiled an opposition coup attempt that included plans to assassinate him and other top political figures and install a jailed former military officer as president.

Venezuela: Nicolas Maduro claims his govt foiled opposition's coup plot

Russia is withdrawing its military "technicians" from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/venezuelas-former-spy-chief-says-nicolas-maduro-could-yet-fall-230214">Venezuela, flying them</a> out to Moscow on Wednesday, the embassy in Caracas said.

"The Il-62 plane which is carrying Russian technicians who have been in Venezuela over the past months… is leaving Caracas for Moscow on June 26," the Russian embassy in Caracas said in a post on Facebook.

An embassy press attache told AFP "one plane" was departing for Moscow.

Russia had said earlier that military specialists were in Venezuela were "working on servicing equipment supplied earlier."

Trump had tweeted during a state visit to Britain that "Russia has informed us that they have removed most of their people from Venezuela." It was denied by Kremlin at the time.

However, this time the Russian embassy confirmed that they had pulled out its technicians from Venezuela.

Trump in March had called on Russia to "get out" of Venezuela after Moscow -- in a significant show of solidarity for Maduro's badly isolated government -- deployed around 100 soldiers to the country.

Russia's state defence contractor Rostec has played down any changes in deployment, dismissing a report in The Wall Street Journal saying that the overall Russian presence in Venezuela had been reduced from as many as 1,000 personnel to a few dozen.

Russia is withdrawing its military "technicians" from Venezuela, flying them out to Moscow on Wednesday, the embassy in Caracas said. "The Il-62 plane which is carrying Russian technicians who have been in Venezuela over the past months… is leaving Caracas for Moscow on June 26," the Russian embassy in Caracas said in a post on Facebook.

Russia is withdrawing its military "technicians" from Venezuela, flying them out to Moscow on Wednesday, the embassy in Caracas said. "The Il-62 plane which is carrying Russian technicians who have been in Venezuela over the past months… is leaving Caracas for Moscow on June 26," the Russian embassy in Caracas said in a post on Facebook. An embassy press attache told AFP "one plane" was departing for Moscow. Russia had said earlier that military specialists were in Venezuela were "working on servicing equipment supplied earlier." Trump had tweeted during a state visit to Britain that "Russia has informed us that they have removed most of their people from Venezuela." It was denied by Kremlin at the time. However, this time the Russian embassy confirmed that they had pulled out its technicians from Venezuela. Trump in March had called on Russia to "get out" of Venezuela after Moscow -- in a significant show of solidarity for Maduro's badly isolated government -- deployed around 100 soldiers to the country. Russia's state defence contractor Rostec has played down any changes in deployment, dismissing a report in The Wall Street Journal saying that the overall Russian presence in Venezuela had been reduced from as many as 1,000 personnel to a few dozen.

'Technicians' to fly out of Venezuela: Russian embassy

Copa America organisers CONMEBOL defended the use of video technology at the tournament after revealing VAR stoppages had averaged two minutes 26 seconds per intervention, nearly double the time taken at the 2018 World Cup.

The lengthy delays to play owing to VAR has led to whistling from disgruntled supporters and been criticised by figures including <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/copa-america-colombia-defeats-qatar-1-0-moves-to-quarter-final-228873&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjS-uXA2IbjAhUXfysKHTciBYAQFjAGegQIARAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2Rtxu-bdYoDV_gIx2leyXe">Colombia </a>coach Carlos Queiroz, just as the technology has become a huge topic of debate at the Women's World Cup.

CONMEBOL referees' chief Wilson Seneme gave a news conference on Tuesday after the conclusion of the group stage to discuss the use of VAR at the tournament and said there had been 17 interventions in the 18 games, with 11 on-screen reviews.

The average time per intervention easily eclipses the 80-second delays for VAR at the 2018 World Cup, the first major tournament where the technology was used.

The longest amount of stoppage time added on in the Copa was nine minutes in <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/copa-america-brazil-crush-peru-to-reach-last-eight-229690&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjjiv_X2IbjAhXGXSsKHZYSDeIQFjAFegQIAxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0uPoq1x3-uyx9tjaBzWBcp">Brazil's </a>goalless draw with Venezuela, during which three goals were ruled out - two by VAR.

The extra time for stoppages added in that game was dwarfed, however, by the 18 minutes added in England's 3-0 win over Cameroon in the Women's World Cup.

"There have been no scandals and this gives us peace of mind. We are very satisfied with the result," Seneme said, adding that 15 decisions were changed as a result of the technology's use and two were upheld.

"We have been working on this since 2017 and the positive and negative results have allowed us to manage it well in 2019. The referee is still the one who decides, VAR is there to help the decisions,"&nbsp;Seneme said.

Venezuela have had a total of four goals scored against them ruled out by VAR, and after they scraped a goalless draw with hosts Brazil after two late goals were chalked off, coach Rafael Dudamel delightedly declared "Long live VAR".

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/argentina-beat-qatar-2-0-to-qualify-for-copa-america-last-eight-229875&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiLiPuO2IbjAhUEFogKHUqxD-4QFjADegQIDhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0KH8wOiFoRjbPqWYsry6Vg">Argentina </a>meanwhile were losing to Paraguay when they were awarded a penalty which no-one had appealed for after VAR spotted that a shot from Lautaro Martinez had taken the slightest of deflections off the hand of Paraguay's Ivan Piris.

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/copa-america-lionel-messis-penalty-rescues-argentina-against-paraguay-228869&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjS-uXA2IbjAhUXfysKHTciBYAQFjAHegQICxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1qwhh1mCV-kTGexBF7sw55">Lionel Messi</a> scored from the spot to salvage a 1-1 draw which proved crucial in his side progressing to the last eight, where they will face Venezuela.

Colombia coach Queiroz has been VAR's fiercest critic at the tournament, saying it desperately needed to be reviewed after it denied his side a goal and overturned a penalty that had been awarded to them in a 1-0 win over Paraguay.

