Venezuela's government Sunday doubled down on its intention to arrest the opposition leader who claims he defeated President Nicolás Maduro in last year's election in the form of a threat from the ruling party-controlled congress.

The Venezuelan opposition leader who the United States recognized as the winner of last year's presidential election has kicked off an international tour that will also take him to the United States.

The appearance comes days before the politician's rival, Nicolas Maduro, is set to be sworn in for a third presidential term in Caracas