<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/you-will-stain-the-presidency-with-blood-venezuelas-maduro-to-trump-194921">Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro</a> said he has written to the pope asking him to help mediate his country's crisis after a swathe of nations recognised a rival opposition chief as interim leader.

"I sent a letter to Pope Francis," Maduro told Italy's SkyTG24 television in an interview broadcast on Monday, with opposition leader <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/uk-spain-recognises-venezuela-opposition-leader-guaido-as-acting-president-195050">Juan Guaido</a> gaining more international support.

"I told him that I serve Christ's cause... and in this spirit, I asked for his help, in a process of facilitating and strengthening dialogue," said Maduro, who has rejected calls for snap presidential elections.

"I ask the pope to put in his best effort, his will, to help on the path of dialogue. I hope to receive a positive response," he said.

Maduro is supporting plans for a meeting of Latin American and European Union states in "Contact Group" talks in Montevideo on Thursday.

The pope is currently on a visit to the United Arab Emirates and is due to return to Rome on Tuesday.

Under Maduro's stewardship, oil-dependent Venezuela has plunged into an economic crisis, suffering from hyperinflation and shortages of food and medicine.

After several years of opposition efforts to oust Maduro, Guaido declared himself acting president at a rally on January 23.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro said he has written to the pope asking him to help mediate his country's crisis after a swathe of nations recognised a rival opposition chief as interim leader.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro said he has written to the pope asking him to help mediate his country's crisis after a swathe of nations recognised a rival opposition chief as interim leader. "I sent a letter to Pope Francis," Maduro told Italy's SkyTG24 television in an interview broadcast on Monday, with opposition leader Juan Guaido gaining more international support. "I told him that I serve Christ's cause... and in this spirit, I asked for his help, in a process of facilitating and strengthening dialogue," said Maduro, who has rejected calls for snap presidential elections. "I ask the pope to put in his best effort, his will, to help on the path of dialogue. I hope to receive a positive response," he said. Maduro is supporting plans for a meeting of Latin American and European Union states in "Contact Group" talks in Montevideo on Thursday. The pope is currently on a visit to the United Arab Emirates and is due to return to Rome on Tuesday. Under Maduro's stewardship, oil-dependent Venezuela has plunged into an economic crisis, suffering from hyperinflation and shortages of food and medicine. After several years of opposition efforts to oust Maduro, Guaido declared himself acting president at a rally on January 23.

Venezuela's Maduro writes to pope for help

The United Nations will not join any group of nations promoting initiatives to resolve the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/uk-spain-recognises-venezuela-opposition-leader-guaido-as-acting-president-195050">crisis in Venezuela</a>, the UN chief said Monday, indicating he will not attend a meeting in Uruguay this week of several countries.

Mexico and Uruguay had hoped that UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres would attend a conference in Montevideo on Thursday aimed at promoting dialogue between Venezuela's self-proclaimed president Juan Guaido and leader Nicolas Maduro.

"The UN Secretariat has decided not to be part of any of these groups in order to give credibility to our continued offer of good offices to the parties to be able at their request to help find a political solution," Guterres told reporters.

Guaido has won backing from the United States, European powers including France, Germany and Spain, Canada, Australia and a dozen Latin American countries to take over the leadership, but Russia and China continue to support Maduro.

The global split over Venezuela has left the United Nations in a quandary and Guterres' comments suggested that the world body would remain on the sidelines for now.&nbsp;

Mexico and Uruguay have not recognized Guaido, the head of the National Assembly who declared himself acting president on January 23 in place of Maduro.

A group of Latin American and European states are to hold their first meeting of a contact group in Montevideo on Thursday.

The contact group comprises the EU and eight of its member states -- France, Britain, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain and Sweden -- and four Latin American countries: Bolivia, Costa Rica, Ecuador and Uruguay.

Guterres said he was following the crisis in Venezuela "with a lot of concern," adding that he had discussed the various initiatives put forward with the countries involved.

The UN chief met with Mexico's ambassador to the United Nations Juan Jose Gomez Camacho last week who said the Montevideo conference was to "offer a chance for dialogue to all parties involved."

Venezuela has suffered an economic meltdown marked by hyperinflation and shortages of basic necessities that the opposition blames on the Maduro government.

Millions have been left in poverty, while 2.3 million more have fled the country, unleashing a migration crisis in South America.

The United Nations will not join any group of nations promoting initiatives to resolve the crisis in Venezuela, the UN chief said Monday, indicating he will not attend a meeting in Uruguay this week of several countries.

The United Nations will not join any group of nations promoting initiatives to resolve the crisis in Venezuela, the UN chief said Monday, indicating he will not attend a meeting in Uruguay this week of several countries. Mexico and Uruguay had hoped that UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres would attend a conference in Montevideo on Thursday aimed at promoting dialogue between Venezuela's self-proclaimed president Juan Guaido and leader Nicolas Maduro. "The UN Secretariat has decided not to be part of any of these groups in order to give credibility to our continued offer of good offices to the parties to be able at their request to help find a political solution," Guterres told reporters. Guaido has won backing from the United States, European powers including France, Germany and Spain, Canada, Australia and a dozen Latin American countries to take over the leadership, but Russia and China continue to support Maduro. The global split over Venezuela has left the United Nations in a quandary and Guterres' comments suggested that the world body would remain on the sidelines for now. Mexico and Uruguay have not recognized Guaido, the head of the National Assembly who declared himself acting president on January 23 in place of Maduro. A group of Latin American and European states are to hold their first meeting of a contact group in Montevideo on Thursday. The contact group comprises the EU and eight of its member states -- France, Britain, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain and Sweden -- and four Latin American countries: Bolivia, Costa Rica, Ecuador and Uruguay. Guterres said he was following the crisis in Venezuela "with a lot of concern," adding that he had discussed the various initiatives put forward with the countries involved. The UN chief met with Mexico's ambassador to the United Nations Juan Jose Gomez Camacho last week who said the Montevideo conference was to "offer a chance for dialogue to all parties involved." Venezuela has suffered an economic meltdown marked by hyperinflation and shortages of basic necessities that the opposition blames on the Maduro government. Millions have been left in poverty, while 2.3 million more have fled the country, unleashing a migration crisis in South America.

UN will not join any group on Venezuela crisis talks: Antonio Guterres

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau Monday pledged Can$53 million (US$40 million) in humanitarian aid for Venezuelans amid a deepening crisis.

"Today, Canada is stepping up and announcing $53 million to address the most pressing needs of Venezuelans on the ground, including almost 3 million refugees," Trudeau told a gathering of the Lima Group of nations.

"The bulk of the funds will go to trusted partners, and neighbouring countries to help them support Venezuela and Venezuelans," he said.

The 14-member Lima Group, which includes most Latin American countries and Canada, met to discuss how to support opposition leader Juan Guaido, who proclaimed himself acting president last month.

Guaido, who heads the opposition-controlled National Assembly, addressed the gathering in a video message, saying he looked forward to having "free and fair elections as soon as possible in order to restore democracy to Venezuela."

Most of the bloc has urged Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro to step down, and make way for elections to deal with an economic collapse that has sent Venezuelans flooding into neighbouring countries.

Maduro began a new term in office last month after disputed 2018 elections whose results were rejected as invalid by the opposition. The Lima Group also had refused to recognize the results.

Guaido has been recognized as the legitimate interim president by a number of countries, including the United States and some EU member states.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau Monday pledged Can$53 million (US$40 million) in humanitarian aid for Venezuelans amid a deepening crisis. "Today, Canada is stepping up and announcing $53 million to address the most pressing needs of Venezuelans on the ground, including almost 3 million refugees," Trudeau told a gathering of the Lima Group of nations.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau Monday pledged Can$53 million (US$40 million) in humanitarian aid for Venezuelans amid a deepening crisis. "Today, Canada is stepping up and announcing $53 million to address the most pressing needs of Venezuelans on the ground, including almost 3 million refugees," Trudeau told a gathering of the Lima Group of nations. "The bulk of the funds will go to trusted partners, and neighbouring countries to help them support Venezuela and Venezuelans," he said. The 14-member Lima Group, which includes most Latin American countries and Canada, met to discuss how to support opposition leader Juan Guaido, who proclaimed himself acting president last month. Guaido, who heads the opposition-controlled National Assembly, addressed the gathering in a video message, saying he looked forward to having "free and fair elections as soon as possible in order to restore democracy to Venezuela." Most of the bloc has urged Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro to step down, and make way for elections to deal with an economic collapse that has sent Venezuelans flooding into neighbouring countries. Maduro began a new term in office last month after disputed 2018 elections whose results were rejected as invalid by the opposition. The Lima Group also had refused to recognize the results. Guaido has been recognized as the legitimate interim president by a number of countries, including the United States and some EU member states.

Canada's Trudeau announces $53 million in aid to Venezuelans

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/russia-slams-european-interference-in-venezuela-195064">Russia slams European 'interference' in Venezuela</a>

Russia on Monday slammed what it said were attempts to interfere in Venezuela's domestic affairs after several European countries recognised opposition chief Juan Guaido as interim leader.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/centre-vs-bengal-ready-to-give-my-life-but-not-compromise-says-mamata-cbi-files-contempt-plea-in-sc-195124">Centre vs Bengal: Ready to give my life but not compromise, says Mamata; CBI files contempt plea in SC</a>

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has said she is "ready to give my life but not compromise" in the wake of the CBI-Kolkata Police face-off in her state.&nbsp;

"I am ready to give my life but not compromise. I did not take to the streets when you touched TMC leaders. But I am angry when they tried to insult the chair of the Kolkata Police Commissioner, he is leading the organisation," Mamata said.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/uk-spain-recognises-venezuela-opposition-leader-guaido-as-acting-president-195050">UK, France, Germany recognise Venezuela opposition leader Guaido as acting president</a>

Britain, France, Spain and Germany on Monday recognised Venezuela's opposition chief Juan Guaido as interim leader after President Nicolas Maduro rejected a demand by several European powers for fresh elections.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/iraqi-constitution-rejects-use-of-iraq-as-a-base-for-attacking-a-neighbouring-country-barham-saleh-195059">After Trump speaks, Iraqis demand </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/iraqi-constitution-rejects-use-of-iraq-as-a-base-for-attacking-a-neighbouring-country-barham-saleh-195059">US</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/iraqi-constitution-rejects-use-of-iraq-as-a-base-for-attacking-a-neighbouring-country-barham-saleh-195059"> leave </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/iraqi-constitution-rejects-use-of-iraq-as-a-base-for-attacking-a-neighbouring-country-barham-saleh-195059">country</a>

Iraqi politicians on Monday hit back at Donald Trump after the US president said he plans to keep American forces in the country to spy on Iran.

In an interview with CBS television, Trump reaffirmed his determination to pull the United States out of "endless wars" in Syria and Afghanistan but said American troops would stay on in Iraq, partly "to be looking a little bit at Iran".

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/body-found-in-wreckage-of-footballer-salas-plane-investigators-195090">Body found in </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/body-found-in-wreckage-of-footballer-salas-plane-investigators-195090">wreckage</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/body-found-in-wreckage-of-footballer-salas-plane-investigators-195090"> of footballer Emiliano Sala's plane: Investigators</a>

British investigators on Monday said they had spotted a body in underwater images of the wreckage of the plane carrying footballer Emiliano Sala and pilot David Ibbotson that disappeared in the Channel two weeks ago.

Russia slams European 'interference' in Venezuela Russia on Monday slammed what it said were attempts to interfere in Venezuela's domestic affairs after several European countries recognised opposition chief Juan Guaido as interim leader.

Russia slams European 'interference' in Venezuela Russia on Monday slammed what it said were attempts to interfere in Venezuela's domestic affairs after several European countries recognised opposition chief Juan Guaido as interim leader. Centre vs Bengal: Ready to give my life but not compromise, says Mamata; CBI files contempt plea in SC West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has said she is "ready to give my life but not compromise" in the wake of the CBI-Kolkata Police face-off in her state. "I am ready to give my life but not compromise. I did not take to the streets when you touched TMC leaders. But I am angry when they tried to insult the chair of the Kolkata Police Commissioner, he is leading the organisation," Mamata said. UK, France, Germany recognise Venezuela opposition leader Guaido as acting president Britain, France, Spain and Germany on Monday recognised Venezuela's opposition chief Juan Guaido as interim leader after President Nicolas Maduro rejected a demand by several European powers for fresh elections. After Trump speaks, Iraqis demand US leave country Iraqi politicians on Monday hit back at Donald Trump after the US president said he plans to keep American forces in the country to spy on Iran. In an interview with CBS television, Trump reaffirmed his determination to pull the United States out of "endless wars" in Syria and Afghanistan but said American troops would stay on in Iraq, partly "to be looking a little bit at Iran". Body found in wreckage of footballer Emiliano Sala's plane: Investigators British investigators on Monday said they had spotted a body in underwater images of the wreckage of the plane carrying footballer Emiliano Sala and pilot David Ibbotson that disappeared in the Channel two weeks ago.

News brief: Big stories of the day

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-to-pitch-optimism-greatness-in-state-of-union-white-house-194496">US President Donald Trump</a> said that sending the military to Venezuela was "an option" and that he had turned down President Nicolas Maduro's request for a meeting.

"Certainly, it's something that's on the - it's an option," Trump said in an interview with CBS to be broadcast on Sunday.

Trump said Maduro requested a meeting months ago and he turned down the Venezuela leader.

"I've turned it down because we're very far along in the process," he said in excerpts from a CBS "Face the Nation" interview. "So, I think the process is playing out - very, very big tremendous protests."

Tens of thousands of people have thronged the streets to protest the Maduro government, wearing the yellow, red and blue of the Venezuelan flag.

As domestic and international pressure mounts on Maduro to step down, a senior air force general disavowed him in a video that circulated earlier on Saturday, expressing his allegiance to parliament head and self-proclaimed interim president Juan Guaido.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

US President Donald Trump said that sending the military to Venezuela was "an option" and that he had turned down President Nicolas Maduro's request for a meeting.

US President Donald Trump said that sending the military to Venezuela was "an option" and that he had turned down President Nicolas Maduro's request for a meeting. "Certainly, it's something that's on the - it's an option," Trump said in an interview with CBS to be broadcast on Sunday. Trump said Maduro requested a meeting months ago and he turned down the Venezuela leader. "I've turned it down because we're very far along in the process," he said in excerpts from a CBS "Face the Nation" interview. "So, I think the process is playing out - very, very big tremendous protests." Tens of thousands of people have thronged the streets to protest the Maduro government, wearing the yellow, red and blue of the Venezuelan flag. As domestic and international pressure mounts on Maduro to step down, a senior air force general disavowed him in a video that circulated earlier on Saturday, expressing his allegiance to parliament head and self-proclaimed interim president Juan Guaido.

Trump says sending military into Venezuela is 'an option': Report

Britain, France, Spain and Germany on Monday recognised <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trudeau-speaks-with-venezuelas-guaido-praises-courage-and-leadership-194951">Venezuela's opposition chief Juan Guaido</a> as interim leader after President Nicolas Maduro rejected a demand by several European powers for fresh elections.

"UK alongside European allies now recognises @jguaido as interim constitutional president until credible elections can be held. Let's hope this takes us closer to ending humanitarian crisis," Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt said in a statement on Twitter.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Nicolas Maduro has not called Presidential elections within 8 day limit we have set. So UK alongside European allies now recognises <a href="https://twitter.com/jguaido?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@jguaido</a> as interim constitutional president until credible elections can be held. Let’s hope this takes us closer to ending humanitarian crisis
— Jeremy Hunt (@Jeremy_Hunt) <a href="https://twitter.com/Jeremy_Hunt/status/1092349500688158720?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 4, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"Venezuelans have the right to express themselves freely and democratically. France recognises @jguaido as 'acting president' to implement an electoral process," President Emmanuel Macron tweeted in both French and Spanish.

