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Venezuela Opposition Leader Enters Congress Amid Standoff

Associated Press

   CARACAS - Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido made his way into
   the legislative building on Tuesday following a standoff with security
   forces.
   The opposition leader recognized by the U.S. as Venezuela's rightful
   president led lawmakers in singing the national anthem.
   Guaido was initially blocked by dozens of national guardsmen from
   entering.
   Venezuela's opposition is facing its biggest test yet after
   government-backed lawmakers announced they were taking control of what
   Guaido supporters have described as the nation's last democratic
   institution.
   Guaido has served as president of the National Assembly for the last
   year and used it as his platform to gain international recognition.
   He was expected to be re-elected as the legislature's leader Sunday but
   was blocked along with several other lawmakers from entering congress.
   Former opposition ally Luis Parra declared himself the National
   Assembly's leader, claiming to have won the votes of 81 lawmakers.
   The opposition refutes that tally and says 100 lawmakers, a majority,
   voted for Guaido in a legislative session held at a Venezuelan
   newspaper.

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