After signing the bill, Nicolas Maduro promised to keep prices down and conduct a "ground-shaking" anti-corruption offensive.

The resolutions have become an annual rite. They deepen int’l pressure and further isolate those states but have no legal consequences.

The situation on the border is deteriorating and is expected to become even worse after the withdrawal of the international troops.

In recent days some U.S. legislators have expressed concern that the White House is moving too fast and should take a harder line with Tehran.

"Down with the military regime," protesters chanted, a common refrain during the period of army-led govt. that followed Mubarak's downfall.