"The Spanish government announces that it officially recognises Venezuela's National Assembly president, Mr Guaido Marquez, as acting president of Venezuela," Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez told reporters, calling on Guaido to call elections quickly.

During a visit to Tokyo Chancellor Angela Merkel said, "As of yesterday, no presidential election had been called."&nbsp;

"Therefore, Guaido is the person we are talking to and we expect him to begin an election process as soon as possible. He is the legitimate interim president for this task from Germany's point of view and from the point of view of several European countries.&nbsp;We hope that this process can be carried out as quickly and peacefully as possible."

'Guaido has legitimacy to organise presidential elections'

France said that Venezuela's opposition leader Juan Guaido had "the legitimacy to organise presidential elections" after President Nicolas Maduro rejected a European ultimatum to call a snap vote on his rule.

Seven EU states had given Maduro a Sunday deadline to call presidential elections failing which they would recognise 35-year-old Guaido, who heads Venezuela's National Assembly, as the country's interim president.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian told France Inter radio that "faced with President Maduro's refusal to organise presidential elections which would clarify, calm the situation in Venezuela... we consider that Mr Guaido has the capacity and legitimacy to organise these elections."

Asked whether France now recognised Guaido as interim president Le Drian did not answer directly, saying the government would discuss the issue with its European neighbours.

Maduro said Sunday he would not give into ultimatums. He has offered to call early parliamentary elections instead.

But Le Drian insisted that only a presidential election could end the crisis "because it's a presidential regime" in Venezuela.

Guaido has already declared himself acting president. On January 23, he declared Maduro's presidency was "illegitimate" as it was founded on flawed elections.

Britain, France, Spain and Germany on Monday recognised Venezuela's opposition chief Juan Guaido as interim leader after President Nicolas Maduro rejected a demand by several European powers for fresh elections.

Britain, France, Spain and Germany on Monday recognised Venezuela's opposition chief Juan Guaido as interim leader after President Nicolas Maduro rejected a demand by several European powers for fresh elections. "UK alongside European allies now recognises @jguaido as interim constitutional president until credible elections can be held. Let's hope this takes us closer to ending humanitarian crisis," Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt said in a statement on Twitter. Nicolas Maduro has not called Presidential elections within 8 day limit we have set. So UK alongside European allies now recognises @jguaido as interim constitutional president until credible elections can be held. Let’s hope this takes us closer to ending humanitarian crisis — Jeremy Hunt (@Jeremy_Hunt) February 4, 2019 × "Venezuelans have the right to express themselves freely and democratically. France recognises @jguaido as 'acting president' to implement an electoral process," President Emmanuel Macron tweeted in both French and Spanish. "The Spanish government announces that it officially recognises Venezuela's National Assembly president, Mr Guaido Marquez, as acting president of Venezuela," Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez told reporters, calling on Guaido to call elections quickly. During a visit to Tokyo Chancellor Angela Merkel said, "As of yesterday, no presidential election had been called." "Therefore, Guaido is the person we are talking to and we expect him to begin an election process as soon as possible. He is the legitimate interim president for this task from Germany's point of view and from the point of view of several European countries. We hope that this process can be carried out as quickly and peacefully as possible." 'Guaido has legitimacy to organise presidential elections' France said that Venezuela's opposition leader Juan Guaido had "the legitimacy to organise presidential elections" after President Nicolas Maduro rejected a European ultimatum to call a snap vote on his rule. Seven EU states had given Maduro a Sunday deadline to call presidential elections failing which they would recognise 35-year-old Guaido, who heads Venezuela's National Assembly, as the country's interim president. French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian told France Inter radio that "faced with President Maduro's refusal to organise presidential elections which would clarify, calm the situation in Venezuela... we consider that Mr Guaido has the capacity and legitimacy to organise these elections." Asked whether France now recognised Guaido as interim president Le Drian did not answer directly, saying the government would discuss the issue with its European neighbours. Maduro said Sunday he would not give into ultimatums. He has offered to call early parliamentary elections instead. But Le Drian insisted that only a presidential election could end the crisis "because it's a presidential regime" in Venezuela. Guaido has already declared himself acting president. On January 23, he declared Maduro's presidency was "illegitimate" as it was founded on flawed elections.

UK, France, Germany recognise Venezuela opposition leader Guaido as acting president

Russia on Monday slammed what it said were attempts to interfere in Venezuela's domestic affairs after several <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/uk-spain-recognises-venezuela-opposition-leader-guaido-as-acting-president-195050">European countries recognised</a> opposition chief Juan Guaido as interim leader.

"Attempts to legitimise usurped power" constituted "interference in Venezuela's internal affairs," President Vladimir Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters.

Such interference, he added, could not facilitate the "peaceful, effective and lasting settlement of the crisis the Venezuelans are going through."

Peskov reiterated Moscow's position that only the people of Venezuela could solve the crisis "which they should get through on their own."

He declined to say on what terms Russia could recognise Guaido as interim leader.

France, Spain and Britain on Monday became the latest nations to recognise Guaido as interim leader after President Nicolas Maduro defiantly rejected an ultimatum by European countries to call snap elections.

The 35-year-old National Assembly head has already been recognised by the United States, Canada, Australia and several Latin American countries.

If Maduro leaves power, Russia risks losing its long-cultivated top ally in Latin America and billions invested in oil and arms contracts.

Moscow has denounced the opposition's "usurpation of power", calling Maduro the crisis-hit country's legitimate leader.

The two countries have a long history of ties and Maduro's predecessor Hugo Chavez, known for his tirades against the United States, was a welcome guest at the Kremlin.

Russia on Monday slammed what it said were attempts to interfere in Venezuela's domestic affairs after several European countries recognised opposition chief Juan Guaido as interim leader.

Russia on Monday slammed what it said were attempts to interfere in Venezuela's domestic affairs after several European countries recognised opposition chief Juan Guaido as interim leader. "Attempts to legitimise usurped power" constituted "interference in Venezuela's internal affairs," President Vladimir Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters. Such interference, he added, could not facilitate the "peaceful, effective and lasting settlement of the crisis the Venezuelans are going through." Peskov reiterated Moscow's position that only the people of Venezuela could solve the crisis "which they should get through on their own." He declined to say on what terms Russia could recognise Guaido as interim leader. France, Spain and Britain on Monday became the latest nations to recognise Guaido as interim leader after President Nicolas Maduro defiantly rejected an ultimatum by European countries to call snap elections. The 35-year-old National Assembly head has already been recognised by the United States, Canada, Australia and several Latin American countries. If Maduro leaves power, Russia risks losing its long-cultivated top ally in Latin America and billions invested in oil and arms contracts. Moscow has denounced the opposition's "usurpation of power", calling Maduro the crisis-hit country's legitimate leader. The two countries have a long history of ties and Maduro's predecessor Hugo Chavez, known for his tirades against the United States, was a welcome guest at the Kremlin.

Russia slams European 'interference' in Venezuela

European and Latin American countries that form an "international contact group" hoping to end <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-as-thousands-of-guaido-supporters-hit-streets-nicolas-maduro-calls-for-early-parliamentary-elections-194664">Venezuela's political crisis</a> will hold their first meeting in Montevideo on Thursday, the joint hosts announced Sunday.

The meeting will be at ministerial level, said a statement from EU diplomatic chief Federica Mogherini and Uruguayan President Tabare Vazquez.

"The IGC aims at contributing to create conditions for a political and peaceful process to emerge, enabling Venezuelans to determine their own future, through the holding of free, transparent and credible elections, in line with the country's Constitution," said the statement.

The contact group comprises the EU and eight of its member states -- France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom -- and four Latin American countries: Bolivia, Costa Rica, Ecuador and Uruguay.

The EU announced its creation last Thursday, giving itself a 90-day timetable to resolve the crisis in Venezuela.

Mogherini said then that its aim was to enable the holding of new elections under democratic conditions -- not to mediate with the government of President Nicolas Maduro.

The United States and a dozen Latin American countries have already recognised opposition leader Juan Guaido as Venezuela's acting head of state -- as has the European Parliament.

France, Britain, Germany and Spain are among the EU countries that have told Maduro to call elections by the weekend or they will recognise the opposition-backed parliamentary speaker.

France European Affairs Minister Nathalie Loiseau said Sunday that if Maduro had not called a fresh presidential election by Sunday evening, France would consider Guaido interim president with the right to organise them in his place.

She denounced Maduro's election victory last May as a "tragic farce" in comments to French radio RTL.

European and Latin American countries that form an "international contact group" hoping to end Venezuela's political crisis will hold their first meeting in Montevideo on Thursday, the joint hosts announced Sunday.

European and Latin American countries that form an "international contact group" hoping to end Venezuela's political crisis will hold their first meeting in Montevideo on Thursday, the joint hosts announced Sunday. The meeting will be at ministerial level, said a statement from EU diplomatic chief Federica Mogherini and Uruguayan President Tabare Vazquez. "The IGC aims at contributing to create conditions for a political and peaceful process to emerge, enabling Venezuelans to determine their own future, through the holding of free, transparent and credible elections, in line with the country's Constitution," said the statement. The contact group comprises the EU and eight of its member states -- France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom -- and four Latin American countries: Bolivia, Costa Rica, Ecuador and Uruguay. The EU announced its creation last Thursday, giving itself a 90-day timetable to resolve the crisis in Venezuela. Mogherini said then that its aim was to enable the holding of new elections under democratic conditions -- not to mediate with the government of President Nicolas Maduro. The United States and a dozen Latin American countries have already recognised opposition leader Juan Guaido as Venezuela's acting head of state -- as has the European Parliament. France, Britain, Germany and Spain are among the EU countries that have told Maduro to call elections by the weekend or they will recognise the opposition-backed parliamentary speaker. France European Affairs Minister Nathalie Loiseau said Sunday that if Maduro had not called a fresh presidential election by Sunday evening, France would consider Guaido interim president with the right to organise them in his place. She denounced Maduro's election victory last May as a "tragic farce" in comments to French radio RTL.

EU, Latam contact group on Venezuela to meet on December 7

Turkey's foreign minister said on Sunday countries which have recognised Venezuela's self-proclaimed interim president Juan Guaido were fueling <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-as-thousands-of-guaido-supporters-hit-streets-nicolas-maduro-calls-for-early-parliamentary-elections-194664">Venezuela's troubles</a> and punishing millions of its people.

Turkey has backed <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/maduro-vs-guaido-who-is-backing-whom-193331">Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro</a> in contrast with NATO allies the United States and Canada, and several right-leaning Latin American countries which have recognised Guaido's move to declare himself an interim leader.

Turkey's President Tayyip Erdogan, who has strengthened economic and political ties with Caracas, called Maduro last month to urge him to stand tall against what he described as "anti-democratic developments".

Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Sunday the countries which were supporting Guaido should instead have worked for negotiations to resolve Venezuela's crisis.

"There is a problem in a country, there is a spark that can turn into a fire at any moment. In this case, they should have contributed to the solution of the problem through dialogue," Cavusoglu told reporters in Istanbul.

"But is that how they handled things? No. On the contrary, the event was fueled from the outside. The people of Venezuela are being punished by such approach," he said.

Cavusoglu said Turkey had tried to initiate talks on Venezuela last year between Washington and Latin American countries. "But today, none of the countries that have taken these steps against Venezuela has sought dialogue."

Disagreement over Venezuela could become another serious point of friction between Washington and Ankara, which are also divided over policy in Syria, Iran sanctions and Turkey's plans to buy Russian missile defence system.

On Friday Marshall Billingslea, US assistant secretary for terrorist financing at the Treasury held talks with Turkish officials about sanctions on Venezuela and Iran.

A senior US official said last week Washington was looking at Turkey's commercial activities with Venezuela and would take action "if we assess a violation of our sanctions".

Turkish officials say Ankara's trade is in accordance with international laws and regulations.

In his remarks on Sunday Cavusoglu also reiterated Turkish criticism of what Ankara sees as a weak international response to the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul four months ago.

"Recently Western countries - you know they are very sensitive about human rights, trying to teach everyone about human rights - are silent," he said suggesting they were more interested in protecting commercial ties with Riyadh.

"They are making deals and selling arms," Cavusoglu said.

Turkey's foreign minister said on Sunday countries which have recognised Venezuela's self-proclaimed interim president Juan Guaido were fueling Venezuela's troubles and punishing millions of its people.

Turkey's foreign minister said on Sunday countries which have recognised Venezuela's self-proclaimed interim president Juan Guaido were fueling Venezuela's troubles and punishing millions of its people. Turkey has backed Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro in contrast with NATO allies the United States and Canada, and several right-leaning Latin American countries which have recognised Guaido's move to declare himself an interim leader. Turkey's President Tayyip Erdogan, who has strengthened economic and political ties with Caracas, called Maduro last month to urge him to stand tall against what he described as "anti-democratic developments". Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Sunday the countries which were supporting Guaido should instead have worked for negotiations to resolve Venezuela's crisis. "There is a problem in a country, there is a spark that can turn into a fire at any moment. In this case, they should have contributed to the solution of the problem through dialogue," Cavusoglu told reporters in Istanbul. "But is that how they handled things? No. On the contrary, the event was fueled from the outside. The people of Venezuela are being punished by such approach," he said. Cavusoglu said Turkey had tried to initiate talks on Venezuela last year between Washington and Latin American countries. "But today, none of the countries that have taken these steps against Venezuela has sought dialogue." Disagreement over Venezuela could become another serious point of friction between Washington and Ankara, which are also divided over policy in Syria, Iran sanctions and Turkey's plans to buy Russian missile defence system. On Friday Marshall Billingslea, US assistant secretary for terrorist financing at the Treasury held talks with Turkish officials about sanctions on Venezuela and Iran. A senior US official said last week Washington was looking at Turkey's commercial activities with Venezuela and would take action "if we assess a violation of our sanctions". Turkish officials say Ankara's trade is in accordance with international laws and regulations. In his remarks on Sunday Cavusoglu also reiterated Turkish criticism of what Ankara sees as a weak international response to the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul four months ago. "Recently Western countries - you know they are very sensitive about human rights, trying to teach everyone about human rights - are silent," he said suggesting they were more interested in protecting commercial ties with Riyadh. "They are making deals and selling arms," Cavusoglu said.

Turkey says countries supporting Guaido fuel Venezuela crisis

Venezuelan air force general Francisco Yanez recognized <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/venezuelas-guaido-courts-russia-powers-divided-on-maduro-194491">opposition leader Juan </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/venezuelas-guaido-courts-russia-powers-divided-on-maduro-194491">Guaido</a> as the country's acting president, disavowing ruling socialist leader Nicolas Maduro in a video published on social media Saturday.

The crack in the military's united front behind Maduro came as Guaido was mobilizing a mass protest in Caracas to back his call for Maduro's resignation and early elections.

Dressed in full uniform, Major General Francisco Yanez appeared on a video posted on social media to declare his support for Guaido, the National Assembly head who has led the most serious challenge yet to Maduro's rule.

"I address you to inform you that I disavow the vitiated and dictatorial authority of Nicolas Maduro and recognize Deputy Juan Guaido as the president in charge of Venezuela," he said.

Yanez, who is strategic planning director of the air force high command, asserted that "90 per cent of the Bolivarian National Armed Forces is not with the dictator, it's with the Venezuelan people."

"With the events of the past hours, the transition to democracy is imminent; to continue ordering the armed forces to continue repressing our people is to continue with the deaths from hunger, from disease and, God forbid, combat between ourselves," he warned.

