<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/maduro-lacks-authority-to-snap-ties-expel-diplomats-us-192341">US Vice President Mike Pence</a> issued a message of support to Venezuelans opposing the government on Wednesday promising support for Juan Guaido and branding <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-regional-powers-recognise-maduro-opponent-as-venezuela-leader-192345">Nicolas Maduro</a> a "dictator with no legitimate claim to power."

The opposition has been energized by Guaido, the new leader of Congress, and by a harsh international reception of Maduro's second term, widely condemned as illegitimate.

"We hope that Nicolas Maduro will accept a peaceful transition of power in Venezuela, that he will accept the will of the people to move his country forward and embrace their new president, Juan Guaido," Pence said during an interview on the Fox Business Network.

Maduro, who was inaugurated on January 10 following a 2018 election widely viewed as a sham, has presided over Venezuela's spiral into its worst-ever economic crisis.

Pence has largely taken the lead within US President Donald Trump's administration in condemning 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 President Nicolas Maduro increasingly isolated.

US Vice President Mike Pence issued a message of support to Venezuelans opposing the government on Wednesday promising support for Juan Guaido and branding Nicolas Maduro a "dictator with no legitimate claim to power.

US Vice President Mike Pence issued a message of support to Venezuelans opposing the government on Wednesday promising support for Juan Guaido and branding Nicolas Maduro a "dictator with no legitimate claim to power." The opposition has been energized by Guaido, the new leader of Congress, and by a harsh international reception of Maduro's second term, widely condemned as illegitimate. "We hope that Nicolas Maduro will accept a peaceful transition of power in Venezuela, that he will accept the will of the people to move his country forward and embrace their new president, Juan Guaido," Pence said during an interview on the Fox Business Network. Maduro, who was inaugurated on January 10 following a 2018 election widely viewed as a sham, has presided over Venezuela's spiral into its worst-ever economic crisis. Pence has largely taken the lead within US President Donald Trump's administration in condemning 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 President Nicolas Maduro increasingly isolated.

'We hope Maduro will accept a peaceful transition of power': US VP Pence

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/13-dead-in-two-days-of-venezuela-unrest-rights-group-192340">Venezuela's Nicolas Maduro</a> has no authority to sever relations with the United States, the State Department said Wednesday, hitting back after the leftist leader gave American diplomats 72 hours to leave the country.

"The United States does not recognize the Maduro regime as the government of Venezuela," a statement said.

"Accordingly the United States does not consider former president Nicolas Maduro to have the legal authority to break diplomatic relations with the United States or to declare our diplomats persona non grata."

The statement added that Washington, which backed opposition-led legislature head Juan Guaido's decision to proclaim himself "acting president," welcomed the new leader's decision to maintain diplomatic relations with all countries.&nbsp;

"The United States stands with interim President Juan Guaido, the democratically elected National Assembly, and the people of Venezuela as they peacefully restore constitutional order to their country. &nbsp;

"We stand ready to support interim President Guaido as he establishes a transitional government and carries out his constitutional duties as interim President, including determining the status of diplomatic representatives in the United States and other countries."

It closed with a call for the Venezuelan military, whose support is crucial for Maduro to maintain his hold on power, "to continue protecting the welfare and well-being of all Venezuelan citizens, as well as US and other foreign citizens in Venezuela."

"The United States will take appropriate actions to hold accountable anyone who endangers the safety and security of our mission and its personnel," the statement warned.

Venezuela's Nicolas Maduro has no authority to sever relations with the United States, the State Department said Wednesday, hitting back after the leftist leader gave American diplomats 72 hours to leave the country.

Venezuela's Nicolas Maduro has no authority to sever relations with the United States, the State Department said Wednesday, hitting back after the leftist leader gave American diplomats 72 hours to leave the country. "The United States does not recognize the Maduro regime as the government of Venezuela," a statement said. "Accordingly the United States does not consider former president Nicolas Maduro to have the legal authority to break diplomatic relations with the United States or to declare our diplomats persona non grata." The statement added that Washington, which backed opposition-led legislature head Juan Guaido's decision to proclaim himself "acting president," welcomed the new leader's decision to maintain diplomatic relations with all countries. "The United States stands with interim President Juan Guaido, the democratically elected National Assembly, and the people of Venezuela as they peacefully restore constitutional order to their country. "We stand ready to support interim President Guaido as he establishes a transitional government and carries out his constitutional duties as interim President, including determining the status of diplomatic representatives in the United States and other countries." It closed with a call for the Venezuelan military, whose support is crucial for Maduro to maintain his hold on power, "to continue protecting the welfare and well-being of all Venezuelan citizens, as well as US and other foreign citizens in Venezuela." "The United States will take appropriate actions to hold accountable anyone who endangers the safety and security of our mission and its personnel," the statement warned.

Maduro gives American diplomats 72 hours to leave, US says he doesn't have the authority

Thirteen people have died during two days of unrest in <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/hola-im-mike-pence-us-vp-delivers-message-of-support-to-venezuelans-192101">Venezuela amid protests </a>against leftist leader Nicolas Maduro, a Caracas-based rights group reported Wednesday.

The deaths, mostly from gunshot wounds, were recorded in the capital and across the country, along with reports of looting in Brazilian border state Bolivar, the Venezuelan Observatory of Social Conflict told AFP.

Unrest first kicked off on Monday when 27 soldiers rose up against Maduro at a command post in Caracas, calling upon people to "take to the streets" in a video circulated on social media.

But the most fierce began Tuesday night in Caracas and Bolivar -- continuing Wednesday throughout Venezuela on a day of huge opposition-backed demonstrations against Maduro.

In Bolivar's San Felix, demonstrators burned a statue of former president Hugo Chavez late Tuesday night.

On Wednesday, anti-riot police confronted protesters in east Caracas following the march called for by opposition leader Juan Guaido, who declared himself Venezuela's interim president as part of his aim to remove Maduro.

Chaos erupted when dozens of young people, some hooded, blocked a key route through the wealthy Altamira neighbourhood -- only for military personnel to fire tear gasses and rubber bullets, which were, in turn, met with stones from protesters.

Apart from the capital Caracas, deaths were reported in Tachira, Barinas, Portuguesa, Amazonas and Bolivar states.

Wednesday's demonstration, meanwhile, marked the first significant clash between the government and the opposition in the streets after violent protests left 125 people dead between April and July 2017.

Juan Guaido -- the opposition-led legislature head who declared himself "acting president" -- called for the protests two weeks ago.&nbsp;

His aim is to remove Maduro, set up a transitional government and hold elections.

He accuses Maduro of being a usurper following his disputed re-election in a poll dismissed as a fraud by the European Union, the US and OAS.

Thirteen people have died during two days of unrest in Venezuela amid protests against leftist leader Nicolas Maduro, a Caracas-based rights group reported Wednesday.

Thirteen people have died during two days of unrest in Venezuela amid protests against leftist leader Nicolas Maduro, a Caracas-based rights group reported Wednesday. The deaths, mostly from gunshot wounds, were recorded in the capital and across the country, along with reports of looting in Brazilian border state Bolivar, the Venezuelan Observatory of Social Conflict told AFP. Unrest first kicked off on Monday when 27 soldiers rose up against Maduro at a command post in Caracas, calling upon people to "take to the streets" in a video circulated on social media. But the most fierce began Tuesday night in Caracas and Bolivar -- continuing Wednesday throughout Venezuela on a day of huge opposition-backed demonstrations against Maduro. In Bolivar's San Felix, demonstrators burned a statue of former president Hugo Chavez late Tuesday night. On Wednesday, anti-riot police confronted protesters in east Caracas following the march called for by opposition leader Juan Guaido, who declared himself Venezuela's interim president as part of his aim to remove Maduro. Chaos erupted when dozens of young people, some hooded, blocked a key route through the wealthy Altamira neighbourhood -- only for military personnel to fire tear gasses and rubber bullets, which were, in turn, met with stones from protesters. Apart from the capital Caracas, deaths were reported in Tachira, Barinas, Portuguesa, Amazonas and Bolivar states. Wednesday's demonstration, meanwhile, marked the first significant clash between the government and the opposition in the streets after violent protests left 125 people dead between April and July 2017. Juan Guaido -- the opposition-led legislature head who declared himself "acting president" -- called for the protests two weeks ago. His aim is to remove Maduro, set up a transitional government and hold elections. He accuses Maduro of being a usurper following his disputed re-election in a poll dismissed as a fraud by the European Union, the US and OAS.

13 dead in two days of Venezuela unrest: Rights group

The Russian government said today that "foreign interference in Venezuela was path to lawlessness and bloodshed" after four people died in <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-regional-powers-recognise-maduro-opponent-as-venezuela-leader-192345">clashes in Caracas</a> to protest against President Nicolas Maduro regime.

Trouble erupted for Maduro after <a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/us-weighs-oil-sanctions-on-venezuela-as-it-steps-up-pressure-192379">President Trump formally recognised</a> opposition leader Juan Guaido as interim president of Venezuela leading Maduro to sever ties with the US. The move was backed by Brazil, Columbia including US ally Canada.

"This is a direct path to lawlessness and bloodshed," the Russian foreign ministry said in a statement.&nbsp;

Protests also broke out in Dominican Republic and Argentina as people protested against Maduro. Other Latin American countries Chile, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guatemala, Honduras, Panama, Paraguay and Peru came out in support of Guaido.

In a statement, Trump said the United States would continue to use economic and diplomatic power to press for "the restoration of Venezuelan democracy."

As events began to turn, in a televised speech, Maduro accused the opposition of seeking to stage a coup with the support of the United States. As the crisis escalated, people took to the streets in the Venezuelan capital.

Juan Guaido declared himself "interim president" amid the confusion.

President Maduro was elected last year with 67.84 per cent votes, and he took over the reins on January 10th but the election result was viewed with suspicion by several people in the country and abroad.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the United States would cooperate with other members of the international community to deal with the situation in Venezuela.

The Russian government said today that "foreign interference in Venezuela was path to lawlessness and bloodshed" after four people died in clashes in Caracas to protest against President Nicolas Maduro regime.

The Russian government said today that "foreign interference in Venezuela was path to lawlessness and bloodshed" after four people died in clashes in Caracas to protest against President Nicolas Maduro regime. Trouble erupted for Maduro after President Trump formally recognised opposition leader Juan Guaido as interim president of Venezuela leading Maduro to sever ties with the US. The move was backed by Brazil, Columbia including US ally Canada. "This is a direct path to lawlessness and bloodshed," the Russian foreign ministry said in a statement. Protests also broke out in Dominican Republic and Argentina as people protested against Maduro. Other Latin American countries Chile, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guatemala, Honduras, Panama, Paraguay and Peru came out in support of Guaido. In a statement, Trump said the United States would continue to use economic and diplomatic power to press for "the restoration of Venezuelan democracy." As events began to turn, in a televised speech, Maduro accused the opposition of seeking to stage a coup with the support of the United States. As the crisis escalated, people took to the streets in the Venezuelan capital. Juan Guaido declared himself "interim president" amid the confusion. President Maduro was elected last year with 67.84 per cent votes, and he took over the reins on January 10th but the election result was viewed with suspicion by several people in the country and abroad. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the United States would cooperate with other members of the international community to deal with the situation in Venezuela.

