Venezuela’s parliament tries to lure military into disavowing MaduroBy The Manila TimesCARACAS: Venezuela’s opposition-controlled but powerless National Assembly stepped up its battle with President Nicolas Maduro on Tuesday by offering an amnesty to anyone from the military who joins it in disavowing the socialist leader. He also vowed: “I won’t tremble before anyone!”Crucially, Maduro has the backing of the military high command. As the National Assembly held its session, he appeared on a radio and television station alongside defense minister General Vladimir Padrino. The legislature has been left powerless by Maduro after he lost control of the National Assembly in parliamentary elections in 2016. Maduro then created the Constituent Assembly to replace parliament, with the new body subsequently declaring itself the supreme branch of government.

Source: Manila Times January 16, 2019 02:03 UTC