Yanez claimed that members of the presidential aircrew had confided to him that "the dictator has two planes ready every day."

"May he go!"

Rocio San Miguel, an expert on the Venezuelan military, noted that Yanez does not command troops but nonetheless "it's a hard blow" to the military.

The military high command, led by Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino, has sworn absolute loyalty to Maduro despite signs of unrest within the ranks.

On January 21, a group of National Guard soldiers rose up against Maduro in Caracas.

The mutiny was quickly put down and 27 soldiers were arrested, but it kicked off a week of violent clashes with security forces that the UN said left 40 dead and 850 arrested.

Citizen Control, a non-governmental watchdog led by San Miguel, estimates that 180 members of the military were arrested in 2018, and some 10,000 members of the armed forces have left the service since 2015.

Venezuelan air force general Francisco Yanez recognized opposition leader Juan Guaido as the country's acting president, disavowing ruling socialist leader Nicolas Maduro in a video published on social media Saturday.

Venezuelan air force general Francisco Yanez recognized opposition leader Juan Guaido as the country's acting president, disavowing ruling socialist leader Nicolas Maduro in a video published on social media Saturday. The crack in the military's united front behind Maduro came as Guaido was mobilizing a mass protest in Caracas to back his call for Maduro's resignation and early elections. Dressed in full uniform, Major General Francisco Yanez appeared on a video posted on social media to declare his support for Guaido, the National Assembly head who has led the most serious challenge yet to Maduro's rule. "I address you to inform you that I disavow the vitiated and dictatorial authority of Nicolas Maduro and recognize Deputy Juan Guaido as the president in charge of Venezuela," he said. Yanez, who is strategic planning director of the air force high command, asserted that "90 per cent of the Bolivarian National Armed Forces is not with the dictator, it's with the Venezuelan people." "With the events of the past hours, the transition to democracy is imminent; to continue ordering the armed forces to continue repressing our people is to continue with the deaths from hunger, from disease and, God forbid, combat between ourselves," he warned. Yanez claimed that members of the presidential aircrew had confided to him that "the dictator has two planes ready every day." "May he go!" Rocio San Miguel, an expert on the Venezuelan military, noted that Yanez does not command troops but nonetheless "it's a hard blow" to the military. The military high command, led by Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino, has sworn absolute loyalty to Maduro despite signs of unrest within the ranks. On January 21, a group of National Guard soldiers rose up against Maduro in Caracas. The mutiny was quickly put down and 27 soldiers were arrested, but it kicked off a week of violent clashes with security forces that the UN said left 40 dead and 850 arrested. Citizen Control, a non-governmental watchdog led by San Miguel, estimates that 180 members of the military were arrested in 2018, and some 10,000 members of the armed forces have left the service since 2015.

Venezuelan air force general Francisco Yanez declares allegiance to Juan Guaido: Video

Global jostling intensified on Thursday between countries that want Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in power and those trying to force him to resign, as opposition leader Juan Guaido made overtures to his rival's allies Russia and China.

Guaido told he had sent communications to both powers, which are Venezuela's top foreign creditors and support Maduro in the UN&nbsp;Security Council despite worries about the cash-strapped country's ability to pay.

The 35-year-old leader argued that Russia and China's interests would be best served by switching the side they back in Venezuela, an OPEC member which has the world's largest oil reserves but is in dire financial straits.

"What most suits Russia and China is the country's stability and a change of government," Guaido said. "Maduro does not protect Venezuela, he doesn't protect anyone's investments, and he is not a good deal for those countries."

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang, asked if China had been in touch with Guaido, said they were "maintaining close communication with all parties through various means regarding the situation in Venezuela."

China's cooperation with Venezuela was based on the principles of equality, mutual benefit and joint development, he told reporters in Beijing.&nbsp;

"We believe that no matter how the situation develops or changes, cooperation between China and Venezuela will not be damaged."&nbsp;

The intense pressure is led by the United States, which along with most other countries in the Western Hemisphere recognizes Guaido as the country's legitimate interim president, arguing that Maduro stole his second-term election.

The United States on Monday imposed sweeping sanctions on Venezuela's state-owned oil firm, aimed at pressuring Maduro to step down.

A former union leader, bus driver and foreign minister, the 56-year-old Maduro, who first took office in 2013, has faced waves of protests in recent years as he presided over hyperinflation and chronic food shortages.

Some 3 million Venezuelans have left the country. A UN&nbsp;expert on Thursday warned that the U.S. oil sanctions could worsen the humanitarian crisis.

With Venezuela in deep economic crisis, the geopolitical tussling has also drawn in Europe and Latin American nations as well as parts of the Middle East.

The US&nbsp;government warned Russia and other countries from "last-minute looting" of oil and gold on Thursday, after Reuters reported Venezuela was planning to sell gold from its central bank vaults to the United Arab Emirates in coming days in return for euros in cash, citing a senior source.

Republican U.S. Senator Marco Rubio sent a tweet to the United Arab Emirates embassy in Washington on Thursday warning that anybody transporting Venezuelan gold would be subject to U.S. sanctions.

The United States is also monitoring trade between its NATO ally Turkey and Venezuela and will take action if it judges any sanctions have been violated, a senior U.S. official said in Istanbul.

Turkey’s president, Tayyip Erdogan, has stood by Maduro, calling him last week to express support.

Cracking down?

Guaido said on Thursday that agents from a feared special police unit had called at his home and asked for his wife, who was at home with their 20-month-old daughter while he was out at an event.

"Such acts of intimidation are seen as very serious, very egregious by the United States," a senior U.S. administration official told reporters on a conference call. "There will be consequences for those engaged in such acts."

Guaido appeared at his building with his wife and daughter, saying, "They will not intimidate this family." Neighbours said men who identified themselves as belonging to the Special Actions Forces arrived at the gate of Guaido's apartment building in a white SUV. There was no obvious police presence by the time journalists arrived at Guaido's house.

Maduro, who says he will remain for his second six-year term, has accused the opposition of attempting a U.S.-backed coup.

Venezuela's interior minister, Nestor Reverol, said on Thursday that security forces captured five men including a retired army colonel and other army officers on accusations of plotting a coup.

The men were captured over the last few days, Reverol said. He said they had with them two AK-47 rifles, two satellite phones and 500 bracelets bearing the symbol of Operation Constitution, a political group dedicated to toppling Maduro.

The government accuses one of the leaders of the group, retired Colonel Oswaldo García Palomo, of participating in an apparent attack at a Maduro event last yet. Garcia Palomo was among the captured men.

Maduro frequently accuses the opposition, Colombia and the United States of backing coups or assassination attempts. Such claims have usually been dismissed as a smokescreen to distract from problems at home, but a drone exploded at a Maduro event last year, in an apparent attack.

Maduro also says the opposition strategy of trying to push him from office is illegal and led by hawks in the Trump administration, such as the recently appointed US special envoy to Venezuela, Elliott Abrams, a veteran diplomat involved in the armed interventions in Central America in the 1980s.

Oil trouble&nbsp;

A United Nations human rights expert denounced the US&nbsp;oil sanctions imposed on Monday, saying they would compound a grave humanitarian crisis.

"Coercion, whether military or economic, must never be used to seek a change in government in a sovereign state," said Idriss Jazairy, a U.N. special rapporteur studying the negative impact of sanctions.

"The use of sanctions by outside powers to overthrow an elected government is in violation of all norms of international law," he said in a statement in Geneva.

In the tussle over oil, Guaido worked this week with Washington to wrest control of PDVSA's U.S. subsidiary Citgo from its board. Citgo and Maduro's government responded by ordering dozens of Citgo's expatriate staff in the United States to return to Caracas by the end of February, people familiar with the matter said.

PDVSA has said it will pursue legal efforts to block a Citgo takeover.

Global jostling intensified on Thursday between countries that want Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in power and those trying to force him to resign, as opposition leader Juan Guaido made overtures to his rival's allies Russia and China.

Global jostling intensified on Thursday between countries that want Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in power and those trying to force him to resign, as opposition leader Juan Guaido made overtures to his rival's allies Russia and China. Guaido told he had sent communications to both powers, which are Venezuela's top foreign creditors and support Maduro in the UN Security Council despite worries about the cash-strapped country's ability to pay. The 35-year-old leader argued that Russia and China's interests would be best served by switching the side they back in Venezuela, an OPEC member which has the world's largest oil reserves but is in dire financial straits. "What most suits Russia and China is the country's stability and a change of government," Guaido said. "Maduro does not protect Venezuela, he doesn't protect anyone's investments, and he is not a good deal for those countries." Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang, asked if China had been in touch with Guaido, said they were "maintaining close communication with all parties through various means regarding the situation in Venezuela." China's cooperation with Venezuela was based on the principles of equality, mutual benefit and joint development, he told reporters in Beijing. "We believe that no matter how the situation develops or changes, cooperation between China and Venezuela will not be damaged." The intense pressure is led by the United States, which along with most other countries in the Western Hemisphere recognizes Guaido as the country's legitimate interim president, arguing that Maduro stole his second-term election. The United States on Monday imposed sweeping sanctions on Venezuela's state-owned oil firm, aimed at pressuring Maduro to step down. A former union leader, bus driver and foreign minister, the 56-year-old Maduro, who first took office in 2013, has faced waves of protests in recent years as he presided over hyperinflation and chronic food shortages. Some 3 million Venezuelans have left the country. A UN expert on Thursday warned that the U.S. oil sanctions could worsen the humanitarian crisis. With Venezuela in deep economic crisis, the geopolitical tussling has also drawn in Europe and Latin American nations as well as parts of the Middle East. The US government warned Russia and other countries from "last-minute looting" of oil and gold on Thursday, after Reuters reported Venezuela was planning to sell gold from its central bank vaults to the United Arab Emirates in coming days in return for euros in cash, citing a senior source. Republican U.S. Senator Marco Rubio sent a tweet to the United Arab Emirates embassy in Washington on Thursday warning that anybody transporting Venezuelan gold would be subject to U.S. sanctions. The United States is also monitoring trade between its NATO ally Turkey and Venezuela and will take action if it judges any sanctions have been violated, a senior U.S. official said in Istanbul. Turkey’s president, Tayyip Erdogan, has stood by Maduro, calling him last week to express support. Cracking down? Guaido said on Thursday that agents from a feared special police unit had called at his home and asked for his wife, who was at home with their 20-month-old daughter while he was out at an event. "Such acts of intimidation are seen as very serious, very egregious by the United States," a senior U.S. administration official told reporters on a conference call. "There will be consequences for those engaged in such acts." Guaido appeared at his building with his wife and daughter, saying, "They will not intimidate this family." Neighbours said men who identified themselves as belonging to the Special Actions Forces arrived at the gate of Guaido's apartment building in a white SUV. There was no obvious police presence by the time journalists arrived at Guaido's house. Maduro, who says he will remain for his second six-year term, has accused the opposition of attempting a U.S.-backed coup. Venezuela's interior minister, Nestor Reverol, said on Thursday that security forces captured five men including a retired army colonel and other army officers on accusations of plotting a coup. The men were captured over the last few days, Reverol said. He said they had with them two AK-47 rifles, two satellite phones and 500 bracelets bearing the symbol of Operation Constitution, a political group dedicated to toppling Maduro. The government accuses one of the leaders of the group, retired Colonel Oswaldo García Palomo, of participating in an apparent attack at a Maduro event last yet. Garcia Palomo was among the captured men. Maduro frequently accuses the opposition, Colombia and the United States of backing coups or assassination attempts. Such claims have usually been dismissed as a smokescreen to distract from problems at home, but a drone exploded at a Maduro event last year, in an apparent attack. Maduro also says the opposition strategy of trying to push him from office is illegal and led by hawks in the Trump administration, such as the recently appointed US special envoy to Venezuela, Elliott Abrams, a veteran diplomat involved in the armed interventions in Central America in the 1980s. Oil trouble A United Nations human rights expert denounced the US oil sanctions imposed on Monday, saying they would compound a grave humanitarian crisis. "Coercion, whether military or economic, must never be used to seek a change in government in a sovereign state," said Idriss Jazairy, a U.N. special rapporteur studying the negative impact of sanctions. "The use of sanctions by outside powers to overthrow an elected government is in violation of all norms of international law," he said in a statement in Geneva. In the tussle over oil, Guaido worked this week with Washington to wrest control of PDVSA's U.S. subsidiary Citgo from its board. Citgo and Maduro's government responded by ordering dozens of Citgo's expatriate staff in the United States to return to Caracas by the end of February, people familiar with the matter said. PDVSA has said it will pursue legal efforts to block a Citgo takeover.

Venezuela's opposition leader Guaido courts Russia, China; powers divided on Maduro

Global jostling intensified on Thursday between countries that want Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in power and those trying to force him to resign, as opposition leader Juan Guaido made overtures to his rival's allies Russia and China.

Guaido told he had sent communications to both powers, which are Venezuela's top foreign creditors and support Maduro in the UN&nbsp;Security Council despite worries about the cash-strapped country's ability to pay.

The 35-year-old leader argued that Russia and China's interests would be best served by switching the side they back in Venezuela, an OPEC member which has the world's largest oil reserves but is in dire financial straits.

"What most suits Russia and China is the country's stability and a change of government," Guaido said. "Maduro does not protect Venezuela, he doesn't protect anyone's investments, and he is not a good deal for those countries."

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang, asked if China had been in touch with Guaido, said they were "maintaining close communication with all parties through various means regarding the situation in Venezuela."

China's cooperation with Venezuela was based on the principles of equality, mutual benefit and joint development, he told reporters in Beijing.&nbsp;

"We believe that no matter how the situation develops or changes, cooperation between China and Venezuela will not be damaged."&nbsp;

The intense pressure is led by the United States, which along with most other countries in the Western Hemisphere recognizes Guaido as the country's legitimate interim president, arguing that Maduro stole his second-term election.

The United States on Monday imposed sweeping sanctions on Venezuela's state-owned oil firm, aimed at pressuring Maduro to step down.

A former union leader, bus driver and foreign minister, the 56-year-old Maduro, who first took office in 2013, has faced waves of protests in recent years as he presided over hyperinflation and chronic food shortages.

Some 3 million Venezuelans have left the country. A U.N. expert on Thursday warned that the U.S. oil sanctions could worsen the humanitarian crisis.

With Venezuela in deep economic crisis, the geopolitical tussling has also drawn in Europe and Latin American nations as well as parts of the Middle East.

The U.S. government warned Russia and other countries from "last-minute looting" of oil and gold on Thursday, after Reuters reported Venezuela was planning to sell gold from its central bank vaults to the United Arab Emirates in coming days in return for euros in cash, citing a senior source.

Republican U.S. Senator Marco Rubio sent a tweet to the United Arab Emirates embassy in Washington on Thursday warning that anybody transporting Venezuelan gold would be subject to U.S. sanctions.

The United States is also monitoring trade between its NATO ally Turkey and Venezuela and will take action if it judges any sanctions have been violated, a senior U.S. official said in Istanbul.

Turkey’s president, Tayyip Erdogan, has stood by Maduro, calling him last week to express support.

Cracking down?

Guaido said on Thursday that agents from a feared special police unit had called at his home and asked for his wife, who was at home with their 20-month-old daughter while he was out at an event.

"Such acts of intimidation are seen as very serious, very egregious by the United States," a senior U.S. administration official told reporters on a conference call. "There will be consequences for those engaged in such acts."

Guaido appeared at his building with his wife and daughter, saying, "They will not intimidate this family." Neighbours said men who identified themselves as belonging to the Special Actions Forces arrived at the gate of Guaido's apartment building in a white SUV. There was no obvious police presence by the time journalists arrived at Guaido's house.

Maduro, who says he will remain for his second six-year term, has accused the opposition of attempting a U.S.-backed coup.

