A day after the Trump administration announced <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-goes-after-venezuelas-oil-to-hit-maduro-193555">sanctions against Venezuela's state-owned </a>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.

Peskov added that sanctions were an "overt intervention in Venezuela's domestic affairs" and a case of "illegal competition".&nbsp;

He said that Russia will strive to protect its interests "within the framework of international law".&nbsp;Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov said that the new sanctions "violate all possible international norms" and show a course toward regime change in embattled Venezuela.&nbsp;

"The US has... publicly taken a course toward illegal regime change," he said Tuesday.&nbsp;

Venezuelan<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/maduro-vs-guaido-who-is-backing-whom-193331"> President Nicolas Maduro</a> while addressing the nation on television had said PDVSA would take "legal, political, operative, technical and commercial measures to defend interests of Venezuela in the United States."

The US had announced sanctions against Venezuelan state-owned oil firm PDVSA aimed at curbing its crude import to the country while pressuring Maduro to step down.

China meanwhile said the<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/uss-bolton-warns-venezuela-of-significant-response-if-juan-guaido-is-threatened-193282"> United States should bear responsibility</a> for the consequences of its sanctions on Venezuela. Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said historical experience showed foreign interference "only makes situations more complicated".

The United States is pushing to allow opposition leader Juan Guaido as the next president even as Maduro has refused to step down. Guaido accuses Maduro of stealing the election and wants new polls in the country.

"The relevant country's sanctions on Venezuela will lead to the deterioration of conditions of people's lives," China's foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said, adding, "they should bear responsibility for the serious consequences from this."

Maduro hit back at US sanctions asserting that he will provide "reciprocal and convincing response needed to defend Venezuela's interests". Maduro's problems have been exacerbated by the fact that the United States is the biggest buyer of Venezuelan crude oil.

Juan Guaido ordered congress on Monday to appoint new boards of directors to state oil company PDVSA and US subsidiary Citgo in order to intensify pressure on his political opponent.

"If the people in Venezuela want to continue to sell us oil, as long as the money goes into blocked accounts we will continue to take it. Otherwise, will we not be buying it," US treasury secretary Steven Mnuchin said, with US national security adviser John Bolton adding that sanctions would block $7 billion in PDVSA's assets "plus over $11 billion in lost export proceeds over the next year."

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.

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. Peskov added that sanctions were an "overt intervention in Venezuela's domestic affairs" and a case of "illegal competition". He said that Russia will strive to protect its interests "within the framework of international law". Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov said that the new sanctions "violate all possible international norms" and show a course toward regime change in embattled Venezuela. "The US has... publicly taken a course toward illegal regime change," he said Tuesday. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro while addressing the nation on television had said PDVSA would take "legal, political, operative, technical and commercial measures to defend interests of Venezuela in the United States." The US had announced sanctions against Venezuelan state-owned oil firm PDVSA aimed at curbing its crude import to the country while pressuring Maduro to step down. China meanwhile said the United States should bear responsibility for the consequences of its sanctions on Venezuela. Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said historical experience showed foreign interference "only makes situations more complicated". The United States is pushing to allow opposition leader Juan Guaido as the next president even as Maduro has refused to step down. Guaido accuses Maduro of stealing the election and wants new polls in the country. "The relevant country's sanctions on Venezuela will lead to the deterioration of conditions of people's lives," China's foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said, adding, "they should bear responsibility for the serious consequences from this." Maduro hit back at US sanctions asserting that he will provide "reciprocal and convincing response needed to defend Venezuela's interests". Maduro's problems have been exacerbated by the fact that the United States is the biggest buyer of Venezuelan crude oil. Juan Guaido ordered congress on Monday to appoint new boards of directors to state oil company PDVSA and US subsidiary Citgo in order to intensify pressure on his political opponent. "If the people in Venezuela want to continue to sell us oil, as long as the money goes into blocked accounts we will continue to take it. Otherwise, will we not be buying it," US treasury secretary Steven Mnuchin said, with US national security adviser John Bolton adding that sanctions would block $7 billion in PDVSA's assets "plus over $11 billion in lost export proceeds over the next year."

Sanctions against Venezuela illegal, violates all possible international norms: Russia

The United States should bear responsibility for the consequences of its <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-goes-after-venezuelas-oil-to-hit-maduro-193555">sanctions on Venezuela</a>, China said on Tuesday, after Washington imposed sweeping restrictions on Venezuelan state-owned oil firm PDVSA.

The latest US sanctions announced on Monday appear to be aimed at pressuring President Nicolas Maduro to step down and to build on the momentum that has mounted in recent weeks against him at home and abroad.

Juan Guaido, the Venezuelan opposition leader who proclaimed himself interim president last week with US backing, and who is supported by most Western countries, says Maduro stole his re-election and must resign to allow new, fair polls.

China has said it opposes unilateral sanctions.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said historical experience showed foreign interference "only makes situations more complicated".

"The relevant country's sanctions on Venezuela will lead to the deterioration of conditions of people's lives," Geng told a regular news briefing in Beijing, referring to the United States.

"They should bear responsibility for the serious consequences from this," he said.

China has lent more than $50 billion to Venezuela through oil-for-loan agreements over the past decade, securing energy supplies for its fast-growing economy.

But the financing dried up as the South American country's economy began spiralling downward in 2015, pressured by plummeting oil prices.

The Trump administration had long held off targeting Venezuela's oil sector for fear that it would hurt US refiners and raise oil prices for Americans. White House officials had also expressed concern about inflicting further hardship on the Venezuelan people.

The United States should bear responsibility for the consequences of its sanctions on Venezuela, China said on Tuesday, after Washington imposed sweeping restrictions on Venezuelan state-owned oil firm PDVSA.

The United States should bear responsibility for the consequences of its sanctions on Venezuela, China said on Tuesday, after Washington imposed sweeping restrictions on Venezuelan state-owned oil firm PDVSA. The latest US sanctions announced on Monday appear to be aimed at pressuring President Nicolas Maduro to step down and to build on the momentum that has mounted in recent weeks against him at home and abroad. Juan Guaido, the Venezuelan opposition leader who proclaimed himself interim president last week with US backing, and who is supported by most Western countries, says Maduro stole his re-election and must resign to allow new, fair polls. China has said it opposes unilateral sanctions. Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said historical experience showed foreign interference "only makes situations more complicated". "The relevant country's sanctions on Venezuela will lead to the deterioration of conditions of people's lives," Geng told a regular news briefing in Beijing, referring to the United States. "They should bear responsibility for the serious consequences from this," he said. China has lent more than $50 billion to Venezuela through oil-for-loan agreements over the past decade, securing energy supplies for its fast-growing economy. But the financing dried up as the South American country's economy began spiralling downward in 2015, pressured by plummeting oil prices. The Trump administration had long held off targeting Venezuela's oil sector for fear that it would hurt US refiners and raise oil prices for Americans. White House officials had also expressed concern about inflicting further hardship on the Venezuelan people.

US should bear consequences of Venezuela sanctions: China

Venezuela has been receiving massive attention from the international community since National Assembly <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-opposition-leader-juan-guaido-rules-out-crisis-talks-says-maduro-can-not-be-trusted-192823">chief Juan Guaido</a> declared himself acting interim president of Venezuela.

With socialist President Nicolas Maduro hanging on to power, these are their respective key supports, inside and outside the OPEC member:

Maduro

Military: The Venezuela armed forces are considered the backbone of the government, and on Thursday senior military officers reaffirmed support for Maduro, claiming that there was an effective "coup" underway.

Of 32 cabinet ministers, nine are from the military and run portfolios such as Defense, Interior, Agriculture and the intelligence service, as well as state oil giant PDVSA, which contributes 96 per cent of the country's income.

They also control a television station, a bank and a vehicle assembly plant, among other companies.

But their support has come under some threat. The military attache of Venezuela in Washington, Colonel Jose Luis Silva, announced Saturday that he no longer recognises Maduro as the legitimate president, and urged his "military brothers" to back Guaido.

International creditors and allies: China, Venezuela's biggest creditor with some $20 billion dollars owed, said Thursday it opposed "external interference" after the United States and some allies recognised Guaido as interim leader.

Venezuela's number two creditor, Russia, also backs it militarily: in December it sent two bombers and some 100 officers to Caracas for joint exercises. President Vladimir Putin called Maduro to express his "support."

Countries such as Turkey, Cuba, Bolivia, Uruguay and Mexico — as well as Iran and North Korea — continue to recognise the 56-year-old Maduro.

Justice: Venezuela's Supreme Court of Justice (TSJ) supports the Maduro regime. Court justices were chosen by the pro-government National Assembly in December 2015, just days before the opposition took control of the legislature.

Since 2016 the top court has declared the opposition-controlled legislature in contempt and voided all of its actions. The court on Thursday reiterated its support for Maduro regime.

Venezuela's top prosecutor, Attorney General Tarek William Saab, also is a Maduro loyalist.

National Constituent Assembly: Maduro convened the staunchly pro-government assembly after four months of opposition protests that left about 125 dead in 2017. It has absolute powers and serves as the de facto legislature. the opposition says it was created illegally.

Electoral Authority: The National Electoral Council (CNE), in charge of running elections, is chaired by the openly pro-government Tibisay Lucena. Under her management, several opposition parties have been disqualified, and on Thursday it issued a statement endorsing Maduro.

Rulings by pro-government judges and the CNE thwarted opposition efforts to hold a referendum to revoke Maduro's presidency in 2016, a vote allowed under the constitution.

Opposition parties refused to participate in the last elections, including the May 2018 presidential vote in which Maduro was reelected, saying there were no guarantees of impartiality. They say Maduro was elected through fraud.

Guaido

International support: The United States, along with several Latin America and European Union countries, refused to recognise Maduro's reelection.

When Guaido proclaimed himself acting interim president US President Donald Trump quickly recognised him. Other countries, including Brazil, Colombia, Argentina and Australia, quickly followed. On Sunday Israel said it would recognise Guaido as president.

Six European countries — Spain, France, Germany, Britain, Portugal, the Netherlands — on Saturday demanded that either Venezuela call elections within eight days or they would recognise Guaido as interim leader.

Some European countries such as Greece still support Maduro.

The head of the Washington-based Organization of American States, &nbsp;Uruguayan Luis Almagro, also gave his support to Guaido.

National Assembly: The opposition-controlled National Assembly was elected in 2015 when a coalition of opposition parties handed the leftist regime its biggest electoral defeat ever.

After taking office on January 5, Guaido, 35, began to press for a "transitional government" and new elections, calling on the military to break with the government in exchange for an amnesty.

Justice in exile: A Venezuelan Supreme Court in exile, with members appointed by the National Assembly, on Wednesday welcomed Guaido's "will" to take over as acting leader pending new elections. 
&nbsp;

Venezuela has been receiving massive attention from the international community since National Assembly chief Juan Guaido declared himself acting interim president of Venezuela.

Venezuela has been receiving massive attention from the international community since National Assembly chief Juan Guaido declared himself acting interim president of Venezuela. With socialist President Nicolas Maduro hanging on to power, these are their respective key supports, inside and outside the OPEC member: Maduro Military: The Venezuela armed forces are considered the backbone of the government, and on Thursday senior military officers reaffirmed support for Maduro, claiming that there was an effective "coup" underway. Of 32 cabinet ministers, nine are from the military and run portfolios such as Defense, Interior, Agriculture and the intelligence service, as well as state oil giant PDVSA, which contributes 96 per cent of the country's income. They also control a television station, a bank and a vehicle assembly plant, among other companies. But their support has come under some threat. The military attache of Venezuela in Washington, Colonel Jose Luis Silva, announced Saturday that he no longer recognises Maduro as the legitimate president, and urged his "military brothers" to back Guaido. International creditors and allies: China, Venezuela's biggest creditor with some $20 billion dollars owed, said Thursday it opposed "external interference" after the United States and some allies recognised Guaido as interim leader. Venezuela's number two creditor, Russia, also backs it militarily: in December it sent two bombers and some 100 officers to Caracas for joint exercises. President Vladimir Putin called Maduro to express his "support." Countries such as Turkey, Cuba, Bolivia, Uruguay and Mexico — as well as Iran and North Korea — continue to recognise the 56-year-old Maduro. Justice: Venezuela's Supreme Court of Justice (TSJ) supports the Maduro regime. Court justices were chosen by the pro-government National Assembly in December 2015, just days before the opposition took control of the legislature. Since 2016 the top court has declared the opposition-controlled legislature in contempt and voided all of its actions. The court on Thursday reiterated its support for Maduro regime. Venezuela's top prosecutor, Attorney General Tarek William Saab, also is a Maduro loyalist. National Constituent Assembly: Maduro convened the staunchly pro-government assembly after four months of opposition protests that left about 125 dead in 2017. It has absolute powers and serves as the de facto legislature. the opposition says it was created illegally. Electoral Authority: The National Electoral Council (CNE), in charge of running elections, is chaired by the openly pro-government Tibisay Lucena. Under her management, several opposition parties have been disqualified, and on Thursday it issued a statement endorsing Maduro. Rulings by pro-government judges and the CNE thwarted opposition efforts to hold a referendum to revoke Maduro's presidency in 2016, a vote allowed under the constitution. Opposition parties refused to participate in the last elections, including the May 2018 presidential vote in which Maduro was reelected, saying there were no guarantees of impartiality. They say Maduro was elected through fraud. Guaido International support: The United States, along with several Latin America and European Union countries, refused to recognise Maduro's reelection. When Guaido proclaimed himself acting interim president US President Donald Trump quickly recognised him. Other countries, including Brazil, Colombia, Argentina and Australia, quickly followed. On Sunday Israel said it would recognise Guaido as president. Six European countries — Spain, France, Germany, Britain, Portugal, the Netherlands — on Saturday demanded that either Venezuela call elections within eight days or they would recognise Guaido as interim leader. Some European countries such as Greece still support Maduro. The head of the Washington-based Organization of American States, Uruguayan Luis Almagro, also gave his support to Guaido. National Assembly: The opposition-controlled National Assembly was elected in 2015 when a coalition of opposition parties handed the leftist regime its biggest electoral defeat ever. After taking office on January 5, Guaido, 35, began to press for a "transitional government" and new elections, calling on the military to break with the government in exchange for an amnesty. Justice in exile: A Venezuelan Supreme Court in exile, with members appointed by the National Assembly, on Wednesday welcomed Guaido's "will" to take over as acting leader pending new elections.

