Three Venezuela generals nabbed over plot: Maduro

Wed Mar 26, 2014 1:48AM GMT
presstv.ir

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in blue shirt with President Evo Morales of Bolivia.

Venezuela’s president says three Venezuelan air force generals have been arrested on suspicion of plotting an uprising against the government.

Nicolas Maduro made the remarks during a Tuesday meeting with South American foreign ministers, who are trying to mediate between Venezuela's opposition and the government in the capital Caracas.

"This group that was captured has direct links with sectors of the opposition and they were saying that this week was the decisive week," Maduro said, adding that the unidentified generals "were trying to get the air force to rise up against the legitimately elected government.”

He also said the plot had been foiled by other officers and the three were summoned before a court martial.

Venezuela has been a scene of violent demonstrations by supporters and opponents of the government since early February, which has left 34 dead so far.

The opposition criticizes the government for the high crime rate and economic hardships in the country, claiming that the policies of President Maduro’s administration have led to a shortage of essential goods and a high inflation rate.

Meanwhile, the Venezuelan government says the United States is fanning the flames of the unrest in an effort to topple the president.