This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-47750729

The article has changed 6 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 3 Version 4
Venezuela crisis: Red Cross set to begin crucial aid Venezuela crisis: Red Cross set to begin crucial aid
(about 5 hours 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.
The government of President Nicolás Maduro and the opposition are both said to back the aid move.
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".
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 army to block an effort led by Mr Guaidó to bring in US-backed 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.Mr Rocca said Venezuela had met the conditions for humanitarian work to be carried out.
Mr Rocca said the IFRC would need to be able to act with "impartiality, neutrality and independence" and no interference.Mr Rocca said the IFRC would need to be able to act with "impartiality, neutrality and independence" and no interference.
Mr Guaidó said on Twitter that the IFRC announcement was a "great victory in our struggle".Mr Guaidó said on Twitter that the IFRC announcement was a "great victory in our struggle".
The BBC's Will Grant says the agreement on aid is an implicit acknowledgement from President Maduro that there is indeed a humanitarian crisis in Venezuela, despite his repeated denials over recent years. Mr Maduro has yet to comment publicly on the move but, the BBC's Will Grant says, is likely to paint it as the consequence of a Washington-backed economic war.
Mr Maduro has yet to comment publicly on the move but, our correspondent says, is likely to paint it as the consequence of a Washington-backed economic war.
The US welcomed the announcement as a "real opportunity" and said it would be "happy to put some of our aid into this method of reaching the Venezuelan people".The US welcomed the announcement as a "real opportunity" and said it would be "happy to put some of our aid into this method of reaching the Venezuelan people".
Hyperinflation and a lack of supplies has meant food and medicine are often unaffordable, leading to malnutrition.Hyperinflation and a lack of supplies has meant food and medicine are often unaffordable, leading to malnutrition.
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.