Maduro vs Guaido: Who is backing whom?

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/venezuelas-guaido-calls-for-new-protests-as-pressure-on-maduro-rises-193505">Venezuela is in the grip </a>of a major crisis. It currently has two presidents. President Nicolas Maduro who was elected last year, and opposition leader Juan Guaidó who declared himself as the president. The world stands divided with United States and many European leaders recognising Guaido while Russia and other countries backing Maduro. In an exclusive conversation with our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Venezuela's ambassador to India Augusto Montiel spoke on the current situation in the country.

 
WION:&nbsp;How do you see the situation in your country?

Augusto Montiel: Very clearly its a coup which has been organised and financed by the government of United States. The truth about&nbsp;Venezuela has not been shown.&nbsp;

Millions of people are supporting President Nicolas Maduro, they are supporting the constitution of Venezuela, the institutions, but the international organisations are not showing it.&nbsp;

There is a coup of international proportions led by the government of US. No article of the constitution allows anyone to come up and become a president without the vote of Venezuelans. President Nicolas Maduro was elected in May 2018 and like always the US government did not recognise the elections. It only recognises the elections in which the opposition wins. President Maduro has 6 million votes and that should be respected.

WION: What is the rationale of US interference?

Augusto Montiel: It is obvious, Venezuela has the largest oil reserves in the world. And like they did with Iraq and 12 years later they came out and said they were misinformed after causing so much destruction. Now they want to control based on lot of lies distributed around the world. They want to control the largest oil reserves. They want to control the gold reserves of Venezuela. And they want to control the Latin American region. Everything is against democracy. Everything against international rule of law.

WION: European countries have given a deadline for election...

Augusto Montiel: Looks like we are going back to the imperial or colonial time&nbsp;when the big empires ruled. What is civilization for? What is the United Nations for? The advancement in civilisation is for dialogue and negotiation. The US government is now pushing, financing and equipping a different scenario - a second reality. This reality is fake news reality. The problems in Venezuela is for Venezuelans to solve. We can't accept any power to come just because they have military power. The economic sanctions have created misery.&nbsp;

WION:&nbsp;The&nbsp;US is hinting at a military intervention...

Augusto Montiel: Obviously, its a crime. They can exterminate any country. They have sufficient bombs. Whatever they doing is against the logic of co-existence and human rule of law because of greed for Venezuelan oil. We will defend it. After destroying Libya, Iraq, Syria, what they want is to create a situation of terror in Venezuela. These are imperial desires of the US government.&nbsp;

WION: How do you see India's reaction?

Augusto Montiel: New Delhi has clearly stated problems of Venezuela and the electoral and democratic situation must be solved by Venezuelans and not by anyone coming from outside by a foreign country, by military power exerting and giving instructions and dictating politicians who do not want freedom and independence of Venezuela.

India has stated also, anything that happens there must not include violence, must not include war. Venezuela is a country that likes and bases its international relations on diplomacy of peace. We are there to share our oil on the basis of fair trade, on the basis of cooperation and friendship. We will make sure democracy and international cooperation prevails. This is what multilateralism is about.

We don't want the government of the United States to try to destroy multilateral environment which is keeping the world at balance. We can't lose that balance. Maduro is pushing for rule of law and democracy in every country.

Venezuela is in the grip of a major crisis. It currently has two presidents. President Nicolas Maduro who was elected last year, and opposition leader Juan Guaidó who declared himself as the president.

Venezuela is in the grip of a major crisis. It currently has two presidents. President Nicolas Maduro who was elected last year, and opposition leader Juan Guaidó who declared himself as the president. The world stands divided with United States and many European leaders recognising Guaido while Russia and other countries backing Maduro. In an exclusive conversation with our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Venezuela's ambassador to India Augusto Montiel spoke on the current situation in the country. WION: How do you see the situation in your country? Augusto Montiel: Very clearly its a coup which has been organised and financed by the government of United States. The truth about Venezuela has not been shown. Millions of people are supporting President Nicolas Maduro, they are supporting the constitution of Venezuela, the institutions, but the international organisations are not showing it. There is a coup of international proportions led by the government of US. No article of the constitution allows anyone to come up and become a president without the vote of Venezuelans. President Nicolas Maduro was elected in May 2018 and like always the US government did not recognise the elections. It only recognises the elections in which the opposition wins. President Maduro has 6 million votes and that should be respected. WION: What is the rationale of US interference? Augusto Montiel: It is obvious, Venezuela has the largest oil reserves in the world. And like they did with Iraq and 12 years later they came out and said they were misinformed after causing so much destruction. Now they want to control based on lot of lies distributed around the world. They want to control the largest oil reserves. They want to control the gold reserves of Venezuela. And they want to control the Latin American region. Everything is against democracy. Everything against international rule of law. WION: European countries have given a deadline for election... Augusto Montiel: Looks like we are going back to the imperial or colonial time when the big empires ruled. What is civilization for? What is the United Nations for? The advancement in civilisation is for dialogue and negotiation. The US government is now pushing, financing and equipping a different scenario - a second reality. This reality is fake news reality. The problems in Venezuela is for Venezuelans to solve. We can't accept any power to come just because they have military power. The economic sanctions have created misery. WION: The US is hinting at a military intervention... Augusto Montiel: Obviously, its a crime. They can exterminate any country. They have sufficient bombs. Whatever they doing is against the logic of co-existence and human rule of law because of greed for Venezuelan oil. We will defend it. After destroying Libya, Iraq, Syria, what they want is to create a situation of terror in Venezuela. These are imperial desires of the US government. WION: How do you see India's reaction? Augusto Montiel: New Delhi has clearly stated problems of Venezuela and the electoral and democratic situation must be solved by Venezuelans and not by anyone coming from outside by a foreign country, by military power exerting and giving instructions and dictating politicians who do not want freedom and independence of Venezuela. India has stated also, anything that happens there must not include violence, must not include war. Venezuela is a country that likes and bases its international relations on diplomacy of peace. We are there to share our oil on the basis of fair trade, on the basis of cooperation and friendship. We will make sure democracy and international cooperation prevails. This is what multilateralism is about. We don't want the government of the United States to try to destroy multilateral environment which is keeping the world at balance. We can't lose that balance. Maduro is pushing for rule of law and democracy in every country.

After Libya, Iraq & Syria, US is coming after us: Venezuela ambassador Augusto Montiel

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-bangla-plane-crash-that-killed-51-was-caused-by-pilot-smoking-in-cockpit-193269">US-Bangla plane crash that killed 51 was caused by pilot smoking in </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-bangla-plane-crash-that-killed-51-was-caused-by-pilot-smoking-in-cockpit-193269">cockpit</a>

The US-Bangla airline Bombardier UBG-211 crash that occurred in March last year took place as the pilot who was in charge of the flight had smoked inside the cockpit despite restrictions, authorities confirmed on Sunday.

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/live-updates-india-vs-new-zealand-3rd-odi-nz-are-at-10-1-after-2-overs-193266">India vs New Zealand, 3rd ODI: Catch all the live updates here</a>

India's bowlers struck early, sending both Kiwi openers back to the pavilion. New Zealand were 59/3 after 16.2 overs at 9 am IST with skipper Kane Williamson departing after his openers.&nbsp;

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/uss-bolton-warns-venezuela-of-significant-response-if-juan-guaido-is-threatened-193282">US's Bolton warns Venezuela of 'significant response' if Juan </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/uss-bolton-warns-venezuela-of-significant-response-if-juan-guaido-is-threatened-193282">Guaido</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/uss-bolton-warns-venezuela-of-significant-response-if-juan-guaido-is-threatened-193282"> is threatened</a>

National Security Adviser of the United States John Bolton said that any violence and intimidation against US diplomats, Venezuela's "democratic leader" Juan Guaido or the National Assembly will be met with a "significant response" from the US.&nbsp;

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/brazil-dam-burst-death-toll-touches-58-rescuers-find-bus-full-of-bodies-193259">Brazil dam burst: Death toll touches 58, rescuers find bus full of bodies</a>

Fears of a second dam breach at a Brazilian mining complex receded Sunday, enabling a search to resume for the more than 300 people still missing two days after a dam collapse that has killed at least 58 people.&nbsp;

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/to-defeat-obesity-hunger-climate-change-govts-must-curb-influence-of-big-corporations-lancet-193275">To defeat obesity, hunger &amp; climate change, </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/to-defeat-obesity-hunger-climate-change-govts-must-curb-influence-of-big-corporations-lancet-193275">govts</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/to-defeat-obesity-hunger-climate-change-govts-must-curb-influence-of-big-corporations-lancet-193275"> must curb </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/to-defeat-obesity-hunger-climate-change-govts-must-curb-influence-of-big-corporations-lancet-193275">influence</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/to-defeat-obesity-hunger-climate-change-govts-must-curb-influence-of-big-corporations-lancet-193275"> of big corporations: Lancet</a>

To defeat the intertwined pandemics of obesity, hunger and climate change, governments must curb the political influence of major corporations, said a major report Monday calling for a 'global treaty' similar to one for tobacco control.

Bu this will not happen unless ordinary citizens demand a "radical rethink" of the relationship between policymakers and business, nearly four dozen experts from The Lancet Commission on Obesity concluded.

US-Bangla plane crash that killed 51 was caused by pilot smoking in cockpit The US-Bangla airline Bombardier UBG-211 crash that occurred in March last year took place as the pilot who was in charge of the flight had smoked inside the cockpit despite restrictions, authorities confirmed on Sunday.

US-Bangla plane crash that killed 51 was caused by pilot smoking in cockpit The US-Bangla airline Bombardier UBG-211 crash that occurred in March last year took place as the pilot who was in charge of the flight had smoked inside the cockpit despite restrictions, authorities confirmed on Sunday. India vs New Zealand, 3rd ODI: Catch all the live updates here India's bowlers struck early, sending both Kiwi openers back to the pavilion. New Zealand were 59/3 after 16.2 overs at 9 am IST with skipper Kane Williamson departing after his openers. US's Bolton warns Venezuela of 'significant response' if Juan Guaido is threatened National Security Adviser of the United States John Bolton said that any violence and intimidation against US diplomats, Venezuela's "democratic leader" Juan Guaido or the National Assembly will be met with a "significant response" from the US. Brazil dam burst: Death toll touches 58, rescuers find bus full of bodies Fears of a second dam breach at a Brazilian mining complex receded Sunday, enabling a search to resume for the more than 300 people still missing two days after a dam collapse that has killed at least 58 people. To defeat obesity, hunger & climate change, govts must curb influence of big corporations: Lancet To defeat the intertwined pandemics of obesity, hunger and climate change, governments must curb the political influence of major corporations, said a major report Monday calling for a 'global treaty' similar to one for tobacco control. Bu this will not happen unless ordinary citizens demand a "radical rethink" of the relationship between policymakers and business, nearly four dozen experts from The Lancet Commission on Obesity concluded.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Juan Guaido, the Venezuelan opposition leader and self-proclaimed president, on Monday called for new street demonstrations as pressure intensified on President Nicolas Maduro and the crisis-stricken OPEC nation.

Countries around the world have recognized Guaido as Venezuela's rightful leader, and the United States vowed to starve Maduro's administration of oil revenue after he was sworn on January 10 for a second term that was widely dubbed illegitimate.

Maduro says the United States is promoting a coup against him and promised to stay in office, backed by Russia and China, which have bankrolled his government and fought off efforts to have his government disavowed by the United Nations.

Guaido said opposition sympathizers should take to the streets on Wednesday to pass out copies of a pamphlet proposing amnesty that would give some legal protection to members of the military in hopes they will turn against Maduro.