Venezuela's interior minister, Nestor Reverol, said on Thursday that security forces captured five men including a retired army colonel and other army officers on accusations of plotting a coup.

The men were captured over the last few days, Reverol said. He said they had with them two AK-47 rifles, two satellite phones and 500 bracelets bearing the symbol of Operation Constitution, a political group dedicated to toppling Maduro.

The government accuses one of the leaders of the group, retired Colonel Oswaldo García Palomo, of participating in an apparent attack at a Maduro event last yet. Garcia Palomo was among the captured men.

Maduro frequently accuses the opposition, Colombia and the United States of backing coups or assassination attempts. Such claims have usually been dismissed as a smokescreen to distract from problems at home, but a drone exploded at a Maduro event last year, in an apparent attack.

Maduro also says the opposition strategy of trying to push him from office is illegal and led by hawks in the Trump administration, such as the recently appointed US special envoy to Venezuela, Elliott Abrams, a veteran diplomat involved in the armed interventions in Central America in the 1980s.

Oil trouble&nbsp;

A United Nations human rights expert denounced the U.S. oil sanctions imposed on Monday, saying they would compound a grave humanitarian crisis.

"Coercion, whether military or economic, must never be used to seek a change in government in a sovereign state," said Idriss Jazairy, a U.N. special rapporteur studying the negative impact of sanctions.

"The use of sanctions by outside powers to overthrow an elected government is in violation of all norms of international law," he said in a statement in Geneva.

In the tussle over oil, Guaido worked this week with Washington to wrest control of PDVSA's U.S. subsidiary Citgo from its board. Citgo and Maduro's government responded by ordering dozens of Citgo's expatriate staff in the United States to return to Caracas by the end of February, people familiar with the matter said.

PDVSA has said it will pursue legal efforts to block a Citgo takeover.

Global jostling intensified on Thursday between countries that want Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in power and those trying to force him to resign, as opposition leader Juan Guaido made overtures to his rival's allies Russia and China. Guaido told he had sent communications to both powers, which are Venezuela's top foreign creditors and support Maduro in the UN Security Council despite worries about the cash-strapped country's ability to pay. The 35-year-old leader argued that Russia and China's interests would be best served by switching the side they back in Venezuela, an OPEC member which has the world's largest oil reserves but is in dire financial straits. "What most suits Russia and China is the country's stability and a change of government," Guaido said. "Maduro does not protect Venezuela, he doesn't protect anyone's investments, and he is not a good deal for those countries." Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang, asked if China had been in touch with Guaido, said they were "maintaining close communication with all parties through various means regarding the situation in Venezuela." China's cooperation with Venezuela was based on the principles of equality, mutual benefit and joint development, he told reporters in Beijing. "We believe that no matter how the situation develops or changes, cooperation between China and Venezuela will not be damaged." The intense pressure is led by the United States, which along with most other countries in the Western Hemisphere recognizes Guaido as the country's legitimate interim president, arguing that Maduro stole his second-term election. The United States on Monday imposed sweeping sanctions on Venezuela's state-owned oil firm, aimed at pressuring Maduro to step down. A former union leader, bus driver and foreign minister, the 56-year-old Maduro, who first took office in 2013, has faced waves of protests in recent years as he presided over hyperinflation and chronic food shortages. Some 3 million Venezuelans have left the country. A U.N. expert on Thursday warned that the U.S. oil sanctions could worsen the humanitarian crisis. With Venezuela in deep economic crisis, the geopolitical tussling has also drawn in Europe and Latin American nations as well as parts of the Middle East. The U.S. government warned Russia and other countries from "last-minute looting" of oil and gold on Thursday, after Reuters reported Venezuela was planning to sell gold from its central bank vaults to the United Arab Emirates in coming days in return for euros in cash, citing a senior source. Republican U.S. Senator Marco Rubio sent a tweet to the United Arab Emirates embassy in Washington on Thursday warning that anybody transporting Venezuelan gold would be subject to U.S. sanctions. The United States is also monitoring trade between its NATO ally Turkey and Venezuela and will take action if it judges any sanctions have been violated, a senior U.S. official said in Istanbul. Turkey’s president, Tayyip Erdogan, has stood by Maduro, calling him last week to express support. Cracking down? Guaido said on Thursday that agents from a feared special police unit had called at his home and asked for his wife, who was at home with their 20-month-old daughter while he was out at an event. "Such acts of intimidation are seen as very serious, very egregious by the United States," a senior U.S. administration official told reporters on a conference call. "There will be consequences for those engaged in such acts." Guaido appeared at his building with his wife and daughter, saying, "They will not intimidate this family." Neighbours said men who identified themselves as belonging to the Special Actions Forces arrived at the gate of Guaido's apartment building in a white SUV. There was no obvious police presence by the time journalists arrived at Guaido's house. Maduro, who says he will remain for his second six-year term, has accused the opposition of attempting a U.S.-backed coup. Venezuela's interior minister, Nestor Reverol, said on Thursday that security forces captured five men including a retired army colonel and other army officers on accusations of plotting a coup. The men were captured over the last few days, Reverol said. He said they had with them two AK-47 rifles, two satellite phones and 500 bracelets bearing the symbol of Operation Constitution, a political group dedicated to toppling Maduro. The government accuses one of the leaders of the group, retired Colonel Oswaldo García Palomo, of participating in an apparent attack at a Maduro event last yet. Garcia Palomo was among the captured men. Maduro frequently accuses the opposition, Colombia and the United States of backing coups or assassination attempts. Such claims have usually been dismissed as a smokescreen to distract from problems at home, but a drone exploded at a Maduro event last year, in an apparent attack. Maduro also says the opposition strategy of trying to push him from office is illegal and led by hawks in the Trump administration, such as the recently appointed US special envoy to Venezuela, Elliott Abrams, a veteran diplomat involved in the armed interventions in Central America in the 1980s. Oil trouble A United Nations human rights expert denounced the U.S. oil sanctions imposed on Monday, saying they would compound a grave humanitarian crisis. "Coercion, whether military or economic, must never be used to seek a change in government in a sovereign state," said Idriss Jazairy, a U.N. special rapporteur studying the negative impact of sanctions. "The use of sanctions by outside powers to overthrow an elected government is in violation of all norms of international law," he said in a statement in Geneva. In the tussle over oil, Guaido worked this week with Washington to wrest control of PDVSA's U.S. subsidiary Citgo from its board. Citgo and Maduro's government responded by ordering dozens of Citgo's expatriate staff in the United States to return to Caracas by the end of February, people familiar with the matter said. PDVSA has said it will pursue legal efforts to block a Citgo takeover.

Venezuela's Guaido courts Russia; powers divided on Maduro

Global jostling intensified on Thursday between countries that want Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in power and those trying to force him to resign, as opposition leader Juan Guaido made overtures to his rival's allies Russia and China.

Guaido told he had sent communications to both powers, which are Venezuela's top foreign creditors and support Maduro in the UN&nbsp;Security Council despite worries about the cash-strapped country's ability to pay.

The 35-year-old leader argued that Russia and China's interests would be best served by switching the side they back in Venezuela, an OPEC member which has the world's largest oil reserves but is in dire financial straits.

"What most suits Russia and China is the country's stability and a change of government," Guaido said. "Maduro does not protect Venezuela, he doesn't protect anyone's investments, and he is not a good deal for those countries."

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang, asked if China had been in touch with Guaido, said they were "maintaining close communication with all parties through various means regarding the situation in Venezuela."

China's cooperation with Venezuela was based on the principles of equality, mutual benefit and joint development, he told reporters in Beijing.&nbsp;

"We believe that no matter how the situation develops or changes, cooperation between China and Venezuela will not be damaged."&nbsp;

The intense pressure is led by the United States, which along with most other countries in the Western Hemisphere recognizes Guaido as the country's legitimate interim president, arguing that Maduro stole his second-term election.

The United States on Monday imposed sweeping sanctions on Venezuela's state-owned oil firm, aimed at pressuring Maduro to step down.

A former union leader, bus driver and foreign minister, the 56-year-old Maduro, who first took office in 2013, has faced waves of protests in recent years as he presided over hyperinflation and chronic food shortages.

Some 3 million Venezuelans have left the country. A U.N. expert on Thursday warned that the U.S. oil sanctions could worsen the humanitarian crisis.

With Venezuela in deep economic crisis, the geopolitical tussling has also drawn in Europe and Latin American nations as well as parts of the Middle East.

The US&nbsp;government warned Russia and other countries from "last-minute looting" of oil and gold on Thursday, after Reuters reported Venezuela was planning to sell gold from its central bank vaults to the United Arab Emirates in coming days in return for euros in cash, citing a senior source.

Republican U.S. Senator Marco Rubio sent a tweet to the United Arab Emirates embassy in Washington on Thursday warning that anybody transporting Venezuelan gold would be subject to U.S. sanctions.

The United States is also monitoring trade between its NATO ally Turkey and Venezuela and will take action if it judges any sanctions have been violated, a senior U.S. official said in Istanbul.

Turkey’s president, Tayyip Erdogan, has stood by Maduro, calling him last week to express support.

Cracking down?

Guaido said on Thursday that agents from a feared special police unit had called at his home and asked for his wife, who was at home with their 20-month-old daughter while he was out at an event.

"Such acts of intimidation are seen as very serious, very egregious by the United States," a senior U.S. administration official told reporters on a conference call. "There will be consequences for those engaged in such acts."

Guaido appeared at his building with his wife and daughter, saying, "They will not intimidate this family." Neighbours said men who identified themselves as belonging to the Special Actions Forces arrived at the gate of Guaido's apartment building in a white SUV. There was no obvious police presence by the time journalists arrived at Guaido's house.

Maduro, who says he will remain for his second six-year term, has accused the opposition of attempting a U.S.-backed coup.

Venezuela's interior minister, Nestor Reverol, said on Thursday that security forces captured five men including a retired army colonel and other army officers on accusations of plotting a coup.

The men were captured over the last few days, Reverol said. He said they had with them two AK-47 rifles, two satellite phones and 500 bracelets bearing the symbol of Operation Constitution, a political group dedicated to toppling Maduro.

The government accuses one of the leaders of the group, retired Colonel Oswaldo García Palomo, of participating in an apparent attack at a Maduro event last yet. Garcia Palomo was among the captured men.

Maduro frequently accuses the opposition, Colombia and the United States of backing coups or assassination attempts. Such claims have usually been dismissed as a smokescreen to distract from problems at home, but a drone exploded at a Maduro event last year, in an apparent attack.

Maduro also says the opposition strategy of trying to push him from office is illegal and led by hawks in the Trump administration, such as the recently appointed US special envoy to Venezuela, Elliott Abrams, a veteran diplomat involved in the armed interventions in Central America in the 1980s.

Oil trouble&nbsp;

A United Nations human rights expert denounced the U.S. oil sanctions imposed on Monday, saying they would compound a grave humanitarian crisis.

"Coercion, whether military or economic, must never be used to seek a change in government in a sovereign state," said Idriss Jazairy, a U.N. special rapporteur studying the negative impact of sanctions.

"The use of sanctions by outside powers to overthrow an elected government is in violation of all norms of international law," he said in a statement in Geneva.

In the tussle over oil, Guaido worked this week with Washington to wrest control of PDVSA's U.S. subsidiary Citgo from its board. Citgo and Maduro's government responded by ordering dozens of Citgo's expatriate staff in the United States to return to Caracas by the end of February, people familiar with the matter said.

PDVSA has said it will pursue legal efforts to block a Citgo takeover.

Global jostling intensified on Thursday between countries that want Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in power and those trying to force him to resign, as opposition leader Juan Guaido made overtures to his rival's allies Russia and China. Guaido told he had sent communications to both powers, which are Venezuela's top foreign creditors and support Maduro in the UN Security Council despite worries about the cash-strapped country's ability to pay. The 35-year-old leader argued that Russia and China's interests would be best served by switching the side they back in Venezuela, an OPEC member which has the world's largest oil reserves but is in dire financial straits. "What most suits Russia and China is the country's stability and a change of government," Guaido said. "Maduro does not protect Venezuela, he doesn't protect anyone's investments, and he is not a good deal for those countries." Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang, asked if China had been in touch with Guaido, said they were "maintaining close communication with all parties through various means regarding the situation in Venezuela." China's cooperation with Venezuela was based on the principles of equality, mutual benefit and joint development, he told reporters in Beijing. "We believe that no matter how the situation develops or changes, cooperation between China and Venezuela will not be damaged." The intense pressure is led by the United States, which along with most other countries in the Western Hemisphere recognizes Guaido as the country's legitimate interim president, arguing that Maduro stole his second-term election. The United States on Monday imposed sweeping sanctions on Venezuela's state-owned oil firm, aimed at pressuring Maduro to step down. A former union leader, bus driver and foreign minister, the 56-year-old Maduro, who first took office in 2013, has faced waves of protests in recent years as he presided over hyperinflation and chronic food shortages. Some 3 million Venezuelans have left the country. A U.N. expert on Thursday warned that the U.S. oil sanctions could worsen the humanitarian crisis. With Venezuela in deep economic crisis, the geopolitical tussling has also drawn in Europe and Latin American nations as well as parts of the Middle East. The US government warned Russia and other countries from "last-minute looting" of oil and gold on Thursday, after Reuters reported Venezuela was planning to sell gold from its central bank vaults to the United Arab Emirates in coming days in return for euros in cash, citing a senior source. Republican U.S. Senator Marco Rubio sent a tweet to the United Arab Emirates embassy in Washington on Thursday warning that anybody transporting Venezuelan gold would be subject to U.S. sanctions. The United States is also monitoring trade between its NATO ally Turkey and Venezuela and will take action if it judges any sanctions have been violated, a senior U.S. official said in Istanbul. Turkey’s president, Tayyip Erdogan, has stood by Maduro, calling him last week to express support. Cracking down? Guaido said on Thursday that agents from a feared special police unit had called at his home and asked for his wife, who was at home with their 20-month-old daughter while he was out at an event. "Such acts of intimidation are seen as very serious, very egregious by the United States," a senior U.S. administration official told reporters on a conference call. "There will be consequences for those engaged in such acts." Guaido appeared at his building with his wife and daughter, saying, "They will not intimidate this family." Neighbours said men who identified themselves as belonging to the Special Actions Forces arrived at the gate of Guaido's apartment building in a white SUV. There was no obvious police presence by the time journalists arrived at Guaido's house. Maduro, who says he will remain for his second six-year term, has accused the opposition of attempting a U.S.-backed coup. Venezuela's interior minister, Nestor Reverol, said on Thursday that security forces captured five men including a retired army colonel and other army officers on accusations of plotting a coup. The men were captured over the last few days, Reverol said. He said they had with them two AK-47 rifles, two satellite phones and 500 bracelets bearing the symbol of Operation Constitution, a political group dedicated to toppling Maduro. The government accuses one of the leaders of the group, retired Colonel Oswaldo García Palomo, of participating in an apparent attack at a Maduro event last yet. Garcia Palomo was among the captured men. Maduro frequently accuses the opposition, Colombia and the United States of backing coups or assassination attempts. Such claims have usually been dismissed as a smokescreen to distract from problems at home, but a drone exploded at a Maduro event last year, in an apparent attack. Maduro also says the opposition strategy of trying to push him from office is illegal and led by hawks in the Trump administration, such as the recently appointed US special envoy to Venezuela, Elliott Abrams, a veteran diplomat involved in the armed interventions in Central America in the 1980s. Oil trouble A United Nations human rights expert denounced the U.S. oil sanctions imposed on Monday, saying they would compound a grave humanitarian crisis. "Coercion, whether military or economic, must never be used to seek a change in government in a sovereign state," said Idriss Jazairy, a U.N. special rapporteur studying the negative impact of sanctions. "The use of sanctions by outside powers to overthrow an elected government is in violation of all norms of international law," he said in a statement in Geneva. In the tussle over oil, Guaido worked this week with Washington to wrest control of PDVSA's U.S. subsidiary Citgo from its board. Citgo and Maduro's government responded by ordering dozens of Citgo's expatriate staff in the United States to return to Caracas by the end of February, people familiar with the matter said. PDVSA has said it will pursue legal efforts to block a Citgo takeover.

