(7 Feb 2019) Embattled Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro said Thursday he was standing up for his country's "independence and self-determination."
Speaking in front of a crowd of supporters waving signs and flags, Maduro said he penned a petition on behalf of the people of Venezuela that calls for the peace, sovereignty and protection of the country.
He said he now hopes to collect millions of supporting signatures from around the world.
Trucks carrying US humanitarian aid destined for Venezuela arrived at the Colombian border on Thursday.
The focus of Venezuela's political fight now hinges on whether Maduro will allow the aid to enter the country, a move anticipated in coming days.
Maduro denies a humanitarian crisis exists and says Venezuela is not a country of beggars.
The Venezuelan military has barricaded a bridge between the two nations with a tanker and two cargo trailers in an apparent attempt to block the aid.
Opposition leader Juan Guaido, who requested the international assistance, said it is necessary in a country racked by shortages of basic goods.
Guaido, who has the backing of some 40 countries, including the United States, is seeking to oust Maduro following a 2018 election that many have denounced as a sham.
Long-time allies Russia and China and several other countries continue to support Maduro.

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