"We must remain united as active agents of change in every corner of the country," Guaido tweeted on Monday. "We're doing well, very well, Venezuela!"

On Sunday, Israel and Australia joined countries backing the 35-year-old Guaido, and US President Donald Trump said his government had accepted Venezuelan opposition figure Carlos Alfredo Vecchio as a diplomatic representative to the United States.

Guaido took advantage of a major street demonstration on January&nbsp;23 to swear himself in as the country's rightful leader, accusing Maduro of usurping power following a disputed 2018 re-election that countries around the world described as a fraud.

Guaido is asking for help in getting control of the Venezuelan government's offshore assets.

In recent days, he urged British Prime Minister Theresa May and Bank of England Governor Mark Carney to block Maduro's government from collecting more than $1 billion in gold held by the Bank of England.

Venezuela's once-buoyant socialist economic system has imploded from corruption and mismanagement since the collapse of world oil prices in 2014, pushing inflation to almost 2 million per cent and driving millions of Venezuelans to neighbouring countries.

Maduro says his government is the victim of an "economic war" led by his political adversaries with the help of Washington, which has levied several rounds of sanctions against the country since 2017.

Juan Guaido, the Venezuelan opposition leader and self-proclaimed president, on Monday called for new street demonstrations as pressure intensified on President Nicolas Maduro and the crisis-stricken OPEC nation.

Juan Guaido, the Venezuelan opposition leader and self-proclaimed president, on Monday called for new street demonstrations as pressure intensified on President Nicolas Maduro and the crisis-stricken OPEC nation. Countries around the world have recognized Guaido as Venezuela's rightful leader, and the United States vowed to starve Maduro's administration of oil revenue after he was sworn on January 10 for a second term that was widely dubbed illegitimate. Maduro says the United States is promoting a coup against him and promised to stay in office, backed by Russia and China, which have bankrolled his government and fought off efforts to have his government disavowed by the United Nations. Guaido said opposition sympathizers should take to the streets on Wednesday to pass out copies of a pamphlet proposing amnesty that would give some legal protection to members of the military in hopes they will turn against Maduro. "We must remain united as active agents of change in every corner of the country," Guaido tweeted on Monday. "We're doing well, very well, Venezuela!" On Sunday, Israel and Australia joined countries backing the 35-year-old Guaido, and US President Donald Trump said his government had accepted Venezuelan opposition figure Carlos Alfredo Vecchio as a diplomatic representative to the United States. Guaido took advantage of a major street demonstration on January 23 to swear himself in as the country's rightful leader, accusing Maduro of usurping power following a disputed 2018 re-election that countries around the world described as a fraud. Guaido is asking for help in getting control of the Venezuelan government's offshore assets. In recent days, he urged British Prime Minister Theresa May and Bank of England Governor Mark Carney to block Maduro's government from collecting more than $1 billion in gold held by the Bank of England. Venezuela's once-buoyant socialist economic system has imploded from corruption and mismanagement since the collapse of world oil prices in 2014, pushing inflation to almost 2 million per cent and driving millions of Venezuelans to neighbouring countries. Maduro says his government is the victim of an "economic war" led by his political adversaries with the help of Washington, which has levied several rounds of sanctions against the country since 2017.

Venezuela's Guaido calls for new protests as pressure on Maduro rises

China opposes outside interference in Venezuela's internal affairs, calling upon all relevant parties to contribute more to the South American country's stability, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said on Monday.

Geng's comment came after a United Nations Security Council emergency meeting was held Saturday on the situation in Venezuela, in which US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo participated and criticized Russia and China for blocking a US push for a UN Security Council statement.

Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido declared himself interim president on Wednesday, winning backing from Washington and parts of Latin America and promoting incumbent President Nicolas Maduro to break off diplomatic ties with the United States.

"China has been following closely the current situation in Venezuela. China supports the efforts made by the Venezuelan government to uphold national sovereignty, independence and stability, maintains that all countries should abide by the tenets and principles of the UN Charter, opposes external interference in Venezuela's affairs and opposes interference in each other's internal affairs. Venezuela's affairs must and can only be chosen and decided by the Venezuelan people themselves," Geng said.

"We hope all parties can contribute more to Venezuela's stability, to improving the Venezuelan people's livelihood and maintaining international law and the basic norms governing international relations," he added.

China opposes outside interference in Venezuela's internal affairs, calling upon all relevant parties to contribute more to the South American country's stability, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said on Monday.

China opposes outside interference in Venezuela's internal affairs, calling upon all relevant parties to contribute more to the South American country's stability, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said on Monday. Geng's comment came after a United Nations Security Council emergency meeting was held Saturday on the situation in Venezuela, in which US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo participated and criticized Russia and China for blocking a US push for a UN Security Council statement. Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido declared himself interim president on Wednesday, winning backing from Washington and parts of Latin America and promoting incumbent President Nicolas Maduro to break off diplomatic ties with the United States. "China has been following closely the current situation in Venezuela. China supports the efforts made by the Venezuelan government to uphold national sovereignty, independence and stability, maintains that all countries should abide by the tenets and principles of the UN Charter, opposes external interference in Venezuela's affairs and opposes interference in each other's internal affairs. Venezuela's affairs must and can only be chosen and decided by the Venezuelan people themselves," Geng said. "We hope all parties can contribute more to Venezuela's stability, to improving the Venezuelan people's livelihood and maintaining international law and the basic norms governing international relations," he added.

China opposes outside interference in Venezuela's internal affairs

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-military-attache-to-us-urges-army-to-back-maduro-opponent-193034">Venezuela military attache to </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-military-attache-to-us-urges-army-to-back-maduro-opponent-193034">US</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-military-attache-to-us-urges-army-to-back-maduro-opponent-193034"> urges </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-military-attache-to-us-urges-army-to-back-maduro-opponent-193034">army</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-military-attache-to-us-urges-army-to-back-maduro-opponent-193034"> to back Maduro opponent</a>

Venezuela's military attache to Washington broke ranks with Nicolas Maduro on Saturday, urging his "brothers in the military" to back the head of the National Assembly Juan Guaido as interim president, he told AFP.

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/pope-francis-says-church-hasnt-known-how-to-listen-193036">On sex abuse scandals, Pope says Catholic Church 'wounded by sin'</a>

Pope Francis acknowledged Saturday that the Catholic Church was "wounded by sin" in a message addressed to priests and seminarians reeling from sexual abuse scandals and coverups.

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-asia-bibis-lawyer-returns-to-pakistan-to-aid-in-appeal-193043">Asia Bibi's lawyer returns to Pakistan to 'hopefully assist client for last time'</a>

The Pakistani lawyer of a Christian woman acquitted of blasphemy jetted out of the Netherlands Saturday to "hopefully assist his client for the last time" in a Pakistani court hearing, a Dutch MP said.&nbsp;

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-narendra-modi-to-address-nation-in-first-mann-ki-baat-of-2019-193050">PM Narendra Modi to address </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-narendra-modi-to-address-nation-in-first-mann-ki-baat-of-2019-193050">nation</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-narendra-modi-to-address-nation-in-first-mann-ki-baat-of-2019-193050"> in first 'Mann Ki Baat' of 2019</a>

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is all set to address the nation in the 52nd episode of his “Mann Ki Baat” radio programme on Sunday.&nbsp;

The radio podcast, his first of 2019, will be broadcast&nbsp;on All India Radio (AIR) and Doordarshan at 11 am.&nbsp;

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/banksy-artwork-stolen-from-bataclan-music-hall-in-paris-193052">Banksy artwork </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/banksy-artwork-stolen-from-bataclan-music-hall-in-paris-193052">stolen</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/banksy-artwork-stolen-from-bataclan-music-hall-in-paris-193052"> from Bataclan music hall in Paris</a>

An artwork by the British artist Banksy has been stolen from the Bataclan music hall in Paris.&nbsp;

The mural — which depicted a young girl with a mournful expression — had been painted onto one of the Bataclan's emergency doors. It was cut out.&nbsp;

Venezuela military attache to US urges army to back Maduro opponent Venezuela's military attache to Washington broke ranks with Nicolas Maduro on Saturday, urging his "brothers in the military" to back the head of the National Assembly Juan Guaido as interim president, he told AFP.

Venezuela military attache to US urges army to back Maduro opponent Venezuela's military attache to Washington broke ranks with Nicolas Maduro on Saturday, urging his "brothers in the military" to back the head of the National Assembly Juan Guaido as interim president, he told AFP. On sex abuse scandals, Pope says Catholic Church 'wounded by sin' Pope Francis acknowledged Saturday that the Catholic Church was "wounded by sin" in a message addressed to priests and seminarians reeling from sexual abuse scandals and coverups. Asia Bibi's lawyer returns to Pakistan to 'hopefully assist client for last time' The Pakistani lawyer of a Christian woman acquitted of blasphemy jetted out of the Netherlands Saturday to "hopefully assist his client for the last time" in a Pakistani court hearing, a Dutch MP said. PM Narendra Modi to address nation in first 'Mann Ki Baat' of 2019 Prime Minister Narendra Modi is all set to address the nation in the 52nd episode of his “Mann Ki Baat” radio programme on Sunday. The radio podcast, his first of 2019, will be broadcast on All India Radio (AIR) and Doordarshan at 11 am. Banksy artwork stolen from Bataclan music hall in Paris An artwork by the British artist Banksy has been stolen from the Bataclan music hall in Paris. The mural — which depicted a young girl with a mournful expression — had been painted onto one of the Bataclan's emergency doors. It was cut out.

Venezuela's military attache to Washington broke ranks with Nicolas Maduro on Saturday, urging his "brothers in the military" to back the head of the National Assembly <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-opposition-leader-cranks-up-pressure-on-maduro-192958">Juan </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-opposition-leader-cranks-up-pressure-on-maduro-192958">Guaido</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-opposition-leader-cranks-up-pressure-on-maduro-192958"> as interim president</a>, he told AFP.

"This defence attache does not recognise Nicolas Maduro as president, considering him a usurper, and recognises Juan Guaido as the legitimate interim president," Colonel Jose Luis Silva said.

"This position is consistent with the constitution and laws of Venezuela and I call upon my brothers in the military to join in supporting Guaido."

Venezuela's military attache to Washington broke ranks with Nicolas Maduro on Saturday, urging his "brothers in the military" to back the head of the National Assembly Juan Guaido as interim president, he told AFP.

Venezuela's military attache to Washington broke ranks with Nicolas Maduro on Saturday, urging his "brothers in the military" to back the head of the National Assembly Juan Guaido as interim president, he told AFP. "This defence attache does not recognise Nicolas Maduro as president, considering him a usurper, and recognises Juan Guaido as the legitimate interim president," Colonel Jose Luis Silva said. "This position is consistent with the constitution and laws of Venezuela and I call upon my brothers in the military to join in supporting Guaido."

Venezuela military attache to US urges army to back Maduro opponent

The United States on Saturday called on the world to "pick a side" on Venezuela and urged countries to financially disconnect from Nicolas Maduro's government, while European powers signalled they were set to follow Washington in recognizing Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido as the country's rightful leader.

In heated back-and-forth exchanges at a United Nations Security Council meeting, the opposing camp led by Venezuela and Russia, which has invested heavily in Venezuela's oil industry, accused Washington of attempting a coup and lambasted Europeans' demand that elections be called within eight days.

Guaido, who took the helm of the National Assembly on January 5, proclaimed himself interim president on Wednesday. The United States, Canada and a string of Latin American countries recognized the young leader in quick succession. Maduro, who has led the oil-rich nation since 2013 and has the support of the armed forces, has refused to stand down.

But on Saturday Guaido, 35, gained support from a key military official. <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-military-attache-to-us-urges-army-to-back-maduro-opponent-193034">Venezuela's defence attache to Washington</a>, Colonel Jose Luis Silva, told Reuters that he has broken with the Maduro government and recognized Guaido as interim president.

Speaking at the UN&nbsp;meeting, called by the United States, US&nbsp;Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Maduro's "socialist experiment" had caused the economy to collapse and reduced ordinary Venezuelans to rooting through dumpsters for food.

"Now it is time for every other nation to pick a side. ... Either you stand with the forces of freedom, or you're in league with Maduro and his mayhem," Pompeo told the council. "We call on all members of the Security Council to support Venezuela's democratic transition and interim President Guaido's role."

Pompeo also called on the international community to disconnect their financial systems from Maduro's government. Washington has signalled it was ready to step up economic measures to try to drive Maduro from power, but on Saturday Pompeo declined to elaborate on any such plans.

By overcoming opposition to holding the UN&nbsp;meeting on Saturday, Washington successfully put the global spotlight on Venezuela as a Security Council problem. However, any council action to address the crisis would be blocked by veto-powers Russia and China, diplomats said.

Britain, Germany, France and Spain all said on Saturday they would recognize Guaido if Maduro failed to call fresh elections within eight days, an ultimatum Russia said was "absurd" and the Venezuelan foreign minister called "childlike."

"Europe is giving us eight days? Where do you get that you have the power to establish a deadline or an ultimatum to a sovereign people?" Venezuelan Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza told the Security Council.

