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

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

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

US slaps sanctions on Venezuelan bank

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

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

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

Lionel Messi to start Venezuela friendly on Argentina return

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

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

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

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

Water is now gold for desperate Venezuelans

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Trump again says US considering 'all options' on Venezuela

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

News brief: Big stories of the day

Venezuela suspends oil exports to India

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Venezuela's Guaido starts domestic tour to stir support

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

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

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

Maduro creates military unit to protect public service installations

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

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

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

All US diplomats have left Venezuela: Pompeo

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

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

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

Most people back to work as electricity supply restored in Venezuela

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

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

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

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

After Pompeo urging, Reliance caps oil purchases from Venezuela

Venezuela's public employees were called to return to work Thursday after the government ended a nearly week-long hiatus caused by an unprecedented <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-blackout-civilians-gather-at-highway-after-it-showed-slightest-cellphone-signal-203058">nationwide blackout</a> that deepened widespread anger against President Nicolas Maduro.

Communications Minister Jorge Rodriguez said in an address on state television Wednesday that Maduro decided the public sector would resume work on Thursday, although state schools would remain closed for an extra day.

The span of decreed public holidays started last Friday, a day after power went out in 22 of Venezuela's 23 states, disrupting transport, causing stockpiled food to rot in fridges and forcing some Caracas residents to source water from sewage outflows as taps ran dry.

By Wednesday, electricity was back in Caracas and other regions. But swaths of western Venezuela remained without power, including the city of Maracaibo where more than 500 shops reported having been looted, according to a retailers' association.

The blackout -- the worst in the history of the once-rich oil-producing nation -- deepened an already grave economic crisis.

According to Ecoanalitica, an economic analysis firm, the vast power cut cost Venezuela $875 million.

"There is major paralysis in many critical areas in the oil sector," it said, estimating that up to 70 per cent of the one million barrels of oil a day Venezuela still managed to produce could end up being affected.

"No water, no power, no medicine, no cash, no transport. This has been dreadful," one Caracas resident, Victoria Milano, 40, told AFP.

The worsening situation has bolstered Juan Guaido, an opposition leader whose claim to be Venezuela's interim president is backed by the US and 50 other countries.

"This desperation and darkness are caused by the dictatorship," he told supporters on Tuesday, alleging that 20 people had died in hospitals because of a lack of power.

He added that he expected to take over the presidential palace "very soon."

Venezuela's pro-Maduro prosecutor's office has hit back with a criminal investigation against Guaido for "sabotage," alleging he had a hand in the blackout. But the opposition leader remains free after the US warned of "consequences" if he were arrested.

- Maduro sees 'victory' - 
Maduro has accused Washington of waging "cybernetic" and "electromagnetic" attacks against Venezuela's Guri hydroelectric plant, which provides power to 80 per cent of the country's 30 million inhabitants.

As he declared "victory" on television late Tuesday, asserting that power had been restored "in almost all" the nation, Caracas residents in formerly middle-class neighbourhoods banged pots in the street in protest.

Experts said an attack by a foreign state actor on Venezuela's grid was possible but unlikely.

"Knowing Venezuela, it was likely an internal failure," Jeff Middleton, the chief technology officer at The Vault Foundation, a company that secures cryptocurrency transactions, told AFP.

Venezuela's infrastructure has degraded over years because of lack of investment, a significant brain drain, and the government's practice of putting the military in charge of key civilian facilities and companies.

That has impacted not only the electricity grid but also the country's vital oil industry.

The situation has worsened with successive rounds of US sanctions against Maduro's government, including steps that have severely curbed its oil exports.

- China, Spain offer help - 
While much of Latin America and Europe have thrown their weight behind Guaido with a view to forcing presidential elections in Venezuela, Maduro has the support of Russia and China, major creditors and buyers of Venezuelan oil.

China on Wednesday said it stood ready to help Venezuela get its electricity up and running again.

"China hopes that Venezuela can quickly find the cause of this accident and restore normal power and social order," foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang said at a regular briefing in Beijing.

"China is willing to offer assistance and technical support to Venezuela to restore the power system," Lu said.