Foreign interference in Venezuela path to lawlessness and bloodshed: Russia

Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro on Tuesday accused Washington of ordering a coup against his government and called for a "total revision" of ties with the US.

The latest claims by Caracas of a US coup plot came the day before a mass street protest announced by the opposition, and one day after a mutiny by some soldiers.

Maduro was specifically reacting to comments by US Vice President Mike Pence, who posted a video on Twitter branding Maduro "<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/hola-im-mike-pence-us-vp-delivers-message-of-support-to-venezuelans-192101">a dictator with no legitimate claim to power</a>."

Referring to Wednesday's planned opposition rally, Pence added: "As the good people of Venezuela make your voices heard tomorrow, on behalf of the American people, we say: estamos con ustedes. We are with you."

Maduro responded during a radio and TV broadcast that "what the government of the United States did through Vice President Mike Pence, was to give orders to carry out a coup from the fascist state... which is unparalleled in the history of relations between the United States and Venezuela in 200 years."

He ordered Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza to begin "a total revision of relations" with Washington, which has already sanctioned top Venezuelan regime figures.

'Reconsider the plan' 
With Maduro's government ominously predicting there would be violence against opposition protesters, US Senator Marco Rubio warned Venezuela's intelligence service to "reconsider the plan they have for tomorrow before it's too late."

"You are about to cross a line &amp; trigger a response that believe me you are not prepared to face," the Florida Republican said on Twitter.

Rubio urged prayers for "the thousands of Venezuelans who will face danger &amp; difficulty in the hours ahead. May God give them strength. And may he change the hearts of military leaders so that they protect not repress their fellow countrymen."

The Venezuelan government's rhetoric intensified the day after a group of soldiers rose up against Maduro at a command post in the north of Caracas. They published a video on social media calling for the public to come out and support them.

But they surrendered after police and military units surrounded the post, and the 27 soldiers were arrested.

Their voices were heard, though, according to the non-governmental Social Conflict Observatory, which said on Tuesday that anti-Maduro protests were recorded in at least 30 different locations around the capital.

The Organization of American States, which has declared Maduro's new term illegitimate, plans to hold an extraordinary session on Thursday to discuss "recent events in Venezuela."

"Yankee go home! We won't let them interfere in the affairs of the homeland," Maduro's Vice President Delcy Rodriguez said in televised remarks, while Communications Minister Jorge Rodriguez accused Pence of having ordered "terrorists" to carry out acts of violence during Wednesday's protest.

'It was awful' 
Demonstrators are set to mobilize behind the National Assembly's new president Juan Guaido, who has branded Maduro a "usurper" and wants to establish a transitional government leading to elections.

Maduro's administration stripped the Assembly of its power but Guaido has risen to the challenge of taking him on. The movement has gained traction since Maduro was sworn in for a second term as president on January 10 after he won controversial elections.

Unrest triggered by Monday's troop uprising lasted in some places until Tuesday morning.

"Maduro out! That's what the people were shouting. It was awful," 60-year-old Dinora de Longa told AFP.

"The police were shooting and there was tear gas everywhere. I had to put my grandchildren in the bathroom. This won't solve anything."

One protest, in which people pelted cars with stones, took place on the motorway linking Caracas to the neighboring port of La Guaira, where the capital's airport is located.

The opposition accuses Maduro of running an authoritarian regime and acting unconstitutionally.

Counter demonstration 
Wednesday's protest date of January 23 is significant because it marks 61 years since the fall of Marcos Perez Jimenez's dictatorship.

The regime has responded by announcing its own demonstration in support of Maduro.

It will be the first major street movement since 125 people were killed during civil unrest between April and July 2017.

Venezuela is suffering the worst economic crisis in its modern history. Food and medicine have been in short supply, while spiraling inflation -- predicted to reach a mind-boggling 10 million percent this year -- has crippled the currency.

The crisis was sparked by a fall in global oil prices in 2014, a commodity Venezuela is almost entirely reliant upon. Its crude production has dropped to barely a third of the level of a decade ago.

Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro on Tuesday accused Washington of ordering a coup against his government and called for a "total revision" of ties with the US.

Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro on Tuesday accused Washington of ordering a coup against his government and called for a "total revision" of ties with the US. The latest claims by Caracas of a US coup plot came the day before a mass street protest announced by the opposition, and one day after a mutiny by some soldiers. Maduro was specifically reacting to comments by US Vice President Mike Pence, who posted a video on Twitter branding Maduro "a dictator with no legitimate claim to power." Referring to Wednesday's planned opposition rally, Pence added: "As the good people of Venezuela make your voices heard tomorrow, on behalf of the American people, we say: estamos con ustedes. We are with you." Maduro responded during a radio and TV broadcast that "what the government of the United States did through Vice President Mike Pence, was to give orders to carry out a coup from the fascist state... which is unparalleled in the history of relations between the United States and Venezuela in 200 years." He ordered Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza to begin "a total revision of relations" with Washington, which has already sanctioned top Venezuelan regime figures. 'Reconsider the plan' With Maduro's government ominously predicting there would be violence against opposition protesters, US Senator Marco Rubio warned Venezuela's intelligence service to "reconsider the plan they have for tomorrow before it's too late." "You are about to cross a line & trigger a response that believe me you are not prepared to face," the Florida Republican said on Twitter. Rubio urged prayers for "the thousands of Venezuelans who will face danger & difficulty in the hours ahead. May God give them strength. And may he change the hearts of military leaders so that they protect not repress their fellow countrymen." The Venezuelan government's rhetoric intensified the day after a group of soldiers rose up against Maduro at a command post in the north of Caracas. They published a video on social media calling for the public to come out and support them. But they surrendered after police and military units surrounded the post, and the 27 soldiers were arrested. Their voices were heard, though, according to the non-governmental Social Conflict Observatory, which said on Tuesday that anti-Maduro protests were recorded in at least 30 different locations around the capital. The Organization of American States, which has declared Maduro's new term illegitimate, plans to hold an extraordinary session on Thursday to discuss "recent events in Venezuela." "Yankee go home! We won't let them interfere in the affairs of the homeland," Maduro's Vice President Delcy Rodriguez said in televised remarks, while Communications Minister Jorge Rodriguez accused Pence of having ordered "terrorists" to carry out acts of violence during Wednesday's protest. 'It was awful' Demonstrators are set to mobilize behind the National Assembly's new president Juan Guaido, who has branded Maduro a "usurper" and wants to establish a transitional government leading to elections. Maduro's administration stripped the Assembly of its power but Guaido has risen to the challenge of taking him on. The movement has gained traction since Maduro was sworn in for a second term as president on January 10 after he won controversial elections. Unrest triggered by Monday's troop uprising lasted in some places until Tuesday morning. "Maduro out! That's what the people were shouting. It was awful," 60-year-old Dinora de Longa told AFP. "The police were shooting and there was tear gas everywhere. I had to put my grandchildren in the bathroom. This won't solve anything." One protest, in which people pelted cars with stones, took place on the motorway linking Caracas to the neighboring port of La Guaira, where the capital's airport is located. The opposition accuses Maduro of running an authoritarian regime and acting unconstitutionally. Counter demonstration Wednesday's protest date of January 23 is significant because it marks 61 years since the fall of Marcos Perez Jimenez's dictatorship. The regime has responded by announcing its own demonstration in support of Maduro. It will be the first major street movement since 125 people were killed during civil unrest between April and July 2017. Venezuela is suffering the worst economic crisis in its modern history. Food and medicine have been in short supply, while spiraling inflation -- predicted to reach a mind-boggling 10 million percent this year -- has crippled the currency. The crisis was sparked by a fall in global oil prices in 2014, a commodity Venezuela is almost entirely reliant upon. Its crude production has dropped to barely a third of the level of a decade ago.

Venezuela accuses US of ordering coup, calls for 'total revision' of ties

A group of 27 soldiers rose up against <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-vows-to-pressure-venezuelas-illegitimate-president-maduro-189470">Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro</a> at a command post in Caracas on Monday, but they were quickly arrested after posting an appeal for public support in a video.

"We are the professional troop of the National Guard against the regime, which we completely repudiate. I need your help, take to the streets," a man who identified himself as the group's leader said in a video circulated on social media.

Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino issued a statement saying the soldiers had been arrested.

Before the attack on a National Guard command centre in northern Caracas where they were captured, the men had assaulted another security post, taking four prisoners and making off with "weapons of war," the statement said.&nbsp;

"During the arrest, stolen weapons were recovered and (the mutineers) are providing useful information to intelligence services and the military justice system," added Padrino, who said the rebels would "face the full force of the law."

The small, short-lived rebellion triggered outbreaks of protest in support of it.

In the districts of Cotiza, Los Mecedores and elsewhere in northern Caracas, people threw rocks and bottles at riot police, who responded with tear gas and rubber bullets. Several demonstrators were reported injured.

As night fell, in several areas of Caracas people banged pots and pans -- a traditional method of grassroots protest in Latin America. A major avenue in downtown Caracas was blocked and protesters shouted: "this government is going to fall." Riot police dispersed the crowds with tear gas.

Maduro's right-hand man and head of the Constituent Assembly, Diosdado Cabello, said 25 soldiers were arrested at the site, and two more were detained elsewhere.

Cabello identified the rebel leader as Sergeant Major Luis Bandres Figueroa.

The Supreme Court, which is dominated by regime loyalists, later took aim at the opposition-controlled National Assembly, declaring its leadership illegitimate and its decisions invalid.

Last week, the assembly had declared Maduro a "usurper," and offered members of the military and the government amnesty if they broke with Maduro.

It also called for a day of protests against the president on Wednesday.

'Neutralized, surrendered, captured'&nbsp;

The mutiny unfolded in the early hours of the day and culminated at the National Guard's Cotiza command, which was later surrounded by police and troops.

"They were neutralized, surrendered and captured in record time," Cabello tweeted.

"They are already confessing details and the first thing they said is that they were offered villas and castles but were left alone, they were tricked. We will win," he added, without specifying who allegedly made the offer.

The armed forces fired tear gas to disperse protesters who gathered outside the command post, banging pots and blocking roads with burning garbage in support of the uprising.

"If they unite with our country, we're with them, we're going to stay in the streets. Freedom!" shouted one woman, who declined to be identified.

"We want Maduro to go, we're fed up," added a man.

National Assembly president Juan Guaido, who has engaged Maduro in a power struggle since being elected to lead the legislature earlier this month, spoke out in support of the mutinous soldiers.

"What is happening in the National Guard in Cotiza is a demonstration of the general feeling that reigns within" the armed forces, Guaido said on Twitter.

"Our military knows that the chain of command has been broken by the usurpation of the presidential office.

"The National Assembly is committed to offering all the necessary guarantees to members of the armed forces that actively contribute to the restoration of the constitution."

But the Supreme Court responded by declaring Guaido, who has quickly become the central figure in the Maduro opposition, a usurper himself.

Parliament "does not have a legitimate board of directors," the court's president Juan Jose Mendoza said in a statement he read to the press, adding that the National Assembly was "usurping its authority, and therefore all its decisions are void."

The top court also said it was annulling the legislature's decision to officially declare Maduro a usurper and promising an amnesty law to protect military personnel that turn against the president.