“Something has to change, because the fans are left confused and the players and coaches too. VAR was supposed to make football clearer and more objective but it’s doing the opposite," Queiroz said.

“We need to have a re-think for the good of football because the fans are not happy about it and neither are we,” added&nbsp;Queiroz.

Copa America organisers CONMEBOL defended the use of video technology at the tournament after revealing VAR stoppages had averaged two minutes 26 seconds per intervention, nearly double the time taken at the 2018 World Cup.

Copa America organisers CONMEBOL defended the use of video technology at the tournament after revealing VAR stoppages had averaged two minutes 26 seconds per intervention, nearly double the time taken at the 2018 World Cup. The lengthy delays to play owing to VAR has led to whistling from disgruntled supporters and been criticised by figures including Colombia coach Carlos Queiroz, just as the technology has become a huge topic of debate at the Women's World Cup. CONMEBOL referees' chief Wilson Seneme gave a news conference on Tuesday after the conclusion of the group stage to discuss the use of VAR at the tournament and said there had been 17 interventions in the 18 games, with 11 on-screen reviews. The average time per intervention easily eclipses the 80-second delays for VAR at the 2018 World Cup, the first major tournament where the technology was used. The longest amount of stoppage time added on in the Copa was nine minutes in Brazil's goalless draw with Venezuela, during which three goals were ruled out - two by VAR. The extra time for stoppages added in that game was dwarfed, however, by the 18 minutes added in England's 3-0 win over Cameroon in the Women's World Cup. "There have been no scandals and this gives us peace of mind. We are very satisfied with the result," Seneme said, adding that 15 decisions were changed as a result of the technology's use and two were upheld. "We have been working on this since 2017 and the positive and negative results have allowed us to manage it well in 2019. The referee is still the one who decides, VAR is there to help the decisions," Seneme said. Venezuela have had a total of four goals scored against them ruled out by VAR, and after they scraped a goalless draw with hosts Brazil after two late goals were chalked off, coach Rafael Dudamel delightedly declared "Long live VAR". Argentina meanwhile were losing to Paraguay when they were awarded a penalty which no-one had appealed for after VAR spotted that a shot from Lautaro Martinez had taken the slightest of deflections off the hand of Paraguay's Ivan Piris. Lionel Messi scored from the spot to salvage a 1-1 draw which proved crucial in his side progressing to the last eight, where they will face Venezuela. Colombia coach Queiroz has been VAR's fiercest critic at the tournament, saying it desperately needed to be reviewed after it denied his side a goal and overturned a penalty that had been awarded to them in a 1-0 win over Paraguay. “Something has to change, because the fans are left confused and the players and coaches too. VAR was supposed to make football clearer and more objective but it’s doing the opposite," Queiroz said. “We need to have a re-think for the good of football because the fans are not happy about it and neither are we,” added Queiroz.

Copa America organisers 'satisfied' with use of VAR despite lengthy delays

Venezuelan Envoy and her husband both are big Yoga advocates. In exclusive talk with WION, Venezuelan Envoy said that Even 70 years old are practising Yoga. It's really great to practice it with colleagues. She also said that Their National power company is also promoting Yoga day. Watch this video to know more.

International Yoga Day 2019: Venezuelan Envoy said, Their National Power Company Promoting Yoga Day

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 - June 20th, 2019

More than 70 million people were counted last year as displaced from their homes, a record that underestimates the real number of refugees and asylum seekers, the UN said Wednesday.&nbsp;

In its annual global trends report, the United Nations refugee agency (UNHCR) described the figure of 70.8 million at the end of 2018 as "conservative", particularly because the number of people who fled Venezuela's devastating crisis is undercounted.&nbsp;

At the end of 2017, by comparison, 68.5 million people were counted as being forcibly displaced by violence or persecution.

The UNHCR attributed the increase partly to surging displacement in Ethiopia caused by inter-ethnic conflict, and in Venezuela, where thousands are fleeing every day amid an economic collapse that has triggered shortages of basic food and medicine.

An estimated 3.3 million people have left Venezuela since the start of 2016, according to the UN.&nbsp;

UNHCR head Filippo Grandi told reporters in Geneva the figure of 70.8 million only includes Venezuelans who had officially applied for asylum -- roughly half a million people.

Overall, the number of displaced people in the world has doubled over the last 20 years and now exceeds the population of Thailand.&nbsp;

The trend, Grandi said, continues to go in "the wrong direction".

Conflicts 'Never' End

According to Amnesty International, a refugee is a person who flees their home country and cannot or will not return due to conflict or fear of persecution.

The report lists 41.3 million internally displaced people (IDPs), 25.9 million refugees, and 3.5 million asylum seekers -- those awaiting a decision on their bid for official refugee protection.

The countries with the most internally displaced people -- fleeing within their own countries -- are Syria, wracked by conflict since 2011 and Colombia, plagued by decades of violence, said the UNHCR.

The group of refugees, it added, included 5.5 million Palestinians scattered across several countries, notably Lebanon and Jordan.&nbsp;

The best solution for a refugee is to be able to return home once their country stabilises, but Grandi noted that 20 per cent have been in exile for more than two decades.&nbsp;

"We have become almost unable to make peace," the UNHCR chief said.&nbsp;

"It is true there are new conflicts, new situations producing refugees..., (but) the old ones never get resolved," he added. "When is the last conflict that you remember was resolved?"

&nbsp;'Praise' for Germany&nbsp;

The UNHCR has at times sought to push back against the phrase "migrant crisis", especially as it has been applied to an influx of people into Europe via the Mediterranean sea.

The agency has argued that while mass migration does pose serious challenges, it can be managed, particularly by wealthier nations.&nbsp;

Grandi praised Germany for its acceptance of migrants and its efforts to "demystify" the notion that migration is unmanageable, "even when the numbers are very big."