The spokesman said China was "very concerned" about reports of a cyber attack, but declined to directly blame the United States.

Spain, one of the EU countries strongly backing Guaido, also offered help to fix Venezuela's "badly deteriorated" electricity system.

Venezuela's public employees were called to return to work Thursday after the government ended a nearly week-long hiatus caused by an unprecedented nationwide blackout that deepened widespread anger against President Nicolas Maduro.

Venezuela's public employees were called to return to work Thursday after the government ended a nearly week-long hiatus caused by an unprecedented nationwide blackout that deepened widespread anger against President Nicolas Maduro. Communications Minister Jorge Rodriguez said in an address on state television Wednesday that Maduro decided the public sector would resume work on Thursday, although state schools would remain closed for an extra day. The span of decreed public holidays started last Friday, a day after power went out in 22 of Venezuela's 23 states, disrupting transport, causing stockpiled food to rot in fridges and forcing some Caracas residents to source water from sewage outflows as taps ran dry. By Wednesday, electricity was back in Caracas and other regions. But swaths of western Venezuela remained without power, including the city of Maracaibo where more than 500 shops reported having been looted, according to a retailers' association. The blackout -- the worst in the history of the once-rich oil-producing nation -- deepened an already grave economic crisis. According to Ecoanalitica, an economic analysis firm, the vast power cut cost Venezuela $875 million. "There is major paralysis in many critical areas in the oil sector," it said, estimating that up to 70 per cent of the one million barrels of oil a day Venezuela still managed to produce could end up being affected. "No water, no power, no medicine, no cash, no transport. This has been dreadful," one Caracas resident, Victoria Milano, 40, told AFP. The worsening situation has bolstered Juan Guaido, an opposition leader whose claim to be Venezuela's interim president is backed by the US and 50 other countries. "This desperation and darkness are caused by the dictatorship," he told supporters on Tuesday, alleging that 20 people had died in hospitals because of a lack of power. He added that he expected to take over the presidential palace "very soon." Venezuela's pro-Maduro prosecutor's office has hit back with a criminal investigation against Guaido for "sabotage," alleging he had a hand in the blackout. But the opposition leader remains free after the US warned of "consequences" if he were arrested. - Maduro sees 'victory' - Maduro has accused Washington of waging "cybernetic" and "electromagnetic" attacks against Venezuela's Guri hydroelectric plant, which provides power to 80 per cent of the country's 30 million inhabitants. As he declared "victory" on television late Tuesday, asserting that power had been restored "in almost all" the nation, Caracas residents in formerly middle-class neighbourhoods banged pots in the street in protest. Experts said an attack by a foreign state actor on Venezuela's grid was possible but unlikely. "Knowing Venezuela, it was likely an internal failure," Jeff Middleton, the chief technology officer at The Vault Foundation, a company that secures cryptocurrency transactions, told AFP. Venezuela's infrastructure has degraded over years because of lack of investment, a significant brain drain, and the government's practice of putting the military in charge of key civilian facilities and companies. That has impacted not only the electricity grid but also the country's vital oil industry. The situation has worsened with successive rounds of US sanctions against Maduro's government, including steps that have severely curbed its oil exports. - China, Spain offer help - While much of Latin America and Europe have thrown their weight behind Guaido with a view to forcing presidential elections in Venezuela, Maduro has the support of Russia and China, major creditors and buyers of Venezuelan oil. China on Wednesday said it stood ready to help Venezuela get its electricity up and running again. "China hopes that Venezuela can quickly find the cause of this accident and restore normal power and social order," foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang said at a regular briefing in Beijing. "China is willing to offer assistance and technical support to Venezuela to restore the power system," Lu said. The spokesman said China was "very concerned" about reports of a cyber attack, but declined to directly blame the United States. Spain, one of the EU countries strongly backing Guaido, also offered help to fix Venezuela's "badly deteriorated" electricity system.