Maduro retains military backing&nbsp;

Maduro, who has presided over the virtual collapse of the economy and a mass exodus of Venezuelans fleeing unemployment and shortages of food and medicine, has so far retained the support of the military high command despite growing domestic discontent.

He won controversial snap elections in May that were boycotted by the opposition and branded fraudulent by the United States, the European Union and a dozen Latin American countries.

The National Assembly has long been held in check by the Supreme Court, which stripped it of its powers after the opposition gained control of the legislature in 2016 elections.

Guaido, though, has shown a determination to challenge Maduro's authority.

He previously urged the general population and armed forces to support a transitional government that would oust Maduro and organize elections.

He has also called for a mass protest on Wednesday to support his demands, while the regime has announced its own counter-demonstration in support of Maduro.

It will be the first such mass street action since 2017 when more than four months of street protests claimed the lives of 125 people.

A group of 27 soldiers rose up against Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro at a command post in Caracas on Monday, but they were quickly arrested after posting an appeal for public support in a video.

A group of 27 soldiers rose up against Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro at a command post in Caracas on Monday, but they were quickly arrested after posting an appeal for public support in a video. "We are the professional troop of the National Guard against the regime, which we completely repudiate. I need your help, take to the streets," a man who identified himself as the group's leader said in a video circulated on social media. Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino issued a statement saying the soldiers had been arrested. Before the attack on a National Guard command centre in northern Caracas where they were captured, the men had assaulted another security post, taking four prisoners and making off with "weapons of war," the statement said. "During the arrest, stolen weapons were recovered and (the mutineers) are providing useful information to intelligence services and the military justice system," added Padrino, who said the rebels would "face the full force of the law." The small, short-lived rebellion triggered outbreaks of protest in support of it. In the districts of Cotiza, Los Mecedores and elsewhere in northern Caracas, people threw rocks and bottles at riot police, who responded with tear gas and rubber bullets. Several demonstrators were reported injured. As night fell, in several areas of Caracas people banged pots and pans -- a traditional method of grassroots protest in Latin America. A major avenue in downtown Caracas was blocked and protesters shouted: "this government is going to fall." Riot police dispersed the crowds with tear gas. Maduro's right-hand man and head of the Constituent Assembly, Diosdado Cabello, said 25 soldiers were arrested at the site, and two more were detained elsewhere. Cabello identified the rebel leader as Sergeant Major Luis Bandres Figueroa. The Supreme Court, which is dominated by regime loyalists, later took aim at the opposition-controlled National Assembly, declaring its leadership illegitimate and its decisions invalid. Last week, the assembly had declared Maduro a "usurper," and offered members of the military and the government amnesty if they broke with Maduro. It also called for a day of protests against the president on Wednesday. 'Neutralized, surrendered, captured' The mutiny unfolded in the early hours of the day and culminated at the National Guard's Cotiza command, which was later surrounded by police and troops. "They were neutralized, surrendered and captured in record time," Cabello tweeted. "They are already confessing details and the first thing they said is that they were offered villas and castles but were left alone, they were tricked. We will win," he added, without specifying who allegedly made the offer. The armed forces fired tear gas to disperse protesters who gathered outside the command post, banging pots and blocking roads with burning garbage in support of the uprising. "If they unite with our country, we're with them, we're going to stay in the streets. Freedom!" shouted one woman, who declined to be identified. "We want Maduro to go, we're fed up," added a man. National Assembly president Juan Guaido, who has engaged Maduro in a power struggle since being elected to lead the legislature earlier this month, spoke out in support of the mutinous soldiers. "What is happening in the National Guard in Cotiza is a demonstration of the general feeling that reigns within" the armed forces, Guaido said on Twitter. "Our military knows that the chain of command has been broken by the usurpation of the presidential office. "The National Assembly is committed to offering all the necessary guarantees to members of the armed forces that actively contribute to the restoration of the constitution." But the Supreme Court responded by declaring Guaido, who has quickly become the central figure in the Maduro opposition, a usurper himself. Parliament "does not have a legitimate board of directors," the court's president Juan Jose Mendoza said in a statement he read to the press, adding that the National Assembly was "usurping its authority, and therefore all its decisions are void." The top court also said it was annulling the legislature's decision to officially declare Maduro a usurper and promising an amnesty law to protect military personnel that turn against the president. Maduro retains military backing Maduro, who has presided over the virtual collapse of the economy and a mass exodus of Venezuelans fleeing unemployment and shortages of food and medicine, has so far retained the support of the military high command despite growing domestic discontent. He won controversial snap elections in May that were boycotted by the opposition and branded fraudulent by the United States, the European Union and a dozen Latin American countries. The National Assembly has long been held in check by the Supreme Court, which stripped it of its powers after the opposition gained control of the legislature in 2016 elections. Guaido, though, has shown a determination to challenge Maduro's authority. He previously urged the general population and armed forces to support a transitional government that would oust Maduro and organize elections. He has also called for a mass protest on Wednesday to support his demands, while the regime has announced its own counter-demonstration in support of Maduro. It will be the first such mass street action since 2017 when more than four months of street protests claimed the lives of 125 people.

Venezuela military group rises against Maduro, arrested

&nbsp;Colombian authorities evacuated a camp that housed <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/major-migration-flows-in-the-last-decade-182125">Venezuelan</a> immigrants in the capital of Bogota on Tuesday, dismantling a temporary shelter even as the flow of refugees from the crisis-stricken neighbouring nation is expected to continue unabated.

Yellow tents that once housed families were piled into a corner of the football pitch that in November was turned into a temporary shelter for some 600 Venezuelan migrants who had previously been sleeping outside the city`s main bus terminal.&nbsp;

Carmen Nunez, who turned 58 on Tuesday, cried in front of authorities because she had no idea where to go now.

"Should I go to the street?" she said, with her walking stick in hand. "I have no money, but I want to go back to Venezuela, at least there I will have a place to stay."

She was offered transportation to the city of Cucuta on the Venezuelan border&nbsp;but does not have money to return to her home on the Venezuelan coast. Other migrants stood outside the tightly policed camp entrance with their belongings.

From the outset, Jan. 15 had been set as the camp`s closure date, partly in response to pressure from Colombians over the growing presence of migrants.&nbsp;

The United Nations says some 3 million people have left Venezuela since 2015, seeking an escape from a hyperinflationary economic collapse that has put basic food and medicine beyond the reach of most citizens.&nbsp;

Another 2 million are likely to emigrate in 2019, it estimates. The vast majority travel by land to Colombia, some on foot, though many continue on to other parts of South America.&nbsp;

Cristina Velez, Bogota`s Secretary of Social Integration, said in a press conference that the city did not plan to open any more shelters unless there were extraordinary circumstances that warranted doing so.

"I have no idea what we`re going to do," said Junior Palacios, 23, from Caracas, who was sitting outside of the evacuated camp with four friends.&nbsp;

"I don`t want to go back (to Venezuela). It`s a question of moving forward and building a life here somehow."

Colombian authorities evacuated a camp that housed Venezuelan immigrants in the capital of Bogota on Tuesday, dismantling a temporary shelter even as the flow of refugees from the crisis-stricken neighbouring nation is expected to continue unabated.

Colombian authorities evacuated a camp that housed Venezuelan immigrants in the capital of Bogota on Tuesday, dismantling a temporary shelter even as the flow of refugees from the crisis-stricken neighbouring nation is expected to continue unabated. Yellow tents that once housed families were piled into a corner of the football pitch that in November was turned into a temporary shelter for some 600 Venezuelan migrants who had previously been sleeping outside the city`s main bus terminal. Carmen Nunez, who turned 58 on Tuesday, cried in front of authorities because she had no idea where to go now. "Should I go to the street?" she said, with her walking stick in hand. "I have no money, but I want to go back to Venezuela, at least there I will have a place to stay." She was offered transportation to the city of Cucuta on the Venezuelan border but does not have money to return to her home on the Venezuelan coast. Other migrants stood outside the tightly policed camp entrance with their belongings. From the outset, Jan. 15 had been set as the camp`s closure date, partly in response to pressure from Colombians over the growing presence of migrants. The United Nations says some 3 million people have left Venezuela since 2015, seeking an escape from a hyperinflationary economic collapse that has put basic food and medicine beyond the reach of most citizens. Another 2 million are likely to emigrate in 2019, it estimates. The vast majority travel by land to Colombia, some on foot, though many continue on to other parts of South America. Cristina Velez, Bogota`s Secretary of Social Integration, said in a press conference that the city did not plan to open any more shelters unless there were extraordinary circumstances that warranted doing so. "I have no idea what we`re going to do," said Junior Palacios, 23, from Caracas, who was sitting outside of the evacuated camp with four friends. "I don`t want to go back (to Venezuela). It`s a question of moving forward and building a life here somehow."

Colombia clears migrant camp as Venezuela exodus continues

The leader of Venezuela's opposition-led Congress said on Friday he was prepared to assume the country's presidency on an interim basis and call elections, just one day after leftist <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/venezuelas-president-maduro-starts-new-term-shrugs-off-criticism-189465">President Nicolas Maduro was sworn in </a>for a disputed second term.

Juan Guaido, a lawmaker from the hard-line Popular Will opposition party who was elected to head the National Assembly on January 5, said he would only take office with the support of the armed forces. He also called for protests on January 23, the anniversary of the fall of a military dictatorship in 1958.

"It should be the people of Venezuela, the armed forces, and the international community that give us a clear mandate to assume" the presidency, Guaido said in a speech to supporters outside the United Nations (UN) programme office in Caracas.

Maduro was re-elected last year in a vote that was <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/venezuelas-parliament-rejects-legitimacy-of-maduro-second-term-188466">widely dismissed as fraudulent</a>, and countries around the world have called his continued leadership illegitimate. Ruling Socialist Party leaders have described the criticism as colonialist interference led by the United States.

The Supreme Court and an all-powerful legislature called the Constituent Assembly have stripped Congress of its powers, meaning it does not have the capacity to remove the president as would a legislature in many countries.

Guaido's comments, however, caused some confusion.

Luis Almagro, head of regional diplomatic group the Organisation of American States, tweeted that Guaido had assumed the interim presidency of Venezuela. Guaido did not respond to a message seeking clarification.

The country's perennially fractured opposition has made numerous failed attempts over the past 20 years to remove the ruling socialists. Now, opposition leaders have disavowed Maduro's second term as illegitimate, and have called for the National Assembly to declare the presidency vacant.

The country's constitution says a presidential vacancy can be filled by the head of the legislature, and some opposition activists have called on Guaido to assume the presidency.

Maduro's allies were quick to denounce Guaido. Prisons Minister Iris Varela appeared to threaten to jail him, although she has previously threatened other opposition members who remain free. "Guaido, I already got your cell ready, with your uniform," Varela wrote on Twitter.

The opposition has promised to keep up the pressure. Some 2,000 people gathered outside the UN site listening to opposition lawmakers and civil society leaders denounce Maduro as a "usurper."

"[Congress] is the only legitimate power that we have," said Servando Valecillos, a 67-year-old salesman and one of the protesters.

Maduro's critics accuse him of creating a dictatorship and destroying the OPEC nation's economy.

Venezuela is experiencing the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/videos/venezuela-in-crisis-health-situation-worst-in-history-189027">worst economic crisis in its history</a>, with inflation headed towards 2 million per cent. Some three million people have left the country amid chronic shortages of food and medicine.