Global jostling intensified on Thursday between countries that want Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in power and those trying to force him to resign, as opposition leader Juan Guaido made overtures to his rival's allies Russia and China.

Guaido told he had sent communications to both powers, which are Venezuela's top foreign creditors and support Maduro in the UN&nbsp;Security Council despite worries about the cash-strapped country's ability to pay.

The 35-year-old leader argued that Russia and China's interests would be best served by switching the side they back in Venezuela, an OPEC member which has the world's largest oil reserves but is in dire financial straits.

"What most suits Russia and China is the country's stability and a change of government," Guaido said. "Maduro does not protect Venezuela, he doesn't protect anyone's investments, and he is not a good deal for those countries."

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang, asked if China had been in touch with Guaido, said they were "maintaining close communication with all parties through various means regarding the situation in Venezuela."

China's cooperation with Venezuela was based on the principles of equality, mutual benefit and joint development, he told reporters in Beijing.&nbsp;

"We believe that no matter how the situation develops or changes, cooperation between China and Venezuela will not be damaged."&nbsp;

The intense pressure is led by the United States, which along with most other countries in the Western Hemisphere recognizes Guaido as the country's legitimate interim president, arguing that Maduro stole his second-term election.

The United States on Monday imposed sweeping sanctions on Venezuela's state-owned oil firm, aimed at pressuring Maduro to step down.

A former union leader, bus driver and foreign minister, the 56-year-old Maduro, who first took office in 2013, has faced waves of protests in recent years as he presided over hyperinflation and chronic food shortages.

Some 3 million Venezuelans have left the country. A UN&nbsp;expert on Thursday warned that the U.S. oil sanctions could worsen the humanitarian crisis.

With Venezuela in deep economic crisis, the geopolitical tussling has also drawn in Europe and Latin American nations as well as parts of the Middle East.

The US&nbsp;government warned Russia and other countries from "last-minute looting" of oil and gold on Thursday, after Reuters reported Venezuela was planning to sell gold from its central bank vaults to the United Arab Emirates in coming days in return for euros in cash, citing a senior source.

Republican U.S. Senator Marco Rubio sent a tweet to the United Arab Emirates embassy in Washington on Thursday warning that anybody transporting Venezuelan gold would be subject to U.S. sanctions.

The United States is also monitoring trade between its NATO ally Turkey and Venezuela and will take action if it judges any sanctions have been violated, a senior U.S. official said in Istanbul.

Turkey’s president, Tayyip Erdogan, has stood by Maduro, calling him last week to express support.

Cracking down?

Guaido said on Thursday that agents from a feared special police unit had called at his home and asked for his wife, who was at home with their 20-month-old daughter while he was out at an event.

"Such acts of intimidation are seen as very serious, very egregious by the United States," a senior U.S. administration official told reporters on a conference call. "There will be consequences for those engaged in such acts."

Guaido appeared at his building with his wife and daughter, saying, "They will not intimidate this family." Neighbours said men who identified themselves as belonging to the Special Actions Forces arrived at the gate of Guaido's apartment building in a white SUV. There was no obvious police presence by the time journalists arrived at Guaido's house.

Maduro, who says he will remain for his second six-year term, has accused the opposition of attempting a U.S.-backed coup.

Venezuela's interior minister, Nestor Reverol, said on Thursday that security forces captured five men including a retired army colonel and other army officers on accusations of plotting a coup.

The men were captured over the last few days, Reverol said. He said they had with them two AK-47 rifles, two satellite phones and 500 bracelets bearing the symbol of Operation Constitution, a political group dedicated to toppling Maduro.

The government accuses one of the leaders of the group, retired Colonel Oswaldo García Palomo, of participating in an apparent attack at a Maduro event last yet. Garcia Palomo was among the captured men.

Maduro frequently accuses the opposition, Colombia and the United States of backing coups or assassination attempts. Such claims have usually been dismissed as a smokescreen to distract from problems at home, but a drone exploded at a Maduro event last year, in an apparent attack.

Maduro also says the opposition strategy of trying to push him from office is illegal and led by hawks in the Trump administration, such as the recently appointed US special envoy to Venezuela, Elliott Abrams, a veteran diplomat involved in the armed interventions in Central America in the 1980s.

Oil trouble&nbsp;

A United Nations human rights expert denounced the U.S. oil sanctions imposed on Monday, saying they would compound a grave humanitarian crisis.

"Coercion, whether military or economic, must never be used to seek a change in government in a sovereign state," said Idriss Jazairy, a U.N. special rapporteur studying the negative impact of sanctions.

"The use of sanctions by outside powers to overthrow an elected government is in violation of all norms of international law," he said in a statement in Geneva.

In the tussle over oil, Guaido worked this week with Washington to wrest control of PDVSA's U.S. subsidiary Citgo from its board. Citgo and Maduro's government responded by ordering dozens of Citgo's expatriate staff in the United States to return to Caracas by the end of February, people familiar with the matter said.

PDVSA has said it will pursue legal efforts to block a Citgo takeover.

Global jostling intensified on Thursday between countries that want Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in power and those trying to force him to resign, as opposition leader Juan Guaido made overtures to his rival's allies Russia and China. Guaido told he had sent communications to both powers, which are Venezuela's top foreign creditors and support Maduro in the UN Security Council despite worries about the cash-strapped country's ability to pay. The 35-year-old leader argued that Russia and China's interests would be best served by switching the side they back in Venezuela, an OPEC member which has the world's largest oil reserves but is in dire financial straits. "What most suits Russia and China is the country's stability and a change of government," Guaido said. "Maduro does not protect Venezuela, he doesn't protect anyone's investments, and he is not a good deal for those countries." Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang, asked if China had been in touch with Guaido, said they were "maintaining close communication with all parties through various means regarding the situation in Venezuela." China's cooperation with Venezuela was based on the principles of equality, mutual benefit and joint development, he told reporters in Beijing. "We believe that no matter how the situation develops or changes, cooperation between China and Venezuela will not be damaged." The intense pressure is led by the United States, which along with most other countries in the Western Hemisphere recognizes Guaido as the country's legitimate interim president, arguing that Maduro stole his second-term election. The United States on Monday imposed sweeping sanctions on Venezuela's state-owned oil firm, aimed at pressuring Maduro to step down. A former union leader, bus driver and foreign minister, the 56-year-old Maduro, who first took office in 2013, has faced waves of protests in recent years as he presided over hyperinflation and chronic food shortages. Some 3 million Venezuelans have left the country. A UN expert on Thursday warned that the U.S. oil sanctions could worsen the humanitarian crisis. With Venezuela in deep economic crisis, the geopolitical tussling has also drawn in Europe and Latin American nations as well as parts of the Middle East. The US government warned Russia and other countries from "last-minute looting" of oil and gold on Thursday, after Reuters reported Venezuela was planning to sell gold from its central bank vaults to the United Arab Emirates in coming days in return for euros in cash, citing a senior source. Republican U.S. Senator Marco Rubio sent a tweet to the United Arab Emirates embassy in Washington on Thursday warning that anybody transporting Venezuelan gold would be subject to U.S. sanctions. The United States is also monitoring trade between its NATO ally Turkey and Venezuela and will take action if it judges any sanctions have been violated, a senior U.S. official said in Istanbul. Turkey’s president, Tayyip Erdogan, has stood by Maduro, calling him last week to express support. Cracking down? Guaido said on Thursday that agents from a feared special police unit had called at his home and asked for his wife, who was at home with their 20-month-old daughter while he was out at an event. "Such acts of intimidation are seen as very serious, very egregious by the United States," a senior U.S. administration official told reporters on a conference call. "There will be consequences for those engaged in such acts." Guaido appeared at his building with his wife and daughter, saying, "They will not intimidate this family." Neighbours said men who identified themselves as belonging to the Special Actions Forces arrived at the gate of Guaido's apartment building in a white SUV. There was no obvious police presence by the time journalists arrived at Guaido's house. Maduro, who says he will remain for his second six-year term, has accused the opposition of attempting a U.S.-backed coup. Venezuela's interior minister, Nestor Reverol, said on Thursday that security forces captured five men including a retired army colonel and other army officers on accusations of plotting a coup. The men were captured over the last few days, Reverol said. He said they had with them two AK-47 rifles, two satellite phones and 500 bracelets bearing the symbol of Operation Constitution, a political group dedicated to toppling Maduro. The government accuses one of the leaders of the group, retired Colonel Oswaldo García Palomo, of participating in an apparent attack at a Maduro event last yet. Garcia Palomo was among the captured men. Maduro frequently accuses the opposition, Colombia and the United States of backing coups or assassination attempts. Such claims have usually been dismissed as a smokescreen to distract from problems at home, but a drone exploded at a Maduro event last year, in an apparent attack. Maduro also says the opposition strategy of trying to push him from office is illegal and led by hawks in the Trump administration, such as the recently appointed US special envoy to Venezuela, Elliott Abrams, a veteran diplomat involved in the armed interventions in Central America in the 1980s. Oil trouble A United Nations human rights expert denounced the U.S. oil sanctions imposed on Monday, saying they would compound a grave humanitarian crisis. "Coercion, whether military or economic, must never be used to seek a change in government in a sovereign state," said Idriss Jazairy, a U.N. special rapporteur studying the negative impact of sanctions. "The use of sanctions by outside powers to overthrow an elected government is in violation of all norms of international law," he said in a statement in Geneva. In the tussle over oil, Guaido worked this week with Washington to wrest control of PDVSA's U.S. subsidiary Citgo from its board. Citgo and Maduro's government responded by ordering dozens of Citgo's expatriate staff in the United States to return to Caracas by the end of February, people familiar with the matter said. PDVSA has said it will pursue legal efforts to block a Citgo takeover.

There are times when one is constrained to divert one’s gaze from proximate neighbourhood towards distant regions-home to countries that are closely tied to our national interest.&nbsp;

Recent political upheaval in Venezuela deserves more serious attention than it has received. Many Indians are not even aware of the fact that India is the third largest importer of Venezuelan oil after the US and China. It has assumed even greater significance in our energy security calculations after the US has imposed sanctions on it in the wake of the dramatic political coup that has taken place in Caracas. Many Indians have much too hastily started celebrating thinking that the US sanctions will create a glut in the market and Venezuela will be forced to sell its oil at reduced prices and against rupees. The issue is far more complex.&nbsp;

First of all, there is no reason to believe that the US shall not threaten countries that continue to deal with Venezuela with secondary sanctions like they did in the case of Iran. This would leave India on the wrong foot, and once again at the mercy of POTUS Trump to avail of some respite.&nbsp;

We have in recent years allowed our ‘special’ strategic relationship with the US to dominate our relationship with countries we import oil from. Those who think that the cut imposed on oil imports from besieged Iran would be compensated by additional imports from Venezuela are not being realistic at all.&nbsp; 
 
Then there is the ‘Chinese Complication’. Venezuelans can’t be expected to give priority to India over their number two buyer. China is not going to be deterred by US bullying in pursuit of its energy security. Trump has declared a trade war against China but it has refused to blink. It is confident that the US companies and consumers feeling the pinch harder will persuade their government to reconsider its policy. (Ironically, support for Trump hasn’t registered a sharp decline so and there has been no explosive deterioration as some analysts had predicted.)

The arrest of the daughter of the founder of Huewei, herself one of the highest place company executives, in Canada enraged the Chinese enough to retaliate swiftly by arresting a former Canadian diplomat and announcing that it will not commute the death sentence awarded to a Canadian national into imprisonment for life.&nbsp;

India would do well to remember that the US shall continue to tread more cautiously where China is concerned. It realises that India, always willing to please the new found Super Power ‘Friend’ will do its bidding without overt arm twisting.&nbsp;

It is in the larger geopolitical context that we should consider recent Chinese statement that there should be no double standards in case of admission to new members to the Nuclear Fuel Suppliers Group. This cartel has 48 members and only China’s stubborn resistance has blocked India’s entry. China would like its longtime ally and protege to be treated at par with India. There should be no need to point out that Pakistan has acquired nuclear weapons through piracy flouting the non-proliferation regime while India has behaved as a responsible nuclear weapon state ever since its Peaceful Nuclear Explosion (Implosion) in Pokhran.

Our much hyped special relationship with the US rests on the cornerstone of agreement on peaceful uses of nuclear energy. Not much progress has been made since the UPA years towards the realisation of rapid economic development through clean energy. Neither new found friend (US) nor time tested ally (Russia) has exerted enough to remove the Chinese obstacle. This issue too is entwined with our energy security. 
 
Only China and Russia along with Cuba and a handful of socialist countries have condemned US recognition of what many see as usurper propped up by the US-driven compulsive to change regimes. How long are we going to let others choose or friends and foes is the question.

China is next door and Venezuela very far across oceans but both of them underline the same dilemma.&nbsp; 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

&nbsp; &nbsp;

There are times when one is constrained to divert one’s gaze from proximate neighbourhood towards distant regions-home to countries that are closely tied to our national interest.

There are times when one is constrained to divert one’s gaze from proximate neighbourhood towards distant regions-home to countries that are closely tied to our national interest. Recent political upheaval in Venezuela deserves more serious attention than it has received. Many Indians are not even aware of the fact that India is the third largest importer of Venezuelan oil after the US and China. It has assumed even greater significance in our energy security calculations after the US has imposed sanctions on it in the wake of the dramatic political coup that has taken place in Caracas. Many Indians have much too hastily started celebrating thinking that the US sanctions will create a glut in the market and Venezuela will be forced to sell its oil at reduced prices and against rupees. The issue is far more complex. First of all, there is no reason to believe that the US shall not threaten countries that continue to deal with Venezuela with secondary sanctions like they did in the case of Iran. This would leave India on the wrong foot, and once again at the mercy of POTUS Trump to avail of some respite. We have in recent years allowed our ‘special’ strategic relationship with the US to dominate our relationship with countries we import oil from. Those who think that the cut imposed on oil imports from besieged Iran would be compensated by additional imports from Venezuela are not being realistic at all. Then there is the ‘Chinese Complication’. Venezuelans can’t be expected to give priority to India over their number two buyer. China is not going to be deterred by US bullying in pursuit of its energy security. Trump has declared a trade war against China but it has refused to blink. It is confident that the US companies and consumers feeling the pinch harder will persuade their government to reconsider its policy. (Ironically, support for Trump hasn’t registered a sharp decline so and there has been no explosive deterioration as some analysts had predicted.) The arrest of the daughter of the founder of Huewei, herself one of the highest place company executives, in Canada enraged the Chinese enough to retaliate swiftly by arresting a former Canadian diplomat and announcing that it will not commute the death sentence awarded to a Canadian national into imprisonment for life. India would do well to remember that the US shall continue to tread more cautiously where China is concerned. It realises that India, always willing to please the new found Super Power ‘Friend’ will do its bidding without overt arm twisting. It is in the larger geopolitical context that we should consider recent Chinese statement that there should be no double standards in case of admission to new members to the Nuclear Fuel Suppliers Group. This cartel has 48 members and only China’s stubborn resistance has blocked India’s entry. China would like its longtime ally and protege to be treated at par with India. There should be no need to point out that Pakistan has acquired nuclear weapons through piracy flouting the non-proliferation regime while India has behaved as a responsible nuclear weapon state ever since its Peaceful Nuclear Explosion (Implosion) in Pokhran. Our much hyped special relationship with the US rests on the cornerstone of agreement on peaceful uses of nuclear energy. Not much progress has been made since the UPA years towards the realisation of rapid economic development through clean energy. Neither new found friend (US) nor time tested ally (Russia) has exerted enough to remove the Chinese obstacle. This issue too is entwined with our energy security. Only China and Russia along with Cuba and a handful of socialist countries have condemned US recognition of what many see as usurper propped up by the US-driven compulsive to change regimes. How long are we going to let others choose or friends and foes is the question. China is next door and Venezuela very far across oceans but both of them underline the same dilemma. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

India should be wary of the US-sponsored crisis in Venezuela

President Donald Trump on Wednesday reiterated strong US support for Venezuela's opposition and said protesters demanding the ouster of President <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/venezuelan-president-nicolas-maduro-says-government-ready-for-potential-armed-conflict-192957">Nicolas Maduro</a> were fighting for freedom.

