CARACAS 20 Jan (ANA) - Venezuela's opposition leader Juan Guaidó has travelled to Colombia for a counter-terrorism meeting, the second time he defies a travel ban imposed by the pro-government Supreme Court.

 

He is expected to meet the US secretary of state in Bogotá on Monday. The US and more than 50 countries recognise Mr Guaidó as Venezuela's rightful leader.

 

President Nicolás Maduro accuses the US of orchestrating a coup to oust him.

 

But in an interview he seemed to open the door for direct talks with the US.

 

Speaking to the Washington Post, Mr Maduro said: "If there's respect between governments, no matter how big the US is, and if there's a dialogue, an exchange of truthful information, then be sure we can create a new type of relationship."

 

Mr Maduro and Mr Guaidó have been at loggerheads for more than a year, after Mr Guaidó - who heads the National Assembly - declared himself interim president, claiming Mr Maduro's re-election in 2018 was fraudulent.

 

Despite international pressure and US sanctions on the crucial oil sector, Mr Maduro has managed to stay in power supported by Russia, Cuba and a handful of other countries as well as the powerful Venezuelan military.

 

Mr Guaidó was received by Colombian President Iván Duque with full presidential honours.(ANA)

FA/ANA/20 January 2020--------