Maduro says the country is victim of an "economic war" led by his political adversaries with the help of Washington.

The leader of Venezuela's opposition-led Congress said on Friday he was prepared to assume the country's presidency on an interim basis and call elections, just one day after leftist President Nicolas Maduro was sworn in for a disputed second term.

The leader of Venezuela's opposition-led Congress said on Friday he was prepared to assume the country's presidency on an interim basis and call elections, just one day after leftist President Nicolas Maduro was sworn in for a disputed second term. Juan Guaido, a lawmaker from the hard-line Popular Will opposition party who was elected to head the National Assembly on January 5, said he would only take office with the support of the armed forces. He also called for protests on January 23, the anniversary of the fall of a military dictatorship in 1958. "It should be the people of Venezuela, the armed forces, and the international community that give us a clear mandate to assume" the presidency, Guaido said in a speech to supporters outside the United Nations (UN) programme office in Caracas. Maduro was re-elected last year in a vote that was widely dismissed as fraudulent, and countries around the world have called his continued leadership illegitimate. Ruling Socialist Party leaders have described the criticism as colonialist interference led by the United States. The Supreme Court and an all-powerful legislature called the Constituent Assembly have stripped Congress of its powers, meaning it does not have the capacity to remove the president as would a legislature in many countries. Guaido's comments, however, caused some confusion. Luis Almagro, head of regional diplomatic group the Organisation of American States, tweeted that Guaido had assumed the interim presidency of Venezuela. Guaido did not respond to a message seeking clarification. The country's perennially fractured opposition has made numerous failed attempts over the past 20 years to remove the ruling socialists. Now, opposition leaders have disavowed Maduro's second term as illegitimate, and have called for the National Assembly to declare the presidency vacant. The country's constitution says a presidential vacancy can be filled by the head of the legislature, and some opposition activists have called on Guaido to assume the presidency. Maduro's allies were quick to denounce Guaido. Prisons Minister Iris Varela appeared to threaten to jail him, although she has previously threatened other opposition members who remain free. "Guaido, I already got your cell ready, with your uniform," Varela wrote on Twitter. The opposition has promised to keep up the pressure. Some 2,000 people gathered outside the UN site listening to opposition lawmakers and civil society leaders denounce Maduro as a "usurper." "[Congress] is the only legitimate power that we have," said Servando Valecillos, a 67-year-old salesman and one of the protesters. Maduro's critics accuse him of creating a dictatorship and destroying the OPEC nation's economy. Venezuela is experiencing the worst economic crisis in its history, with inflation headed towards 2 million per cent. Some three million people have left the country amid chronic shortages of food and medicine. Maduro says the country is victim of an "economic war" led by his political adversaries with the help of Washington.

Prepared to assume presidency on interim basis: Leader of Venezuela Congress

The United States on Thursday refused to recognize <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/venezuelas-president-maduro-starts-new-term-shrugs-off-criticism-189465">Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro</a>'s legitimacy as he started a controversial new term and urged rank-and-file government employees to empower the opposition.

"The US will not recognize the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/president-maduro-to-start-new-term-as-venezuela-isolation-grows-189445">Maduro </a>dictatorship's illegitimate inauguration," national security advisor John Bolton tweeted.

"We will continue to increase pressure on the corrupt regime, support the democratic National Assembly, and call for democracy and freedom in Venezuela," he wrote.

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The US will not recognize the Maduro dictatorship’s illegitimate inauguration. We will continue to increase pressure on the corrupt regime, support the democratic National Assembly, and call for democracy and freedom in Venezuela.
— John Bolton (@AmbJohnBolton) <a href="https://twitter.com/AmbJohnBolton/status/1083381197777063937?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 10, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Secretary of State Mike Pompeo called on Venezuelans to work not with Maduro but with the National Assembly, which is controlled by the opposition but has been sidelined by a new Constituent Assembly created by Maduro's government.

"We urge those who support this regime, from everyday employees getting by on food subsidies to the Venezuelan security forces sworn to support the constitution, to stop enabling repression and corruption and to work with the National Assembly and its duly elected leader, Juan Guaido, in accordance with your constitution on a peaceful return to democracy," Pompeo said in a statement.

"The Venezuelan people and the international community will remember and judge your actions. Now is the time to convince the Maduro dictatorship that the moment has arrived for democracy to return to Venezuela," he said.

"The Secretary reinforced the US commitment to the National Assembly, the only legitimate and last democratically elected institution in Venezuela, and the re-establishment of democracy in Venezuela," spokesperson Robert Palladino added.

Maduro was sworn in for a second six-year term under a cloud of skyrocketing inflation, shortages of basic food and medicine and an exodus of Venezuelans to neighbouring countries, following an election that was boycotted by the opposition.

The Lima Group -- a bloc of 14 Latin American powers and Canada -- urged Maduro to renounce his term and hand over power to parliament, although Mexico's new leftist government stayed neutral.

The European Union has also said that last year's election was marred by fraud and has extended sanctions.

The United States has for years put pressure on Maduro and his predecessor Hugo Chavez, with President Donald Trump publicly musing about military intervention.

On Tuesday, the United States imposed its latest sanctions as it targeted seven Venezuelans allegedly involved in black-market currency exchanges that generated billions of dollars in illicit profits.

 
&nbsp;

The United States on Thursday refused to recognize Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's legitimacy as he started a controversial new term and urged rank-and-file government employees to empower the opposition.

The United States on Thursday refused to recognize Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's legitimacy as he started a controversial new term and urged rank-and-file government employees to empower the opposition. "The US will not recognize the Maduro dictatorship's illegitimate inauguration," national security advisor John Bolton tweeted. "We will continue to increase pressure on the corrupt regime, support the democratic National Assembly, and call for democracy and freedom in Venezuela," he wrote. The US will not recognize the Maduro dictatorship’s illegitimate inauguration. We will continue to increase pressure on the corrupt regime, support the democratic National Assembly, and call for democracy and freedom in Venezuela. — John Bolton (@AmbJohnBolton) January 10, 2019 × Secretary of State Mike Pompeo called on Venezuelans to work not with Maduro but with the National Assembly, which is controlled by the opposition but has been sidelined by a new Constituent Assembly created by Maduro's government. "We urge those who support this regime, from everyday employees getting by on food subsidies to the Venezuelan security forces sworn to support the constitution, to stop enabling repression and corruption and to work with the National Assembly and its duly elected leader, Juan Guaido, in accordance with your constitution on a peaceful return to democracy," Pompeo said in a statement. "The Venezuelan people and the international community will remember and judge your actions. Now is the time to convince the Maduro dictatorship that the moment has arrived for democracy to return to Venezuela," he said. "The Secretary reinforced the US commitment to the National Assembly, the only legitimate and last democratically elected institution in Venezuela, and the re-establishment of democracy in Venezuela," spokesperson Robert Palladino added. Maduro was sworn in for a second six-year term under a cloud of skyrocketing inflation, shortages of basic food and medicine and an exodus of Venezuelans to neighbouring countries, following an election that was boycotted by the opposition. The Lima Group -- a bloc of 14 Latin American powers and Canada -- urged Maduro to renounce his term and hand over power to parliament, although Mexico's new leftist government stayed neutral. The European Union has also said that last year's election was marred by fraud and has extended sanctions. The United States has for years put pressure on Maduro and his predecessor Hugo Chavez, with President Donald Trump publicly musing about military intervention. On Tuesday, the United States imposed its latest sanctions as it targeted seven Venezuelans allegedly involved in black-market currency exchanges that generated billions of dollars in illicit profits.

US vows to pressure Venezuela's 'illegitimate' President Maduro

Former Venezuelan Supreme <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/venezuelas-parliament-rejects-legitimacy-of-maduro-second-term-188466">Court Justice Christian Zerpa has</a> fled to the United States to protest President Nicolas Maduro’s second term that will begin with his inauguration this week, the one-time Maduro backer told a Miami broadcaster on Sunday.

The latest defection from the crisis-stricken <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/mike-pompeo-to-visit-colombia-amid-tensions-with-venezuela-186995">OPEC nation’s government comes</a> amid growing international pressure on Maduro over his new term, which resulted from a broadly boycotted 2018 vote dismissed by countries around the world as a sham.

“I’ve decided to leave Venezuela to disavow the government of Nicolas Maduro,” Zerpa said in an interview with EVTV, which is broadcast over cable and the internet.

“I believe (Maduro) does not deserve a second chance because the election he supposedly won was not free and competitive.”

The Supreme Court confirmed in a statement that he had fled, referring to him as a former magistrate and adding it opened an investigation of him in November over accusations of sexual harassment by women in his office. The court’s leadership recommended that he be dismissed over the allegations, it said, without providing details.

Zerpa was for years a crucial ally of Maduro on the Supreme Court, which has backed the ruling Socialist Party in every major legal dispute since Maduro’s 2013 election.

He wrote a 2016 ruling that provided the legal justification for Maduro’s government to strip Congress of most of its powers after the Socialist Party lost control of the body to the opposition in a landslide election.

Zerpa in the interview described the Supreme Court as “an appendage of the executive branch,” and said that justices were at times summoned to the presidential palace to receive instructions on how to rule on certain sensitive cases.

The Information Ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Zerpa said he did not criticise Maduro’s May 2018 election to make sure he could pave the way for a safe exit from the country in the company of his family.

Opposition leaders have urged foreign governments not to recognize Maduro after his inauguration on Thursday, and a group of Latin American nations on Friday called on Maduro not to take office.

But diplomats consulted by Reuters said few countries were likely to shutter embassies or sever ties with Venezuela.

Zerpa’s words echoed those of former Justice Eladio Aponte, who fled to the United States in 2012 and said the government of late socialist leader Hugo Chavez - Maduro’s predecessor - systematically manipulated court affairs.

Former Venezuelan Supreme Court Justice Christian Zerpa has fled to the United States to protest President Nicolas Maduro’s second term that will begin with his inauguration this week, the one-time Maduro backer told a Miami broadcaster on Sunday.

Former Venezuelan Supreme Court Justice Christian Zerpa has fled to the United States to protest President Nicolas Maduro’s second term that will begin with his inauguration this week, the one-time Maduro backer told a Miami broadcaster on Sunday. The latest defection from the crisis-stricken OPEC nation’s government comes amid growing international pressure on Maduro over his new term, which resulted from a broadly boycotted 2018 vote dismissed by countries around the world as a sham. “I’ve decided to leave Venezuela to disavow the government of Nicolas Maduro,” Zerpa said in an interview with EVTV, which is broadcast over cable and the internet. “I believe (Maduro) does not deserve a second chance because the election he supposedly won was not free and competitive.” The Supreme Court confirmed in a statement that he had fled, referring to him as a former magistrate and adding it opened an investigation of him in November over accusations of sexual harassment by women in his office. The court’s leadership recommended that he be dismissed over the allegations, it said, without providing details. Zerpa was for years a crucial ally of Maduro on the Supreme Court, which has backed the ruling Socialist Party in every major legal dispute since Maduro’s 2013 election. He wrote a 2016 ruling that provided the legal justification for Maduro’s government to strip Congress of most of its powers after the Socialist Party lost control of the body to the opposition in a landslide election. Zerpa in the interview described the Supreme Court as “an appendage of the executive branch,” and said that justices were at times summoned to the presidential palace to receive instructions on how to rule on certain sensitive cases. The Information Ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Zerpa said he did not criticise Maduro’s May 2018 election to make sure he could pave the way for a safe exit from the country in the company of his family. Opposition leaders have urged foreign governments not to recognize Maduro after his inauguration on Thursday, and a group of Latin American nations on Friday called on Maduro not to take office. But diplomats consulted by Reuters said few countries were likely to shutter embassies or sever ties with Venezuela. Zerpa’s words echoed those of former Justice Eladio Aponte, who fled to the United States in 2012 and said the government of late socialist leader Hugo Chavez - Maduro’s predecessor - systematically manipulated court affairs.

