Elliott Abrams to lead US efforts on Venezuela

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has named a hawkish former Republican official to handle American policy toward Venezuela. The appointment of Elliott Abrams follows the Trump administration's decision this week to recognise the leader of Venezuela's parliament as the country's legitimate leader and call for President Nicolas Maduro to step down. Abrams served in top White House and State Department jobs under all Republican presidents since Ronald Reagan. He was considered for deputy secretary of state after President Donald Trump's election but was reportedly rejected over alleged criticism he made of Trump. (AP)