Russia also said military intervention in Venezuela should be avoided at any cost, while Caracas reiterated that its offer of dialogue with President Donald Trump's government was still on the table despite his administration's two-year campaign against Maduro.

"If President Trump, like other presidents of the United States, is in search of war to show he can govern and to stimulate the economy, he won't get that war in Venezuela," Arreaza told reporters later.

'Full support'

Venezuela has sunk into turmoil under Maduro with food shortages and protests amid an economic and political crisis that has sparked mass emigration and inflation that is seen rising to 10 million per cent this year.

Maduro cruised to re-election last May. The opposition largely boycotted the vote after its senior leaders were blocked from taking part. Critics accused the government of vote buying. The domestic opposition, the United States and right-leaning Latin American governments declined to recognize the result of the ballot.

Venezuelan opposition sympathizers had been urging Guaido to assume the presidency since Maduro was inaugurated for a second term on Jan. 10. Hundreds of thousands took to the streets in Caracas earlier this week, calling on Maduro to step down.

Guaido's declaration of himself as the interim president takes Venezuela into uncharted territory, with the possibility of the opposition now running a parallel government recognized abroad as legitimate but without control over state functions.

After the Security Council debate, Guaido sent a letter to Secretary-General Antonio Guterres asking the United Nations for help addressing hunger, violence and the lack of medicines in his country.

The United Nations did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the letter.

Guaido celebrated the support of European countries and also asked them to send humanitarian aid to help relieve the economic crisis. "We woke up today with nothing less than the full support of the European community," Guaido said at a small political event in a square in the capital Caracas.

"Several European countries have been in touch with us and are going to support the entry of humanitarian aid. ... We continue adding countries to this great effort," he said.

The Maduro government has previously rejected such aid, denying there is a humanitarian crisis in the country and blaming economic problems on sanctions.

After Washington's declaration of support for Guaido, Maduro cut off diplomatic relations with the United States on Wednesday and gave US&nbsp;diplomats 72 hours to leave the country.

Some US&nbsp;embassy staff left Caracas on Friday, and Venezuela was withdrawing staff from Washington on Saturday, Venezuela's foreign ministry said in a statement

However, Maduro softened his demand that all US&nbsp;embassy staff withdraw by Saturday.

Instead, the two countries will seek an agreement to replace the embassies with "Interest Offices" in their respective capitals within 30 days, the statement said. If that fails, the missions would close.

The United States on Saturday called on the world to "pick a side" on Venezuela and urged countries to financially disconnect from Nicolas Maduro's government, while European powers signalled they were set to follow Washington in recognizing Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido as the country's rightful leader.

The United States on Saturday called on the world to "pick a side" on Venezuela and urged countries to financially disconnect from Nicolas Maduro's government, while European powers signalled they were set to follow Washington in recognizing Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido as the country's rightful leader. In heated back-and-forth exchanges at a United Nations Security Council meeting, the opposing camp led by Venezuela and Russia, which has invested heavily in Venezuela's oil industry, accused Washington of attempting a coup and lambasted Europeans' demand that elections be called within eight days. Guaido, who took the helm of the National Assembly on January 5, proclaimed himself interim president on Wednesday. The United States, Canada and a string of Latin American countries recognized the young leader in quick succession. Maduro, who has led the oil-rich nation since 2013 and has the support of the armed forces, has refused to stand down. But on Saturday Guaido, 35, gained support from a key military official. Venezuela's defence attache to Washington, Colonel Jose Luis Silva, told Reuters that he has broken with the Maduro government and recognized Guaido as interim president. Speaking at the UN meeting, called by the United States, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Maduro's "socialist experiment" had caused the economy to collapse and reduced ordinary Venezuelans to rooting through dumpsters for food. "Now it is time for every other nation to pick a side. ... Either you stand with the forces of freedom, or you're in league with Maduro and his mayhem," Pompeo told the council. "We call on all members of the Security Council to support Venezuela's democratic transition and interim President Guaido's role." Pompeo also called on the international community to disconnect their financial systems from Maduro's government. Washington has signalled it was ready to step up economic measures to try to drive Maduro from power, but on Saturday Pompeo declined to elaborate on any such plans. By overcoming opposition to holding the UN meeting on Saturday, Washington successfully put the global spotlight on Venezuela as a Security Council problem. However, any council action to address the crisis would be blocked by veto-powers Russia and China, diplomats said. Britain, Germany, France and Spain all said on Saturday they would recognize Guaido if Maduro failed to call fresh elections within eight days, an ultimatum Russia said was "absurd" and the Venezuelan foreign minister called "childlike." "Europe is giving us eight days? Where do you get that you have the power to establish a deadline or an ultimatum to a sovereign people?" Venezuelan Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza told the Security Council. Russia also said military intervention in Venezuela should be avoided at any cost, while Caracas reiterated that its offer of dialogue with President Donald Trump's government was still on the table despite his administration's two-year campaign against Maduro. "If President Trump, like other presidents of the United States, is in search of war to show he can govern and to stimulate the economy, he won't get that war in Venezuela," Arreaza told reporters later. 'Full support' Venezuela has sunk into turmoil under Maduro with food shortages and protests amid an economic and political crisis that has sparked mass emigration and inflation that is seen rising to 10 million per cent this year. Maduro cruised to re-election last May. The opposition largely boycotted the vote after its senior leaders were blocked from taking part. Critics accused the government of vote buying. The domestic opposition, the United States and right-leaning Latin American governments declined to recognize the result of the ballot. Venezuelan opposition sympathizers had been urging Guaido to assume the presidency since Maduro was inaugurated for a second term on Jan. 10. Hundreds of thousands took to the streets in Caracas earlier this week, calling on Maduro to step down. Guaido's declaration of himself as the interim president takes Venezuela into uncharted territory, with the possibility of the opposition now running a parallel government recognized abroad as legitimate but without control over state functions. After the Security Council debate, Guaido sent a letter to Secretary-General Antonio Guterres asking the United Nations for help addressing hunger, violence and the lack of medicines in his country. The United Nations did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the letter. Guaido celebrated the support of European countries and also asked them to send humanitarian aid to help relieve the economic crisis. "We woke up today with nothing less than the full support of the European community," Guaido said at a small political event in a square in the capital Caracas. "Several European countries have been in touch with us and are going to support the entry of humanitarian aid. ... We continue adding countries to this great effort," he said. The Maduro government has previously rejected such aid, denying there is a humanitarian crisis in the country and blaming economic problems on sanctions. After Washington's declaration of support for Guaido, Maduro cut off diplomatic relations with the United States on Wednesday and gave US diplomats 72 hours to leave the country. Some US embassy staff left Caracas on Friday, and Venezuela was withdrawing staff from Washington on Saturday, Venezuela's foreign ministry said in a statement However, Maduro softened his demand that all US embassy staff withdraw by Saturday. Instead, the two countries will seek an agreement to replace the embassies with "Interest Offices" in their respective capitals within 30 days, the statement said. If that fails, the missions would close.

US calls on world to 'pick a side' on Venezuela; Europeans set to recognize Guaido

Top US diplomat Mike Pompeo has tapped Elliot Abrams, a central figure in <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/roger-stone-indictment-has-nothing-to-do-with-trump-white-house-192791">Ronald Reagan's controversial</a> anti-communist campaigns in Central America, as a new envoy to "restore democracy" in Venezuela.

Pompeo announced the appointment of Abrams on Friday, two days after Washington declared head of state Nicolas Maduro to be illegitimate and recognised opposition leader Juan Guaido as the interim president of crisis-plagued Venezuela.

Pompeo said Abrams "will be a true asset to our mission to help the Venezuelan people fully restore democracy and prosperity to their country".

Abrams told reporters in brief remarks: "This crisis in Venezuela is deep and difficult and dangerous and I can't wait to get to work on it."

The veteran Republican foreign policy hand took charge of Latin America policy under Reagan, clashing with human rights groups as he channelled generous US support to anti-communist forces in Nicaragua and El Salvador.

In one notorious incident, he initially dismissed the massacre of nearly 1,000 civilians by the Salvadoran army at El Mozote in 1981. Abrams later pleaded guilty to two misdemeanour counts of withholding information from Congress during the Iran-Contra scandal, when the Reagan administration secretly funded the Contra rebels in Nicaragua through arms sales to revolutionary Iran.

Abrams later returned as a senior adviser to president George W Bush in charge of human rights and the Middle East. But when Republicans returned to the White House with President Donald Trump's election, Abrams was initially passed over as the new administration shut out critics of the unorthodox new leader.

Abrams during the 2016 election had written a piece in The Weekly Standard magazine entitled, "When You Can't Stand Your Candidate," in which he argued that Trump "cannot win and should not be president of the United States".

Pompeo, one of Trump's favourite cabinet members, assured that Abrams was on board, saying the new envoy was "eager to advance President Trump's agenda and promote the ideals and interests of the American people".

Pompeo said that Abrams would join him Saturday as the secretary of state heads to New York for a special UN Security Council session on Venezuela.&nbsp;

Top US diplomat Mike Pompeo has tapped Elliot Abrams, a central figure in Ronald Reagan's controversial anti-communist campaigns in Central America, as a new envoy to "restore democracy" in Venezuela.

Top US diplomat Mike Pompeo has tapped Elliot Abrams, a central figure in Ronald Reagan's controversial anti-communist campaigns in Central America, as a new envoy to "restore democracy" in Venezuela. Pompeo announced the appointment of Abrams on Friday, two days after Washington declared head of state Nicolas Maduro to be illegitimate and recognised opposition leader Juan Guaido as the interim president of crisis-plagued Venezuela. Pompeo said Abrams "will be a true asset to our mission to help the Venezuelan people fully restore democracy and prosperity to their country". Abrams told reporters in brief remarks: "This crisis in Venezuela is deep and difficult and dangerous and I can't wait to get to work on it." The veteran Republican foreign policy hand took charge of Latin America policy under Reagan, clashing with human rights groups as he channelled generous US support to anti-communist forces in Nicaragua and El Salvador. In one notorious incident, he initially dismissed the massacre of nearly 1,000 civilians by the Salvadoran army at El Mozote in 1981. Abrams later pleaded guilty to two misdemeanour counts of withholding information from Congress during the Iran-Contra scandal, when the Reagan administration secretly funded the Contra rebels in Nicaragua through arms sales to revolutionary Iran. Abrams later returned as a senior adviser to president George W Bush in charge of human rights and the Middle East. But when Republicans returned to the White House with President Donald Trump's election, Abrams was initially passed over as the new administration shut out critics of the unorthodox new leader. Abrams during the 2016 election had written a piece in The Weekly Standard magazine entitled, "When You Can't Stand Your Candidate," in which he argued that Trump "cannot win and should not be president of the United States". Pompeo, one of Trump's favourite cabinet members, assured that Abrams was on board, saying the new envoy was "eager to advance President Trump's agenda and promote the ideals and interests of the American people". Pompeo said that Abrams would join him Saturday as the secretary of state heads to New York for a special UN Security Council session on Venezuela.

US taps controversial Abrams to 'restore democracy' in Venezuela

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-pushes-un-security-council-to-back-venezuelas-guaido-192888&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwizucq-pYvgAhUIqY8KHfHwARsQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw3FhOz_myvOT-6ciiCFVEx9">Venezuela</a>'s opposition leader has stepped up his campaign to oust President Nicolas Maduro, rejecting an offer of talks with the socialist leader and calling for a "major demonstration."

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-opposition-leader-juan-guaido-rules-out-crisis-talks-says-maduro-can-not-be-trusted-192823">National Assembly head Juan Guaido</a>, who proclaimed himself acting president during massive street rallies, said Friday that he wouldn't attend a "fake dialogue" on a crisis that has left 26 dead this week in clashes between anti-Maduro activists and security forces.

After four years of economic pain that has left Venezuelans short of food and medicine and driven more than two million to flee the country — which sits on the world's largest oil reserves — the opposition found its voice this month in Guaido after Maduro was sworn in for a second presidential term following controversial elections.

International pressure on the Maduro regime to agree to a new vote is also mounting.&nbsp;

On Saturday at a UN Security Council meeting US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will urge members to recognize Guaido as interim president, the State Department said.

And a European Union diplomat told AFP the bloc wanted "an immediate call for elections in the near future."

Mexico had offered to host talks between the rival leaders, and Maduro professed he was ready to go "wherever I have to" in order to meet "that young man."&nbsp;

But Guaido, who also has support from several Latin American countries, told supporters in Caracas the public would remain in the streets "until we achieve an end to the usurpation, a transitional government and free elections."

He accused Maduro of only offering talks after "repression" failed to achieve its objectives.

US issues economic warning&nbsp;

President Donald Trump's administration has spearheaded the international pressure on Maduro, who accuses Washington of being behind an attempted "coup," by declaring his regime "illegitimate."

On Friday, Pompeo announced that Washington was naming Elliot Abrams — a central figure in president Ronald Reagan's controversial anti-communist campaigns in Central America during the 1980s — as its new envoy to lead efforts to help Venezuela "in achieving democracy."&nbsp;

Washington's support for Guaido led Maduro, who nominally retains the support of the Venezuelan military, to close the US embassy and consulates and break diplomatic ties.