Ex-Venezuela Supreme Court judge flees to US; raps President Maduro

Venezuela's parliament rejects legitimacy of Maduro second term

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro said on Wednesday that White House National Security Adviser John Bolton is heading a US plan to assassinate him and put an end to the so-called Bolivarian Revolution under way in the South American country since 1999.

"Today, I come once again to denounce the plot being prepared by the White House to violate Venezuelan democracy, to assassinate me and to impose a dictatorial government in Venezuela," the head of state said at a press conference.

Maduro said that the alleged conspirators "recently" designated Bolton to head the plot "to fill Venezuela with violence and to seek foreign military intervention, a coup d'etat, to assassinate President Maduro and to impose what they call a transitory government council."

According to the Venezuelan leader, Bolton has been assigning missions to Brazilian President-elect Jair Bolsonaro "for military provocations in southern Venezuela, on the border" shared by the two nations.

Brazilian Vice President-elect "Hamilton Mourao ... every day establishes the pattern for what the policy of that government will be ... every day says he's going to invade Venezuela, that Brazil is going to use its military forces," Maduro claimed.

The Chavista leader said that, on the other hand, "one almost never hears a word" from Bolsonaro and he predicted that "there will be peace and cooperation" between the two countries despite the fact that the Brazilian vice president, he said, is a "crazy coward."

However, Maduro reiterated that Bolton's plan to kill him "is already under development" and, to accomplish it, "he's preparing several places where mercenary and paramilitary forces are being trained together with Colombia."

"The Colombian government of Ivan Duque ... does not want diplomatic or political relations, or communication with Venezuela's legitimate government. It's complicit in John Bolton's plan to bring violence to our country and thus I denounce it, and our armed forces had to be more and more prepared," Maduro stressed.

He said that a paramilitary group called G8 is training in Colombia's Norte de Santander province, and that a total of 734 Colombian and Venezuelan mercenaries are being trained to undertake "false positive" activities, that is making attacks on military units along the border and engaging in escalating violence to confuse public opinion and justify other military actions against Venezuela.

He also said that forces are being trained at Eglin Air Force Base in the US with the mission conducting of a "surgical attack" on Venezuelan air and military bases.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro said on Wednesday that White House National Security Adviser John Bolton is heading a US plan to assassinate him and put an end to the so-called Bolivarian Revolution under way in the South American country since 1999.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro said on Wednesday that White House National Security Adviser John Bolton is heading a US plan to assassinate him and put an end to the so-called Bolivarian Revolution under way in the South American country since 1999. "Today, I come once again to denounce the plot being prepared by the White House to violate Venezuelan democracy, to assassinate me and to impose a dictatorial government in Venezuela," the head of state said at a press conference. Maduro said that the alleged conspirators "recently" designated Bolton to head the plot "to fill Venezuela with violence and to seek foreign military intervention, a coup d'etat, to assassinate President Maduro and to impose what they call a transitory government council." According to the Venezuelan leader, Bolton has been assigning missions to Brazilian President-elect Jair Bolsonaro "for military provocations in southern Venezuela, on the border" shared by the two nations. Brazilian Vice President-elect "Hamilton Mourao ... every day establishes the pattern for what the policy of that government will be ... every day says he's going to invade Venezuela, that Brazil is going to use its military forces," Maduro claimed. The Chavista leader said that, on the other hand, "one almost never hears a word" from Bolsonaro and he predicted that "there will be peace and cooperation" between the two countries despite the fact that the Brazilian vice president, he said, is a "crazy coward." However, Maduro reiterated that Bolton's plan to kill him "is already under development" and, to accomplish it, "he's preparing several places where mercenary and paramilitary forces are being trained together with Colombia." "The Colombian government of Ivan Duque ... does not want diplomatic or political relations, or communication with Venezuela's legitimate government. It's complicit in John Bolton's plan to bring violence to our country and thus I denounce it, and our armed forces had to be more and more prepared," Maduro stressed. He said that a paramilitary group called G8 is training in Colombia's Norte de Santander province, and that a total of 734 Colombian and Venezuelan mercenaries are being trained to undertake "false positive" activities, that is making attacks on military units along the border and engaging in escalating violence to confuse public opinion and justify other military actions against Venezuela. He also said that forces are being trained at Eglin Air Force Base in the US with the mission conducting of a "surgical attack" on Venezuelan air and military bases.

US adviser John Bolton heading plan to assassinate me: Maduro

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/russia-deploys-two-bombers-to-venezuela-for-exercises-183019">Former Venezuelan</a> oil minister Nelson Martinez, imprisoned over corruption allegations, died Wednesday of health complications, the prosecutor's office said.

Martinez, who also served as president of state oil firm PDVSA, was arrested on November 30 last year, four days after President Nicolas Maduro removed him from his position.

"Nelson Martinez was suffering from a serious chronic illness whose progression aggravated his condition and led to his death. Until the last moment ... he received the required treatment and medical attention in a health centre," the prosecutor's office said, denying that Martinez died in prison.&nbsp;

Rafael Ramirez, a former state oil firm chief and opponent of the country's president, had earlier announced Martinez's death and blamed Maduro.

"Nelson Martinez just died... kidnapped and abused for a year under the orders of Maduro, who knew of his chronic illness. They humiliated him and denied him his right to defence and to life. Maduro, YOU are responsible," Ramirez wrote on Twitter.

Prosecutors accused both Martinez and another former oil minister and PDVSA chief of being part of a corruption network in the country's oil sector, with Ramirez at the helm.

Ramirez was PDVSA president for a decade from 2004, a member of Hugo Chavez's intimate inner circle. Until a falling out with Maduro last year, Ramirez had not been investigated and served as Venezuela's ambassador to the UN.

Martinez is the latest in a series of people to die in Venezuelan custody.

In August, opposition councillor Fernando Alban died after falling from the 10th floor of Venezuela's intelligence services headquarters in Caracas.

The government maintains it was a suicide, but Maduro's critics claim he was tortured during interrogation and thrown from a window.

Another opposition leader, Carlos Andres Garcia, also died last September while in the custody of intelligence services.

According to human rights organization Foro Penal, there are 288 "political prisoners" in Venezuela.

Former Venezuelan oil minister Nelson Martinez, imprisoned over corruption allegations, died Wednesday of health complications, the prosecutor's office said. Martinez, who also served as president of state oil firm PDVSA, was arrested on November 30 last year, four days after President Nicolas Maduro removed him from his position.

Former Venezuelan oil minister Nelson Martinez, imprisoned over corruption allegations, died Wednesday of health complications, the prosecutor's office said. Martinez, who also served as president of state oil firm PDVSA, was arrested on November 30 last year, four days after President Nicolas Maduro removed him from his position. "Nelson Martinez was suffering from a serious chronic illness whose progression aggravated his condition and led to his death. Until the last moment ... he received the required treatment and medical attention in a health centre," the prosecutor's office said, denying that Martinez died in prison. Rafael Ramirez, a former state oil firm chief and opponent of the country's president, had earlier announced Martinez's death and blamed Maduro. "Nelson Martinez just died... kidnapped and abused for a year under the orders of Maduro, who knew of his chronic illness. They humiliated him and denied him his right to defence and to life. Maduro, YOU are responsible," Ramirez wrote on Twitter. Prosecutors accused both Martinez and another former oil minister and PDVSA chief of being part of a corruption network in the country's oil sector, with Ramirez at the helm. Ramirez was PDVSA president for a decade from 2004, a member of Hugo Chavez's intimate inner circle. Until a falling out with Maduro last year, Ramirez had not been investigated and served as Venezuela's ambassador to the UN. Martinez is the latest in a series of people to die in Venezuelan custody. In August, opposition councillor Fernando Alban died after falling from the 10th floor of Venezuela's intelligence services headquarters in Caracas. The government maintains it was a suicide, but Maduro's critics claim he was tortured during interrogation and thrown from a window. Another opposition leader, Carlos Andres Garcia, also died last September while in the custody of intelligence services. According to human rights organization Foro Penal, there are 288 "political prisoners" in Venezuela.

Imprisoned former Venezuela oil minister Nelson Martinez dies

Two Russian long-range strategic bombers <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/weary-venezuelans-in-low-turnout-win-for-ruling-party-182811">landed in Venezuela</a> Monday for what the government said were air force exercises aimed at strengthening the defence of the leftist-ruled South American country.

General Vladimir Padrino, the Venezuelan defence minister, welcomed about 100 Russian pilots and other personnel after the two TU-160s and two other aircraft landed at the international airport that serves Caracas.

Padrino said the deployment showed "we also are preparing to defend Venezuela to the last inch when necessary."

"This we are going to do with our friends because we have friends in the world who defend respectful balanced, relations," he said.

The commander of the Russian Airforce's long-range aircraft, General Sergei Ivanovich Kobulash, said the exercises would provide "a profound exchange of experience between pilots and technical staff" from both countries.

Kremlin visit&nbsp;

The development follows hot on the heels of a visit to Moscow last week by President Nicolas Maduro during which he had talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, who expressed support for his beleaguered socialist government.

Maduro often accuses the United States of plotting against his government, which has overseen the plunge of a once-rich petrol state into a severe economic crisis.&nbsp;

Besides the two bombers, the deployment included an An-124 transport plane and an Il-62 passenger plane, according to a Russian military announcement in Moscow.

Padrino noted that Russian aircraft had visited before in 2013, but said their current deployment was part of a "new experience."

He said exercises would be held to "raise the level of interoperability of the aerospace defence systems" of both countries.

It was unclear how long the Russian deployment would last, and Padrino did not provide details about the exercises planned.

In recent years, Venezuela has purchased millions of dollars in military equipment from Russia, he said.&nbsp;

Venezuela acquired 24 Sukhoi-30 Russian fighters and signed a deal to purchase 53 MI-24 helicopter gunships and 100,000 Kalashnikov rifles in 2016.&nbsp;

'Psychological warfare'&nbsp;

Former defence minister Raul Salazar said the exercises with Russia "are part of what is called psychological warfare."

"The purpose is to increase the perception that Venezuela is supported by Russia, China and Belarus, that it has the support of a power, in case another power tries to invade," Salazar told AFP.

Maduro on Sunday said Washington had set in motion a plan to overthrow him, with the support of neighbouring Colombia.

"Underway today is an attempt to disrupt the democratic life of Venezuela, coordinated directly from the White House," said Maduro, who claims he was the target of an August 4 drone attack hatched by Venezuela's opposition with the support of the US and Colombian governments.

