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Venezuela'sGuaidoUrges Mass Rallies Saturday

Associated Press

   CARACAS, VENEZUELA - Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has seen an
   ally forced from office and protests rattle leaders across Latin
   America in recent weeks, while he has enjoyed a period of relatively
   smooth sailing, expounding his socialist dream in nightly television
   addresses and attending international conferences.

   But opposition leader JuanGuaidois determined to disturb Maduro's
   comfort, and has called on Venezuelans across the crisis-torn nation to
   flood the streets Saturday for protests nearly a year after he launched
   his campaign to push Maduro from power.

   ``We don't have a choice,''Guaidotold a rally this week, saying the
   circumstances were dire. ``The alternative for this situation today is
   death. We want to live.''

   Test of his appeal

   Guaido'srenewed call will test his ability to draw out masses, despite
   shrinking crowds rallying around him in recent months in a sign of
   disillusionment.

   Geoff Ramsey, a Venezuela researcher at the Washington Office on Latin
   America think tank, said a lot of people will be watching closely to
   gaugeGuaido'sability to inspire, especially at home in Venezuela.

   ``Guaidois under increasing pressure from within his coalition to
   present a realistic path forward,'' Ramsey said. ``There's a lot riding
   on this.''

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