"I usually don't like to praise and criticise but I think in this case, I'd like to praise Germany for what it has done," said Grandi in Geneva, ahead of the report's launch in Berlin.&nbsp;

He noted that Chancellor Angela Merkel had paid a "heavy price" politically for her openness to migration, arguing this made her actions "even more courageous".

More than 70 million people were counted last year as displaced from their homes, a record that underestimates the real number of refugees and asylum seekers, the UN said Wednesday.

More than 70 million people were counted last year as displaced from their homes, a record that underestimates the real number of refugees and asylum seekers, the UN said Wednesday. In its annual global trends report, the United Nations refugee agency (UNHCR) described the figure of 70.8 million at the end of 2018 as "conservative", particularly because the number of people who fled Venezuela's devastating crisis is undercounted. At the end of 2017, by comparison, 68.5 million people were counted as being forcibly displaced by violence or persecution. The UNHCR attributed the increase partly to surging displacement in Ethiopia caused by inter-ethnic conflict, and in Venezuela, where thousands are fleeing every day amid an economic collapse that has triggered shortages of basic food and medicine. An estimated 3.3 million people have left Venezuela since the start of 2016, according to the UN. UNHCR head Filippo Grandi told reporters in Geneva the figure of 70.8 million only includes Venezuelans who had officially applied for asylum -- roughly half a million people. Overall, the number of displaced people in the world has doubled over the last 20 years and now exceeds the population of Thailand. The trend, Grandi said, continues to go in "the wrong direction". Conflicts 'Never' End According to Amnesty International, a refugee is a person who flees their home country and cannot or will not return due to conflict or fear of persecution. The report lists 41.3 million internally displaced people (IDPs), 25.9 million refugees, and 3.5 million asylum seekers -- those awaiting a decision on their bid for official refugee protection. The countries with the most internally displaced people -- fleeing within their own countries -- are Syria, wracked by conflict since 2011 and Colombia, plagued by decades of violence, said the UNHCR. The group of refugees, it added, included 5.5 million Palestinians scattered across several countries, notably Lebanon and Jordan. The best solution for a refugee is to be able to return home once their country stabilises, but Grandi noted that 20 per cent have been in exile for more than two decades. "We have become almost unable to make peace," the UNHCR chief said. "It is true there are new conflicts, new situations producing refugees..., (but) the old ones never get resolved," he added. "When is the last conflict that you remember was resolved?" 'Praise' for Germany The UNHCR has at times sought to push back against the phrase "migrant crisis", especially as it has been applied to an influx of people into Europe via the Mediterranean sea. The agency has argued that while mass migration does pose serious challenges, it can be managed, particularly by wealthier nations. Grandi praised Germany for its acceptance of migrants and its efforts to "demystify" the notion that migration is unmanageable, "even when the numbers are very big." "I usually don't like to praise and criticise but I think in this case, I'd like to praise Germany for what it has done," said Grandi in Geneva, ahead of the report's launch in Berlin. He noted that Chancellor Angela Merkel had paid a "heavy price" politically for her openness to migration, arguing this made her actions "even more courageous".

Record 70.8 million people displaced at end of 2018: UN

The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) rode to Venezuela's rescue once again at the Copa America on Tuesday, denying hosts Brazil two goals in a surprise 0-0 draw in Group A.

Brazil, who had another goal chopped off by the referee, were left to rue a series of missed chances in another sub-par performance that did little to excite the home fans.

Roberto Firmino had a goal disallowed late in the first half after the referee awarded a foul against the hosts, before substitute Gabriel Jesus found the net on the hour mark only for a VAR review to deem Firmino offside in the build-up.

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/philippe-coutinho-helps-brazil-forget-neymar-in-winning-copa-america-start-227257&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj6v6Pt7_TiAhUI3Y8KHb3WD-oQFjADegQIDhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw17wn7Hd-iYAj1m3Ja3u2YP">Philippe Coutinho</a> looked to have found the winner when he netted from close range but VAR intervened again, this time for Firmino appearing to handle the ball before it dropped to Coutinho.

After the game, Venezuela coach Rafael Dudamel sang the praises of the technology, which has saved his side on four occasions so far. Peru were also denied two goals by VAR in their opening 0-0 draw with the Venezuelans.

"Long live VAR," Dudamel said.

"We played an almost perfect game against a team of brilliant individuals. <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/copa-america-brazil-booed-by-fans-after-teams-lacklustre-display-227349&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjmhqvV7_TiAhUE5o8KHfFwDx8QFjAJegQIChAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3ndfnH2hGt0maErM-RmLuf">Brazil </a>put us to the test but the team understood what needed to be done and remembered what tactics we needed to deploy," he told reporters.

"This is a historic result for us,"&nbsp;Dudamel added.

Brazil lead the group on four points ahead of Peru, who beat Bolivia 3-1 earlier in the day and also have four points.

Brazil meet Peru in their final group game on Saturday with both sides needing only a draw to seal their place in the quarter-finals. Venezuela have two points while Bolivia are without a point, with the two facing each other on Saturday.

The top two in each group are guaranteed a place in the last eight, along with the two highest-ranked teams finishing third.

Brazil had faced criticism from fans for their slow start to their opening game against Bolivia, which they went on to win 3-0, and while they made a stronger start here they failed to take the numerous chances that came their way.

WASTED CHANCES

David Neres and Firmino missed the target and Richarlison was thwarted by Venezuela goalkeeper Wuilker Farinez early on, while substitute Jesus and defender Filipe Luis both wasted chances to win the game after the interval.

The final whistle was greeted by loud boos from the unimpressed 39,000 supporters at the Arena Fonte Nova, the hosts again failing to attract a full house after underselling the opener, with over 10,000 seats left empty this time.