Venezuela calls public sector back to work as blackout recedes

The US military has not been asked to assist with the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-says-to-withdraw-all-remaining-diplomatic-personnel-from-venezuela-202779">removal of American diplomatic personnel from Venezuela</a>, the top US military commander for the region told Reuters, adding they were expected to depart the country by commercial means.

"Right now, we`ve not been asked to support that evacuation," Admiral Craig Faller, head of the US military`s Southern Command, said in an interview on Tuesday.&nbsp;

Venezuela ordered US diplomats on Tuesday to leave within 72 hours. Washington said it had decided to withdraw the remaining diplomats because of deteriorating conditions in Venezuela, which has been plunged into its worst blackout on record.

US special envoy Elliott Abrams, speaking earlier on Tuesday to reporters at the State Department, said the withdrawal of diplomats was not a change in US policy or a reduction in the US commitment to the Venezuelan people.

Washington has taken the lead in recognising opposition leader Juan Guaido as Venezuela's rightful president after the 35-year-old Congress chief declared President Nicolas Maduro`s 2018 re-election a fraud and announced an interim presidency in January. Most countries in Europe and Latin America have followed suit.

The US military has not been asked to assist with the removal of American diplomatic personnel from Venezuela, the top US military commander for the region told Reuters, adding they were expected to depart the country by commercial means.

The US military has not been asked to assist with the removal of American diplomatic personnel from Venezuela, the top US military commander for the region told Reuters, adding they were expected to depart the country by commercial means. "Right now, we`ve not been asked to support that evacuation," Admiral Craig Faller, head of the US military`s Southern Command, said in an interview on Tuesday. Venezuela ordered US diplomats on Tuesday to leave within 72 hours. Washington said it had decided to withdraw the remaining diplomats because of deteriorating conditions in Venezuela, which has been plunged into its worst blackout on record. US special envoy Elliott Abrams, speaking earlier on Tuesday to reporters at the State Department, said the withdrawal of diplomats was not a change in US policy or a reduction in the US commitment to the Venezuelan people. Washington has taken the lead in recognising opposition leader Juan Guaido as Venezuela's rightful president after the 35-year-old Congress chief declared President Nicolas Maduro`s 2018 re-election a fraud and announced an interim presidency in January. Most countries in Europe and Latin America have followed suit.

US military not involved in withdrawing diplomats from Venezuela

The United States is preparing to impose 'very significant' Venezuela-related sanctions against financial institutions in the coming days, US special envoy Elliott Abrams said on Tuesday. 
 
Abrams did not elaborate on the fresh measures but his warning came a day after the US&nbsp;Treasury imposed sanctions on Russian bank Evrofinance Mosnarbank for helping Venezuelan state oil firm PDVSA evade US&nbsp;financial restrictions. 
 
Abrams said Washington was also preparing to withdraw more US&nbsp;visas from Venezuelans with close ties to President Nicolas Maduro. 
 
Washington has taken the lead in recognising opposition leader Juan Guaido as Venezuela`s rightful president after the 35-year-old Congress chief declared Maduros 2018 re-election a fraud and announced an interim presidency in January. Most countries in Europe and Latin America have followed suit. 
 
Abrams comments came as Venezuela ordered American diplomats to leave the country within 72 hours. 
 
Washington said it had decided to withdraw the remaining diplomats due to deteriorating conditions in Venezuela, which has been plunged into its worst blackout on record. 
Abrams emphasized that the withdrawal of diplomats was not a change in US&nbsp;policy. 
 
"This does not represent any change in US policy toward Venezuela, nor does it represent any reduction in the commitment we have to the people of Venezuela and to their struggle for democracy," he said, adding that the US&nbsp;intended to keep up pressure on Maduro through sanctions. 
 
"You will see very soon a significant number of additional visa revocations. You will see in the coming days some very significant additional sanctions," Abrams added.&nbsp; 
 
He said the United States was in talks with other countries that could act as its "protecting power" in Venezuela to ensure the safety of the US&nbsp;embassy`s premises and provide assistance to Americans in trouble.&nbsp; 
 
A "protecting power" is a country that represents another in cases where two countries have broken off diplomatic relations. Washington, for example, has appointed Switzerland as its "protecting power" in Iran. 
 
