Trump issues travel warning for Venezuela

By Beyza Binnur Donmez

ANKARA (AA) - U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday warned American citizens against traveling to Venezuela until further notice as a government crisis continues in the South American nation.

"[Venezuelan President Nicolas] Maduro willing to negotiate with opposition in Venezuela following U.S. sanctions and the cutting off of oil revenues. [Juan] Guaido is being targeted by Venezuelan Supreme Court. Massive protest expected today. Americans should not travel to Venezuela until further notice," Trump tweeted.

Earlier today, Maduro said he is ready to negotiate with self-declared interim president Guaido in an interview to Russian news agency RIA Novosti.

The U.S. ordered on Monday the freezing of assets belonging to Venezuela’s national oil company PDVSA and prohibited, with a few exceptions, American citizens and companies from carrying out business with it.

Venezuela’s Supreme Court on Tuesday barred Guaido from leaving the country and ordered a freeze on his financial assets.

Venezuela has been rocked by protests since Jan. 10 when Maduro was sworn in for a second term following a vote boycott by the opposition.

Last week, Guaido, the leader of Venezuela’s opposition-led National Assembly, declared himself acting president, a move immediately supported by Trump.

Maduro quickly shot back, cutting off diplomatic relations with Washington and giving U.S. diplomats 72 hours to leave the country.

He has repeatedly lashed out at the U.S., saying Washington is waging an economic war against him and his government amid a sweeping sanctions campaign.

Brazil and the Organization of American States recognized Guaido as Venezuela's leader prior to his formal announcement. Argentina, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guatemala, Panama and Paraguay have followed suit.

Bolivia and Mexico continue to recognize Maduro. Several South American countries, Russia, Turkey, China, and Iran have also expressed solidarity with Maduro.