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/neymars-absence-could-be-blessing-in-disguise-for-copa-america-hosts-brazil-226145&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj6v6Pt7_TiAhUI3Y8KHb3WD-oQFjAFegQIBhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2tewzoyDkh_U7ix4_DQfQP">Brazil </a>defender Thiago Silva said his side did not deserve the flak they were getting.

"In the second half, they (Venezuela) practically never got out their own area. We didn't win because of small details. But when you don't score goals it looks like everything is wrong," he said.

But coach Tite could understand the fans' frustrations.

"We have to understand the supporters, they want to see goals and if I had been in the crowd I also would have wanted to boo us," Tite said.

The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) rode to Venezuela's rescue once again at the Copa America on Tuesday, denying hosts Brazil two goals in a surprise 0-0 draw in Group A.

The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) rode to Venezuela's rescue once again at the Copa America on Tuesday, denying hosts Brazil two goals in a surprise 0-0 draw in Group A. Brazil, who had another goal chopped off by the referee, were left to rue a series of missed chances in another sub-par performance that did little to excite the home fans. Roberto Firmino had a goal disallowed late in the first half after the referee awarded a foul against the hosts, before substitute Gabriel Jesus found the net on the hour mark only for a VAR review to deem Firmino offside in the build-up. Philippe Coutinho looked to have found the winner when he netted from close range but VAR intervened again, this time for Firmino appearing to handle the ball before it dropped to Coutinho. After the game, Venezuela coach Rafael Dudamel sang the praises of the technology, which has saved his side on four occasions so far. Peru were also denied two goals by VAR in their opening 0-0 draw with the Venezuelans. "Long live VAR," Dudamel said. "We played an almost perfect game against a team of brilliant individuals. Brazil put us to the test but the team understood what needed to be done and remembered what tactics we needed to deploy," he told reporters. "This is a historic result for us," Dudamel added. Brazil lead the group on four points ahead of Peru, who beat Bolivia 3-1 earlier in the day and also have four points. Brazil meet Peru in their final group game on Saturday with both sides needing only a draw to seal their place in the quarter-finals. Venezuela have two points while Bolivia are without a point, with the two facing each other on Saturday. The top two in each group are guaranteed a place in the last eight, along with the two highest-ranked teams finishing third. Brazil had faced criticism from fans for their slow start to their opening game against Bolivia, which they went on to win 3-0, and while they made a stronger start here they failed to take the numerous chances that came their way. WASTED CHANCES David Neres and Firmino missed the target and Richarlison was thwarted by Venezuela goalkeeper Wuilker Farinez early on, while substitute Jesus and defender Filipe Luis both wasted chances to win the game after the interval. The final whistle was greeted by loud boos from the unimpressed 39,000 supporters at the Arena Fonte Nova, the hosts again failing to attract a full house after underselling the opener, with over 10,000 seats left empty this time. Brazil defender Thiago Silva said his side did not deserve the flak they were getting. "In the second half, they (Venezuela) practically never got out their own area. We didn't win because of small details. But when you don't score goals it looks like everything is wrong," he said. But coach Tite could understand the fans' frustrations. "We have to understand the supporters, they want to see goals and if I had been in the crowd I also would have wanted to boo us," Tite said.

Copa America: Brazil have three goals denied by VAR in draw with Venezuela

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - June 19th, 2019

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - June 18th, 2019

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - June 17th, 2019

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - June 16th, 2019

Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido on Saturday called for an investigation into claims his representatives misappropriated funds intended to help defectors from the Venezuelan military living in Colombia.

More than 1,400 members of Venezuela`s armed forces have fled to Colombia this year, heeding Guaido`s call to disavow socialist President Nicolas Maduro. They began arriving in late February, as Maduro`s troops at the border with Colombia drove back convoys of humanitarian aid requested by Guaido.

Latin American news outlet PanAm Post on Friday reported that representatives of Guaido, the leader of Venezuela`s opposition-controlled National Assembly, used funds intended to pay for the cost of the troops` hotels in the Colombian border city of Cucuta for personal purchases.&nbsp;

"We will investigate this deeply," Guaido said during a speech to supporters in the mountainous Venezuelan state of Merida. "Every cent of public funds should be sacred, and that is something we have to learn as a society."

Guaido in January invoked Venezuela`s constitution to assume an interim presidency, arguing Maduro`s 2018 re-election was illegitimate. He has since been recognized as the country`s legitimate leader by most Western and Latin American countries, including Colombia and the United States.

The opposition and its allies abroad say Maduro is a corrupt dictator who, along with other senior officials, has grown rich as Venezuela`s economy collapsed in recent years, prompting millions to emigrate. Maduro calls Guaido a US-backed puppet seeking to oust him in a coup.&nbsp;

"We request that the relevant jurisdiction investigate and clear up these serious charges," Luis Almagro, the Secretary-General of the Organisation of American States, wrote on Twitter on Friday, linking to the PanAm Post article. "Democratisation is not possible under the opacity of corrupt acts."

Venezuelan Information Minister Jorge Rodriguez said in a Friday tweet that the Maduro government had previously "denounced a gigantic corruption scheme of Guaido`s with money sent to Cucuta to recruit hitmen."

In a statement, Guaido`s office said he had requested Colombian authorities` help with the investigation.&nbsp;

"We condemn any possible act of corruption by Venezuelan citizens in the management of resources to pay for the lodging of troops who arrived in Colombia," Colombian Foreign Minister Carlos Holmes Trujillo said on Twitter, calling on "relevant authorities" to investigate.

Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido on Saturday called for an investigation into claims his representatives misappropriated funds intended to help defectors from the Venezuelan military living in Colombia.

Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido on Saturday called for an investigation into claims his representatives misappropriated funds intended to help defectors from the Venezuelan military living in Colombia. More than 1,400 members of Venezuela`s armed forces have fled to Colombia this year, heeding Guaido`s call to disavow socialist President Nicolas Maduro. They began arriving in late February, as Maduro`s troops at the border with Colombia drove back convoys of humanitarian aid requested by Guaido. Latin American news outlet PanAm Post on Friday reported that representatives of Guaido, the leader of Venezuela`s opposition-controlled National Assembly, used funds intended to pay for the cost of the troops` hotels in the Colombian border city of Cucuta for personal purchases. "We will investigate this deeply," Guaido said during a speech to supporters in the mountainous Venezuelan state of Merida. "Every cent of public funds should be sacred, and that is something we have to learn as a society." Guaido in January invoked Venezuela`s constitution to assume an interim presidency, arguing Maduro`s 2018 re-election was illegitimate. He has since been recognized as the country`s legitimate leader by most Western and Latin American countries, including Colombia and the United States. The opposition and its allies abroad say Maduro is a corrupt dictator who, along with other senior officials, has grown rich as Venezuela`s economy collapsed in recent years, prompting millions to emigrate. Maduro calls Guaido a US-backed puppet seeking to oust him in a coup. "We request that the relevant jurisdiction investigate and clear up these serious charges," Luis Almagro, the Secretary-General of the Organisation of American States, wrote on Twitter on Friday, linking to the PanAm Post article. "Democratisation is not possible under the opacity of corrupt acts." Venezuelan Information Minister Jorge Rodriguez said in a Friday tweet that the Maduro government had previously "denounced a gigantic corruption scheme of Guaido`s with money sent to Cucuta to recruit hitmen." In a statement, Guaido`s office said he had requested Colombian authorities` help with the investigation. "We condemn any possible act of corruption by Venezuelan citizens in the management of resources to pay for the lodging of troops who arrived in Colombia," Colombian Foreign Minister Carlos Holmes Trujillo said on Twitter, calling on "relevant authorities" to investigate.

Venezuela's Guaido calls for probe into funds for military defectors

Several thousand Venezuelans, desperate for food and medicine, packed a border crossing to Colombia on Saturday, hours after President Nicolas Maduro partially reopened it.

Maduro had the day prior ordered the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-partially-opens-border-with-colombia-that-was-shut-in-february-225365"> reopening of the Venezuelan border </a>in the western state of Tachira, near the location in Colombia where the international community had massed humanitarian aid that Maduro's government refused to take.

Early Saturday, thousands of people rushed to the border bridges between the two countries, and crowds in long queues stretched throughout the day.

"My two daughters have dengue. They have a fever, and I had to come get care in Colombia," says Belky Rangel, 34, about to burst into tears after waiting three hours with her two daughters, five and eight, to cross to Cucuta.

At midday, 18,000 people had crossed the border from Venezuela and 8,000 from Colombia, the head of the Migration Service in Colombia, Christian Krueger, told AFP.

Before the border closed in February, about 30,000 people crossed the Simon Bolivar International Bridge every day, from San Antonio del Tachira, Venezuela, to Cucuta, official data show.

But containers deposited on the Venezuelan side to prevent any entry of humanitarian aid, considered by the government a potential pretext for foreign military intervention, were still in place.

"They have not moved the containers at all. It is so hard getting across. There are so many people" on the Venezuelan side, says Carlos Julio Perez, 55. He waited hours to go to a medical appointment on the Colombian side.

When the border was closed, many Venezuelans crossed via hidden trails linking the two countries, putting themselves at the mercy of smugglers and armed groups.

The economically-devastated South American nation is suffering from shortages of food, medicine and other essentials amid a power struggle between socialist Maduro and opposition leader Juan Guaido, who has been recognized as interim president by more than 50 countries including the United States.&nbsp;

Announcing the reopening of the frontier on Twitter, Maduro said: "We are a people of peace that strongly defends our independence and self-determination."

The leader, however, did not say if other key border bridges, closed since August 2015 after two Venezuelan soldiers were wounded by suspected smugglers, would be unblocked.

More than three million Venezuelans have left their country since 2015 to flee the worst economic crisis in the oil-rich country's recent history.

Several thousand Venezuelans, desperate for food and medicine, packed a border crossing to Colombia on Saturday, hours after President Nicolas Maduro partially reopened it.

Several thousand Venezuelans, desperate for food and medicine, packed a border crossing to Colombia on Saturday, hours after President Nicolas Maduro partially reopened it. Maduro had the day prior ordered the reopening of the Venezuelan border in the western state of Tachira, near the location in Colombia where the international community had massed humanitarian aid that Maduro's government refused to take. Early Saturday, thousands of people rushed to the border bridges between the two countries, and crowds in long queues stretched throughout the day. "My two daughters have dengue. They have a fever, and I had to come get care in Colombia," says Belky Rangel, 34, about to burst into tears after waiting three hours with her two daughters, five and eight, to cross to Cucuta. At midday, 18,000 people had crossed the border from Venezuela and 8,000 from Colombia, the head of the Migration Service in Colombia, Christian Krueger, told AFP. Before the border closed in February, about 30,000 people crossed the Simon Bolivar International Bridge every day, from San Antonio del Tachira, Venezuela, to Cucuta, official data show. But containers deposited on the Venezuelan side to prevent any entry of humanitarian aid, considered by the government a potential pretext for foreign military intervention, were still in place. "They have not moved the containers at all. It is so hard getting across. There are so many people" on the Venezuelan side, says Carlos Julio Perez, 55. He waited hours to go to a medical appointment on the Colombian side. When the border was closed, many Venezuelans crossed via hidden trails linking the two countries, putting themselves at the mercy of smugglers and armed groups. The economically-devastated South American nation is suffering from shortages of food, medicine and other essentials amid a power struggle between socialist Maduro and opposition leader Juan Guaido, who has been recognized as interim president by more than 50 countries including the United States. Announcing the reopening of the frontier on Twitter, Maduro said: "We are a people of peace that strongly defends our independence and self-determination." The leader, however, did not say if other key border bridges, closed since August 2015 after two Venezuelan soldiers were wounded by suspected smugglers, would be unblocked. More than three million Venezuelans have left their country since 2015 to flee the worst economic crisis in the oil-rich country's recent history.