"We are trying to decide on a protecting power," Abrams said. 
 
He said the safety of US&nbsp;diplomats was a key factor in the withdrawal decision reached by U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in the late hours of Monday night.

The United States is preparing to impose 'very significant' Venezuela-related sanctions against financial institutions in the coming days, US special envoy Elliott Abrams said on Tuesday.

The United States is preparing to impose 'very significant' Venezuela-related sanctions against financial institutions in the coming days, US special envoy Elliott Abrams said on Tuesday. Abrams did not elaborate on the fresh measures but his warning came a day after the US Treasury imposed sanctions on Russian bank Evrofinance Mosnarbank for helping Venezuelan state oil firm PDVSA evade US financial restrictions. Abrams said Washington was also preparing to withdraw more US visas from Venezuelans with close ties to President Nicolas Maduro. Washington has taken the lead in recognising opposition leader Juan Guaido as Venezuela`s rightful president after the 35-year-old Congress chief declared Maduros 2018 re-election a fraud and announced an interim presidency in January. Most countries in Europe and Latin America have followed suit. Abrams comments came as Venezuela ordered American diplomats to leave the country within 72 hours. Washington said it had decided to withdraw the remaining diplomats due to deteriorating conditions in Venezuela, which has been plunged into its worst blackout on record. Abrams emphasized that the withdrawal of diplomats was not a change in US policy. "This does not represent any change in US policy toward Venezuela, nor does it represent any reduction in the commitment we have to the people of Venezuela and to their struggle for democracy," he said, adding that the US intended to keep up pressure on Maduro through sanctions. "You will see very soon a significant number of additional visa revocations. You will see in the coming days some very significant additional sanctions," Abrams added. He said the United States was in talks with other countries that could act as its "protecting power" in Venezuela to ensure the safety of the US embassy`s premises and provide assistance to Americans in trouble. A "protecting power" is a country that represents another in cases where two countries have broken off diplomatic relations. Washington, for example, has appointed Switzerland as its "protecting power" in Iran. "We are trying to decide on a protecting power," Abrams said. He said the safety of US diplomats was a key factor in the withdrawal decision reached by U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in the late hours of Monday night.

United States plans 'very significant' additional Venezuela sanctions: Official

Amid the massive outgoing political and financial <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-military-not-involved-in-withdrawing-diplomats-from-venezuela-202985">crisis in Venezuela</a>, a highway in the country's capital Caracas, recently turned into one of the most visited sites after it&nbsp;showed the slightest cellphone signal.

Civilians from all around the region moved to the place to connect to their families and friends after days of separation, The Associated Press reported on Wednesday.

Venezuela which is undergoing a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-congress-declares-state-of-alarm-over-blackout-202729">massive blackout</a> in the history of the country has been running out of electricity for many days.

After years of hyperinflation and economic crisis, the country is now living under dark due to the absence of&nbsp;electricity.

The crippling power blackout has also blocked the flow of running water in the country and forced the people to live without any internet or cellphone connectivity.

The crisis has led many people to seek water from places they would never want to take from.&nbsp;

Maduro has blamed a devastating multi-day blackout plaguing Venezuela on Washington and declared "victory" in what he called an "electricity war" triggered by the Pentagon.

He also called for support from allies including Russia and China as well as the United Nations in investigating the US "cyber attack" he said was responsible for the blackout.

While Maduro pointed the finger at Washington, critics have long blamed the government for failing to maintain the power grid.

Guaido, 35, is seeking to capitalise on public anger over the blackout, which has piled misery on a population suffering years of economic crisis and shortages of food and medicine under Maduro.

The youthful opposition chief -- locked in a power struggle with Maduro since declaring himself interim president on January 23 -- has branded the socialist leader a "usurper" over his re-election in May, widely dismissed as neither free nor fair.

(With inputs from agencies)

Amid the massive outgoing political and financial crisis in Venezuela, a highway in the country's capital Caracas, recently turned into one of the most visited sites after it showed the slightest cellphone signal.

