Thread by @invenezuelablog

Live stream from #Caracas. Interim president @jguaido is expected to speak in minutes #Venezuela #25Ene

Guaido takes the stage. Begins with a moment of silence "for the victims of repression".

Approximately 26 killed in protest violence so far this week.

Guaido: On January 23, "Venezuela awoke to make her dreams come true. Not just that our youth, our relatives and friends will come back, but that food will return to our tables".

Guaido: Gov't thinks "this movement will lose steam... that we will get tired". Crowd claps as he says "Venezuela awoke to fall asleep no longer".

Guaido points out that the FAES, a branch of the National Bolivarian Police, has been doing a lot of the repression unlike during previous protests. He says he hopes this is evidence that gov't can no longer trust the National Guard to do its bidding.

Guaido reads list of all of the countries that have recognized him as interim president. He jokes that South Ossetia has not recognized him, "but it's coming".

Guaido says that in two days, opposition was "able to do something [Maduro] hasn't done in six years": coordinate the arrival of humanitarian aid.

Guaido: "We will not allow them to continue to steal as they've stolen Venezuela's money". Says announcement coming "in the coming hours" regarding offshore money stolen by regime officials.

Guaido, to army: "I'm sure there are relatives of soldiers here... the moment has come for you to side with the constitution. Soldiers of the homeland... put yourselves on the side of the people of Venezuela"

Guaido says soldiers have to answer to "those who are going hungry and have no access to medicine". He says announcement coming "in the coming days" regarding the arrival of humanitarian aid.

Guaido: "It's time for Cuba to leave the armed forces... for the Cubans to leave the decision-making positions". Continues: "Cuban brothers, you are welcomed to stay in this country. But: leave the armed forces, leave the decision-making positions"

Guaido: "We're not looking to twist arms. We're looking to extend our hands, to help all of the people of Venezuela"

Guaido announces two events this weekend: Tomorrow, "large popular assemblies" all over Venezuela "to honour the victims", and to "advance the organizational process".

Guaido asks everyone to read the Amnesty Law "and to print it". On Sunday, "I'm asking you to hand it to your soldier friend, relative"--"if a soldier lives in your building, slip it under his door"

Guaido says Sunday event aimed at telling soldiers "come with us, because we have a future". He says people's relation with army has been difficult. "But the time has come... let's not keep delaying what is obvious"

Guaido announces "great mobilization" next week. Says "Of course we're going back to the streets!".

Details of next week's "great mobilization" coming on Sunday.

Says Venezuelans will remain on the streets "until we achieve the transition" away from #Maduro

Guaido says Maduro's name: "I'm sorry for saying his name. 'The usurper'".

Guaido says Maduro's expulsion of US diplomatic staff was "vulgar". He tells them "you can stay in the country".

Guaido says he hopes every diplomatic mission stays in Venezuela, including the ones from Russia and China.

Guaido says Maduro's order to withdraw diplomatic staff in the US is a problem because it abandons Venezuelans in that country.

"To those officials, I say: Ignore the usurper... and keep attending your people" in the US.

Guaido says female consular staff in Houston told him, "I'm at your command, Mr. President. I'm staying". He does not give her name. He continues: "Thank you on behalf of all Venezuelans all over the world".

Guaido on rumours that he might be arrested: Jokingly, "I'm sure some of you would hide me in your homes".

Guaido repeats his mantra as speech drawing to close: "end to the usurpation, transitional period, and free elections"

Guaido says that if he is arrested, Venezuelans should continue to protest "peacefully" and "without violence... for our children's future". Says that he hasn't been arrested because his actions are constitutional.

Guaido: The real coup would be if the gov't arrested him or removed him from his interim president position somehow

Guaido: "Do not fear or doubt for a second". Names opposition politicians who've been kidnapped, killed, exiled. Asks rhetorically of gov't "Did that work? Did that serve any purpose?... They can cut down a flower, but they will never stop the spring".

Guaido concludes speech. Now taking questions from media.

VPI journalist asks if Guaido will call elections, form cabinet.

Guaido: "Elections have to happen as soon as possible... all our efforts must go to that"

Guaido on whether hes had direct contact with middle/upper ranks of army: "You know the persecution that's happening inside the army... I'm sure the heart of the army feels the same way [as opposition] because they're Venezuelans like all of us"

On whether he will be both National Assembly president and interim president: "It would be wrong for me to not abandon" National Assembly presidency now

On possible negotiation with Maduro: says gov't has engaged in "false dialogue" in the past to reduce pressure.

Guaido: "We will not lend ourselves to any false dialogue", will only talk if it leads to Maduro's resignation, transition, free vote

Guaido asked if he's meeting in secret with PSUV, as Maduro and others claim.

Guaido: "Any official who wants to side with the constitution... will be welcomed" to talk to him. Jokingly, begins to give out his phone number so "any official" can call him.

Guaido is asked to read a statement that Maduro made earlier. "No, it doesn't matter" he says as he passes the phone with the message off to someone.

Guaido speaks directly to PSUV officials Diosdado Cabello, Freddy Bernal: "You're welcomed to talks" if they're willing to aid in transition. "We're waiting for you in our office"

Asked if he has names for possible cabinet members. He won't name names, but says they have "brilliant" candidates, and that "the plan is there" to make that announcement.

Guaido asked if he is asking for army to rebel against Maduro. He says "coups are launched by the army when there is no" constitutional order. He says that's not the case this time because he is adhering to constitution.

Asked if he's disappointed with EU position. He says he's "very grateful" to its position because it calls for free elections.

If he fears for his life: "The Virgin and God are with me... and more importantly, I have the support of the people of Venezuela and the world".

Says what he really fears is that his daughter isn't able to ride her bike freely, or won't a chance at a future in Venezuela.

Guaido says country's finances "have been kidnapped by the bureaucracy", and that "every cent of the public budget must be sacred" because lives depend on it.

Says he will "legitimately, carefully" work to administer public funds.

Asked what EU, Vatican can do "to help transition": Guaido points to ongoing investigations at ICC, says "restoring rule of law" is key. Hints that statement from Pope is coming soon.

On amnesty for Maduro, Guaido says only: "God's time will come".

On message to Venezuelan expats: "We miss you... get ready to come back soon!"

Guaido leaves the stage. Press conference is over. Crowd chants national anthem. I'm going to grab lunch.