The Trump administration is trying to cut Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro's revenue streams, US National Security Adviser John Bolton says.

The comments come one day after Maduro cut diplomatic ties with the US.

He was angry after they recognised an opposition figure, Juan Guaidó, as interim president on Wednesday.

Bolton told reporters outside the White House the issue was "complicated" but they were working on a plan to funnel funds to Juan Guaidó instead.

Figures from the Trump administration are continuing to try and compound pressure on Maduro as the international community remains divided in its support of him.

Russia has condemned foreign powers for backing Guaidó, saying the move violated international law and was a "direct path to bloodshed".

Mike Pompeo, the US Secretary of State, has now requested a UN Security Council meeting be held on the issue on Saturday.

At a meeting of the Organisation of American States (OAS) on Thursday he described Maduro's government as "morally bankrupt" and "undemocratic to the core".

President Trump has said that "all options are on the table" in response to the unrest.

bbc.com

BDST: 1056 HRS, JAN 25, 2019
RS