Venezuela opposition rejects Maduro's state of emergency

CARACAS (AP):

Venezuelan opposition leaders are rejecting a 60-day state of emergency declared by President Nicolas Maduro.

Maduro declared the state of emergency over the weekend, giving himself decree powers to intervene in the economy and protect national sovereignty. He said the expanded powers were needed to guard against US meddling in the socialist country.

Opposition leader Henrique Capriles called the move unconstitutional on Tuesday because Maduro acted unilaterally. Capriles said Venezuelans should reject the decree.

Capriles, a two-time presidential candidate, is expected to lead a march through the streets of Caracas to support calls for a voter referendum on whether to oust Maduro from office.

The opposition has filed a petition with enough signatures to authorise conducting a broader petition drive on holding a recall referendum.

But on Tuesday, Maduro called that initiative "optional." He went on to accuse the opposition of working with the US to orchestrate a coup against him.

Thousands of people tried to march to the electoral body last week, but were turned back by police who used tear gas.