Amid the massive outgoing political and financial crisis in Venezuela, a highway in the country's capital Caracas, recently turned into one of the most visited sites after it showed the slightest cellphone signal. Civilians from all around the region moved to the place to connect to their families and friends after days of separation, The Associated Press reported on Wednesday. Venezuela which is undergoing a massive blackout in the history of the country has been running out of electricity for many days. After years of hyperinflation and economic crisis, the country is now living under dark due to the absence of electricity. The crippling power blackout has also blocked the flow of running water in the country and forced the people to live without any internet or cellphone connectivity. The crisis has led many people to seek water from places they would never want to take from. Maduro has blamed a devastating multi-day blackout plaguing Venezuela on Washington and declared "victory" in what he called an "electricity war" triggered by the Pentagon. He also called for support from allies including Russia and China as well as the United Nations in investigating the US "cyber attack" he said was responsible for the blackout. While Maduro pointed the finger at Washington, critics have long blamed the government for failing to maintain the power grid. Guaido, 35, is seeking to capitalise on public anger over the blackout, which has piled misery on a population suffering years of economic crisis and shortages of food and medicine under Maduro. The youthful opposition chief -- locked in a power struggle with Maduro since declaring himself interim president on January 23 -- has branded the socialist leader a "usurper" over his re-election in May, widely dismissed as neither free nor fair. (With inputs from agencies)

Venezuela blackout: Civilians gather at highway for cellphone signal

Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido on Monday called for a new mass demonstration as a devastating blackout that has left millions without power entered its fifth day and the US said it is <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-says-to-withdraw-all-remaining-diplomatic-personnel-from-venezuela-202779">withdrawing its remaining diplomatic personnel</a> from Caracas.

President Nicolas Maduro meanwhile called for grassroots groups to hit back against what he called attacks encouraged by the US against the country's electrical grid.

"The time has come for active resistance," he said in a speech.

Guaido, in a speech to the National Assembly which he leads, said "tomorrow at three o'clock in the afternoon, all of Venezuela will be on the streets" to protest against Maduro.

Parliament accepted the 35-year-old's request to declare a "<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-congress-declares-state-of-alarm-over-blackout-202729">state of alarm</a>" to pave the way for the delivery of international aid, 250 tons of which has been stuck for a month at Venezuela's borders with Colombia and Brazil.

Guaido and the opposition-controlled legislature have no means to enforce it, though, as Maduro controls the military and security services, which are currently preventing aid from entering the country.

Guaido, recognized as Venezuela's interim president by more than 50 countries, called on the military and security services to "refrain from preventing or hindering" Tuesday's protests.

Describing the situation as a "catastrophe," he said the blackout -- the worst in the Latin American country's history -- had claimed dozens of lives since it began on Thursday.

Power was restored to some areas of the country over the weekend but -- with residents and businesses fearing that refrigerated food would spoil -- service was patchy and power often lasted just a few hours before dropping out again.

As the situation worsened, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced Washington is withdrawing all its remaining personnel from the US embassy in Caracas. All non-emergency staff were ordered to leave on January 24.

"This decision reflects the deteriorating situation in #Venezuela as well as the conclusion that the presence of US diplomatic staff at the embassy has become a constraint on US policy," Pompeo wrote on Twitter.

'Tragedy'

Even the National Assembly's emergency session fell victim to the blackout, as the electricity supply failed an hour into the meeting.

"We cannot turn away from this tragedy our country is going through," said Guaido, who declared himself acting president in January, triggering a power struggle with Maduro in the oil-rich South American country of 30 million.

Businesses and schools remain shuttered on Maduro's orders, as they have been since the blackout began. In any event, the lack of public transport made travel difficult, even in Caracas.

Maduro extended the closure for another 24 hours on Monday due to the blackout, the second time he has done so.

In his speech Monday night Maduro asked for resistance from groups known as "colectivos" -- grassroots social work groups that the opposition argues have also been armed by the government and act as militia.

Critics say such groups were behind the death of seven people on February 23 when the opposition tried in vain to bring US-supplied food and medicine across the borders with Colombia and Brazil.&nbsp;

A ball of flame flared across the darkened sky over southeastern Caracas in the early hours of the morning when the Humboldt power station erupted in a massive explosion, increasing the chaos in an area where looting was reported on Sunday.