US diplomats in Venezuela have until Saturday to leave the country, but Washington has refused to fully comply fully with the exit order.

Guaido is instead urging the US diplomats to stay and keep the embassy's doors open.

Despite the diplomatic sparring, Maduro on Friday said Venezuela will continue to sell oil to the United States, which private consultants say provides the largest source of cash to his country's coffers.

"If they buy our oil, we will sell oil," Maduro said.

But the US Treasury Department warned that "commercial transactions by the Venezuelan Government, including those involving its state-owned enterprises and international reserves" must be consistent with Washington's recognition of Guaido.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov — whose country is Venezuela's second-largest creditor and a military ally — denounced US policy on Venezuela as "destructive."&nbsp;

Spain pushed the EU to recognize Guaido's claims to the presidency if no new elections are held, while Germany said it may follow suit.

France warned Maduro against "any form of repression" of the opposition as UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet said more than 350 people were arrested this week during the protests.

The Inter-American Human Rights Commission late Friday issued a statement warning that Guaido's life and health were in danger given the high political tension in the country.

Maduro's re-election last year was boycotted by the opposition and rejected by the US, EU and UN as a sham — but the military has repeatedly reiterated its loyalty to the socialist leader.

Galvanized opposition 
&nbsp; 
Guaido, 35, has galvanized a previously divided opposition and even attempted to attract military support by offering an amnesty to anyone who disavows Maduro.

In a Skype interview with Univision late Thursday, he went one step further by suggesting Maduro could be offered amnesty if he agrees to step down.

But such an option would have to be evaluated, he said, because Maduro is responsible for the deaths of protesters.

Guaido continues to seek military support and has tasked supporters with handing out copies of a draft amnesty law to soldiers.

Analysts at the Eurasia Group consultancy noted that while international recognition of Guaido as interim president cemented his position as the main opposition leader, his failure to win over the military meant Maduro's fall "does not appear imminent."

Venezuela's political crisis escalated after a group of soldiers rose up against Maduro and sparked a number of protests leading up to Wednesday's rival rallies of pro and anti-Maduro groups.

Guaido's proclamation as acting president drew recognition from major regional players including Brazil and Argentina, as well as the United States.

Trump has mused about military intervention in Venezuela, saying "all options are on the table," but Russia said that "violates the fundamental norms of international law."

Maduro came to power in 2013 as the designated heir to the late and hugely-popular Hugo Chavez.

Venezuela's opposition leader has stepped up his campaign to oust President Nicolas Maduro, rejecting an offer of talks with the socialist leader and calling for a "major demonstration.

Venezuela's opposition leader has stepped up his campaign to oust President Nicolas Maduro, rejecting an offer of talks with the socialist leader and calling for a "major demonstration." National Assembly head Juan Guaido, who proclaimed himself acting president during massive street rallies, said Friday that he wouldn't attend a "fake dialogue" on a crisis that has left 26 dead this week in clashes between anti-Maduro activists and security forces. After four years of economic pain that has left Venezuelans short of food and medicine and driven more than two million to flee the country — which sits on the world's largest oil reserves — the opposition found its voice this month in Guaido after Maduro was sworn in for a second presidential term following controversial elections. International pressure on the Maduro regime to agree to a new vote is also mounting. On Saturday at a UN Security Council meeting US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will urge members to recognize Guaido as interim president, the State Department said. And a European Union diplomat told AFP the bloc wanted "an immediate call for elections in the near future." Mexico had offered to host talks between the rival leaders, and Maduro professed he was ready to go "wherever I have to" in order to meet "that young man." But Guaido, who also has support from several Latin American countries, told supporters in Caracas the public would remain in the streets "until we achieve an end to the usurpation, a transitional government and free elections." He accused Maduro of only offering talks after "repression" failed to achieve its objectives. US issues economic warning President Donald Trump's administration has spearheaded the international pressure on Maduro, who accuses Washington of being behind an attempted "coup," by declaring his regime "illegitimate." On Friday, Pompeo announced that Washington was naming Elliot Abrams — a central figure in president Ronald Reagan's controversial anti-communist campaigns in Central America during the 1980s — as its new envoy to lead efforts to help Venezuela "in achieving democracy." Washington's support for Guaido led Maduro, who nominally retains the support of the Venezuelan military, to close the US embassy and consulates and break diplomatic ties. US diplomats in Venezuela have until Saturday to leave the country, but Washington has refused to fully comply fully with the exit order. Guaido is instead urging the US diplomats to stay and keep the embassy's doors open. Despite the diplomatic sparring, Maduro on Friday said Venezuela will continue to sell oil to the United States, which private consultants say provides the largest source of cash to his country's coffers. "If they buy our oil, we will sell oil," Maduro said. But the US Treasury Department warned that "commercial transactions by the Venezuelan Government, including those involving its state-owned enterprises and international reserves" must be consistent with Washington's recognition of Guaido. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov — whose country is Venezuela's second-largest creditor and a military ally — denounced US policy on Venezuela as "destructive." Spain pushed the EU to recognize Guaido's claims to the presidency if no new elections are held, while Germany said it may follow suit. France warned Maduro against "any form of repression" of the opposition as UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet said more than 350 people were arrested this week during the protests. The Inter-American Human Rights Commission late Friday issued a statement warning that Guaido's life and health were in danger given the high political tension in the country. Maduro's re-election last year was boycotted by the opposition and rejected by the US, EU and UN as a sham — but the military has repeatedly reiterated its loyalty to the socialist leader. Galvanized opposition Guaido, 35, has galvanized a previously divided opposition and even attempted to attract military support by offering an amnesty to anyone who disavows Maduro. In a Skype interview with Univision late Thursday, he went one step further by suggesting Maduro could be offered amnesty if he agrees to step down. But such an option would have to be evaluated, he said, because Maduro is responsible for the deaths of protesters. Guaido continues to seek military support and has tasked supporters with handing out copies of a draft amnesty law to soldiers. Analysts at the Eurasia Group consultancy noted that while international recognition of Guaido as interim president cemented his position as the main opposition leader, his failure to win over the military meant Maduro's fall "does not appear imminent." Venezuela's political crisis escalated after a group of soldiers rose up against Maduro and sparked a number of protests leading up to Wednesday's rival rallies of pro and anti-Maduro groups. Guaido's proclamation as acting president drew recognition from major regional players including Brazil and Argentina, as well as the United States. Trump has mused about military intervention in Venezuela, saying "all options are on the table," but Russia said that "violates the fundamental norms of international law." Maduro came to power in 2013 as the designated heir to the late and hugely-popular Hugo Chavez.

Venezuela: Opposition leader Guaido steps up campaign to oust Maduro; calls for 'major demonstration'

Gov't ready for potential armed conflict: Nicolas Maduro

The United States is seeking to ensure that Venezuelan oil revenue goes to opposition leader and self-declared interim president Juan Guaido, and to cut off money from isolated <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-to-close-us-embassy-consulates-maduro-192578">President Nicolas Maduro</a>, a top US official said on Thursday.

Although short on details, the announcement signals that <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-orders-non-emergency-embassy-staff-to-leave-venezuela-192582">Washington is willing</a> to go beyond traditional diplomatic measures and will seek to drain cash from Maduro's government, which is already struggling under an unprecedented economic meltdown.

Such a move would significantly strengthen the hand of Guaido, who swore himself in as interim head of state on Wednesday with the support of Washington and nations around the region.

"What we're focusing on today is disconnecting the illegitimate Maduro regime from the sources of his revenues," national security advisor John Bolton told reporters at the White House.

"We think consistent with our recognition of Juan Guaido as the constitutional interim president of Venezuela that those revenues should go to the legitimate government."

Bolton added that the process was "very complicated" and that officials were still studying how this would function. Venezuela's information ministry did not reply to a request for comment.

Guaido, in an interview with broadcaster Univision, said he believed this was "the beginning of the end" for Maduro and he would work to guarantee humanitarian aid and implement new economic measures to rachet up pressure.

"Our challenge is to secure free elections, and we want them as soon as possible. But we are living in a dictatorship," he said, from an undisclosed location.

BOLD CHALLENGE

Washington's support for Guaido prompted Maduro, Venezuela's leader since 2013, to break relations with the United States. On Thursday, he said he was closing Venezuela's embassy in Washington and its consulates in the United States.

Guaido's swearing-in was the opposition's boldest challenge yet to the long-ruling Socialist Party and has given Maduro's adversaries an unprecedented diplomatic platform to press for change in a nation dogged by hyperinflation, rising malnutrition and political conflict.

But Guaido now leads what amounts to a shadow government disavowed by the armed forces and with no influence over day-to-day administration such as importing and distributing food and medicine.

The 35-year-old industrial engineer said he had spoken on Thursday by telephone with supportive heads of state from around the world.

In the Univision interview, Guaido repeated his proposal of future amnesties to officials and military members who disavowed Maduro, even saying the offer could be extended to government ministers and to Maduro himself if they willingly left power.

Guaido's ascent was greeted with excitement by investors holding Venezuela and state oil company PDVSA bonds, which hit their highest level since 2017 despite being almost entirely in default.

Concerns about potential disruption of Venezuelan crude supplies gave support to global oil prices.

Oil revenues are crucial to the already crumbling Venezuelan economy and routing that money away from Maduro as the United State seeks to do would be a serious blow.

The US&nbsp;State Department on Thursday ordered some US&nbsp;government workers to leave Venezuela and said US&nbsp;citizens should consider leaving the country.

WHO IS LEGITIMATE PRESIDENT?

Guaido took the helm of the National Assembly on Jan. 5 with a call for the armed forces to recognize Maduro as a "usurper" after his May 2018 re-election, widely viewed as fraudulent.

Backing for him has come principally from the Western hemisphere. Venezuelan allies including Russia and Turkey - both important commercial partners - criticized Guaido's rise as a sign of U.S. interference.

The European Union, which has imposed sanctions on Maduro's government, noted that Venezuelans had "massively called for democracy and the possibility to freely determine their own destiny," but stopped short of recognizing Guaido.

Maduro, in a rambling speech, dismissed Guaido's inauguration and said he himself remained the country's legitimate leader.

He has relied extensively on the military to maintain power amid annual inflation of nearly 2 million per cent and an exodus of Venezuelan refugees into neighbouring countries.

Guaido has said Maduro's January 10 inauguration to a second six-year term amounted to a usurpation of power. The vote was boycotted by Venezuela's main opposition parties, with Maduro's two most popular rivals banned from running and Socialist Party aggressive campaigning opponents called vote-buying.

Guaido and allies argue that the presidency is vacant as a result and that the constitution calls for the head of Congress to assume the interim presidency in such a situation.

That still leaves Guaido struggling against a state unwilling to recognize him and security forces that could jail him, as they did his mentor Leopoldo Lopez - who is under house arrest for leading anti-Maduro protests in 2014.

"Can he name ministers? Ministers of air? Phantom ministers?," asked Maduro during a speech before the Supreme Court. "Is he going to name commanders of military units? Will the armed forces obey his command? Never."

Protesters clashed with security forces on Wednesday night around the country and in both affluent and working class areas of Caracas, with some demonstrations spilling over into looting.

A total of 14 people have been killed in violence linked to this week's protests, according to local rights groups.

The United States is seeking to ensure that Venezuelan oil revenue goes to opposition leader and self-declared interim president Juan Guaido, and to cut off money from isolated President Nicolas Maduro, a top US official said on Thursday.