"Large protests all across Venezuela today against Maduro. The fight for freedom has begun!" Trump tweeted.

Trump said that earlier he had spoken by phone with self-declared acting president Juan Guaido, who has been recognized by Washington, to reinforce "strong United States support for Venezuela's fight to regain its democracy."

Washington has thrown its full backing behind Guaido's claim to lead Venezuela, but hard-left leader Maduro, who still controls the military and police, says Guaido is part of a US-led coup plot.

The country's pro-government top court has barred Guaido, who is calling for large anti-Maduro street protests this week, from leaving the country.

On Wednesday, people took to the streets in the capital Caracas and various other cities, banging pots, blowing whistles and horns, and carrying banners that read: "Armed forces, regain your dignity," "Maduro usurper," "Guaido, president" and "No to the dictatorship."

"Don't shoot people who are making demands also for your family," Guaido said in a message to the military delivered from the central university in Caracas.

President Donald Trump on Wednesday reiterated strong US support for Venezuela's opposition and said protesters demanding the ouster of President Nicolas Maduro were fighting for freedom.

President Donald Trump on Wednesday reiterated strong US support for Venezuela's opposition and said protesters demanding the ouster of President Nicolas Maduro were fighting for freedom. "Large protests all across Venezuela today against Maduro. The fight for freedom has begun!" Trump tweeted. Trump said that earlier he had spoken by phone with self-declared acting president Juan Guaido, who has been recognized by Washington, to reinforce "strong United States support for Venezuela's fight to regain its democracy." Washington has thrown its full backing behind Guaido's claim to lead Venezuela, but hard-left leader Maduro, who still controls the military and police, says Guaido is part of a US-led coup plot. The country's pro-government top court has barred Guaido, who is calling for large anti-Maduro street protests this week, from leaving the country. On Wednesday, people took to the streets in the capital Caracas and various other cities, banging pots, blowing whistles and horns, and carrying banners that read: "Armed forces, regain your dignity," "Maduro usurper," "Guaido, president" and "No to the dictatorship." "Don't shoot people who are making demands also for your family," Guaido said in a message to the military delivered from the central university in Caracas.

Venezuela protests a 'fight for freedom': Donald Trump

British Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt said Thursday he believed sanctions against Venezuelan "kleptocrats" could be a way to pressure President Nicolas Maduro to call new elections.

He said he would raise the issue later in the day with his European Union counterparts at a meeting in Bucharest, Romania.

"We are not considering sanctions against the whole country because there is a humanitarian situation and we wouldn't want to make the situation even worse," Hunt said in a statement.

"But targeted sanctions against the kleptocrats who have enriched themselves on the back of the rest of the population who are very poor, that is something I think can be effective."

Hunt said he had spoken to Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido on Wednesday.

"Mr Guaido was very clear — he wanted us to put pressure on Nicolas Maduro because they need change," he said.

He added: "What I want us to do is to put every pressure on Maduro and I'm urging EU foreign ministers to do exactly the same when I meet them this afternoon so that we do have free and fair elections and we give the people of Venezuela a fresh chance to start again.

"We have made a very clear request to Nicolas Maduro to announce elections within eight days," he said.&nbsp;

"So if he does not, we need to do something to increase the pressure to show that we mean what we say and we are not alone.

"This is Spain, France, Germany, many other countries, who have equally strong views as the United Kingdom."

According to a Foreign Office spokesman, Guaido told Hunt in their call "that the EU should consider increasing pressure on Maduro through further sanctions, and should collectively recognise him — Mr Guaido — as the constitutional interim President of Venezuela".

British Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt said Thursday he believed sanctions against Venezuelan "kleptocrats" could be a way to pressure President Nicolas Maduro to call new elections.

British Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt said Thursday he believed sanctions against Venezuelan "kleptocrats" could be a way to pressure President Nicolas Maduro to call new elections. He said he would raise the issue later in the day with his European Union counterparts at a meeting in Bucharest, Romania. "We are not considering sanctions against the whole country because there is a humanitarian situation and we wouldn't want to make the situation even worse," Hunt said in a statement. "But targeted sanctions against the kleptocrats who have enriched themselves on the back of the rest of the population who are very poor, that is something I think can be effective." Hunt said he had spoken to Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido on Wednesday. "Mr Guaido was very clear — he wanted us to put pressure on Nicolas Maduro because they need change," he said. He added: "What I want us to do is to put every pressure on Maduro and I'm urging EU foreign ministers to do exactly the same when I meet them this afternoon so that we do have free and fair elections and we give the people of Venezuela a fresh chance to start again. "We have made a very clear request to Nicolas Maduro to announce elections within eight days," he said. "So if he does not, we need to do something to increase the pressure to show that we mean what we say and we are not alone. "This is Spain, France, Germany, many other countries, who have equally strong views as the United Kingdom." According to a Foreign Office spokesman, Guaido told Hunt in their call "that the EU should consider increasing pressure on Maduro through further sanctions, and should collectively recognise him — Mr Guaido — as the constitutional interim President of Venezuela".

Targeted sanctions against Venezuelan 'kleptocrats' could be effective: British foreign secretary Jeremy Hunt

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/oil-prices-jump-as-us-threatens-sanctions-against-venezuela-192607">Oil prices rose</a> for a third day on Thursday, pushed up by lower imports into the United States amid OPEC efforts to tighten the market, and as Venezuela struggles to keep up its crude exports after Washington imposed sanctions on the nation.

US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures were at $54.47 per barrel at 0758 GMT, up 24 cents, or 0.4 per cent, from their last settlement.

International Brent crude oil futures were up 36 cents, or 0.6 per cent, at $62.01 per barrel.

The price rise came after a report from the US Energy Information Administration (EIA) on Wednesday showed a drop in Saudi crude supply to the United States.

"Crude oil prices were stronger after signs emerged that OPEC cuts are impacting trade. EIA's weekly report showed that US imports from Saudi Arabia fell by more than half from the previous week to 442,000 barrels per day (bpd). This is the second lowest level in weekly data going back to 2010," ANZ bank said.

Saudi Arabia is the de-facto leader of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), which together with some non-OPEC producers, including Russia, announced supply cuts late last year aimed at tightening the market and propping up prices.

US sanctions imposed on state-oil firm Petroleos de Venezuela SA (PDVSA) this week are also causing some supply disruptions.

Venezuela's oil inventories have started to build up at the country's ports and terminals as PDVSA is finding it cannot export crude at its usual rate due to US sanctions imposed earlier this week.

As of Wednesday, Venezuela had 25 tankers with nearly 18 million barrels of crude - representing about two weeks of the country's production - either waiting to load or expecting authorisation to set sail, shipping data showed.

Matt Stanley, a broker with Starfuels in Dubai, said the combination of US sanctions against oil producers Venezuela and Iran, the OPEC-led supply cuts, as well as hopes that the trade dispute between the United States and China could soon be resolved meant oil prices would likely rise further.

"There are just too many factors that can only cause the price to go one way and that is up," Stanley said.

Despite this, oil remains in ample supply, not least because of soaring US crude oil production, which jumped by more than 2 million bpd last year to a record 11.9 million bpd.

This shows in high US commercial crude oil stockpiles, which rose by 919,000 barrels in the week to January 25, to 445.94 million barrels, EIA data showed. Stockpiles are 6.6 per cent higher than a year ago.

Oil prices rose for a third day on Thursday, pushed up by lower imports into the United States amid OPEC efforts to tighten the market, and as Venezuela struggles to keep up its crude exports after Washington imposed sanctions on the nation.

Oil prices rose for a third day on Thursday, pushed up by lower imports into the United States amid OPEC efforts to tighten the market, and as Venezuela struggles to keep up its crude exports after Washington imposed sanctions on the nation. US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures were at $54.47 per barrel at 0758 GMT, up 24 cents, or 0.4 per cent, from their last settlement. International Brent crude oil futures were up 36 cents, or 0.6 per cent, at $62.01 per barrel. The price rise came after a report from the US Energy Information Administration (EIA) on Wednesday showed a drop in Saudi crude supply to the United States. "Crude oil prices were stronger after signs emerged that OPEC cuts are impacting trade. EIA's weekly report showed that US imports from Saudi Arabia fell by more than half from the previous week to 442,000 barrels per day (bpd). This is the second lowest level in weekly data going back to 2010," ANZ bank said. Saudi Arabia is the de-facto leader of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), which together with some non-OPEC producers, including Russia, announced supply cuts late last year aimed at tightening the market and propping up prices. US sanctions imposed on state-oil firm Petroleos de Venezuela SA (PDVSA) this week are also causing some supply disruptions. Venezuela's oil inventories have started to build up at the country's ports and terminals as PDVSA is finding it cannot export crude at its usual rate due to US sanctions imposed earlier this week. As of Wednesday, Venezuela had 25 tankers with nearly 18 million barrels of crude - representing about two weeks of the country's production - either waiting to load or expecting authorisation to set sail, shipping data showed. Matt Stanley, a broker with Starfuels in Dubai, said the combination of US sanctions against oil producers Venezuela and Iran, the OPEC-led supply cuts, as well as hopes that the trade dispute between the United States and China could soon be resolved meant oil prices would likely rise further. "There are just too many factors that can only cause the price to go one way and that is up," Stanley said. Despite this, oil remains in ample supply, not least because of soaring US crude oil production, which jumped by more than 2 million bpd last year to a record 11.9 million bpd. This shows in high US commercial crude oil stockpiles, which rose by 919,000 barrels in the week to January 25, to 445.94 million barrels, EIA data showed. Stockpiles are 6.6 per cent higher than a year ago.

Oil prices rise on Saudi cuts to US; Venezuela struggles to keep up exports

Venezuela's Supreme Tribunal of Justice barred self-declared president Juan Guaido from leaving the country and froze his bank accounts Tuesday, as leader Nicolas Maduro seeks to neutralize the American-backed opposition chief.

The 35-year-old head of the National Assembly legislature "is prohibited from leaving the country until the end of the (preliminary) investigation" for having "caused harm to peace in the republic," high court president Maikel Moreno said.

The court is stacked with <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-goes-after-venezuelas-oil-to-hit-maduro-193555">Maduro loyalists</a>.

The move came after the State Department revealed that Guaido&nbsp;— the National Assembly head and self-proclaimed interim president — has been handed control of Venezuela's US bank accounts.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo signed off on the order last week, which was then followed on Monday by US sanctions targeting Venezuela's state oil giant PDVSA, the cash-strapped government's main source of hard currency.

"This certification will help Venezuela's legitimate government safeguard those assets for the benefit of the Venezuelan people," State Department spokesman Robert Palladino said in a statement.

Guaido shrugged off Maduro's efforts to choke his progress as "nothing new."

"I'm not dismissing the threats, the persecution at this time, but we're here, we're continuing to do our jobs," he told reporters as he arrived at the National Assembly.

Guaido, who has been recognized as interim president by US President Donald Trump, sent a message to the country's top court on Twitter warning that "the regime is in its final stage."

"You shouldn't sacrifice yourselves for the usurper and his gang," he added.

'Serious consequences' 
In Washington, Trump's national security advisor warned of "serious consequences" if any harm comes to the Venezuelan opposition leader.

"Let me reiterate -- there will be serious consequences for those who attempt to subvert democracy and harm Guaido," Trump advisor John Bolton tweeted.

The opposition-controlled legislature, meanwhile, named "diplomatic representatives" to a dozen countries that, like the US, have recognized Guaido as the interim president.

At the White House, US Vice President Mike Pence met with Guaido's appointed charge d'affaires in the United States, Carlos Vecchio, to discuss the crisis.&nbsp;

The 35-year-old engineer stormed onto the political stage as a virtual unknown on January 3, when he was sworn in as the president of the National Assembly, a body that had been largely neutralized by the Supreme Court.

On January 23, he declared himself the country's acting president and vowed to lead a transitional government that would hold democratic elections.

To keep up the pressure, he has called two more mass demonstrations against the government this week, and has appealed to the powerful military to change sides, offering amnesty to those who do.

At least 40 people have been killed in clashes with security forces nationwide and at least 850 arrested since January 21 when a brief military rebellion was put down in Caracas, according to the UN human rights office in Geneva.

- 'Blood on his hands' - 
US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said the sanctions against PDVSA would prevent Maduro from diverting resources from the country until power could be transferred to an interim or democratically-elected government.

A furious Maduro, 56, said Trump would have "blood all over his hands" if violence breaks out in Venezuela.

In a tweet, he urged the opposition to "ignore the imperialist calls" and reiterated his offer of dialogue to Guaido. He has previously accused the US of trying to orchestrate a coup d'etat.

Gustavo Tarre, Venezuela's new pro-Guaido representative to the Organization of American States, rejected the coup accusation and cast doubt on the staying power of Maduro's regime, saying no one would defend him to the death.&nbsp;

Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said the new sanctions "violate all possible international norms" and said the US has "publicly taken a course toward illegal regime change."

Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said his country opposes "unilateral sanctions" as they "will only complicate the situation and will not help solve practical problems."

The oil-rich country is already reeling from a deep economic crisis that has pushed millions into poverty and driven 2.3 million more to migrate.

Hyperinflation, shortages of food and medicine and failing public services has spread misery, undermining support for a leftist regime that has held power for two decades.

'All options' 
Trump's national security advisor Bolton called Monday for Venezuela's security forces "to accept the peaceful, democratic and constitutional transfer of power."

He also reiterated Trump's position that "all options are on the table."

Acting Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan did not rule out a US military deployment to Colombia.

But the Lima Group of Latin American countries and Canada is opposed to "military intervention" in the Venezuela, Peru's Foreign Minister Nestor Popolizio said.

Six European nations -- Britain, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Portugal and Spain -- have said they would follow suit unless Maduro calls elections by February 3.

Venezuela's Supreme Tribunal of Justice barred self-declared president Juan Guaido from leaving the country and froze his bank accounts Tuesday, as leader Nicolas Maduro seeks to neutralize the American-backed opposition chief.