"I felt like I was in a horror movie," said Carolina Molina, who witnessed the blast from her window.&nbsp;

State-owned electricity company Corpoelec declined to comment on the explosion.

The fire that followed the blast was still smoldering by mid-morning. A metal beam holding one of the huge transformers had melted and a wall had been blackened, AFP reporters said.

'Hollywoodesque'

The power crisis may spell trouble for Maduro's support from the military, the Eurasia Group consultancy said.

"The government's inability to resolve the crisis and the resulting impact on oil exports, along with challenging social dynamics, may start to shift the military's calculations about the sustainability of Maduro's regime," it said.

Maduro has ordered that hospitals -- where patients were languishing without proper treatment, and where at least 15 people reportedly died due to a lack of kidney dialysis treatment -- should be given top priority.

He has blamed the blackout on US "sabotage" in the form of an electromagnetic attack on the country's main hydroelectric complex in Guri, which supplies 80 per cent of Venezuela's electricity.

Guaido dismissed that explanation as "Hollywoodesque." Critics blamed the government for failing to maintain the power grid, as did the Lima Group, a primarily Latin American bloc.

For ordinary Venezuelans, the blackout has piled misery upon an already agonizing day-to-day struggle to survive in a country in economic freefall.

Venezuela has been in recession for more than four years, has struggled with hyperinflation the International Monetary Fund says will hit a staggering 10 million per cent this year, and seen a mass exodus of an estimated 2.7 million migrants since 2015.

"Every day is worse," said Edward Cazano, a 20-year-old who lives with his mother and three brothers in a poor Caracas neighborhood called Pinto Salinas.&nbsp;

"We have the worst services in the world: no light, no water, sometimes no gas."

Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido on Monday called for a new mass demonstration as a devastating blackout that has left millions without power entered its fifth day and the US said it is withdrawing its remaining diplomatic personnel from Caracas.

Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido on Monday called for a new mass demonstration as a devastating blackout that has left millions without power entered its fifth day and the US said it is withdrawing its remaining diplomatic personnel from Caracas. President Nicolas Maduro meanwhile called for grassroots groups to hit back against what he called attacks encouraged by the US against the country's electrical grid. "The time has come for active resistance," he said in a speech. Guaido, in a speech to the National Assembly which he leads, said "tomorrow at three o'clock in the afternoon, all of Venezuela will be on the streets" to protest against Maduro. Parliament accepted the 35-year-old's request to declare a "state of alarm" to pave the way for the delivery of international aid, 250 tons of which has been stuck for a month at Venezuela's borders with Colombia and Brazil. Guaido and the opposition-controlled legislature have no means to enforce it, though, as Maduro controls the military and security services, which are currently preventing aid from entering the country. Guaido, recognized as Venezuela's interim president by more than 50 countries, called on the military and security services to "refrain from preventing or hindering" Tuesday's protests. Describing the situation as a "catastrophe," he said the blackout -- the worst in the Latin American country's history -- had claimed dozens of lives since it began on Thursday. Power was restored to some areas of the country over the weekend but -- with residents and businesses fearing that refrigerated food would spoil -- service was patchy and power often lasted just a few hours before dropping out again. As the situation worsened, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced Washington is withdrawing all its remaining personnel from the US embassy in Caracas. All non-emergency staff were ordered to leave on January 24. "This decision reflects the deteriorating situation in #Venezuela as well as the conclusion that the presence of US diplomatic staff at the embassy has become a constraint on US policy," Pompeo wrote on Twitter. 'Tragedy' Even the National Assembly's emergency session fell victim to the blackout, as the electricity supply failed an hour into the meeting. "We cannot turn away from this tragedy our country is going through," said Guaido, who declared himself acting president in January, triggering a power struggle with Maduro in the oil-rich South American country of 30 million. Businesses and schools remain shuttered on Maduro's orders, as they have been since the blackout began. In any event, the lack of public transport made travel difficult, even in Caracas. Maduro extended the closure for another 24 hours on Monday due to the blackout, the second time he has done so. In his speech Monday night Maduro asked for resistance from groups known as "colectivos" -- grassroots social work groups that the opposition argues have also been armed by the government and act as militia. Critics say such groups were behind the death of seven people on February 23 when the opposition tried in vain to bring US-supplied food and medicine across the borders with Colombia and Brazil. A ball of flame flared across the darkened sky over southeastern Caracas in the early hours of the morning when the Humboldt power station erupted in a massive explosion, increasing the chaos in an area where looting was reported on Sunday. "I felt like I was in a horror movie," said Carolina Molina, who witnessed the blast from her window. State-owned electricity company Corpoelec declined to comment on the explosion. The fire that followed the blast was still smoldering by mid-morning. A metal beam holding one of the huge transformers had melted and a wall had been blackened, AFP reporters said. 'Hollywoodesque' The power crisis may spell trouble for Maduro's support from the military, the Eurasia Group consultancy said. "The government's inability to resolve the crisis and the resulting impact on oil exports, along with challenging social dynamics, may start to shift the military's calculations about the sustainability of Maduro's regime," it said. Maduro has ordered that hospitals -- where patients were languishing without proper treatment, and where at least 15 people reportedly died due to a lack of kidney dialysis treatment -- should be given top priority. He has blamed the blackout on US "sabotage" in the form of an electromagnetic attack on the country's main hydroelectric complex in Guri, which supplies 80 per cent of Venezuela's electricity. Guaido dismissed that explanation as "Hollywoodesque." Critics blamed the government for failing to maintain the power grid, as did the Lima Group, a primarily Latin American bloc. For ordinary Venezuelans, the blackout has piled misery upon an already agonizing day-to-day struggle to survive in a country in economic freefall. Venezuela has been in recession for more than four years, has struggled with hyperinflation the International Monetary Fund says will hit a staggering 10 million per cent this year, and seen a mass exodus of an estimated 2.7 million migrants since 2015. "Every day is worse," said Edward Cazano, a 20-year-old who lives with his mother and three brothers in a poor Caracas neighborhood called Pinto Salinas. "We have the worst services in the world: no light, no water, sometimes no gas."

Venezuela's Guaido calls for new rally as lawmakers declare 'alarm'

The United States is to withdraw all remaining diplomatic personnel from Venezuela this week, the US State Department announced late on Thursday.

"Like the January 24 decision to withdraw all dependents and reduce embassy staff to a minimum, this decision reflects the deteriorating situation in Venezuela as well as the conclusion that the presence of US diplomatic staff at the embassy has become a constraint on US policy," the State Department said.

It did not say on what day the personnel would be withdrawn from the embassy in Caracas.

The South American nation has been in the throes of political unrest for months over its contested presidential election.

Venezuela is suspending school and business activities on Tuesday amid a continuing power blackout, Information Minister Jorge Rodriguez said in a televised broadcast on Monday.

It is the third such cancellation since power went out last week.

The United States is to withdraw all remaining diplomatic personnel from Venezuela this week, the US State Department announced late on Thursday. "Like the January 24 decision to withdraw all dependents and reduce embassy staff to a minimum, this decision reflects the deteriorating situation in Venezuela as well as the conclusion that the presence of US diplomatic staff at the embassy has become a constraint on US policy," the State Department said.

The United States is to withdraw all remaining diplomatic personnel from Venezuela this week, the US State Department announced late on Thursday. "Like the January 24 decision to withdraw all dependents and reduce embassy staff to a minimum, this decision reflects the deteriorating situation in Venezuela as well as the conclusion that the presence of US diplomatic staff at the embassy has become a constraint on US policy," the State Department said. It did not say on what day the personnel would be withdrawn from the embassy in Caracas. The South American nation has been in the throes of political unrest for months over its contested presidential election. Venezuela is suspending school and business activities on Tuesday amid a continuing power blackout, Information Minister Jorge Rodriguez said in a televised broadcast on Monday. It is the third such cancellation since power went out last week.

