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Venezuela crisis: Red Cross 'set to supply crucial aid' Venezuela crisis: Red Cross 'set to supply crucial aid'
(32 minutes later)
The Red Cross (IFRC) says that it can begin distributing crucial aid supplies to crisis-hit Venezuela in two weeks.The Red Cross (IFRC) says that it can begin distributing crucial aid supplies to crisis-hit Venezuela in two weeks.
IFRC head, Francesco Rocca, said the group could initially help 650,000 suffering a lack of food and medicine.IFRC head, Francesco Rocca, said the group could initially help 650,000 suffering a lack of food and medicine.
Opposition leader Juan Guaidó said the government had "recognised its failure by accepting the existence of a complex humanitarian emergency".Opposition leader Juan Guaidó said the government had "recognised its failure by accepting the existence of a complex humanitarian emergency".
However, the government of President Nicolás Maduro has not yet commented on the Red Cross supplies.However, the government of President Nicolás Maduro has not yet commented on the Red Cross supplies.
In February, Mr Maduro used the military to block an effort led by Mr Guaidó to bring in US-backed humanitarian aid convoys.In February, Mr Maduro used the military to block an effort led by Mr Guaidó to bring in US-backed humanitarian aid convoys.
Mr Guaidó, the head of the opposition-controlled National Assembly, declared himself interim president in January, winning the support of more than 50 countries, including the US.Mr Guaidó, the head of the opposition-controlled National Assembly, declared himself interim president in January, winning the support of more than 50 countries, including the US.
Mr Maduro regarded the aid convoys as a veiled US invasion.Mr Maduro regarded the aid convoys as a veiled US invasion.
What has the Red Cross said?What has the Red Cross said?
Speaking at a news conference in Caracas, Mr Rocca said: "We estimate that in a period of approximately 15 days we will be ready to offer help. We hope to help 650,000 people at first."Speaking at a news conference in Caracas, Mr Rocca said: "We estimate that in a period of approximately 15 days we will be ready to offer help. We hope to help 650,000 people at first."
Mr Rocca said Venezuela had met the conditions for humanitarian work to be carried out, but it is unclear whether this means there is government approval.Mr Rocca said Venezuela had met the conditions for humanitarian work to be carried out, but it is unclear whether this means there is government approval.
He said the IFRC would need to be able to act with "impartiality, neutrality and independence" and no interference.He said the IFRC would need to be able to act with "impartiality, neutrality and independence" and no interference.
Before the IFRC announcement, Mr Guaidó said on Twitter: "In the coming hours, we will be receiving important medical support to control this tragedy." Mr Guaidó said on Twitter that the IFRC announcement was a "great victory in our struggle".
But he did not provide any details of the source of the support.
Mr Maduro denies there is any humanitarian crisis and has received some supplies and support from allies China and Russia.Mr Maduro denies there is any humanitarian crisis and has received some supplies and support from allies China and Russia.
However, hyperinflation and a lack of supplies has meant food and medicine are often unaffordable, leading to malnutrition.However, hyperinflation and a lack of supplies has meant food and medicine are often unaffordable, leading to malnutrition.
In a separate statement, the government said on Friday it was preparing to receive a shipment of medicine from China.In a separate statement, the government said on Friday it was preparing to receive a shipment of medicine from China.
How are Maduro and Guaidó in conflict?How are Maduro and Guaidó in conflict?
They each claim to be the constitutional president of Venezuela.They each claim to be the constitutional president of Venezuela.
Shortly after Mr Guaidó declared himself interim leader, his assets were frozen and the Supreme Court, dominated by government loyalists, placed a travel ban on him.Shortly after Mr Guaidó declared himself interim leader, his assets were frozen and the Supreme Court, dominated by government loyalists, placed a travel ban on him.
But the 35-year-old opposition leader defied that ban last month when he toured Latin American countries to garner support.But the 35-year-old opposition leader defied that ban last month when he toured Latin American countries to garner support.
Mr Guaidó has continued to call for President Maduro to step aside and has urged the security forces, which have mainly been loyal to the government, to switch sides.Mr Guaidó has continued to call for President Maduro to step aside and has urged the security forces, which have mainly been loyal to the government, to switch sides.