VENEZUELA: Opposition leader attempts to bring in US aid in defiance of govt’s order

Venezuela’s opposition leader Juan Gaido is making moves to lead an attempt to bring in US aid into his country in defiance of President Nicolas Maduro’s government order.

Reports say Guaido seeks to move to the border with Colombia on Thursday in a caravan with fellow members of the opposition-controlled National Assembly.

The opposition leader has reportedly set Saturday as the deadline for bringing in the aid stockpiled in Cucuta, Colombia- a move which will likely force a showdown with Maduro.

The development comes days after the President of the United States of America Donald Trump told Maduro to accept Guaido’s amnesty offer, or stand to “lose everything”.

Trump who gave the order while addressing supporters and Venezuelan expatriates in Miami, said he had a message for officials helping keep Maduro in place.

Read also: BORDER WALL: 16 US states slam Trump with lawsuit for invoking emergency powers

“The eyes of the entire world are upon you today, every day and every day in the future.

“You cannot hide from the choice that now confronts you. You can choose to accept president Guaido’s generous offer of amnesty to live your life in peace with your families and your countrymen.

“Or you can choose the second path: continuing to support Maduro. If you choose this path, you will find no safe harbour, no easy exit and no way out. You will lose everything.”

According to reports, the political crisis in Venezuela has deepened over Maduro’s refusal to relinquish power and to let in desperately needed humanitarian aid into his country stuck at the border with Colombia.

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