Caracas' defence minister said "nobody in the world should fear the presence of these strategic fighter-bombers. We are builders of peace and not of war."&nbsp;

Padrino added however that other countries in the region had created "political and military imbalances" against which the Venezuelan government could not stand idly by -- an apparent reference to Bogota, which Caracas has accused of harbouring US military bases.

Two Russian long-range strategic bombers landed in Venezuela Monday for what the government said were air force exercises aimed at strengthening the defence of the leftist-ruled South American country.

Two Russian long-range strategic bombers landed in Venezuela Monday for what the government said were air force exercises aimed at strengthening the defence of the leftist-ruled South American country. General Vladimir Padrino, the Venezuelan defence minister, welcomed about 100 Russian pilots and other personnel after the two TU-160s and two other aircraft landed at the international airport that serves Caracas. Padrino said the deployment showed "we also are preparing to defend Venezuela to the last inch when necessary." "This we are going to do with our friends because we have friends in the world who defend respectful balanced, relations," he said. The commander of the Russian Airforce's long-range aircraft, General Sergei Ivanovich Kobulash, said the exercises would provide "a profound exchange of experience between pilots and technical staff" from both countries. Kremlin visit The development follows hot on the heels of a visit to Moscow last week by President Nicolas Maduro during which he had talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, who expressed support for his beleaguered socialist government. Maduro often accuses the United States of plotting against his government, which has overseen the plunge of a once-rich petrol state into a severe economic crisis. Besides the two bombers, the deployment included an An-124 transport plane and an Il-62 passenger plane, according to a Russian military announcement in Moscow. Padrino noted that Russian aircraft had visited before in 2013, but said their current deployment was part of a "new experience." He said exercises would be held to "raise the level of interoperability of the aerospace defence systems" of both countries. It was unclear how long the Russian deployment would last, and Padrino did not provide details about the exercises planned. In recent years, Venezuela has purchased millions of dollars in military equipment from Russia, he said. Venezuela acquired 24 Sukhoi-30 Russian fighters and signed a deal to purchase 53 MI-24 helicopter gunships and 100,000 Kalashnikov rifles in 2016. 'Psychological warfare' Former defence minister Raul Salazar said the exercises with Russia "are part of what is called psychological warfare." "The purpose is to increase the perception that Venezuela is supported by Russia, China and Belarus, that it has the support of a power, in case another power tries to invade," Salazar told AFP. Maduro on Sunday said Washington had set in motion a plan to overthrow him, with the support of neighbouring Colombia. "Underway today is an attempt to disrupt the democratic life of Venezuela, coordinated directly from the White House," said Maduro, who claims he was the target of an August 4 drone attack hatched by Venezuela's opposition with the support of the US and Colombian governments. Caracas' defence minister said "nobody in the world should fear the presence of these strategic fighter-bombers. We are builders of peace and not of war." Padrino added however that other countries in the region had created "political and military imbalances" against which the Venezuelan government could not stand idly by -- an apparent reference to Bogota, which Caracas has accused of harbouring US military bases.

Russia deploys two bombers to Venezuela for exercises

Venezuelans stayed away in droves from municipal elections, handing a victory to the ruling party - but with just 27 per cent turnout.

National Electoral Council chair Tibisay Lucena put the rate of abstention at 72.6 per cent. As such, the ruling party won 142 of 156 jurisdictions in play, she said. Some 20.7 million Venezuelans were eligible to vote.

Lucena called it "a calm day of civic and democratic action."

The results were hardly a surprise: analysts had predicted record low turnout, citing mistrust in the process, the banning of opposition parties and widespread exhaustion amid the ongoing socioeconomic crisis.

The elections come one month before President Nicolas Maduro begins his second six-year term after winning an election in May termed illegitimate by political opponents, the European Union, the United States and most of Latin America.

Maduro said Venezuelans "were exercising their right to vote freely." But Beatriz Pallares, 56, told AFP at a mostly empty polling station in the opposition bastion Chacao that "it's a sad day because people decided not to vote." But "I will not exercise my right," she added.

Interior Minister Nestor Reverol said 150,000 police and military personnel had been deployed to provide security at polling centres.

Maduro had wanted to strengthen institutional control as Venezuelans choose 2,459 members for 335 city councils. The opposition until now controlled a quarter of those councils.

Felix Seijas, head of the Delphos polling firm, predicted that pro-government candidates would "capture the majority of the municipal chambers, with a historic level of voter abstention." Maduro's path appeared clear after the main opposition parties were disqualified by the Electoral Council.

The governing Socialist Party urged people to vote.

Yet "Why to vote if they've already won it all?" asked hairdresser Leidy Sivira, 30, a Caracas resident.

The opposition has accused Maduro of bending the electoral and judicial authorities to his will, even as top military leaders regularly declare their "loyalty."

On the eve of the election, the Venezuelan Episcopal Conference said the government's actions "in different public domains do not guarantee impartiality or truth."

Sunday's was the last in a series of votes called by the governing Constituent Assembly, which effectively displaced the National Assembly, the only power in opposition hands.

The pro-government Constituent Assembly was created last year at a time when months of opposition protests, often harshly put down, left 125 people dead.

After the four major opposition parties refused to take part in the presidential elections of May 20 - calling them fraudulent - the Electoral Council banned them from this Sunday's election.

The abstention rate then reached a 60-year high of 54 per cent.

The election took place as Venezuela's economy spirals out of control, with severe food and medicine shortages and an eye-popping 1.35 million per cent inflation rate, according to the International Monetary Fund.

Since 2015 at least 2.3 million Venezuelans have fled the country, according to United Nations figures.

Efforts to isolate the Maduro regime have grown. Peru has said it will ask the 12 members of the pro-democracy Lima Group to break relations with Venezuela from January 10, when Maduro takes office.

Venezuelans stayed away in droves from municipal elections, handing a victory to the ruling party - but with just 27 per cent turnout. National Electoral Council chair Tibisay Lucena put the rate of abstention at 72.

Venezuelans stayed away in droves from municipal elections, handing a victory to the ruling party - but with just 27 per cent turnout. National Electoral Council chair Tibisay Lucena put the rate of abstention at 72.6 per cent. As such, the ruling party won 142 of 156 jurisdictions in play, she said. Some 20.7 million Venezuelans were eligible to vote. Lucena called it "a calm day of civic and democratic action." The results were hardly a surprise: analysts had predicted record low turnout, citing mistrust in the process, the banning of opposition parties and widespread exhaustion amid the ongoing socioeconomic crisis. The elections come one month before President Nicolas Maduro begins his second six-year term after winning an election in May termed illegitimate by political opponents, the European Union, the United States and most of Latin America. Maduro said Venezuelans "were exercising their right to vote freely." But Beatriz Pallares, 56, told AFP at a mostly empty polling station in the opposition bastion Chacao that "it's a sad day because people decided not to vote." But "I will not exercise my right," she added. Interior Minister Nestor Reverol said 150,000 police and military personnel had been deployed to provide security at polling centres. Maduro had wanted to strengthen institutional control as Venezuelans choose 2,459 members for 335 city councils. The opposition until now controlled a quarter of those councils. Felix Seijas, head of the Delphos polling firm, predicted that pro-government candidates would "capture the majority of the municipal chambers, with a historic level of voter abstention." Maduro's path appeared clear after the main opposition parties were disqualified by the Electoral Council. The governing Socialist Party urged people to vote. Yet "Why to vote if they've already won it all?" asked hairdresser Leidy Sivira, 30, a Caracas resident. The opposition has accused Maduro of bending the electoral and judicial authorities to his will, even as top military leaders regularly declare their "loyalty." On the eve of the election, the Venezuelan Episcopal Conference said the government's actions "in different public domains do not guarantee impartiality or truth." Sunday's was the last in a series of votes called by the governing Constituent Assembly, which effectively displaced the National Assembly, the only power in opposition hands. The pro-government Constituent Assembly was created last year at a time when months of opposition protests, often harshly put down, left 125 people dead. After the four major opposition parties refused to take part in the presidential elections of May 20 - calling them fraudulent - the Electoral Council banned them from this Sunday's election. The abstention rate then reached a 60-year high of 54 per cent. The election took place as Venezuela's economy spirals out of control, with severe food and medicine shortages and an eye-popping 1.35 million per cent inflation rate, according to the International Monetary Fund. Since 2015 at least 2.3 million Venezuelans have fled the country, according to United Nations figures. Efforts to isolate the Maduro regime have grown. Peru has said it will ask the 12 members of the pro-democracy Lima Group to break relations with Venezuela from January 10, when Maduro takes office.

Weary Venezuelans in low-turnout win for ruling party

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-signs-oil-gold-investment-deals-with-russia-maduro-182013">President Nicolas Maduro</a> on Sunday cast his vote in Caracas for local elections in Venezuela for more than 2,000 councillors, using the event to accuse the US of disrupting democracy in the country.

The main opposition parties did not attend the election on Sunday, as they abstained in the May elections in which President Nicolas Maduro won a questioned re-election.

In different parts of Caracas and other cities in the country, some tables were empty and without voters, according to Reuters witnesses. Maduro accused the US of being behind moves to disrupt the vote.

According to the National Electoral Council (CNE), on Sunday the 2,459 councillors of the 335 municipalities of the country will be elected.

Maduro also criticised a move to have the rescheduled Copa Libertadores final in Madrid, after violence in previous host city Buenos Aires saw the Boca Juniors team bus attacked before the match.

President Nicolas Maduro on Sunday cast his vote in Caracas for local elections in Venezuela for more than 2,000 councillors, using the event to accuse the US of disrupting democracy in the country.

President Nicolas Maduro on Sunday cast his vote in Caracas for local elections in Venezuela for more than 2,000 councillors, using the event to accuse the US of disrupting democracy in the country. The main opposition parties did not attend the election on Sunday, as they abstained in the May elections in which President Nicolas Maduro won a questioned re-election. In different parts of Caracas and other cities in the country, some tables were empty and without voters, according to Reuters witnesses. Maduro accused the US of being behind moves to disrupt the vote. According to the National Electoral Council (CNE), on Sunday the 2,459 councillors of the 335 municipalities of the country will be elected. Maduro also criticised a move to have the rescheduled Copa Libertadores final in Madrid, after violence in previous host city Buenos Aires saw the Boca Juniors team bus attacked before the match.

Maduro accuses US of disrupting democracy, seeking coup in Venezuela

This decade has seen massive movements of people fleeing war, poverty and persecution. Here are some key cases.

Since 2011: Syria&nbsp;

The Syrian war has killed more than 360,000 people since it began in March 2011 and it has led to a massive exodus of people, mostly to camps in neighbouring countries.

More than half the country's 23 million population has fled, with 6.6 million of those internally displaced and more than 5.6 million going abroad.

Turkey took in the biggest number, with the UN refugee agency UNHCR registering more than 3.6 million there, followed by Lebanon with less than a million (Beirut says it is 1.5 million) and Jordan with 673,000 (1.3 million according to Amman).&nbsp;

Hundreds of thousands of<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/pope-lights-candle-for-children-of-syria-180981"> Syrians</a> have also fled to Europe, and most notably to Germany.

2013-2018: South Sudan 

Independent since 2011, South Sudan became mired in civil war in 2013 that lasted five years and left more than 380,000 people dead and forced some 4.2 million people&nbsp;a third of the population to flee.