Thousands of Venezuelans cram border with Colombia

Venezuela has announced it will close its consulates in Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal, leaving only its embassy in Ottawa to handle its affairs in Canada.

The Venezuelan foreign ministry, which announced the decision Saturday, said it was in response to Canada's temporary closing of its embassy in Caracas.

Canada is one of more than 50 countries, led by the United States, that recognizes opposition leader Juan Guaido as Venezuela's acting president in the country's political standoff.

In a statement, it said the Canadian decision, "far from being an administrative matter, is a political decision that reflects the continued hostility of that government toward Venezuela."

Canada announced the temporary closing of its embassy in Caracas a week ago, blaming President Nicolas Maduro for refusing to accredit diplomats critical to its functioning.

"The regime has taken steps to limit the ability of foreign embassies to function in Venezuela, particularly those advocating for the restoration of democracy," Canadian Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland said.

Citing the principle of reciprocity, the Venezuelan foreign ministry said: "it will temporarily stop providing services at its general consulates in Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal."

"All the functions of Venezuelan diplomacy in Canada will be concentrated at the headquarters of its embassy in Ottawa," it said.

The opposition-controlled National Assembly, which Guaido heads, declared Maduro a "usurper" after he assumed the second term in office in January following elections that were widely denounced as fraudulent. Guaido then invoked the constitution to declare himself president on an interim basis.

Venezuela has announced it will close its consulates in Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal, leaving only its embassy in Ottawa to handle its affairs in Canada. The Venezuelan foreign ministry, which announced the decision Saturday, said it was in response to Canada's temporary closing of its embassy in Caracas.

Venezuela has announced it will close its consulates in Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal, leaving only its embassy in Ottawa to handle its affairs in Canada. The Venezuelan foreign ministry, which announced the decision Saturday, said it was in response to Canada's temporary closing of its embassy in Caracas. Canada is one of more than 50 countries, led by the United States, that recognizes opposition leader Juan Guaido as Venezuela's acting president in the country's political standoff. In a statement, it said the Canadian decision, "far from being an administrative matter, is a political decision that reflects the continued hostility of that government toward Venezuela." Canada announced the temporary closing of its embassy in Caracas a week ago, blaming President Nicolas Maduro for refusing to accredit diplomats critical to its functioning. "The regime has taken steps to limit the ability of foreign embassies to function in Venezuela, particularly those advocating for the restoration of democracy," Canadian Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland said. Citing the principle of reciprocity, the Venezuelan foreign ministry said: "it will temporarily stop providing services at its general consulates in Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal." "All the functions of Venezuelan diplomacy in Canada will be concentrated at the headquarters of its embassy in Ottawa," it said. The opposition-controlled National Assembly, which Guaido heads, declared Maduro a "usurper" after he assumed the second term in office in January following elections that were widely denounced as fraudulent. Guaido then invoked the constitution to declare himself president on an interim basis.

Venezuela says closing consulates in Canada

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on Friday announced a partial opening of the country's border with Colombia, which his government closed in February as opposition leaders prepared an ultimately failed effort to bring aid into the country.

Maduro had closed borders with Colombia, Brazil and Dutch Antilles islands as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/venezuelan-opposition-leader-guaido-renews-call-for-maduro-to-step-down-after-norway-talks-223364">opposition leader Juan Guaido</a> prepared to bring in US-backed humanitarian aid. His government last month opened the border with Brazil and the island of Aruba, but the Aruba authorities said the border would remain closed.

Maduro said on Friday via Twitter that Colombia border crossings in the western state of Tachira would be open as of Saturday. "We are a people of peace who firmly defend our independence," he wrote.

The closures caused economic problems for border towns that have increasingly come to rely on Colombian cities for basic goods and services.

Many citizens have resorted to illegal crossings over backroads, at times paying tolls to criminals who controlled passage, in order to get groceries or basic medical treatment.

Venezuela is suffering a hyperinflationary economic collapse resulting from the unravelling of its socialist system.

Guaido, who has been recognised by dozens of countries as Venezuela's legitimate head of state, attempted to bring food and hygiene supplies into the country in February. Troops and police pushed back the aid trucks, two of which went up in flames.

Watch: US suspends flights to Venezuela, accused of violating International law

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Maduro says Venezuela is victim of an "economic war" led by the opposition with the help of Washington, which has levied several rounds of sanctions against his government.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on Friday announced a partial opening of the country's border with Colombia, which his government closed in February as opposition leaders prepared an ultimately failed effort to bring aid into the country.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on Friday announced a partial opening of the country's border with Colombia, which his government closed in February as opposition leaders prepared an ultimately failed effort to bring aid into the country. Maduro had closed borders with Colombia, Brazil and Dutch Antilles islands as opposition leader Juan Guaido prepared to bring in US-backed humanitarian aid. His government last month opened the border with Brazil and the island of Aruba, but the Aruba authorities said the border would remain closed. Maduro said on Friday via Twitter that Colombia border crossings in the western state of Tachira would be open as of Saturday. "We are a people of peace who firmly defend our independence," he wrote. The closures caused economic problems for border towns that have increasingly come to rely on Colombian cities for basic goods and services. Many citizens have resorted to illegal crossings over backroads, at times paying tolls to criminals who controlled passage, in order to get groceries or basic medical treatment. Venezuela is suffering a hyperinflationary economic collapse resulting from the unravelling of its socialist system. Guaido, who has been recognised by dozens of countries as Venezuela's legitimate head of state, attempted to bring food and hygiene supplies into the country in February. Troops and police pushed back the aid trucks, two of which went up in flames. Watch: US suspends flights to Venezuela, accused of violating International law × Maduro says Venezuela is victim of an "economic war" led by the opposition with the help of Washington, which has levied several rounds of sanctions against his government.

