Venezuela government silent on detention of American journalist

Venezuelan authorities were holding an American journalist from the Miami Herald for a third day on Saturday amid rising tensions after Maduro's government accused western media of waging a "silent war" against the socialist country.

His colleagues said he was picked up near the border with Colombia where he was reporting on economic shortages and an upcoming local election.

Bogota-based Jim Wyss was believed to have been transferred to Caracas from the border area, his newspaper said.

The paper said it expects Wyss to be released soon and it's world editor, John Yearwood, flew to Venezuela Saturday to "usher Wyss out of the country."

“We are eager to bring this issue to a close,” said Aminda Marqués Gonzalez, the Herald’s executive editor. “Our main concern continues to be his safety and welfare. We are working on all fronts to secure his release and are optimistic it will happen soon.’’

Officials from President Nicolas Maduro's government had no comment on the case.

Since winning an election to replace Hugo Chavez in April, Maduro has leveled a stream of accusations of U.S.-inspired plots and sabotage against his socialist administration.

An American filmmaker was arrested for nearly two months on accusations of spying, while three U.S. diplomats were expelled in September on similar charges. Maduro says Western media are complicit in a "silent war" against him.

Venezuela's foreign press association joined a chorus of calls from media bodies for Wyss' release. Its president, Humberto Marquez, also urged the Maduro government to provide "truthful and timely information" on the case.

The Maduro government is under pressure over Venezuela's economy, where inflation is running at an annual 54 percent and shortages of basic goods are common. The opposition is hoping next month's nationwide municipal elections will turn into a protest vote against the successor of late socialist leader Hugo Chavez. 

Al Jazeera and wire services