The UNHCR says nearly 2.2 million have left the country and are now spread across neighbouring countries in Uganda (785,000), Sudan (764,000) and Ethiopia (422,000).&nbsp;

2015: Mediterranean 

The massive and regular arrival of migrants via the Mediterranean and into Europe over recent years has provoked a major crisis in the bloc with some member countries adopting particularly tough new measures.&nbsp;

After a peak in 2015 of more than one million migrants landing on Europe's shores from the Mediterranean, the numbers have dropped to more than 362,000 in 2016, 172,000 in 2017 and 132,000 since the start of 2018.

Of those who have arrived in 2018, 108,400 have reached Europe by the sea, according to the International Organization for Migration. Some 2,130 died making the journey.

There have been some flashpoints, including the controversy over the 629 migrants aboard the Aquarius rescue ship stranded in the Mediterranean after Italy and Malta refused to let it dock.

Policy on migration has been one of the major points of friction between countries in the bloc.

Since 2015: Venezuela&nbsp;

The United Nations says some three million Venezuelans are now living abroad, 2.3 million of whom have moved since 2015, fleeing the country's severe economic, political and social crisis.&nbsp;

Neighbouring Colombia, which shares a border of 2,200 kilometres (1,367 miles) with<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/mattis-condemns-venezuelas-maduro-as-a-despot-who-has-to-go-180957"> Venezuela,</a> has taken in the most, around one million, followed by Peru (at least 550,000) and Ecuador, with around 300,000.

The exodus of the Venezuelans is, according to the UNHCR the most massive displacement of people in recent Latin American history.

2018: Honduras&nbsp;

A caravan of thousands of migrants mostly from Honduras left the Central American country to escape violence and poverty and by mid-November, they had reached the US border.&nbsp;

Other caravans coming from Central America joined them and other migrants travelled by foot and hitchhiked to cover the thousands of miles in the hope of being granted the status of refugee in the US.

Some 6,000 people gathered in the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/migrants-at-us-border-say-they-will-cross-over-despite-trump-stance-179282">Mexican city of Tijuana </a>but were unable to cross the border after US President Donald Trump deployed thousands of soldiers who forced a number of migrants to turn back.

This decade has seen massive movements of people fleeing war, poverty and persecution. Here are some key cases. Since 2011: Syria The Syrian war has killed more than 360,000 people since it began in March 2011 and it has led to a massive exodus of people, mostly to camps in neighbouring countries.

This decade has seen massive movements of people fleeing war, poverty and persecution. Here are some key cases. Since 2011: Syria The Syrian war has killed more than 360,000 people since it began in March 2011 and it has led to a massive exodus of people, mostly to camps in neighbouring countries. More than half the country's 23 million population has fled, with 6.6 million of those internally displaced and more than 5.6 million going abroad. Turkey took in the biggest number, with the UN refugee agency UNHCR registering more than 3.6 million there, followed by Lebanon with less than a million (Beirut says it is 1.5 million) and Jordan with 673,000 (1.3 million according to Amman). Hundreds of thousands of Syrians have also fled to Europe, and most notably to Germany. 2013-2018: South Sudan Independent since 2011, South Sudan became mired in civil war in 2013 that lasted five years and left more than 380,000 people dead and forced some 4.2 million people a third of the population to flee. The UNHCR says nearly 2.2 million have left the country and are now spread across neighbouring countries in Uganda (785,000), Sudan (764,000) and Ethiopia (422,000). 2015: Mediterranean The massive and regular arrival of migrants via the Mediterranean and into Europe over recent years has provoked a major crisis in the bloc with some member countries adopting particularly tough new measures. After a peak in 2015 of more than one million migrants landing on Europe's shores from the Mediterranean, the numbers have dropped to more than 362,000 in 2016, 172,000 in 2017 and 132,000 since the start of 2018. Of those who have arrived in 2018, 108,400 have reached Europe by the sea, according to the International Organization for Migration. Some 2,130 died making the journey. There have been some flashpoints, including the controversy over the 629 migrants aboard the Aquarius rescue ship stranded in the Mediterranean after Italy and Malta refused to let it dock. Policy on migration has been one of the major points of friction between countries in the bloc. Since 2015: Venezuela The United Nations says some three million Venezuelans are now living abroad, 2.3 million of whom have moved since 2015, fleeing the country's severe economic, political and social crisis. Neighbouring Colombia, which shares a border of 2,200 kilometres (1,367 miles) with Venezuela, has taken in the most, around one million, followed by Peru (at least 550,000) and Ecuador, with around 300,000. The exodus of the Venezuelans is, according to the UNHCR the most massive displacement of people in recent Latin American history. 2018: Honduras A caravan of thousands of migrants mostly from Honduras left the Central American country to escape violence and poverty and by mid-November, they had reached the US border. Other caravans coming from Central America joined them and other migrants travelled by foot and hitchhiked to cover the thousands of miles in the hope of being granted the status of refugee in the US. Some 6,000 people gathered in the Mexican city of Tijuana but were unable to cross the border after US President Donald Trump deployed thousands of soldiers who forced a number of migrants to turn back.

Major migration flows in the last decade

Cemeteries in Venezuela are unable to offer cremations because they lack natural gas, which is in ever shorter supply even though the OPEC nation holds some of the world's largest energy reserves.

"When we were going to cremate in the "Chinita" (a cemetery) they told us we could not because there was no gas; that they had problems with the furnace and they sent us to Eden (another cemetery). It went well there but lights went out when they were going to do the procedure," said Yajaira Matos, who faced issues while trying to cremate her husband.

Venezuelans are also unable to afford to leave their relatives' remains in the morgue while waiting for gas supplies. Each extra day costs more than a month of minimum wage.

Many are resorting to leaving bodies in unmarked common graves at the edge of cemeteries, an area traditionally reserved for unclaimed bodies.

"It's very difficult to cremate, to bury. Everything is difficult, if it is not the gas, the ovens are useless or the bodies have to be unearthed, it is a disaster, this is a disaster. I don't know what is going to happen and how are we going to continue with this?" said Matos.

The decay of Venezuela's oil industry burdened citizens for months with long gasoline queues and shortages of cooking gas, and has now hit families bidding farewell to loved ones.

Venezuelans have shifted toward cremations, which cost about a third of burials, but growing demand has crematories struggling to obtain natural gas.

Members of a dozen families said in interviews they now wait as long as 10 days.

Shortages of wood and metal for coffins and cement for graves have complicated traditional burials. Some families wait for crematories to obtain propane gas. But the wait also boosts costs, with annual inflation nearing 1 million per cent.

Shortages of medicine, food and basic goods have been constant since the 2014 collapse of oil prices battered Venezuela's socialist economy. Around three million people have emigrated since 2015, according to the United Nations.

President Nicolas Maduro blames an "economic war" led by political adversaries with Washington's help. The Information Ministry did not immediately reply to a request for comment on cremations.

Cemeteries in Venezuela are unable to offer cremations because they lack natural gas, which is in ever shorter supply even though the OPEC nation holds some of the world's largest energy reserves.

Cemeteries in Venezuela are unable to offer cremations because they lack natural gas, which is in ever shorter supply even though the OPEC nation holds some of the world's largest energy reserves. "When we were going to cremate in the "Chinita" (a cemetery) they told us we could not because there was no gas; that they had problems with the furnace and they sent us to Eden (another cemetery). It went well there but lights went out when they were going to do the procedure," said Yajaira Matos, who faced issues while trying to cremate her husband. Venezuelans are also unable to afford to leave their relatives' remains in the morgue while waiting for gas supplies. Each extra day costs more than a month of minimum wage. Many are resorting to leaving bodies in unmarked common graves at the edge of cemeteries, an area traditionally reserved for unclaimed bodies. "It's very difficult to cremate, to bury. Everything is difficult, if it is not the gas, the ovens are useless or the bodies have to be unearthed, it is a disaster, this is a disaster. I don't know what is going to happen and how are we going to continue with this?" said Matos. The decay of Venezuela's oil industry burdened citizens for months with long gasoline queues and shortages of cooking gas, and has now hit families bidding farewell to loved ones. Venezuelans have shifted toward cremations, which cost about a third of burials, but growing demand has crematories struggling to obtain natural gas. Members of a dozen families said in interviews they now wait as long as 10 days. Shortages of wood and metal for coffins and cement for graves have complicated traditional burials. Some families wait for crematories to obtain propane gas. But the wait also boosts costs, with annual inflation nearing 1 million per cent. Shortages of medicine, food and basic goods have been constant since the 2014 collapse of oil prices battered Venezuela's socialist economy. Around three million people have emigrated since 2015, according to the United Nations. President Nicolas Maduro blames an "economic war" led by political adversaries with Washington's help. The Information Ministry did not immediately reply to a request for comment on cremations.

Without gas for cremation, even dying is a struggle in Venezuela

Venezuela has signed deals securing investment from Russia in the South American country's oil and gold sectors, President Nicolas Maduro said on Thursday at the end of a three-day trip to Moscow.

"We have signed contracts to guarantee investments of more than $5 billion with our Russian partners in joint ventures to raise oil production," Maduro said in a video posted on his Twitter account.

"We are also guaranteeing an investment of $1 billion for mining, mostly in gold."

Maduro did not provide specifics about where the investments would be made or how much money Russian companies would contribute. Venezuela's Information and Oil Ministries did not immediately respond to requests for additional details.

With Venezuela's oil output collapsing amid hyperinflation and the fifth year of economic contraction, Maduro flew to Moscow on Monday to meet with his counterpart, Vladimir Putin. The two planned to discuss financial help for Caracas and cooperation on oil and gas, a Kremlin aide said.

Russia has become a key lender of last resort for cash-strapped Venezuela in recent years, but Maduro's government has struggled to pay its debts. The head of Russian oil company Rosneft flew to Caracas last month to press Maduro over delayed oil shipments aimed at repaying loans.

"Russia and Venezuela are more united than ever," Maduro said.

Maduro has also sought to boost the country's gold output as an alternative source of hard currency as revenue from oil, which makes up over 90 per cent of exports, dries up.

The United States has sought to restrict Venezuela's gold trade through sanctions.

Venezuela has signed deals securing investment from Russia in the South American country's oil and gold sectors, President Nicolas Maduro said on Thursday at the end of a three-day trip to Moscow.

Venezuela has signed deals securing investment from Russia in the South American country's oil and gold sectors, President Nicolas Maduro said on Thursday at the end of a three-day trip to Moscow. "We have signed contracts to guarantee investments of more than $5 billion with our Russian partners in joint ventures to raise oil production," Maduro said in a video posted on his Twitter account. "We are also guaranteeing an investment of $1 billion for mining, mostly in gold." Maduro did not provide specifics about where the investments would be made or how much money Russian companies would contribute. Venezuela's Information and Oil Ministries did not immediately respond to requests for additional details. With Venezuela's oil output collapsing amid hyperinflation and the fifth year of economic contraction, Maduro flew to Moscow on Monday to meet with his counterpart, Vladimir Putin. The two planned to discuss financial help for Caracas and cooperation on oil and gas, a Kremlin aide said. Russia has become a key lender of last resort for cash-strapped Venezuela in recent years, but Maduro's government has struggled to pay its debts. The head of Russian oil company Rosneft flew to Caracas last month to press Maduro over delayed oil shipments aimed at repaying loans. "Russia and Venezuela are more united than ever," Maduro said. Maduro has also sought to boost the country's gold output as an alternative source of hard currency as revenue from oil, which makes up over 90 per cent of exports, dries up. The United States has sought to restrict Venezuela's gold trade through sanctions.

