US pushes UN to address Venezuela crisis

UNITED NATIONS: Venezuela is on the verge of a humanitarian crisis and the international community must work together to ensure President Nicolas Maduro restores democracy, US Ambassador Nikki Haley said Wednesday.

The UN Security Council will discuss the unrest in Venezuela that has left at least 42 dead, at the request of the United States.

"In Venezuela, we are on the verge of humanitarian crisis," Haley said in a statement ahead of the meeting.

"Peaceful protesters have been injured, arrested and even killed by their own government. Medicine is unavailable, hospitals lack supplies, and it's become difficult to find food."

"For the sake of the Venezuelan people, and the security of the region, we must work together to ensure Maduro ends this violence and oppression and restores democracy to the people," she added.

Diplomats said they did not expect a decision on a course of action by the council during the meeting, scheduled to begin around 12:30 pm (1630 GMT).

Opposition demonstrators have held daily protests since April 1, angry at what they see as moves to strengthen Maduro's hold on power.

Prosecutors said Tuesday that a 17-year-old boy and two men died after being shot during anti-government protests, bringing to 42 the number of people killed in six weeks.