Venezuela's Supreme Tribunal of Justice barred self-declared president Juan Guaido from leaving the country and froze his bank accounts Tuesday, as leader Nicolas Maduro seeks to neutralize the American-backed opposition chief. The 35-year-old head of the National Assembly legislature "is prohibited from leaving the country until the end of the (preliminary) investigation" for having "caused harm to peace in the republic," high court president Maikel Moreno said. The court is stacked with Maduro loyalists. The move came after the State Department revealed that Guaido — the National Assembly head and self-proclaimed interim president — has been handed control of Venezuela's US bank accounts. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo signed off on the order last week, which was then followed on Monday by US sanctions targeting Venezuela's state oil giant PDVSA, the cash-strapped government's main source of hard currency. "This certification will help Venezuela's legitimate government safeguard those assets for the benefit of the Venezuelan people," State Department spokesman Robert Palladino said in a statement. Guaido shrugged off Maduro's efforts to choke his progress as "nothing new." "I'm not dismissing the threats, the persecution at this time, but we're here, we're continuing to do our jobs," he told reporters as he arrived at the National Assembly. Guaido, who has been recognized as interim president by US President Donald Trump, sent a message to the country's top court on Twitter warning that "the regime is in its final stage." "You shouldn't sacrifice yourselves for the usurper and his gang," he added. 'Serious consequences' In Washington, Trump's national security advisor warned of "serious consequences" if any harm comes to the Venezuelan opposition leader. "Let me reiterate -- there will be serious consequences for those who attempt to subvert democracy and harm Guaido," Trump advisor John Bolton tweeted. The opposition-controlled legislature, meanwhile, named "diplomatic representatives" to a dozen countries that, like the US, have recognized Guaido as the interim president. At the White House, US Vice President Mike Pence met with Guaido's appointed charge d'affaires in the United States, Carlos Vecchio, to discuss the crisis. The 35-year-old engineer stormed onto the political stage as a virtual unknown on January 3, when he was sworn in as the president of the National Assembly, a body that had been largely neutralized by the Supreme Court. On January 23, he declared himself the country's acting president and vowed to lead a transitional government that would hold democratic elections. To keep up the pressure, he has called two more mass demonstrations against the government this week, and has appealed to the powerful military to change sides, offering amnesty to those who do. At least 40 people have been killed in clashes with security forces nationwide and at least 850 arrested since January 21 when a brief military rebellion was put down in Caracas, according to the UN human rights office in Geneva. - 'Blood on his hands' - US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said the sanctions against PDVSA would prevent Maduro from diverting resources from the country until power could be transferred to an interim or democratically-elected government. A furious Maduro, 56, said Trump would have "blood all over his hands" if violence breaks out in Venezuela. In a tweet, he urged the opposition to "ignore the imperialist calls" and reiterated his offer of dialogue to Guaido. He has previously accused the US of trying to orchestrate a coup d'etat. Gustavo Tarre, Venezuela's new pro-Guaido representative to the Organization of American States, rejected the coup accusation and cast doubt on the staying power of Maduro's regime, saying no one would defend him to the death. Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said the new sanctions "violate all possible international norms" and said the US has "publicly taken a course toward illegal regime change." Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said his country opposes "unilateral sanctions" as they "will only complicate the situation and will not help solve practical problems." The oil-rich country is already reeling from a deep economic crisis that has pushed millions into poverty and driven 2.3 million more to migrate. Hyperinflation, shortages of food and medicine and failing public services has spread misery, undermining support for a leftist regime that has held power for two decades. 'All options' Trump's national security advisor Bolton called Monday for Venezuela's security forces "to accept the peaceful, democratic and constitutional transfer of power." He also reiterated Trump's position that "all options are on the table." Acting Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan did not rule out a US military deployment to Colombia. But the Lima Group of Latin American countries and Canada is opposed to "military intervention" in the Venezuela, Peru's Foreign Minister Nestor Popolizio said. Six European nations -- Britain, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Portugal and Spain -- have said they would follow suit unless Maduro calls elections by February 3.

Venezuela bars Juan Guaido from leaving country, freezes his bank accounts

Venezuela's government struck back at self-declared interim president Juan Guaido on Tuesday, with the Supreme Court imposing a travel ban and freeze on his bank accounts despite a warning from Washington of "serious consequences" if it did so.

The court also said prosecutors could investigate Guaido, in apparent retaliation for sweeping US sanctions on oil firm PDVSA, announced on Monday.

The sanctions mean the state-run company may not be able to fulfill contracts with North American buyers, the government of President Nicolas Maduro said.

Aimed at driving Maduro from power, the sanctions were the strongest measures yet against the 56-year-old former union leader, who has overseen economic collapse and an exodus of millions of Venezuelans in recent years.

The measures triggered higher global oil prices, angry responses from China and Russia and the first serious moves against Guaido since he challenged Maduro's claim on the presidency last week.

The Supreme Court approved a request from Venezuelan Attorney General Tarek Saab to open a preliminary investigation into Guaido based on accusations he helped foreign countries to interfere in internal matters. The court also imposed a travel ban on the 35-year-old leader and froze his bank accounts.

As a lawmaker who heads the National Assembly, Guaido has immunity from prosecution unless ordered by a top court. But the 32-member Supreme Court is loyal to Maduro and moved quickly to open the investigation.

In response to news earlier of the attorney general's plan, U.S. national security adviser John Bolton warned of "serious consequences for those who attempt to subvert democracy and harm Guaido," in a tweet that described Saab as the "illegitimate former Venezuelan Attorney General."

The United States and several other countries have recognized Guaido as Venezuela's legitimate head of state and denounced Maduro as a usurper. Maduro, sworn in on Jan. 10 for a second term after disputed elections last year, accuses Guaido of staging a U.S.-directed coup against him. Maduro is backed by a number of countries, including Russia.

Maduro's inauguration sparked protests throughout Venezuela. Over 40 people are believed to have been killed in political violence last week, including 26 shot by pro-government forces, five killed in house raids and 11 during looting, U.N. human rights spokesman Rupert Colville said on Tuesday.

He said more than 850 people were detained between Jan. 21 and Jan. 26, including 77 children, some as young as 12.

Guaido said on Tuesday he did not underestimate the threat of imprisonment but did not believe it was "anything new." Many opposition leaders have been imprisoned in the South American nation.

"We are here. We will keep acting and working to confront the humanitarian crisis," Guaido told a news conference.

Most experts believe the sanctions and other measures against Maduro will encourage him to step down only if he loses the support of the powerful military, which until now has been mostly loyal to the leftist ruling party founded by late President Hugo Chavez.

Maduro appeared on a television broadcast from a military base on Tuesday, praising the soldiers' loyalty.

The U.S. State Department said on Tuesday it had certified Guaido's authority to control certain assets held by U.S.-insured banks, including government and central bank accounts.

U.S. military invention is seen in Washington as highly unlikely, but President Donald Trump has repeatedly said "all options are on the table" and notes Bolton held at a Monday briefing containing the words "5,000 troops to Colombia" have raised questions.

SIDESTEPPING SANCTIONS

Oil minister and PDVSA head Manuel Quevedo said on Tuesday that PDVSA was considering declaring partial force majeure on its contractual obligations in the United States. The company would not allow the opposition to take control of its U.S. refinery unit Citgo, Venezuela's key foreign asset, he said.

All oil tankers leaving Venezuelan ports would have to pay for crude before departing, he said.

"We can't allow Venezuelan oil to be stolen," he said in a speech on state television.

PDVSA is also seeking to sidestep the sanctions by asking major buyers, including U.S. refiners, to renegotiate contracts, sources said.

International Brent crude oil futures rose over 2 percent on Tuesday in reaction. Venezuela is among the world's largest heavy crude oil producers. [O/R]

The Kremlin condemned the sanctions as illegal interference, while China said they would lead to suffering for which Washington would bear responsibility.

The sanctions could cause problems for Venezuela when it comes to servicing its sovereign debt to Russia, which stands at $3.15 billion, Russian Deputy Finance Minister Sergei Storchak told reporters on Tuesday.

In Geneva, senior U.S. and Venezuelan diplomats traded jibes at a disarmament conference. Venezuela's ambassador, Jorge Valero, said the Trump administration was preparing a "military invasion" and questioned whether Washington had the moral authority to "impose a diktat" on Caracas.

Venezuela has sunk into economic and political turmoil under Maduro's socialist government, with inflation seen rising to 10 million percent this year.

The loss of revenue from the United States, the No. 1 buyer of Venezuelan crude, is sure to further hamper the government's ability to import basic goods like food and medicine, exacerbating a humanitarian crisis that has prompted more than 3 million people to leave the country in recent years.

Venezuela's government struck back at self-declared interim president Juan Guaido on Tuesday, with the Supreme Court imposing a travel ban and freeze on his bank accounts despite a warning from Washington of "serious consequences" if it did so.

Venezuela's government struck back at self-declared interim president Juan Guaido on Tuesday, with the Supreme Court imposing a travel ban and freeze on his bank accounts despite a warning from Washington of "serious consequences" if it did so. The court also said prosecutors could investigate Guaido, in apparent retaliation for sweeping US sanctions on oil firm PDVSA, announced on Monday. The sanctions mean the state-run company may not be able to fulfill contracts with North American buyers, the government of President Nicolas Maduro said. Aimed at driving Maduro from power, the sanctions were the strongest measures yet against the 56-year-old former union leader, who has overseen economic collapse and an exodus of millions of Venezuelans in recent years. The measures triggered higher global oil prices, angry responses from China and Russia and the first serious moves against Guaido since he challenged Maduro's claim on the presidency last week. The Supreme Court approved a request from Venezuelan Attorney General Tarek Saab to open a preliminary investigation into Guaido based on accusations he helped foreign countries to interfere in internal matters. The court also imposed a travel ban on the 35-year-old leader and froze his bank accounts. As a lawmaker who heads the National Assembly, Guaido has immunity from prosecution unless ordered by a top court. But the 32-member Supreme Court is loyal to Maduro and moved quickly to open the investigation. In response to news earlier of the attorney general's plan, U.S. national security adviser John Bolton warned of "serious consequences for those who attempt to subvert democracy and harm Guaido," in a tweet that described Saab as the "illegitimate former Venezuelan Attorney General." The United States and several other countries have recognized Guaido as Venezuela's legitimate head of state and denounced Maduro as a usurper. Maduro, sworn in on Jan. 10 for a second term after disputed elections last year, accuses Guaido of staging a U.S.-directed coup against him. Maduro is backed by a number of countries, including Russia. Maduro's inauguration sparked protests throughout Venezuela. Over 40 people are believed to have been killed in political violence last week, including 26 shot by pro-government forces, five killed in house raids and 11 during looting, U.N. human rights spokesman Rupert Colville said on Tuesday. He said more than 850 people were detained between Jan. 21 and Jan. 26, including 77 children, some as young as 12. Guaido said on Tuesday he did not underestimate the threat of imprisonment but did not believe it was "anything new." Many opposition leaders have been imprisoned in the South American nation. "We are here. We will keep acting and working to confront the humanitarian crisis," Guaido told a news conference. Most experts believe the sanctions and other measures against Maduro will encourage him to step down only if he loses the support of the powerful military, which until now has been mostly loyal to the leftist ruling party founded by late President Hugo Chavez. Maduro appeared on a television broadcast from a military base on Tuesday, praising the soldiers' loyalty. The U.S. State Department said on Tuesday it had certified Guaido's authority to control certain assets held by U.S.-insured banks, including government and central bank accounts. U.S. military invention is seen in Washington as highly unlikely, but President Donald Trump has repeatedly said "all options are on the table" and notes Bolton held at a Monday briefing containing the words "5,000 troops to Colombia" have raised questions. SIDESTEPPING SANCTIONS Oil minister and PDVSA head Manuel Quevedo said on Tuesday that PDVSA was considering declaring partial force majeure on its contractual obligations in the United States. The company would not allow the opposition to take control of its U.S. refinery unit Citgo, Venezuela's key foreign asset, he said. All oil tankers leaving Venezuelan ports would have to pay for crude before departing, he said. "We can't allow Venezuelan oil to be stolen," he said in a speech on state television. PDVSA is also seeking to sidestep the sanctions by asking major buyers, including U.S. refiners, to renegotiate contracts, sources said. International Brent crude oil futures rose over 2 percent on Tuesday in reaction. Venezuela is among the world's largest heavy crude oil producers. [O/R] The Kremlin condemned the sanctions as illegal interference, while China said they would lead to suffering for which Washington would bear responsibility. The sanctions could cause problems for Venezuela when it comes to servicing its sovereign debt to Russia, which stands at $3.15 billion, Russian Deputy Finance Minister Sergei Storchak told reporters on Tuesday. In Geneva, senior U.S. and Venezuelan diplomats traded jibes at a disarmament conference. Venezuela's ambassador, Jorge Valero, said the Trump administration was preparing a "military invasion" and questioned whether Washington had the moral authority to "impose a diktat" on Caracas. Venezuela has sunk into economic and political turmoil under Maduro's socialist government, with inflation seen rising to 10 million percent this year. The loss of revenue from the United States, the No. 1 buyer of Venezuelan crude, is sure to further hamper the government's ability to import basic goods like food and medicine, exacerbating a humanitarian crisis that has prompted more than 3 million people to leave the country in recent years.

Venezuela targets Opposition leader Juan Guaido with probe, travel ban, asset freeze

After reports said <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/venezuelas-maduro-says-he-is-ready-for-talks-with-the-opposition-russias-ria-193833">Venezuela president Maduro </a>was ready to negotiate' with opposition and call for elections, President Trump in a tweet said Guaido was being targeted by the Venezuelan Supreme Court.

Juan Guaido who has declared himself as <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-supreme-court-hits-juan-guaido-with-travel-ban-freezes-his-bank-accounts-193781">interim</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-supreme-court-hits-juan-guaido-with-travel-ban-freezes-his-bank-accounts-193781"> president said the regime </a>only thought about repression and persecution, adding it was nothing new. Venezuela's Attorney General&nbsp;Tarek Saab had asked the Supreme Court to open a preliminary investigation against Guaido and freeze his assets and impose a travel ban on him.

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Maduro willing to negotiate with opposition in Venezuela following U.S. sanctions and the cutting off of oil revenues. Guaido is being targeted by Venezuelan Supreme Court. Massive protest expected today. Americans should not travel to Venezuela until further notice.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1090566017238093824?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 30, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The United States, several Latin American countries and Canada have recognized Guaido as interim president. Trump cautioned Americans from travelling to the country while informing that massive protests are expected today

"Maduro willing to negotiate with opposition in Venezuela following US sanctions and the cutting off of oil revenues. Guaido is being targeted by Venezuelan Supreme Court. Massive protest expected today. Americans should not travel to Venezuela until further notice," the US president said.

Maduro claimed that President Trump had ordered the government of Colombia to assassinate him. "If something happens to me one day then Donald Trump and Colombian President Ivan Duque will be responsible for everything that is happening to me," he told a local television channel.

Russia and China have backed Muduro's regime with Kremlin denouncing the opposition's "usurpation of power".

Maduro on Monday had accused&nbsp;the United States of trying to steal US refining arm Citgo Petroleum after the Trump administration annouced &nbsp;sweeping sanctions on Venezuelan state-owned oil firm PDVSA. 
&nbsp;

After reports said Venezuela president Maduro was ready to negotiate' with opposition and call for elections, President Trump in a tweet said Guaido was being targeted by the Venezuelan Supreme Court.

After reports said Venezuela president Maduro was ready to negotiate' with opposition and call for elections, President Trump in a tweet said Guaido was being targeted by the Venezuelan Supreme Court. Juan Guaido who has declared himself as interim president said the regime only thought about repression and persecution, adding it was nothing new. Venezuela's Attorney General Tarek Saab had asked the Supreme Court to open a preliminary investigation against Guaido and freeze his assets and impose a travel ban on him. Maduro willing to negotiate with opposition in Venezuela following U.S. sanctions and the cutting off of oil revenues. Guaido is being targeted by Venezuelan Supreme Court. Massive protest expected today. Americans should not travel to Venezuela until further notice. — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 30, 2019 × The United States, several Latin American countries and Canada have recognized Guaido as interim president. Trump cautioned Americans from travelling to the country while informing that massive protests are expected today "Maduro willing to negotiate with opposition in Venezuela following US sanctions and the cutting off of oil revenues. Guaido is being targeted by Venezuelan Supreme Court. Massive protest expected today. Americans should not travel to Venezuela until further notice," the US president said. Maduro claimed that President Trump had ordered the government of Colombia to assassinate him. "If something happens to me one day then Donald Trump and Colombian President Ivan Duque will be responsible for everything that is happening to me," he told a local television channel. Russia and China have backed Muduro's regime with Kremlin denouncing the opposition's "usurpation of power". Maduro on Monday had accused the United States of trying to steal US refining arm Citgo Petroleum after the Trump administration annouced sweeping sanctions on Venezuelan state-owned oil firm PDVSA.

