Two die in Venezuela clashes

(Vatican Radio) Two young men have died and nine others have been injured during Venezuela's twenty four hour nationwide strike.

Listen to James Blears' report

Masked protesters built  baracades on  deserted streets torching some CARS  and throwing  stones at riot Police,  who responded  with tear gas rounds.  The Opposition claims that 85 percent of Venezuelan workers throughout the country heeded their call and  joined the strike. While the Government said the majority of companies are working normally with minimal disruption.  President Nicolas Maduro is warning: "I've ordered the capture of all the fascist terrorists." 

President Maduro is still going ahead with the July 30th election for the Constituent Assembly he announced on Mayday.  The Opposition is boycotting the process and stress they'll oppose it.

The Constituent Assembly will divert power away from the opposition controlled National Assembly.

No talks, no concessions, no compromise, deepening crisis and a welling despair for many.