Venezuela signs oil, gold investment deals with Russia: Maduro

The United Nations said on Tuesday it was seeking $738 million in 2019 to help neighbouring countries cope with the inflow of millions of Venezuelan refugees and migrants, who have "no prospect for return in the short to medium term".

It was the first time that the crisis was included in the UN annual global humanitarian appeal which is $21.9 billion for 2019 without Syria.

Three million Venezuelans have fled the political and economic crisis in the Andean country, most since 2015, according to the UN refugee agency UNHCR.

"There is one crisis for which we for the first time have a response plan, which is to help the countries neighbouring Venezuela deal with the consequences of large numbers of Venezuelans leaving the country," UN emergency relief coordinator Mark Lowcock told a Geneva news briefing.

The majority of Venezuelans have fled to 16 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean, led by Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru.

"In 2019, an estimated 3.6 million people will be in need of assistance and protection, with no prospects for return in the short to medium term," the UN appeal said.

Colombia, which has taken in one million Venezuelans, is "bearing the biggest burden of all", Lowcock said.

President Nicolas Maduro blames the country's economic problems on US financial sanctions and an "economic war" led by political adversaries. Maduro is to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Wednesday.

The exodus, driven by violence, hyperinflation and major shortages of food and medicine, led to a small UN emergency appeal of $9 million announced last week for health and nutrition projects inside Venezuela.

Lowcock, asked about Venezuelan government acceptance of aid inside the country, said:

"I think there is a shared agreement that more UN help in those sorts of areas would be a very helpful thing in reducing the suffering of people inside Venezuela.

"What we have agreed with the government of Venezuela is that we should strengthen our collaborative work and support for example in area of health services and nutrition," he said.

The United Nations said on Tuesday it was seeking $738 million in 2019 to help neighbouring countries cope with the inflow of millions of Venezuelan refugees and migrants, who have "no prospect for return in the short to medium term".

The United Nations said on Tuesday it was seeking $738 million in 2019 to help neighbouring countries cope with the inflow of millions of Venezuelan refugees and migrants, who have "no prospect for return in the short to medium term". It was the first time that the crisis was included in the UN annual global humanitarian appeal which is $21.9 billion for 2019 without Syria. Three million Venezuelans have fled the political and economic crisis in the Andean country, most since 2015, according to the UN refugee agency UNHCR. "There is one crisis for which we for the first time have a response plan, which is to help the countries neighbouring Venezuela deal with the consequences of large numbers of Venezuelans leaving the country," UN emergency relief coordinator Mark Lowcock told a Geneva news briefing. The majority of Venezuelans have fled to 16 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean, led by Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru. "In 2019, an estimated 3.6 million people will be in need of assistance and protection, with no prospects for return in the short to medium term," the UN appeal said. Colombia, which has taken in one million Venezuelans, is "bearing the biggest burden of all", Lowcock said. President Nicolas Maduro blames the country's economic problems on US financial sanctions and an "economic war" led by political adversaries. Maduro is to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Wednesday. The exodus, driven by violence, hyperinflation and major shortages of food and medicine, led to a small UN emergency appeal of $9 million announced last week for health and nutrition projects inside Venezuela. Lowcock, asked about Venezuelan government acceptance of aid inside the country, said: "I think there is a shared agreement that more UN help in those sorts of areas would be a very helpful thing in reducing the suffering of people inside Venezuela. "What we have agreed with the government of Venezuela is that we should strengthen our collaborative work and support for example in area of health services and nutrition," he said.

UN seeks $738 million to help Venezuela's neighbours handle migrant flood

Students clash with riot police in Venezuela's Caracas

The Trump administration is preparing to add Venezuela to a US list of state sponsors of terrorism, a move that would escalate Washington's diplomatic struggle with the government of President Nicolas Maduro, The Washington Post said on Monday.

The Post said the US State Department had been asking for feedback on the proposed move from various agencies in recent days, but it said US officials declined to say whether a final decision had been made about the designation.

Earlier, Maduro accused the Trump administration of seeking to assassinate him, as relations strain between the ideologically opposed nations. Asked about the remarks, the White House did not immediately provide a comment.

Almost 2 million Venezuelans have fled the ailing oil-rich nation since 2015, driven out by brutal food and medicine shortages, hyperinflation, and violent crime. Washington has imposed sanctions on Venezuela, denouncing Maduro as a dictator who has quashed human rights and triggered an economic meltdown.

(With inputs from Reuters)

The Trump administration is preparing to add Venezuela to a US list of state sponsors of terrorism, a move that would escalate Washington's diplomatic struggle with the government of President Nicolas Maduro, The Washington Post said on Monday.

The Trump administration is preparing to add Venezuela to a US list of state sponsors of terrorism, a move that would escalate Washington's diplomatic struggle with the government of President Nicolas Maduro, The Washington Post said on Monday. The Post said the US State Department had been asking for feedback on the proposed move from various agencies in recent days, but it said US officials declined to say whether a final decision had been made about the designation. Earlier, Maduro accused the Trump administration of seeking to assassinate him, as relations strain between the ideologically opposed nations. Asked about the remarks, the White House did not immediately provide a comment. Almost 2 million Venezuelans have fled the ailing oil-rich nation since 2015, driven out by brutal food and medicine shortages, hyperinflation, and violent crime. Washington has imposed sanctions on Venezuela, denouncing Maduro as a dictator who has quashed human rights and triggered an economic meltdown. (With inputs from Reuters)

US preparing to add Venezuela to terrorism sponsors list: Report

Three million Venezuelans have fled economic and political crisis in their homeland, most since 2015, the United Nations said on Thursday.

The exodus, driven by violence, hyperinflation and shortages of food and medicines, amounts to around one in 12 of the population.&nbsp;

It has accelerated in the past six months, said William Spindler of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), which appealed for greater international efforts to ease the strain on the country`s neighbours.

UN data in September showed 2.6 million had fled.

"The main increases continue to be reported in Colombia and Peru," Spindler said.

Colombia is sheltering 1 million Venezuelans. Some 3,000 more arrive each day, and the Bogota government says 4 million could be living there by 2021, costing it nearly $9 billion.

Oil-rich Venezuela has sunk into crisis under Socialist President Nicolas Maduro, who has damaged the economy through state interventions while clamping down on political opponents.&nbsp;

He has dismissed the migration figures as "fake news" meant to justify foreign intervention in Venezuela`s affairs.

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) and UNHCR said the exodus was straining several neighbouring countries, notably Colombia.

"Countries in Latin America and the Caribbean have largely maintained a commendable open-door policy," said Eduardo Stein, UNHCR-IOM Joint Special Representative for Refugees and Migrants from Venezuela.&nbsp;

"...However, their reception capacity is severely strained, requiring a more robust and immediate response from the international community."&nbsp; 
Regional government officials are to meet in Quito, Ecuador from November 22-23 to coordinate humanitarian efforts.

Three million Venezuelans have fled economic and political crisis in their homeland, most since 2015, the United Nations said on Thursday. The exodus, driven by violence, hyperinflation and shortages of food and medicines, amounts to around one in 12 of the population.

Three million Venezuelans have fled economic and political crisis in their homeland, most since 2015, the United Nations said on Thursday. The exodus, driven by violence, hyperinflation and shortages of food and medicines, amounts to around one in 12 of the population. It has accelerated in the past six months, said William Spindler of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), which appealed for greater international efforts to ease the strain on the country`s neighbours. UN data in September showed 2.6 million had fled. "The main increases continue to be reported in Colombia and Peru," Spindler said. Colombia is sheltering 1 million Venezuelans. Some 3,000 more arrive each day, and the Bogota government says 4 million could be living there by 2021, costing it nearly $9 billion. Oil-rich Venezuela has sunk into crisis under Socialist President Nicolas Maduro, who has damaged the economy through state interventions while clamping down on political opponents. He has dismissed the migration figures as "fake news" meant to justify foreign intervention in Venezuela`s affairs. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) and UNHCR said the exodus was straining several neighbouring countries, notably Colombia. "Countries in Latin America and the Caribbean have largely maintained a commendable open-door policy," said Eduardo Stein, UNHCR-IOM Joint Special Representative for Refugees and Migrants from Venezuela. "...However, their reception capacity is severely strained, requiring a more robust and immediate response from the international community." Regional government officials are to meet in Quito, Ecuador from November 22-23 to coordinate humanitarian efforts.

Venezuelan migrant exodus hits three million: United Nations

Venezuelan striker gave a whole new meaning to goal celebration when he decided to propose to his girlfriend, who was cheering for him in the stands.&nbsp;

Eduard Bello, who plays for CD Antofagasta, scored in the second minute of the game against Chile's Everton and celebrated his goal in style.&nbsp;

The forward got a ring from a member of the&nbsp;coaching staff, ran into the stands and proposed to his girlfriend. Fortunately, his girlfriend said yes.

After receiving a round of applause from both sets of fans, Bello ran back onto the field. A video of the proposal is doing the rounds on several social media platforms.&nbsp;

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Eduard Bello metió el 0-1 entre Everton y Antofagasta, celebró pidiendo MATRIMONIO en el estadio, hasta los hinchas de Everton lo aplaudieron! <a href="https://t.co/O9LUvFoLVP">pic.twitter.com/O9LUvFoLVP</a>
— Patricio Medina (@PatoMedinaEs) <a href="https://twitter.com/PatoMedinaEs/status/1056612156991512576?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 28, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Everton managed to fight back and took a 2-1 lead. But Bello once again took centre stage and found the back of the net for the second time in the match to draw his team level.

Later, Everton scored late into the match to snatch a 3-2 win.

Venezuelan striker gave a whole new meaning to goal celebration when he decided to propose to his girlfriend, who was cheering for him in the stands. Eduard Bello, who plays for CD Antofagasta, scored in the second minute of the game against Chile's Everton and celebrated his goal in style.

Venezuelan striker gave a whole new meaning to goal celebration when he decided to propose to his girlfriend, who was cheering for him in the stands. Eduard Bello, who plays for CD Antofagasta, scored in the second minute of the game against Chile's Everton and celebrated his goal in style. The forward got a ring from a member of the coaching staff, ran into the stands and proposed to his girlfriend. Fortunately, his girlfriend said yes. After receiving a round of applause from both sets of fans, Bello ran back onto the field. A video of the proposal is doing the rounds on several social media platforms. Eduard Bello metió el 0-1 entre Everton y Antofagasta, celebró pidiendo MATRIMONIO en el estadio, hasta los hinchas de Everton lo aplaudieron! pic.twitter.com/O9LUvFoLVP — Patricio Medina (@PatoMedinaEs) October 28, 2018 × Everton managed to fight back and took a 2-1 lead. But Bello once again took centre stage and found the back of the net for the second time in the match to draw his team level. Later, Everton scored late into the match to snatch a 3-2 win.

Watch: Venezuela striker celebrates goal by proposing to girlfriend in the stands

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