Venezuela DM accuses West-backed opposition of attempting coup
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The defense minister recalled the country's history of coups and political unrest, warning Venezuelan citizens that violence does not lead to a positive outcome.
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Supporters of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro take part in a rally against the secretary general of the Organization of American States (OAS), Luis Almagro, in Caracas on March 28, 2017. (AFP)
Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez accused the West-backed opposition of attempting a coup d'etat, igniting nationwide violence and rioting after the re-election of President Nicolas Maduro on Monday.
Padrino declared that the country's violent state depicted “expressions of hatred and irrationality” that are part of a “preconceived plan” by US-backed political parties, emphasizing the opposition is attempting a coup with the support of “North American imperialism and its external and internal allies."
The demonstrations erupted after presidential results revealed the victory of Maduro and the defeat of runner-up Edmundo Gonzalez resulting in protesters claiming the opposition candidate was the rightful winner while denouncing alleged vote fraud. The demonstrators destroyed property, including official buildings, hundreds of electoral centers, and offices of the National Electoral Council (CNE).
”We are witnessing fascism at its maximum expression, of an international structure that is investing hundreds of millions of dollars to discredit the extraordinary demonstration of civility that the Venezuelan people showed on the last election day,” Padrino said, urging for political forces to take the "path of democracy," through dialogues and abiding by Venezuelan laws.
“As is well known, history has reliably demonstrated that the path of violence does not lead to anything positive,” the minister highlighted.
Attacks and riots in Venezuela
On the ongoing attacks and riots in Venezuela, Foreign Minister Ivan Gil commented on the issue, stressing that the rioters' assaults included "burning state centers, beating people for supporting Chávez, destroying buses, torching workers' vehicles, and shooting at innocent people."
This erupted following the re-election of Maduro who secured over 51% of the votes, while his opposition counterpart Gonzalez received 44%.
Gil labeled the attackers as "the most extreme enemies of democracy globally, describing them as fascists who will not be allowed to return."
On his part, Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino confirmed that 23 soldiers were injured, some by firearms, in the attacks.
In a press statement, Padrino assured that "the soldiers are receiving medical care" and emphasized, "We will not allow Venezuela to revert to the turmoil of 2014, 2017, and 2019."