Guaido being targeted by Venezuela's Supreme Court: Trump

Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro said he was prepared to hold negotiations with the US-backed opposition and added he would support early parliamentary elections, RIA Novosti reported on Wednesday.

"I am ready to sit down at the negotiating table with the opposition so that we could talk for the good of Venezuela," Maduro told the Russian state news agency in an interview in Caracas.

Last week the oil-rich but economically devastated Latin American country was plunged into uncertainty when <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-supreme-court-hits-juan-guaido-with-travel-ban-freezes-his-bank-accounts-193781">the US-backed opposition leader Juan </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-supreme-court-hits-juan-guaido-with-travel-ban-freezes-his-bank-accounts-193781">Guaido</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-supreme-court-hits-juan-guaido-with-travel-ban-freezes-his-bank-accounts-193781"> proclaimed himself "acting president"</a>.

The United States, a dozen Latin American countries and Canada have recognized Guaido as interim president, while China and Russia -- Venezuela's two main creditors -- have urged non-interference.

In the interview with RIA Novosti, Maduro also said he would support early parliamentary elections.

"It would be very good to conduct parliamentary elections at an earlier stage, it would be a good form of political discussion," Maduro said.

At the same time he dismissed the possibility of holding a new presidential poll any time soon.

"Presidential elections in Venezuela have taken place, and if imperialists want new elections let them wait until 2025," he said in an apparent reference to Washington.

Maduro has been in charge since 2013 but his re-election in May was branded illegitimate by the European Union, United States and Organization of American States.

The embattled leader also implied he was firmly in charge of the army whose support is crucial.

"I am carrying out my duties as commander-in-chief according to the Constitution consolidating the national Bolivarian armed forces," he said. "And the Bolivarian armed forces are demonstrating a lesson in ethics, loyalty and discipline."

Maduro also claimed that US President Donald Trump had ordered the government of Colombia to assassinate him.

"If something happens to me one day then Donald Trump and Colombian President Ivan Duque will be responsible for everything that is happening to me," he said, adding however that he was in good hands.

"At the same time, I am protected. We have a good system of defence in place and moreover, we have more significant protection -- this is protection from God who will give me a long life," Maduro added.

Russia has denounced the opposition's "usurpation of power", calling Maduro the crisis-hit country's legitimate leader.

Russia and Venezuela have a long history of ties and Maduro's predecessor Hugo Chavez, known for his tirades against the United States, was a welcome guest at the Kremlin.

Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro said he was prepared to hold negotiations with the US-backed opposition and added he would support early parliamentary elections, RIA Novosti reported on Wednesday.

Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro said he was prepared to hold negotiations with the US-backed opposition and added he would support early parliamentary elections, RIA Novosti reported on Wednesday. "I am ready to sit down at the negotiating table with the opposition so that we could talk for the good of Venezuela," Maduro told the Russian state news agency in an interview in Caracas. Last week the oil-rich but economically devastated Latin American country was plunged into uncertainty when the US-backed opposition leader Juan Guaido proclaimed himself "acting president". The United States, a dozen Latin American countries and Canada have recognized Guaido as interim president, while China and Russia -- Venezuela's two main creditors -- have urged non-interference. In the interview with RIA Novosti, Maduro also said he would support early parliamentary elections. "It would be very good to conduct parliamentary elections at an earlier stage, it would be a good form of political discussion," Maduro said. At the same time he dismissed the possibility of holding a new presidential poll any time soon. "Presidential elections in Venezuela have taken place, and if imperialists want new elections let them wait until 2025," he said in an apparent reference to Washington. Maduro has been in charge since 2013 but his re-election in May was branded illegitimate by the European Union, United States and Organization of American States. The embattled leader also implied he was firmly in charge of the army whose support is crucial. "I am carrying out my duties as commander-in-chief according to the Constitution consolidating the national Bolivarian armed forces," he said. "And the Bolivarian armed forces are demonstrating a lesson in ethics, loyalty and discipline." Maduro also claimed that US President Donald Trump had ordered the government of Colombia to assassinate him. "If something happens to me one day then Donald Trump and Colombian President Ivan Duque will be responsible for everything that is happening to me," he said, adding however that he was in good hands. "At the same time, I am protected. We have a good system of defence in place and moreover, we have more significant protection -- this is protection from God who will give me a long life," Maduro added. Russia has denounced the opposition's "usurpation of power", calling Maduro the crisis-hit country's legitimate leader. Russia and Venezuela have a long history of ties and Maduro's predecessor Hugo Chavez, known for his tirades against the United States, was a welcome guest at the Kremlin.

Venezuela's Maduro says he's 'ready to negotiate' with opposition, calls for early elections: RIA

The United States announced <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-calls-on-world-to-pick-a-side-on-venezuela-europeans-set-to-recognize-guaido-193131">sanctions against Venezuela's state oil company</a> Monday in a coordinated effort with the main opposition leader to cripple embattled President Nicolas Maduro's power base.

The measures against state-owned PDVSA were presented as a way of preventing the leftist strongman from looting the coffers in his economically ruined country before he is replaced by the man Washington says is the rightful interim president — opposition leader Juan Guaido.

"The purpose of sanctions is to change behavior," Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin told reporters at the White House.

"So when there is a recognition that the company is the property of, the rightful rulers, the rightful leaders, then indeed that money will be available to Guaido."

Guaido, who heads the National Assembly legislature and has named himself acting president, issued his own statement, saying he was taking "orderly control of our republic's assets abroad" to prevent a departing Maduro from trying "to empty the coffers."

Venezuela was once a Latin American success story and has the world's largest oil reserves, but has been driven into the ground during years of hardline leftist rule.

With millions short of food and other basic resources, there is widespread discontent. However, so far, Maduro has retained the backing of the powerful armed forces, as well as support from Russia and China.

Washington has moved decisively to seek the exit of Maduro by recognizing Guaido and urging the military to switch loyalties.

President Donald Trump's national security advisor, John Bolton, called for security forces "to accept the peaceful, democratic and constitutional transfer of power."

"We've seen Venezuelan official and military personnel heeding this call," he added, citing the defection this weekend of the country's military attache to Washington.

Bolton also would not rule out the use of US troops.

"The president has made it clear on this matter that all options are on the table," he told reporters.

Pope's 'bloodbath' fears 
Guaido called for a two-hour strike Wednesday "to demand that the armed forces side with the people" ahead of a "big national and international rally" on Saturday.

His remarks came as the death toll in last week's protests rose to 35, according to NGO workers, with the government security forces accused of killing another eight in "extra-judicial executions."

Following a trip to Panama, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/dont-fight-in-front-of-the-kids-pope-francis-190061">Pope Francis</a> said he was afraid the escalating crisis would become "a bloodbath."

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, meanwhile, offered to step in, saying he could provide "good offices to facilitate dialogue and negotiation between the parties."

Along with China and Russia, Turkey and leftist regional allies Bolivia, Cuba and Mexico still back Maduro.

But a dozen Latin American countries have recognized Guaido and six European nations -- Britain, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Portugal and Spain -- have said they would follow suit unless Maduro calls elections by February 3.

- US: PDVSA must drop Maduro - 
Mnuchin said PDVSA must cut itself off from Maduro in order to see sanctions dropped.

"The path to sanctions relief for PDVSA is through the expeditious transfer of control to the interim president or a subsequent, democratically elected government," he said.

PDVSA's US-based subsidiary Citgo will be able to continue operations, as long as its earnings are deposited into a blocked account in the United States.

Guaido, who declared himself acting president Wednesday, said he will begin the process of naming new boards for PDVSA and Citgo to "start recovering our industry that is going through a dark time."

Lawmakers will be asked to take "the necessary measures to guarantee the greatest transparency and control of the use" of the assets, Guaido added.

"We took this decision to ensure that Citgo stays in the hands of Venezuelans."

An angry Maduro nevertheless accused the United States of trying to "steal Citgo" and pledged to file legal action over the new sanctions.

Since being elected head of the National Assembly legislature last month, Guaido has managed to rally a previously disunited opposition.

Maduro has been in charge since 2013 but his re-election in May was branded illegitimate by the European Union, United States and Organization of American States.

Several opposition leaders had been forced into exile, jailed or barred from standing in the election, leading the opposition to boycott the poll.

The United States announced sanctions against Venezuela's state oil company Monday in a coordinated effort with the main opposition leader to cripple embattled President Nicolas Maduro's power base.

The United States announced sanctions against Venezuela's state oil company Monday in a coordinated effort with the main opposition leader to cripple embattled President Nicolas Maduro's power base. The measures against state-owned PDVSA were presented as a way of preventing the leftist strongman from looting the coffers in his economically ruined country before he is replaced by the man Washington says is the rightful interim president — opposition leader Juan Guaido. "The purpose of sanctions is to change behavior," Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin told reporters at the White House. "So when there is a recognition that the company is the property of, the rightful rulers, the rightful leaders, then indeed that money will be available to Guaido." Guaido, who heads the National Assembly legislature and has named himself acting president, issued his own statement, saying he was taking "orderly control of our republic's assets abroad" to prevent a departing Maduro from trying "to empty the coffers." Venezuela was once a Latin American success story and has the world's largest oil reserves, but has been driven into the ground during years of hardline leftist rule. With millions short of food and other basic resources, there is widespread discontent. However, so far, Maduro has retained the backing of the powerful armed forces, as well as support from Russia and China. Washington has moved decisively to seek the exit of Maduro by recognizing Guaido and urging the military to switch loyalties. President Donald Trump's national security advisor, John Bolton, called for security forces "to accept the peaceful, democratic and constitutional transfer of power." "We've seen Venezuelan official and military personnel heeding this call," he added, citing the defection this weekend of the country's military attache to Washington. Bolton also would not rule out the use of US troops. "The president has made it clear on this matter that all options are on the table," he told reporters. Pope's 'bloodbath' fears Guaido called for a two-hour strike Wednesday "to demand that the armed forces side with the people" ahead of a "big national and international rally" on Saturday. His remarks came as the death toll in last week's protests rose to 35, according to NGO workers, with the government security forces accused of killing another eight in "extra-judicial executions." Following a trip to Panama, Pope Francis said he was afraid the escalating crisis would become "a bloodbath." United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, meanwhile, offered to step in, saying he could provide "good offices to facilitate dialogue and negotiation between the parties." Along with China and Russia, Turkey and leftist regional allies Bolivia, Cuba and Mexico still back Maduro. But a dozen Latin American countries have recognized Guaido and six European nations -- Britain, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Portugal and Spain -- have said they would follow suit unless Maduro calls elections by February 3. - US: PDVSA must drop Maduro - Mnuchin said PDVSA must cut itself off from Maduro in order to see sanctions dropped. "The path to sanctions relief for PDVSA is through the expeditious transfer of control to the interim president or a subsequent, democratically elected government," he said. PDVSA's US-based subsidiary Citgo will be able to continue operations, as long as its earnings are deposited into a blocked account in the United States. Guaido, who declared himself acting president Wednesday, said he will begin the process of naming new boards for PDVSA and Citgo to "start recovering our industry that is going through a dark time." Lawmakers will be asked to take "the necessary measures to guarantee the greatest transparency and control of the use" of the assets, Guaido added. "We took this decision to ensure that Citgo stays in the hands of Venezuelans." An angry Maduro nevertheless accused the United States of trying to "steal Citgo" and pledged to file legal action over the new sanctions. Since being elected head of the National Assembly legislature last month, Guaido has managed to rally a previously disunited opposition. Maduro has been in charge since 2013 but his re-election in May was branded illegitimate by the European Union, United States and Organization of American States. Several opposition leaders had been forced into exile, jailed or barred from standing in the election, leading the opposition to boycott the poll.

US goes after Venezuela's oil to hit Maduro

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-should-stop-unreasonable-suppression-of-huawei-china-193706">US should stop unreasonable suppression of Huawei: China</a>

China on Tuesday accused the United States of "political motivations" behind sweeping charges against Chinese telecom giant Huawei in a case that has ratcheted up tensions between the two superpowers.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/ayodhya-dispute-centre-moves-to-supreme-court-seeks-excess-land-be-returned-to-ramjanambhoomi-nyas-193587">Ayodhya dispute: Centre moves Supreme Court, seeks permission to return acquired land to Ram Janmabhoomi Nyas</a>

The central government has submitted an interim application to the Supreme Court asking for permission to restore 67.39 acres of the land acquired around the disputed Babri Masjid-Ram Janmabhoomi site to its rightful owners.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-supreme-court-rejects-petition-against-asia-bibis-acquittal-193662">Pakistan Supreme Court rejects petition against Asia Bibi's acquittal</a>

Pakistan's Supreme Court rejected a review petition challenging the acquittal of Asia Bibi in the blasphemy case.

"Based on merit, this review petition is dismissed," Chief Justice Asif Saeed Khosa said while presiding over the three-judge panel.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/sanctions-against-venezuela-illegal-violates-all-possible-international-norms-russia-193682">Sanctions against Venezuela illegal, violates all possible international norms: Russia</a>

A day after the Trump administration announced sanctions against Venezuela's state-owned oil firm PDVSA, Kremlin said the sanctions were "illegal".

"The legitimate authorities of Venezuela have already labelled these sanctions illegal. We can wholly support this point of view," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/if-us-responds-to-denuclearisation-with-trustworthy-measures-relations-will-develop-fast-north-korea-193678">If US responds to denuclearisation with trustworthy measures, relations will develop fast: North Korea</a>

North Korea said on Tuesday that relations with the United States will develop "wonderfully at a fast pace" if Washington responds to its efforts on denuclearisation with trustworthy measures and practical actions.

US should stop unreasonable suppression of Huawei: China China on Tuesday accused the United States of "political motivations" behind sweeping charges against Chinese telecom giant Huawei in a case that has ratcheted up tensions between the two superpowers.

US should stop unreasonable suppression of Huawei: China China on Tuesday accused the United States of "political motivations" behind sweeping charges against Chinese telecom giant Huawei in a case that has ratcheted up tensions between the two superpowers. Ayodhya dispute: Centre moves Supreme Court, seeks permission to return acquired land to Ram Janmabhoomi Nyas The central government has submitted an interim application to the Supreme Court asking for permission to restore 67.39 acres of the land acquired around the disputed Babri Masjid-Ram Janmabhoomi site to its rightful owners. Pakistan Supreme Court rejects petition against Asia Bibi's acquittal Pakistan's Supreme Court rejected a review petition challenging the acquittal of Asia Bibi in the blasphemy case. "Based on merit, this review petition is dismissed," Chief Justice Asif Saeed Khosa said while presiding over the three-judge panel. Sanctions against Venezuela illegal, violates all possible international norms: Russia A day after the Trump administration announced sanctions against Venezuela's state-owned oil firm PDVSA, Kremlin said the sanctions were "illegal". "The legitimate authorities of Venezuela have already labelled these sanctions illegal. We can wholly support this point of view," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said. If US responds to denuclearisation with trustworthy measures, relations will develop fast: North Korea North Korea said on Tuesday that relations with the United States will develop "wonderfully at a fast pace" if Washington responds to its efforts on denuclearisation with trustworthy measures and practical actions.

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