International Red Cross to expand aid operations in Venezuela

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) said on Thursday it has reached an agreement with the Venezuelan government of Nicolas Maduro to expand aid operations, supporting hospitals and health centres in providing vital medical care.

In a statement, the independent aid agency said after a five-day visit by ICRC President Peter Maurer: "Twenty-eight hospitals and eight primary health centres in Venezuela will benefit from training, water and sanitation and medical materials supplied by the ICRC."

"I am satisfied with the willingness of the authorities to work with us to address the humanitarian needs we have identified in a consensual way,” Maurer said. Maduro said on state television on Wednesday that the Andean country had reached "an agreement" with the ICRC to work with the U.N. to bring in aid. 

(With inputs from agencies.)