Venezuela leader defends withdrawal of major banknote amid riotsDecember 19, 2016 - 15:51 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro says his decision to scrap the nation's most-used banknote has allowed it to triumph over its enemies, BBC News said. The withdrawal of the 100-bolivar note has prompted protests and looting in several states as the supply of ready cash rapidly ran out. But Maduro said taking millions of notes out of circulation had smashed the black market. He has, however, postponed the withdrawal until early January. Nevertheless, some businesses were reportedly still refusing to accept the 100-bolivar notes, even though they remain legal tender until the new year. There were more reports of rioting on Sunday, December 18. In the western state of Tachira people raided warehouses in search of food. Many said they were afraid of what would happen next, despite the postponement of the withdrawal. At the Colombian border there were scuffles as people scrambled to buy food and medicine, which are scarce in Venezuela. Maduro said that Venezuela's borders with Colombia and Brazil would remain closed until the 100-bolivar note ceased to be legal tender on January 2, in order to prevent black market trading. Venezuelans are only allowed to cross the border on foot for family visits. Maduro said on state TV that 300 alleged looters had been arrested. Addressing opposition parties, he said: "Don't come and tell me they are political prisoners." He accused the riot leaders of taking instructions from President Barack Obama, alleging they wanted to engineer a coup against Venezuela's left-wing government. State TV showed a plane arriving on Sunday afternoon carrying the first batch of replacement notes, the 500-bolivar. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Scholz hopes Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty will be signed this year German Chancellor Olaf Scholz hopes that a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan will be signed this year. Ucom equips four bus stops in Ijevan with free Wi-Fi Ucom now provides free Wi-Fi coverage in smart bus stops in four communities of Ijevan. Armenia, Russia discuss life extension of Metsamor nuclear plant Issues regarding the extension of life of the 2nd power unit of the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant were discussed in Yerevan. Armenians stage more campaigns against territorial concessions to Azerbaijan Protesters blocked more roads across Armenia on Friday, April 26 in continuing attempts to scuttle territorial concessions to Azerbaijan. |