Venezuela partially opens border with Colombia that was shut in February

Venezuelan PDVSA's oil exports took another hit in May, following a deadline for customers to wind-down purchases in order to comply with US&nbsp;sanctions, according to documents from the state-run company and Refinitiv Eikon data.

The energy firm's exports of crude and refined products fell 17% in May from the previous month to 874,500 barrels per day (bpd), mainly due to difficulty in selling off barrels of upgraded crude that used to be bought by US&nbsp;refiners.

Venezuela has drained oil inventories since late January, when Washington imposed sanctions on PDVSA, to offset declining crude output, according to analysts. That allowed the firm to maintain exports around 1 million bpd for the following three months despite the measures.

But some customers ended purchases of Venezuelan oil in late April to comply with sanctions, leaving PDVSA with an accumulation of upgraded oil and further reducing its portfolio of regular buyers, according to the reports and data.

PDVSA did not respond to requests for comment.

In May, PDVSA shipped a total of 33 cargoes of crude and fuel, mainly to Asian destinations. Exports to India fell over a third to 187,000 bpd while shipments to China remained around 450,000 bpd. Russia's Rosneft, which takes PDVSA's barrels as repayment of billions of dollars in loans to Venezuela, was the largest recipient of the OPEC member's oil.

Europe took 8% of the total, almost the same as in April, as Spain's Repsol resumed a swap allowing it to take crude from PDVSA as a late dividend payment while sending fuel in exchange to Venezuela, according to the data.

Venezuela oil exports to Cuba grew in May to 91,000 bpd from 49,000 bpd the previous month, even though the government of US&nbsp;President Donald Trump has hardened sanctions to PDVSA's flow to the island at request of the Congress head, Juan Guaido.

The opposition leader invoked the constitution to assume the role of interim president in January after an election many called a sham that has kept Socialist President Nicolas Maduro in power.

Guaido was recognized by most Western countries as the legitimate president but has struggled to enforce his government's mandate amid a humanitarian crisis in the country. In March, the opposition-led Congress prohibited Venezuelan oil exports to Cuba, but PDVSA, still controlled by Maduro, has continued transporting oil to the island in owned and rented vessels that often switch off their transponders to avoid detection.

Venezuela's dwindling oil exports are the main reason why US&nbsp;refiners have recently struggled to find heavy crude, inflating prices of grades such as Mexico's Maya even above the US&nbsp;crude futures benchmark.

Less fuel as imports plunge over 30 per cent&nbsp;

Venezuela's imports of fuel and diluents fell to 137,500 bpd in May, well below the more than 200,000 bpd received in March and April, which brought lines of drivers to filling stations across the country waiting to refuel their vehicles.

The US&nbsp;government in March told some oil firms and traders to stop shipments of gasoline to Venezuela. In May, it also asked them to halt exports of jet fuel to the OPEC-member nation.

So far this year, Venezuela has imported about 190,000 bpd of refined products, including heavy naphtha for diluting extra-heavy oil, as well as gasoline, diesel and liquefied petroleum gas, according to the documents and data. Most fuel cargoes have been provided by Rosneft, India's Reliance Industries, Repsol and China National Petroleum Corp's unit PetroChina.

Venezuelan PDVSA's oil exports took another hit in May, following a deadline for customers to wind-down purchases in order to comply with US sanctions, according to documents from the state-run company and Refinitiv Eikon data.

Venezuelan PDVSA's oil exports took another hit in May, following a deadline for customers to wind-down purchases in order to comply with US sanctions, according to documents from the state-run company and Refinitiv Eikon data. The energy firm's exports of crude and refined products fell 17% in May from the previous month to 874,500 barrels per day (bpd), mainly due to difficulty in selling off barrels of upgraded crude that used to be bought by US refiners. Venezuela has drained oil inventories since late January, when Washington imposed sanctions on PDVSA, to offset declining crude output, according to analysts. That allowed the firm to maintain exports around 1 million bpd for the following three months despite the measures. But some customers ended purchases of Venezuelan oil in late April to comply with sanctions, leaving PDVSA with an accumulation of upgraded oil and further reducing its portfolio of regular buyers, according to the reports and data. PDVSA did not respond to requests for comment. In May, PDVSA shipped a total of 33 cargoes of crude and fuel, mainly to Asian destinations. Exports to India fell over a third to 187,000 bpd while shipments to China remained around 450,000 bpd. Russia's Rosneft, which takes PDVSA's barrels as repayment of billions of dollars in loans to Venezuela, was the largest recipient of the OPEC member's oil. Europe took 8% of the total, almost the same as in April, as Spain's Repsol resumed a swap allowing it to take crude from PDVSA as a late dividend payment while sending fuel in exchange to Venezuela, according to the data. Venezuela oil exports to Cuba grew in May to 91,000 bpd from 49,000 bpd the previous month, even though the government of US President Donald Trump has hardened sanctions to PDVSA's flow to the island at request of the Congress head, Juan Guaido. The opposition leader invoked the constitution to assume the role of interim president in January after an election many called a sham that has kept Socialist President Nicolas Maduro in power. Guaido was recognized by most Western countries as the legitimate president but has struggled to enforce his government's mandate amid a humanitarian crisis in the country. In March, the opposition-led Congress prohibited Venezuelan oil exports to Cuba, but PDVSA, still controlled by Maduro, has continued transporting oil to the island in owned and rented vessels that often switch off their transponders to avoid detection. Venezuela's dwindling oil exports are the main reason why US refiners have recently struggled to find heavy crude, inflating prices of grades such as Mexico's Maya even above the US crude futures benchmark. Less fuel as imports plunge over 30 per cent Venezuela's imports of fuel and diluents fell to 137,500 bpd in May, well below the more than 200,000 bpd received in March and April, which brought lines of drivers to filling stations across the country waiting to refuel their vehicles. The US government in March told some oil firms and traders to stop shipments of gasoline to Venezuela. In May, it also asked them to halt exports of jet fuel to the OPEC-member nation. So far this year, Venezuela has imported about 190,000 bpd of refined products, including heavy naphtha for diluting extra-heavy oil, as well as gasoline, diesel and liquefied petroleum gas, according to the documents and data. Most fuel cargoes have been provided by Rosneft, India's Reliance Industries, Repsol and China National Petroleum Corp's unit PetroChina.

