Government delays removing currency bills amid protests

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has delayed until Jan 2 taking the nation's highest denomination bill out of circulation.

The 100 bolivar bills would temporarily remain legal tender, Maduro said on Saturday, but the borders with Colombia and Brazil will remain closed to hit "mafias" hoarding Venezuelan cash abroad in a plot to destabilize the country.

"You can calmly continue to use the 100 bill for your purchases and your activities," Maduro said at a meeting with officials broadcast on television.