VENEZUELA
Protest delayed to fall with opening of Maduro’s assembly
Caracas — Venezuela’s opposition postponed a protest against a powerful new assembly backed by President Nicolás Maduro until the body opens on Friday, amid international condemnation and a fraud investigation. The Democratic Unity Roundtable said the protest would coincide with the planned opening of the controversial Constituent Assembly, which Maduro announced would be delayed until Friday. The group said its protest was "to defend the constitution". The new 545-member body — members include Maduro’s wife and son — will have powers to dissolve the opposition-led congress, pass laws and write a new constitution for Venezuela. Despite months of violent protests and international condemnation, Maduro insists it is the solution to a drawn-out economic and political crisis gripping the country. The leftist leader said the assembly would open "in peace and calm" at 11am on Friday. Opposition legislators, who have a majority in the National Assembly, say they would not recognise "the fr...
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