Venezuela: At least three killed as police, protesters face-off in Caracas

Millions have taken part in the strike called by opposition, demanding the cancellation of elections for a new constituent assembly, which has been called by president Nicolas Maduro.

Maduro however said that thew strike was minimal and that agitators would face the law.

However, refuting the President's claim, the opposition said that almost 85 percent of the population joined the strike.

More than 100 people have been killed in Venezuela since April, owing to protests.
   
The BBC reported that the clash had no effect on pro-government areas, where life went on as usual.

Pressure on Maduro is mounting from other nations too as France, Spain, Colombia and the US along with the EU have urged him to cancel the election, scheduled for Jul 30.

Rejecting the appeals, Maduro told state TV: "Work has triumphed, love, life, and hope; work has triumphed. They [the Venezuelan opposition] who have never worked, let them carry on not working, we are moving forward, comrades."

"I've ordered the capture of all the fascist terrorists," he added.

While oppositions have claimed that Maduro is using the assembly to assume more power, the President argued that a new constitution will facilitate dialogue in the country.

Meanwhile, citing human rights abuse, Isaias Medina, a senior diplomat representing the country at the UN has resigned.

However, Rafael Ramirez, Venezuela's ambassador to the UN said that Medina was sacked due to dishonest behaviour.

Image Credit: twitter.com/compartycanada