The United States is seeking to ensure that Venezuelan oil revenue goes to opposition leader and self-declared interim president Juan Guaido, and to cut off money from isolated President Nicolas Maduro, a top US official said on Thursday. Although short on details, the announcement signals that Washington is willing to go beyond traditional diplomatic measures and will seek to drain cash from Maduro's government, which is already struggling under an unprecedented economic meltdown. Such a move would significantly strengthen the hand of Guaido, who swore himself in as interim head of state on Wednesday with the support of Washington and nations around the region. "What we're focusing on today is disconnecting the illegitimate Maduro regime from the sources of his revenues," national security advisor John Bolton told reporters at the White House. "We think consistent with our recognition of Juan Guaido as the constitutional interim president of Venezuela that those revenues should go to the legitimate government." Bolton added that the process was "very complicated" and that officials were still studying how this would function. Venezuela's information ministry did not reply to a request for comment. Guaido, in an interview with broadcaster Univision, said he believed this was "the beginning of the end" for Maduro and he would work to guarantee humanitarian aid and implement new economic measures to rachet up pressure. "Our challenge is to secure free elections, and we want them as soon as possible. But we are living in a dictatorship," he said, from an undisclosed location. BOLD CHALLENGE Washington's support for Guaido prompted Maduro, Venezuela's leader since 2013, to break relations with the United States. On Thursday, he said he was closing Venezuela's embassy in Washington and its consulates in the United States. Guaido's swearing-in was the opposition's boldest challenge yet to the long-ruling Socialist Party and has given Maduro's adversaries an unprecedented diplomatic platform to press for change in a nation dogged by hyperinflation, rising malnutrition and political conflict. But Guaido now leads what amounts to a shadow government disavowed by the armed forces and with no influence over day-to-day administration such as importing and distributing food and medicine. The 35-year-old industrial engineer said he had spoken on Thursday by telephone with supportive heads of state from around the world. In the Univision interview, Guaido repeated his proposal of future amnesties to officials and military members who disavowed Maduro, even saying the offer could be extended to government ministers and to Maduro himself if they willingly left power. Guaido's ascent was greeted with excitement by investors holding Venezuela and state oil company PDVSA bonds, which hit their highest level since 2017 despite being almost entirely in default. Concerns about potential disruption of Venezuelan crude supplies gave support to global oil prices. Oil revenues are crucial to the already crumbling Venezuelan economy and routing that money away from Maduro as the United State seeks to do would be a serious blow. The US State Department on Thursday ordered some US government workers to leave Venezuela and said US citizens should consider leaving the country. WHO IS LEGITIMATE PRESIDENT? Guaido took the helm of the National Assembly on Jan. 5 with a call for the armed forces to recognize Maduro as a "usurper" after his May 2018 re-election, widely viewed as fraudulent. Backing for him has come principally from the Western hemisphere. Venezuelan allies including Russia and Turkey - both important commercial partners - criticized Guaido's rise as a sign of U.S. interference. The European Union, which has imposed sanctions on Maduro's government, noted that Venezuelans had "massively called for democracy and the possibility to freely determine their own destiny," but stopped short of recognizing Guaido. Maduro, in a rambling speech, dismissed Guaido's inauguration and said he himself remained the country's legitimate leader. He has relied extensively on the military to maintain power amid annual inflation of nearly 2 million per cent and an exodus of Venezuelan refugees into neighbouring countries. Guaido has said Maduro's January 10 inauguration to a second six-year term amounted to a usurpation of power. The vote was boycotted by Venezuela's main opposition parties, with Maduro's two most popular rivals banned from running and Socialist Party aggressive campaigning opponents called vote-buying. Guaido and allies argue that the presidency is vacant as a result and that the constitution calls for the head of Congress to assume the interim presidency in such a situation. That still leaves Guaido struggling against a state unwilling to recognize him and security forces that could jail him, as they did his mentor Leopoldo Lopez - who is under house arrest for leading anti-Maduro protests in 2014. "Can he name ministers? Ministers of air? Phantom ministers?," asked Maduro during a speech before the Supreme Court. "Is he going to name commanders of military units? Will the armed forces obey his command? Never." Protesters clashed with security forces on Wednesday night around the country and in both affluent and working class areas of Caracas, with some demonstrations spilling over into looting. A total of 14 people have been killed in violence linked to this week's protests, according to local rights groups.

US seeks to cut off money for Venezuela's Maduro to aid opposition

Oil prices rose by more than one per cent on Friday as turmoil in Venezuela triggered concerns that its oil exports could soon be disrupted.

Washington on Thursday signalled it could impose sanctions on Venezuela's crude exports as Caracas descends further into political and economic turmoil.

International Brent crude oil futures were at $61.89 a barrel at 0246 GMT, 80 cents, or 1.3 per cent, above their last close.

US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures were at $53.90 per barrel, up 77 cents, or 1.5 per cent.

Amid violent street protests, Venezuela's opposition leader Juan Guaido declared himself interim president earlier this week, winning backing from Washington and large parts of Latin America, prompting Nicolas Maduro, the country's leader since 2013, to break relations with the United States.

Fundamentally, however, global oil markets are still well supplied, thanks in part to surging output in the United States, where crude production rose by more than 2 million barrels per day (bpd) last year to a record 11.9 million bpd.

Record US production would likely offset any short-term disruptions to Venezuelan supply due to possible US sanctions, Britain's Barclays on Thursday said in a note. The bank cut its 2019 average Brent crude oil forecast to $70 a barrel, down from $72 previously.

The surge in US output has resulted in swelling US fuel inventories.

Gasoline stocks rose for an eighth consecutive week in the week to January 18, by 4.1 million barrels to a record 259.6 million barrels, the US Energy Information Administration (EIA) said in a weekly report on Thursday.

Crude inventories rose by 8 million barrels.

Oil prices rose by more than one per cent on Friday as turmoil in Venezuela triggered concerns that its oil exports could soon be disrupted. Washington on Thursday signalled it could impose sanctions on Venezuela's crude exports as Caracas descends further into political and economic turmoil.

Oil prices rose by more than one per cent on Friday as turmoil in Venezuela triggered concerns that its oil exports could soon be disrupted. Washington on Thursday signalled it could impose sanctions on Venezuela's crude exports as Caracas descends further into political and economic turmoil. International Brent crude oil futures were at $61.89 a barrel at 0246 GMT, 80 cents, or 1.3 per cent, above their last close. US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures were at $53.90 per barrel, up 77 cents, or 1.5 per cent. Amid violent street protests, Venezuela's opposition leader Juan Guaido declared himself interim president earlier this week, winning backing from Washington and large parts of Latin America, prompting Nicolas Maduro, the country's leader since 2013, to break relations with the United States. Fundamentally, however, global oil markets are still well supplied, thanks in part to surging output in the United States, where crude production rose by more than 2 million barrels per day (bpd) last year to a record 11.9 million bpd. Record US production would likely offset any short-term disruptions to Venezuelan supply due to possible US sanctions, Britain's Barclays on Thursday said in a note. The bank cut its 2019 average Brent crude oil forecast to $70 a barrel, down from $72 previously. The surge in US output has resulted in swelling US fuel inventories. Gasoline stocks rose for an eighth consecutive week in the week to January 18, by 4.1 million barrels to a record 259.6 million barrels, the US Energy Information Administration (EIA) said in a weekly report on Thursday. Crude inventories rose by 8 million barrels.

Oil prices jump as US threatens sanctions against Venezuela

Venezuela to shut US embassy, consulates: Maduro

Venezuela will close its embassy and all consulates in the United States, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/former-president-nicolas-maduros-regime-in-venezuela-is-illegitimate-pompeo-192568">President Nicolas Maduro</a> said on Thursday, one day after he broke off diplomatic relations in response to US recognition of an opposition leader as interim president.

In a speech, Maduro added that he agreed with a call by Mexico and Uruguay for dialogue between Venezuela's government and opposition for a resolution to the South American country's political crisis.

Meanwhile, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/putin-calls-venezuelas-maduro-to-show-support-kremlin-192571">Russian President Vladimir Putin</a> on Thursday called Maduro and expressed support, after several other nations recognised self-declared leader Juan Guaido, the Kremlin said.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Thursday warned Maduro against the use of force on mass demonstrations as he urged further international support for the self-declared acting president.

US ally Britain said Nicolas Maduro was "not the legitimate leader of Venezuela" and that London would support the presidential claim made by opposition leader Juan Guaido, news agency AFP reported.

(With inputs from agencies)

Venezuela will close its embassy and all consulates in the United States, President Nicolas Maduro said on Thursday, one day after he broke off diplomatic relations in response to US recognition of an opposition leader as interim president.

Venezuela will close its embassy and all consulates in the United States, President Nicolas Maduro said on Thursday, one day after he broke off diplomatic relations in response to US recognition of an opposition leader as interim president. In a speech, Maduro added that he agreed with a call by Mexico and Uruguay for dialogue between Venezuela's government and opposition for a resolution to the South American country's political crisis. Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday called Maduro and expressed support, after several other nations recognised self-declared leader Juan Guaido, the Kremlin said. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Thursday warned Maduro against the use of force on mass demonstrations as he urged further international support for the self-declared acting president. US ally Britain said Nicolas Maduro was "not the legitimate leader of Venezuela" and that London would support the presidential claim made by opposition leader Juan Guaido, news agency AFP reported. (With inputs from agencies)

Venezuela to close US embassy, consulates: Nicolas Maduro

The United States on Thursday ordered non-emergency embassy staff to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-to-close-us-embassy-consulates-maduro-192578">leave Venezuela</a> but stopped short of complying with a full expulsion demanded by Nicolas Maduro, who Washington says is no longer president.

The State Department in a notice said it had "ordered non-emergency US government employees to depart Venezuela."

"The US government has limited ability to provide emergency services to US citizens in Venezuela," it said.

Amid deadly political clashes in the crisis-torn country, the State Department said that US citizens "should strongly consider departing Venezuela."

Maduro on Wednesday gave US diplomats 72 hours to leave the country after President Donald Trump, backed by major Latin American nations, said the leftist firebrand was no longer Venezuela's legitimate president.

The United States said it was ignoring the order as it did not believe Maduro was still president and instead recognized as interim leader Juan Guaido, the opposition head of the National Assembly.

But Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in an interview Thursday that Maduro -- to whom the military leadership is still loyal -- bore responsibility for the safety of US diplomats.

"There's no higher priority for the State Department than to keep all the people in our missions safe and secure. And we've made clear to the Maduro regime that it is our expectation that they will be safe and secure," he told conservative talk show host Laura Ingraham.

"What we want to make sure that former president Maduro knows is that he doesn't have the right to make the decision about whether or not we stay there," Pompeo said.

State Department officials have not answered questions on how many US personnel remain in Venezuela.

Maduro has also shuttered US missions in the United States.

The United States on Thursday ordered non-emergency embassy staff to leave Venezuela but stopped short of complying with a full expulsion demanded by Nicolas Maduro, who Washington says is no longer president.

The United States on Thursday ordered non-emergency embassy staff to leave Venezuela but stopped short of complying with a full expulsion demanded by Nicolas Maduro, who Washington says is no longer president. The State Department in a notice said it had "ordered non-emergency US government employees to depart Venezuela." "The US government has limited ability to provide emergency services to US citizens in Venezuela," it said. Amid deadly political clashes in the crisis-torn country, the State Department said that US citizens "should strongly consider departing Venezuela." Maduro on Wednesday gave US diplomats 72 hours to leave the country after President Donald Trump, backed by major Latin American nations, said the leftist firebrand was no longer Venezuela's legitimate president. The United States said it was ignoring the order as it did not believe Maduro was still president and instead recognized as interim leader Juan Guaido, the opposition head of the National Assembly. But Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in an interview Thursday that Maduro -- to whom the military leadership is still loyal -- bore responsibility for the safety of US diplomats. "There's no higher priority for the State Department than to keep all the people in our missions safe and secure. And we've made clear to the Maduro regime that it is our expectation that they will be safe and secure," he told conservative talk show host Laura Ingraham. "What we want to make sure that former president Maduro knows is that he doesn't have the right to make the decision about whether or not we stay there," Pompeo said. State Department officials have not answered questions on how many US personnel remain in Venezuela. Maduro has also shuttered US missions in the United States.

US orders non-emergency embassy staff to leave Venezuela

India on Friday reacted to the recent developments in <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-to-close-us-embassy-consulates-maduro-192578">Venezuela</a> and stated that it is "closely following the emerging situation" in the country.

The official spokesman of the Ministry of External Affairs, Raveesh Kumar, said, "We are of the view that it is for the people of Venezuela to find a political solution to resolve their differences through constructive dialogue and discussion without resorting to violence."

"We believe democracy, peace and security in Venezuela are of paramount importance for the progress and prosperity of the people of Venezuela," Kumar further added.&nbsp;

Venezuela is the 4th largest supplier of crude oil to India.

The MEA's reaction came after the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-seeks-to-cut-off-money-for-venezuelas-maduro-to-aid-opposition-192613">United States</a>, earlier this week, officially recognised <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-regional-powers-recognise-maduro-opponent-as-venezuela-leader-192345">Juan Guaidó as the interim President</a> of Venezuela and called Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro's regime "illegitimate."

In a tweet, US President Donald Trump said, "The citizens of Venezuela have suffered for too long at the hands of the illegitimate Maduro regime. Today, I have officially recognized the President of the Venezuelan National Assembly, Juan Guaidó, as the Interim President of Venezuela."

Russia slammed "Washington’s unceremonious actions". The Russia foreign ministry in a statement said, " (it is) another demonstration of its total disregard for the norms and principles of international law and an attempt to pose as the self-imposed master of another nation’s future. The United States is clearly trying to apply a tried and tested regime change scenario in Venezuela."

China also reacted with Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying saying Beijing "supports the efforts made by the Venezuelan government to uphold national sovereignty, independence and stability" and it "always upholds the principle of non-interference in other counties' internal affairs and opposes foreign interference in Venezuela's affairs."&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

India on Friday reacted to the recent developments in Venezuela and stated that it is "closely following the emerging situation" in the country. The official spokesman of the Ministry of External Affairs, Raveesh Kumar, said, "We are of the view that it is for the people of Venezuela to find a political solution to resolve their differences through constructive dialogue and discussion without resorting to violence.

