Maduro retains the backing of key allies Russia and China as well as control of Venezuelan state institutions including the military. Chavismo is the movement founded by former President Hugo Chavez, who Maduro succeeded following Chavez’ death in 2013 from cancer. “We must open thousands of windows to bring humanitarian aid to Venezuela,” Vecchio told the conference, which was attended by diplomats and representatives from dozens of countries. Cuba accused the United States on Thursday of moving special forces closer to Venezuela as part of a covert plan to intervene. Military aircraft from the United States had flown to strategically located Caribbean islands last week, Cuba said.

Source: Dhaka Tribune February 14, 2019 21:56 UTC