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Maduro Backers Stage Takeover of Venezuelan Legislature

Adriana Nunez-Rabascall

   Pro-government legislators seized control of Venezuela's
   opposition-dominated legislature Sunday, moving to install a backer of
   President Nicolas Maduro as National Assembly president while
   government security forces blocked opposition lawmakers from entering
   the building.
   The move, denounced as illegitimate by the opposition, is seen as a bid
   to undermine the authority of Assembly President Juan Guaidó, whose
   rival claim to the office of national president is recognized by nearly
   60 countries including the United States.
   "At this time, Venezuela has no parliament in place," Guaidó told
   reporters after being unable to enter the Assembly. Other opposition
   lawmakers denounced the pro-government ploy as a "parliamentary coup."

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