The News

Venezuela VP Says Assembly to Sit ‘Within Hours’

Opposition lawmaker Richard Blanco speaks during a session at the National Assembly in Caracas, Venezuela, Tuesday, Aug. 1, 2017. photo: AP/Ariana Cubillos

CARACAS – Venezuela’s vice president says the newly elected constituent assembly that could dramatically reshape the nation’s government will be convening “within hours.”

In remarks aired on Venezuela’s state television Tuesday, Tareck El Aissami said that results from Sunday’s election have been reviewed and the 545 assembly members will soon take the reins of the nation’s government. He didn’t give a specific time, though.

 

President Nicolás Maduro had stated previously that the constituent assembly would take power within 72 hours, but he also has given no precise date.

The assembly is being granted vast powers to revamp Venezuela’s government. Maduro and high-profile members of the assembly are promising to target the opposition-controlled legislature and the office of the chief prosecutor, which has become one of the president’s most outspoken critics.