US: People of Cuba 'showing great bravery'

For a second day, the U.S. State Department voiced support for Cuban protesters and criticized the country's government following demonstrations in a number of cities and towns on the island nation.

"They are standing up to Cuba's authoritarian regime," said State Department Spokesman Ned Price.

"Their basic needs are not being met and they are understandably exhausted," he said.

"We call for calm and we condemn any violence against those protesting peacefully."

The State Department also strongly criticized the Venzuelan government after opposition leader Juan Guaidó told reporters that members of the Venezuelan security forces intercepted his vehicle and threatened to arrest him.

The opposition to Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro said security forces also arbitrarily detained a former congressman, Freddy Guevara.

"We call for the immediate release of Congressman Guevara and urge the international community to join us in condemning his detention in the strongest terms," Price said.

Price also said the U.S. is in negotiations with Iran over a possible prisoner swap.

"We're working night and day to bring these detainees, these American citizens home," home he said.

"We're also working with our allies, many of whom also have citizens currently arbitrarily or wrongfully detained by the Iranian government."

Finally, Price urged the government of Georgia to investigate the killing of a journalist who was attacked and beaten by anti-LGBT protesters just over a week ago.

Cameraman Alexander Lashkarava was one of several dozen journalists attacked last Monday by opponents of an LGBT march that had been scheduled to take place that day in Tbilisi.

Hundreds of people protested in Georgia on Monday for a second day in a row, demanding the government of the ex-Soviet nation resign over the death Lashkarava.