
Maduro issued his order before the Supreme Court of Justice (TSJ), where magistrates and representatives of other government branches declared their support for him after the head of the opposition-controlled Parliament, Juan Guaido, proclaimed himself to be Venezuela's interim president and received Washington's immediate support.
Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Switzerland, Colombian leader Ivan Duque said Maduro should "step aside and let the Venezuelan people be free".
It was also reported that Russian military contractors had flown into Venezuela to beef up security for Mr Maduro. Rank-and-file troops struggling to put food on the table may not share their steadfast loyalty, but the odds of a significant faction defecting and recognizing Guaido are slim, several current and former military officers said.
That was quickly quashed and officials said 27 people were arrested but it sparked a wave of smaller protests that were met by security forces using tear gas and rubber bullets.
Russia, China, Iran, Syria, Cuba and Turkey have voiced their backing for Maduro's government. Chavez as a young army commander staged a botched coup in 1992 and a decade later was briefly forced from power himself.
In total, more than three million Venezuelans have left the country in the past three years. "It could get pretty ugly", said Michael Shifter, president of the Inter-American Dialogue, a think tank on Western Hemisphere affairs in Washington.
"In the days ahead, you will face an important test", he said in a message directed toward the military. Moscow has continued to support Maduro even as he oversaw a severe economic decline that provoked a humanitarian and regional refugee crisis. In that environment, it becomes highly unlikely that a fracture among the top leadership would occur, though there are signs of cracks amid rank-and-file troops.
Mickelson flirts with 59 in first start of season
This is Mickelson's first start of 2019, so he's still getting used to some of the new rules that were implemented. He started with a birdie on second and then dropped a shot on third.
More than 20 national guardsmen broke with Maduro on Monday, seized an arsenal and declared themselves in rebellion, but were quelled by other units.
Perhaps curiously, the military has not activated the emergency protocol known as "Plan Zamora" that has been used during previous unrest and gives troops authority to repress and control mass demonstration. From there, one of the mercenaries called and said that they had been deployed to Caracas.
Officials warned that "the USA government has limited ability to provide emergency services to US citizens in Venezuela due to extremely limited infrastructure and poor security conditions", calling for State Department employees and their families to return home.
Crucially, he has consistently retained the support of the military high command.
A third source close to the Russian contractors also told Reuters there was a contingent of them in Venezuela, but could not say when they arrived or what their role was. "They've stopped being the moral compass".
Guaido spoke in front of a rally of supporters in the Chacao neighborhood in the capital Caracas and took questions from local and worldwide media outlets.
The crisis in Venezuela marks a rare moment of focus on Latin America for the Pentagon, which has been consumed by insurgent wars in the Middle East and Afghanistan for almost two decades and is now seeking to reorient toward China.
Related News:
-
Boateng wants to 'win it all' after shock move to Barcelona
But Boateng represents even more of a left-field move than those names. "There are incredible players in the team here". I am very happy to be back in Spain, which is like my home and where the most handsome football in the world is played.Iranian air force chief threatens Israel
Israel has repeatedly accused Iran of having a military presence in Syria, as well as suspected attempts to build a base there. It's not likely that Iran will abandon its goal of the destruction of Israel, and Israel won't stand by and let that happen.Wozniacki ousted in Sharapova stunner
Caroline Wozniacki and Maria Sharapova are two of the biggest names in tennis meaning we should get a good tennis match. Stephens' third-round opponent will be Croatian No.31 seed Petra Martic , who ousted Czech Marketa Vondrousova 6-4 7-5. -
Trump Responds To Arrest Of Roger Stone
A political veteran, Mr Stone has worked with Republicans since the 1970s and bears a tattoo of Richard Nixon on his back. In a tweet Friday, Podesta turned Stone's words against him, writing that it was now "Roger's time in the barrel".Germany-France cooperation engine of European integration: Merkel
He added that the government had "strong fears" the United Kingdom would leave without an agreement with the EU. Corbyn said May's crushing defeat in parliament on Tuesday "has shredded the last vestiges" of her authority.Australian police arrest man over Israeli student's murder
Police sources described the murder next to a Bundoora shopping centre early on Wednesday as "horrendous as you could get". A tram carrying only flowers will depart from there following the route of her final journey later Friday. -
The No-Call: The Saints and the call that wasn’t made
That was good from about 70. "Plenty of times throughout the season, there's calls that go against you, go for you", Brees said. Next up is a date on February 3 in Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium to face the seemingly unstoppable New England Patriots .Oil edges down as slowing China economy undermines markets
Meantime, China and India declared that their preference is to continue buying Iranian crude even after the expiry of the waivers. The Lima Group includes Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Panama, Paraguay, Peru and St.CPI(M) Attacks Mega Rally, Says Trinamool Has Destroyed Democracy
He also said that he was ashamed of the prime minister for following the people on Twitter who use cuss words against women. National Conference leader Farooq Abdulah said the Constitution of the country was under threat. -
China's 2018 growth slows to 28-year low, more stimulus seen
Vehicle sales, a key indicator for Chinese consumption, also dropped last year for the first time in nearly 30 years. Other economic data released Monday were better than expected, but still indicated a subdued economy.Petra Kvitova v Ashleigh Barty Winner Odds & Predictions
Barty had won the first set of that Sydney final 6-1 but then Kvitova roared back, taking the deciding set on a tie break. I definitely had a letdown for many games straight, gave her that confidence, and she's a confidence player as well.India defeats Australia to win ODI series
The T20I series between the two teams was tied and then India won their maiden Test series on the Australian soil by 2-1. The triumph came as a massive morale-booster after unsuccessful tours of South Africa and England previous year .