Venezuela's oil exports drop 17% in May as sanctions kick in: Report

The Kremlin on Tuesday denied informing the United States it was withdrawing personnel from Venezuela, as stated by US President Donald Trump.

"This is apparently an indirect reference to some sources of information in newspapers because there have been no official messages from the Russian side about this and there couldn't have been any," President Vladimir Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists.&nbsp;

He confirmed that Russian military specialists are still in Venezuela "working on servicing equipment supplied earlier."

"This process is going according to plan. And what is meant by 'removed their people' we don't know," he said.

Trump tweeted Monday during a state visit to Britain that "Russia has informed us that they have removed most of their people from Venezuela."

US-Russian tensions have spiked over the months-long standoff in Venezuela, where Washington has thrown its weight behind a campaign to oust the Moscow-backed socialist president, Nicolas Maduro.

Trump in March called on Russia to "get out" of Venezuela after Moscow -- in a significant show of solidarity for Maduro's badly isolated government -- deployed around 100 soldiers to the country.

Russia's state defence contractor Rostec has played down any changes in deployment, dismissing a report in The Wall Street Journal saying that the overall Russian presence in Venezuela had been reduced from as many as 1,000 personnel to a few dozen.

The Kremlin on Tuesday denied informing the United States it was withdrawing personnel from Venezuela, as stated by US President Donald Trump. "This is apparently an indirect reference to some sources of information in newspapers because there have been no official messages from the Russian side about this and there couldn't have been any," President Vladimir Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists.

The Kremlin on Tuesday denied informing the United States it was withdrawing personnel from Venezuela, as stated by US President Donald Trump. "This is apparently an indirect reference to some sources of information in newspapers because there have been no official messages from the Russian side about this and there couldn't have been any," President Vladimir Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists. He confirmed that Russian military specialists are still in Venezuela "working on servicing equipment supplied earlier." "This process is going according to plan. And what is meant by 'removed their people' we don't know," he said. Trump tweeted Monday during a state visit to Britain that "Russia has informed us that they have removed most of their people from Venezuela." US-Russian tensions have spiked over the months-long standoff in Venezuela, where Washington has thrown its weight behind a campaign to oust the Moscow-backed socialist president, Nicolas Maduro. Trump in March called on Russia to "get out" of Venezuela after Moscow -- in a significant show of solidarity for Maduro's badly isolated government -- deployed around 100 soldiers to the country. Russia's state defence contractor Rostec has played down any changes in deployment, dismissing a report in The Wall Street Journal saying that the overall Russian presence in Venezuela had been reduced from as many as 1,000 personnel to a few dozen.

Russia denies telling US of personnel withdrawal from Venezuela

Canada announced Sunday it was temporarily<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-federal-agents-arrest-protesters-occupying-venezuelan-embassy-219291"> shutting its embassy in Venezuela</a>, blaming President Nicolas Maduro for refusing to accredit diplomats critical of his regime.

At the same time, Ottawa is reviewing the status of Maduro envoys to Canada.

Foreign minister Chrystia Freeland said in a statement that "the regime has taken steps to limit the ability of foreign embassies to function in Venezuela, particularly those advocating for the restoration of democracy" there.

In January, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/juan-guaido-blasts-venezuela-regime-after-security-forces-block-congress-218827">Canada, along with the United States</a> and major Latin American powers, was among the first to recognise Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido's claim to be acting president, beginning a months-long power struggle between him and Maduro.

Soon, Canadian diplomats in Venezuela "will no longer be in a position to obtain diplomatic accreditation under the Maduro regime, and their visas will expire," Freeland said.

"Therefore, we are left with no choice but to temporarily suspend our operations at the embassy of Canada to Venezuela, effective immediately."

More than 50 countries now recognise Guaido rather than leftist firebrand Maduro, who has presided over a crumbling economy and was re-elected in a ballot widely regarded as a sham.

Freeland also said Canada is "evaluating the status of Venezuelan diplomats appointed by the Maduro regime to Canada."

Canada announced Sunday it was temporarily shutting its embassy in Venezuela, blaming President Nicolas Maduro for refusing to accredit diplomats critical of his regime.

Canada announced Sunday it was temporarily shutting its embassy in Venezuela, blaming President Nicolas Maduro for refusing to accredit diplomats critical of his regime. At the same time, Ottawa is reviewing the status of Maduro envoys to Canada. Foreign minister Chrystia Freeland said in a statement that "the regime has taken steps to limit the ability of foreign embassies to function in Venezuela, particularly those advocating for the restoration of democracy" there. In January, Canada, along with the United States and major Latin American powers, was among the first to recognise Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido's claim to be acting president, beginning a months-long power struggle between him and Maduro. Soon, Canadian diplomats in Venezuela "will no longer be in a position to obtain diplomatic accreditation under the Maduro regime, and their visas will expire," Freeland said. "Therefore, we are left with no choice but to temporarily suspend our operations at the embassy of Canada to Venezuela, effective immediately." More than 50 countries now recognise Guaido rather than leftist firebrand Maduro, who has presided over a crumbling economy and was re-elected in a ballot widely regarded as a sham. Freeland also said Canada is "evaluating the status of Venezuelan diplomats appointed by the Maduro regime to Canada."

Canada temporarily shuts embassy in Venezuela over diplomats accreditation row

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