India on Friday reacted to the recent developments in Venezuela and stated that it is "closely following the emerging situation" in the country. The official spokesman of the Ministry of External Affairs, Raveesh Kumar, said, "We are of the view that it is for the people of Venezuela to find a political solution to resolve their differences through constructive dialogue and discussion without resorting to violence." "We believe democracy, peace and security in Venezuela are of paramount importance for the progress and prosperity of the people of Venezuela," Kumar further added. Venezuela is the 4th largest supplier of crude oil to India. The MEA's reaction came after the United States, earlier this week, officially recognised Juan Guaidó as the interim President of Venezuela and called Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro's regime "illegitimate." In a tweet, US President Donald Trump said, "The citizens of Venezuela have suffered for too long at the hands of the illegitimate Maduro regime. Today, I have officially recognized the President of the Venezuelan National Assembly, Juan Guaidó, as the Interim President of Venezuela." Russia slammed "Washington’s unceremonious actions". The Russia foreign ministry in a statement said, " (it is) another demonstration of its total disregard for the norms and principles of international law and an attempt to pose as the self-imposed master of another nation’s future. The United States is clearly trying to apply a tried and tested regime change scenario in Venezuela." China also reacted with Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying saying Beijing "supports the efforts made by the Venezuelan government to uphold national sovereignty, independence and stability" and it "always upholds the principle of non-interference in other counties' internal affairs and opposes foreign interference in Venezuela's affairs."

India reacts to US-Venezuela spat, says differences must be resolved without resorting to violence

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/oil-prices-jump-as-us-threatens-sanctions-against-venezuela-192607&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjA7sSn6ojgAhWSiXAKHTiZC0sQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw3oBffrqBNuSAyi3_IBfrrd">Oil prices</a> edged up on Friday as turmoil in Venezuela increased the chances of tighter global supply if the United States makes good on signals that it could impose sanctions on Venezuelan exports.

But fresh data on surging US fuel stocks and worries about <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/rupee-rises-10-paise-against-us-dollar-in-early-trade-192624&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjA7sSn6ojgAhWSiXAKHTiZC0sQFggIMAE&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw32BeUu8AII9LBsZdVa4Ti4">US</a>-China trade talks weighed on prices.

Brent crude oil futures were at $61.17 a barrel at 0955 GMT, up 8 cents, or 0.13 per cent. Earlier on Friday, the international benchmark crude rose as high as $61.92.

Brent, however, has shed about 2.4 per cent since the start of trade on Monday and is on track to post its first week of losses in four weeks.

US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures were at $53.34 per barrel, up 21 cents, or 0.4 per cent.&nbsp;

Amid violent street protests, Venezuela's opposition leader Juan Guaido declared himself interim president this week, winning recognition from Washington and parts of Latin America.

Nicolas Maduro, the country's leader since 2013, responded by breaking relations with the United States.

"The oil market is partially pricing in the risk to Venezuela's crude production, which has been plummeting in recent years," Vandana Hari of Vanda Insights said.

RBC Europe predicted that sanctions could nearly double projected output shortfalls from the troubled exporter.

"Venezuelan production will decline by an additional 300,000-500,000 barrels per day (bpd) this year but such punitive measures could expand that outage by several hundred thousand barrels."

Global oil markets are still well supplied, however, thanks in part to surging output in the United States.

Record US production would likely offset any short-term disruptions to Venezuelan supply due to possible US sanctions, Britain's Barclays said in a note. The bank cut its 2019 average Brent forecast to $70 a barrel, from $72 previously.

The output surge has swollen US fuel stocks, and crude inventories rose by 8 million barrels last week, according to official data released on Thursday.

But demand may start to stutter because of a global economic slowdown, which is likely to dent fuel consumption.

A trade dispute between the United States and China and tightening financial conditions around the world have hurt manufacturing activity in most economies and dragged China's growth last year to the weakest in nearly 30 years.

According to Reuters polls of hundreds of economists worldwide, a synchronised global economic slowdown is underway and would deepen if the US-China trade war escalated.

 
&nbsp;

Oil prices edged up on Friday as turmoil in Venezuela increased the chances of tighter global supply if the United States makes good on signals that it could impose sanctions on Venezuelan exports.

Oil prices edged up on Friday as turmoil in Venezuela increased the chances of tighter global supply if the United States makes good on signals that it could impose sanctions on Venezuelan exports. But fresh data on surging US fuel stocks and worries about US-China trade talks weighed on prices. Brent crude oil futures were at $61.17 a barrel at 0955 GMT, up 8 cents, or 0.13 per cent. Earlier on Friday, the international benchmark crude rose as high as $61.92. Brent, however, has shed about 2.4 per cent since the start of trade on Monday and is on track to post its first week of losses in four weeks. US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures were at $53.34 per barrel, up 21 cents, or 0.4 per cent. Amid violent street protests, Venezuela's opposition leader Juan Guaido declared himself interim president this week, winning recognition from Washington and parts of Latin America. Nicolas Maduro, the country's leader since 2013, responded by breaking relations with the United States. "The oil market is partially pricing in the risk to Venezuela's crude production, which has been plummeting in recent years," Vandana Hari of Vanda Insights said. RBC Europe predicted that sanctions could nearly double projected output shortfalls from the troubled exporter. "Venezuelan production will decline by an additional 300,000-500,000 barrels per day (bpd) this year but such punitive measures could expand that outage by several hundred thousand barrels." Global oil markets are still well supplied, however, thanks in part to surging output in the United States. Record US production would likely offset any short-term disruptions to Venezuelan supply due to possible US sanctions, Britain's Barclays said in a note. The bank cut its 2019 average Brent forecast to $70 a barrel, from $72 previously. The output surge has swollen US fuel stocks, and crude inventories rose by 8 million barrels last week, according to official data released on Thursday. But demand may start to stutter because of a global economic slowdown, which is likely to dent fuel consumption. A trade dispute between the United States and China and tightening financial conditions around the world have hurt manufacturing activity in most economies and dragged China's growth last year to the weakest in nearly 30 years. According to Reuters polls of hundreds of economists worldwide, a synchronised global economic slowdown is underway and would deepen if the US-China trade war escalated.

Oil prices climb as US threatens sanctions against Venezuela

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Thursday warned<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/foreign-interference-in-venezuela-path-to-lawlessness-and-bloodshed-russia-192475"> Venezuela's Nicolas Maduro</a> against use of force on mass demonstrations as he urged further international support for the self-declared acting president.

"The time for debate is done. The regime of former president Nicolas Maduro is illegitimate," Pompeo told the Organization for American States at a special meeting at its Washington headquarters.

US ally <a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/us-weighs-oil-sanctions-on-venezuela-as-it-steps-up-pressure-192379">Britain said Nicolas Maduro</a> was "not the legitimate leader of Venezuela" and that London would support the presidential claim made by opposition leader Juan Guaido.

"The United Kingdom believes Juan Guaido is the right person to take Venezuela forward. We are supporting the US, Canada, Brazil and Argentina to make that happen," Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt said in a statement.

Even as several Latin American countries denounced Maduro, Russian President expressed support for Maduro in a phone conversation.&nbsp;

European Parliament president Antonio Tajani said Nicolas Maduro must step down immediately to make way for a peaceful transition through free and fair elections. In a stronger statement than other EU leaders, who did not explicitly call for Maduro's ouster, Tajani also described Venezuela's self-declared leader Juan Guaido as Europe's only legitimate interlocutor.

"In the face of general discontent, Maduro has to go now," Tajani said in a statement.

"It is clear that the Venezuelan people are fed up with the illegitimate regime of Maduro, that did not win the presidency in free and fair elections and clings to power while imprisoning the opposition," he said.

Tajani said he spoke anew with Guaido, the president of the National Assembly who has declared himself president.

"President Juan Guaido is the only institutional interlocutor in Venezuela because he is the one who enjoys democratic legitimacy," he added.

"We are very concerned with the risks of violence and the repression of the regime in the face of massive protest marches," the Italian politician said.

"A peaceful transition of power must be prepared through free and credible elections," Tajani said.&nbsp;

He urged the EU and other world powers to help with a transition back to democracy in Venezuela.

Speaking on behalf of the 28-nation bloc, the EU's diplomatic chief Federica Mogherini said the voice of the Venezuelan people "cannot be ignored" and called for "free and credible elections."

She stopped short of calling for Maduro's ouster and endorsing Guaido.&nbsp;

The United States, Canada and major South American nations quickly backed Guaido, leaving Maduro increasingly isolated. 
&nbsp;

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Thursday warned Venezuela's Nicolas Maduro against use of force on mass demonstrations as he urged further international support for the self-declared acting president.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Thursday warned Venezuela's Nicolas Maduro against use of force on mass demonstrations as he urged further international support for the self-declared acting president. "The time for debate is done. The regime of former president Nicolas Maduro is illegitimate," Pompeo told the Organization for American States at a special meeting at its Washington headquarters. US ally Britain said Nicolas Maduro was "not the legitimate leader of Venezuela" and that London would support the presidential claim made by opposition leader Juan Guaido. "The United Kingdom believes Juan Guaido is the right person to take Venezuela forward. We are supporting the US, Canada, Brazil and Argentina to make that happen," Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt said in a statement. Even as several Latin American countries denounced Maduro, Russian President expressed support for Maduro in a phone conversation. European Parliament president Antonio Tajani said Nicolas Maduro must step down immediately to make way for a peaceful transition through free and fair elections. In a stronger statement than other EU leaders, who did not explicitly call for Maduro's ouster, Tajani also described Venezuela's self-declared leader Juan Guaido as Europe's only legitimate interlocutor. "In the face of general discontent, Maduro has to go now," Tajani said in a statement. "It is clear that the Venezuelan people are fed up with the illegitimate regime of Maduro, that did not win the presidency in free and fair elections and clings to power while imprisoning the opposition," he said. Tajani said he spoke anew with Guaido, the president of the National Assembly who has declared himself president. "President Juan Guaido is the only institutional interlocutor in Venezuela because he is the one who enjoys democratic legitimacy," he added. "We are very concerned with the risks of violence and the repression of the regime in the face of massive protest marches," the Italian politician said. "A peaceful transition of power must be prepared through free and credible elections," Tajani said. He urged the EU and other world powers to help with a transition back to democracy in Venezuela. Speaking on behalf of the 28-nation bloc, the EU's diplomatic chief Federica Mogherini said the voice of the Venezuelan people "cannot be ignored" and called for "free and credible elections." She stopped short of calling for Maduro's ouster and endorsing Guaido. The United States, Canada and major South American nations quickly backed Guaido, leaving Maduro increasingly isolated.

'Former president' Nicolas Maduro's regime in Venezuela is illegitimate: Pompeo

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday called his Venezuelan counterpart Nicolas Maduro and expressed support, after several other nations recognised self-declared leader Juan Guaido, the Kremlin said.

"The President of Russia expressed support for the legitimate authorities of Venezuela in the context of a domestic political crisis that has been provoked from the outside," it said.&nbsp;

Putin said that any intervention by other countries "violates the fundamental norms of international law," according to the statement.&nbsp;

According to the Kremlin, Maduro thanked Russia for its "principled position" on the ongoing crisis.

On Wednesday, the United States and major South American nations recognised opposition head Guaido as interim leader. The UN urged dialogue in Caracas to avoid "disaster".

The Kremlin has backed Maduro, who has been hit by US and EU sanctions, and ostracised as a dictator by Western powers for his suppression of the opposition.&nbsp;

Moscow has warned Washington against any attempts to militarily intervene in Venezuela.

Russia has extensive economic interests in Venezuela and has invested billions of dollars in its energy sector.

Last December Putin hosted Maduro as he travelled to Russia to whip up support from allies to prop up his regime and an economy in free fall.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday called his Venezuelan counterpart Nicolas Maduro and expressed support, after several other nations recognised self-declared leader Juan Guaido, the Kremlin said.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday called his Venezuelan counterpart Nicolas Maduro and expressed support, after several other nations recognised self-declared leader Juan Guaido, the Kremlin said. "The President of Russia expressed support for the legitimate authorities of Venezuela in the context of a domestic political crisis that has been provoked from the outside," it said. Putin said that any intervention by other countries "violates the fundamental norms of international law," according to the statement. According to the Kremlin, Maduro thanked Russia for its "principled position" on the ongoing crisis. On Wednesday, the United States and major South American nations recognised opposition head Guaido as interim leader. The UN urged dialogue in Caracas to avoid "disaster". The Kremlin has backed Maduro, who has been hit by US and EU sanctions, and ostracised as a dictator by Western powers for his suppression of the opposition. Moscow has warned Washington against any attempts to militarily intervene in Venezuela. Russia has extensive economic interests in Venezuela and has invested billions of dollars in its energy sector. Last December Putin hosted Maduro as he travelled to Russia to whip up support from allies to prop up his regime and an economy in free fall.

Putin calls Venezuela's Maduro to show support: Kremlin

In less than a month, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-regional-powers-recognise-maduro-opponent-as-venezuela-leader-192345">Juan </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-regional-powers-recognise-maduro-opponent-as-venezuela-leader-192345">Guaido</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-regional-powers-recognise-maduro-opponent-as-venezuela-leader-192345"> </a>has gone from a virtual unknown in Venezuelan politics to the country's most-watched figure, assuming the presidency of the opposition-controlled congress and briefly being detained by the secret police.