US says to withdraw all remaining diplomatic personnel from Venezuela

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/do-not-give-economic-lifeline-for-maduro-regime-in-venezuela-pompeo-to-indian-foreign-secretary-vijay-gokhale-202737">Do not give economic lifeline for Maduro regime in Venezuela: Pompeo to Indian foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale</a>

US secretary of state Mike Pompeo on Monday expressed hope that India will supports its efforts in Venezuela by not purchasing oil from the "authoritarian" Maduro regime. The issue was discussed in a meeting with the visiting&nbsp;Indian foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale, Pompeo told reporters at a news conference here, without providing insight into it.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/boeing-to-upgrade-software-in-737-max-8-fleet-in-weeks-202738">Will upgrade software in 737 MAX 8 fleet in coming weeks: Boeing</a>

Boeing&nbsp;Co confirmed late on Monday it will deploy a software upgrade to the 737 MAX 8, a few hours after the Federal Aviation Administration said it would mandate "design changes" in the aircraft by April.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/uk-eu-agree-three-part-deal-on-brexit-deal-202716">UK, EU </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/uk-eu-agree-three-part-deal-on-brexit-deal-202716">agree</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/uk-eu-agree-three-part-deal-on-brexit-deal-202716"> </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/uk-eu-agree-three-part-deal-on-brexit-deal-202716">three-part</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/uk-eu-agree-three-part-deal-on-brexit-deal-202716"> deal on Brexit deal</a>

British Prime Minister Theresa May's government on Monday secured a three-part package of changes from the EU to the&nbsp;terms of its withdrawal deal, hoping to win over&nbsp;sceptical MPs.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/algerias-president-bouteflika-abandons-re-election-bid-after-weeks-of-protest-202747">Algeria's President Bouteflika abandons re-election bid after weeks of protest</a>

Algerian&nbsp;President Abdelaziz Bouteflika&nbsp;abandoned his bid for a fifth term in power on Monday, bowing to weeks of mass demonstrations against his 20-year rule by people demanding a new era of politics in a country dominated by an old guard.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-congress-declares-state-of-alarm-over-blackout-202729">Venezuela congress declares 'state of alarm' over </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-congress-declares-state-of-alarm-over-blackout-202729">blackout</a>

Venezuela's opposition-run congress on Monday declared a "state of alarm" over a&nbsp;five-day power blackout&nbsp;that has crippled the OPEC member&nbsp;country's oil exports&nbsp;and left millions of citizens scrambling to find food and water.&nbsp;

Do not give economic lifeline for Maduro regime in Venezuela: Pompeo to Indian foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale US secretary of state Mike Pompeo on Monday expressed hope that India will supports its efforts in Venezuela by not purchasing oil from the "authoritarian" Maduro regime.

Do not give economic lifeline for Maduro regime in Venezuela: Pompeo to Indian foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale US secretary of state Mike Pompeo on Monday expressed hope that India will supports its efforts in Venezuela by not purchasing oil from the "authoritarian" Maduro regime. The issue was discussed in a meeting with the visiting Indian foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale, Pompeo told reporters at a news conference here, without providing insight into it. Will upgrade software in 737 MAX 8 fleet in coming weeks: Boeing Boeing Co confirmed late on Monday it will deploy a software upgrade to the 737 MAX 8, a few hours after the Federal Aviation Administration said it would mandate "design changes" in the aircraft by April. UK, EU agree three-part deal on Brexit deal British Prime Minister Theresa May's government on Monday secured a three-part package of changes from the EU to the terms of its withdrawal deal, hoping to win over sceptical MPs. Algeria's President Bouteflika abandons re-election bid after weeks of protest Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika abandoned his bid for a fifth term in power on Monday, bowing to weeks of mass demonstrations against his 20-year rule by people demanding a new era of politics in a country dominated by an old guard. Venezuela congress declares 'state of alarm' over blackout Venezuela's opposition-run congress on Monday declared a "state of alarm" over a five-day power blackout that has crippled the OPEC member country's oil exports and left millions of citizens scrambling to find food and water.

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