1st May 2019

Juan Guaido calls for more mass protests in Venezuela after day of violence

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By Sky News

Venezuela's opposition leader Juan Guaido has called for more mass protests as he seeks to remove President Nicolas Maduro from power.

Mr Guaido has also urged the country's military to join with those clamouring for change in the South American nation.

It comes as US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Mr Maduro was prepared to leave the country on Tuesday morning before Russia intervened.

He told CNN: "They had an airplane on the tarmac. He was ready to leave this morning, as we understand it. Russians indicated he should stay."

Mr Maduro appeared on national television on Tuesday night where he ridiculed that suggestion, adding: "Mr Pompeo, what lack of seriousness."

And he declared Mr Guaido had tried to impose an "illegitimate government".

Mr Maduro said the opposition had the support of the United States and neighbouring Colombia, and said Venezuela had been a victim of "aggression of all kinds".