On Wednesday, the skinny 35-year-old from the South American country's hardscrabble Caribbean coast thrust himself onto the international stage with the boldest challenge to socialist President Nicolas Maduro's rule in years: he declared himself interim president, a move swiftly recognized by the United States, Canada and many Latin American countries.

His rapid ascent has raised hopes that he could fill a leadership vacuum in Venezuela's notoriously divided opposition, which has failed in several attempts to oust Maduro and his predecessor Hugo Chavez. Many of its most prominent figures have been jailed, exiled or barred from seeking public office.

The salsa-loving baseball fan has animated the opposition's upper-class base and won over many working-class Venezuelans fed up with the country's hyperinflationary economic collapse, who have taken to the streets demanding Maduro step down.

Yet Guaido still needs the backing of the armed forces to achieve his goal of forcing new elections.

"Today in Venezuela we are living under a dictatorship, and we need to put on enough pressure to take control," Guaido, the grandson of National Guard and Navy officers, said in an interview with Reuters this week.

He has proposed an amnesty for members of the military, but said members of the Maduro government who committed human rights violations should be punished.

"I do not intend to heal the wounds of 20 years, but nor do I intend to hide them."

Guaido took the helm of the National Assembly on January 5 with a call for the armed forces to recognize Maduro as a "usurper" after his May 2018 re-election vote, widely viewed as fraudulent.

The eldest of six children from a working-class family in the coastal state of Vargas, Guaido survived a devastating 1999 mudslide that posed one of the earliest tests to Chavez's 14-year rule.

He went on to study engineering, but became involved in politics while at university and received a master's in public administration from George Washington University in the United States. He is married with a 1-year-old daughter.

For some years, the focus of the opposition - both of Guaido and his mentor, Leopoldo Lopez, the well-known head of the Popular Will party, currently under house arrest - has been ousting Maduro from power.

Representing Vargas for Popular Will, Guaido assumed the parliament's leadership as part of a power-sharing agreement between Venezuela's main opposition parties. He has said little about what policies he would pursue as president, but Popular Will describe themselves as center-left social democrats.

Guaido was dragged out of his car on the highway and detained by intelligence agents last week, but was swiftly released. Government officials said the officers responsible would be punished.

His whereabouts on Wednesday evening were unknown.

Guaido has said he is not afraid of being arrested, boosting his popularity among Venezuelans tired with Maduro.

"I am giving Guaido my vote of confidence," said Jose Luis Galindo, a Caracas firefighter wearing a gas mask around his neck at a protest against Maduro on Wednesday.

"It is time to escape from this anarchy we have lived through for more than 20 years. I am here for my children's future, and I will stay for as long as it takes."

In less than a month, Juan Guaido has gone from a virtual unknown in Venezuelan politics to the country's most-watched figure, assuming the presidency of the opposition-controlled congress and briefly being detained by the secret police.

In less than a month, Juan Guaido has gone from a virtual unknown in Venezuelan politics to the country's most-watched figure, assuming the presidency of the opposition-controlled congress and briefly being detained by the secret police. On Wednesday, the skinny 35-year-old from the South American country's hardscrabble Caribbean coast thrust himself onto the international stage with the boldest challenge to socialist President Nicolas Maduro's rule in years: he declared himself interim president, a move swiftly recognized by the United States, Canada and many Latin American countries. His rapid ascent has raised hopes that he could fill a leadership vacuum in Venezuela's notoriously divided opposition, which has failed in several attempts to oust Maduro and his predecessor Hugo Chavez. Many of its most prominent figures have been jailed, exiled or barred from seeking public office. The salsa-loving baseball fan has animated the opposition's upper-class base and won over many working-class Venezuelans fed up with the country's hyperinflationary economic collapse, who have taken to the streets demanding Maduro step down. Yet Guaido still needs the backing of the armed forces to achieve his goal of forcing new elections. "Today in Venezuela we are living under a dictatorship, and we need to put on enough pressure to take control," Guaido, the grandson of National Guard and Navy officers, said in an interview with Reuters this week. He has proposed an amnesty for members of the military, but said members of the Maduro government who committed human rights violations should be punished. "I do not intend to heal the wounds of 20 years, but nor do I intend to hide them." Guaido took the helm of the National Assembly on January 5 with a call for the armed forces to recognize Maduro as a "usurper" after his May 2018 re-election vote, widely viewed as fraudulent. The eldest of six children from a working-class family in the coastal state of Vargas, Guaido survived a devastating 1999 mudslide that posed one of the earliest tests to Chavez's 14-year rule. He went on to study engineering, but became involved in politics while at university and received a master's in public administration from George Washington University in the United States. He is married with a 1-year-old daughter. For some years, the focus of the opposition - both of Guaido and his mentor, Leopoldo Lopez, the well-known head of the Popular Will party, currently under house arrest - has been ousting Maduro from power. Representing Vargas for Popular Will, Guaido assumed the parliament's leadership as part of a power-sharing agreement between Venezuela's main opposition parties. He has said little about what policies he would pursue as president, but Popular Will describe themselves as center-left social democrats. Guaido was dragged out of his car on the highway and detained by intelligence agents last week, but was swiftly released. Government officials said the officers responsible would be punished. His whereabouts on Wednesday evening were unknown. Guaido has said he is not afraid of being arrested, boosting his popularity among Venezuelans tired with Maduro. "I am giving Guaido my vote of confidence," said Jose Luis Galindo, a Caracas firefighter wearing a gas mask around his neck at a protest against Maduro on Wednesday. "It is time to escape from this anarchy we have lived through for more than 20 years. I am here for my children's future, and I will stay for as long as it takes."

In a month, Venezuela's Guaido emerged from obscurity to challenge Maduro

The United States and major South American nations recognised Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido as interim leader Wednesday while the EU called for free elections to restore democracy, leaving <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/maduro-lacks-authority-to-snap-ties-expel-diplomats-us-192341">President Nicolas Maduro</a> increasingly isolated.

Major regional players Brazil, Colombia, Chile, Peru and Argentina all gave their backing to Guaido's self-proclamation as acting president, which he made in front of crowd of tens of thousands of supporters in the capital Caracas.

Cuba, however, sprang to the defence of its socialist ally, expressing "solidarity" with Maduro while Mexico extended lukewarm support to him.

The avalanche of support for Guaido dramatically raised the stakes in Venezuela, an oil-rich nation that has become deeply impoverished under Maduro.

Maduro has clung to power through the support of the Venezuelan military, and he is an ally of Russia, which last month sent two nuclear-capable bombers to the country to participate in a military drill.

Just minutes after Guaido's declaration, US President Donald Trump recognised him as interim leader, and declared his National Assembly was "the only legitimate branch of government duly elected by the Venezuelan people".

"The people of Venezuela have courageously spoken out against Maduro and his regime and demanded freedom and the rule of law," Trump said.

The US said it stood ready to use "all options" if Maduro tries to quash the opposition, in what was an implied threat of military force.

Maduro responded by saying he was cutting off diplomatic ties with Washington, as his riot police clashed with opposition supporters in Caracas.

"Get Out! Leave Venezuela. Here we have dignity, damn it," Maduro said, giving US diplomats 72 hours to depart.

But Guaido tweeted in response that, under him, Venezuela wants countries "to maintain their diplomatic presence in our country".

And the US State Department said "former president Maduro" did not have the authority to sever relations.

Broadening support

Tweeting from the Swiss ski resort of Davos, where he and other leaders were attending the World Economic Forum, Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro said: "Brazil recognises Mr. Juan Guaido as Venezuela's interim president."

He added that "Brazil will support politically and economically the process of transition so that democracy and social peace return to Venezuela".

Bolsonaro, a far-right former paratrooper who has set about forging close ties with the Trump administration since taking power at the beginning of January, has repeatedly vowed to challenge Maduro in any way he can.

He initially said he was open to discussing Brazil hosting a US military base, before changing his mind when the idea sparked objections from his military brass.

Colombian President Ivan Duque, another US ally also at Davos, told reporters his country was behind Guaido and will "accompany this process of transition to democracy so that the Venezuelan people free themselves of their dictatorship".

Canadian Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland expressed her country's "full support" for Guaido, adding: "It's an important day for Venezuela and I'm grateful for the solidarity of the Lima Group in speaking out on this."

Eleven members of the 14-nation Lima Group -- Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, Panama, Paraguay and Peru -- later issued a joint statement endorsing Guaido as interim president.

The three holdouts included Mexico, which has maintained a principle of non-intervention under leftist President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, as well as Guyana and Saint Lucia.

The United States is not a member but supports the group, which has taken an increasingly strident stance against Maduro, whom it sees as anti-democratic.&nbsp;

The European Union did not join the countries lining up behind Guaido but called for "free and credible elections".

"The EU strongly calls for the start of an immediate political process leading to free and credible elections, in conformity with the constitutional order," the bloc's diplomatic chief Federica Mogherini said in a statement.

The bloc and its member states "remain ready to support the restoration of democracy and rule of law in Venezuela through a credible peaceful political process in line with the Venezuelan constitution", she added.

And EU Council President Donald Tusk tweeted that "I hope that all of Europe will unite in support of democratic forces in Venezuela".

He added: "Unlike Maduro, the parliamentary assembly, including Juan Guaido have a democratic mandate from Venezuelan citizens."

The United States and major South American nations recognised Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido as interim leader Wednesday while the EU called for free elections to restore democracy, leaving President Nicolas Maduro increasingly isolated.

The United States and major South American nations recognised Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido as interim leader Wednesday while the EU called for free elections to restore democracy, leaving President Nicolas Maduro increasingly isolated. Major regional players Brazil, Colombia, Chile, Peru and Argentina all gave their backing to Guaido's self-proclamation as acting president, which he made in front of crowd of tens of thousands of supporters in the capital Caracas. Cuba, however, sprang to the defence of its socialist ally, expressing "solidarity" with Maduro while Mexico extended lukewarm support to him. The avalanche of support for Guaido dramatically raised the stakes in Venezuela, an oil-rich nation that has become deeply impoverished under Maduro. Maduro has clung to power through the support of the Venezuelan military, and he is an ally of Russia, which last month sent two nuclear-capable bombers to the country to participate in a military drill. Just minutes after Guaido's declaration, US President Donald Trump recognised him as interim leader, and declared his National Assembly was "the only legitimate branch of government duly elected by the Venezuelan people". "The people of Venezuela have courageously spoken out against Maduro and his regime and demanded freedom and the rule of law," Trump said. The US said it stood ready to use "all options" if Maduro tries to quash the opposition, in what was an implied threat of military force. Maduro responded by saying he was cutting off diplomatic ties with Washington, as his riot police clashed with opposition supporters in Caracas. "Get Out! Leave Venezuela. Here we have dignity, damn it," Maduro said, giving US diplomats 72 hours to depart. But Guaido tweeted in response that, under him, Venezuela wants countries "to maintain their diplomatic presence in our country". And the US State Department said "former president Maduro" did not have the authority to sever relations. Broadening support Tweeting from the Swiss ski resort of Davos, where he and other leaders were attending the World Economic Forum, Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro said: "Brazil recognises Mr. Juan Guaido as Venezuela's interim president." He added that "Brazil will support politically and economically the process of transition so that democracy and social peace return to Venezuela". Bolsonaro, a far-right former paratrooper who has set about forging close ties with the Trump administration since taking power at the beginning of January, has repeatedly vowed to challenge Maduro in any way he can. He initially said he was open to discussing Brazil hosting a US military base, before changing his mind when the idea sparked objections from his military brass. Colombian President Ivan Duque, another US ally also at Davos, told reporters his country was behind Guaido and will "accompany this process of transition to democracy so that the Venezuelan people free themselves of their dictatorship". Canadian Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland expressed her country's "full support" for Guaido, adding: "It's an important day for Venezuela and I'm grateful for the solidarity of the Lima Group in speaking out on this." Eleven members of the 14-nation Lima Group -- Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, Panama, Paraguay and Peru -- later issued a joint statement endorsing Guaido as interim president. The three holdouts included Mexico, which has maintained a principle of non-intervention under leftist President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, as well as Guyana and Saint Lucia. The United States is not a member but supports the group, which has taken an increasingly strident stance against Maduro, whom it sees as anti-democratic. The European Union did not join the countries lining up behind Guaido but called for "free and credible elections". "The EU strongly calls for the start of an immediate political process leading to free and credible elections, in conformity with the constitutional order," the bloc's diplomatic chief Federica Mogherini said in a statement. The bloc and its member states "remain ready to support the restoration of democracy and rule of law in Venezuela through a credible peaceful political process in line with the Venezuelan constitution", she added. And EU Council President Donald Tusk tweeted that "I hope that all of Europe will unite in support of democratic forces in Venezuela". He added: "Unlike Maduro, the parliamentary assembly, including Juan Guaido have a democratic mandate from Venezuelan citizens."

US, regional powers say they recognise President Maduro's opponent as leader of Venezuela

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